Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA – On Monday, Dec. 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is holding a telephone town hall to update Fourth District constituents on what’s happening in Washington, including highlights on the American Rescue Plan, the bipartisan infrastructure law, the Build Back Better Act, and what they mean for Georgia. Johnson will also discuss how landlords and renters can access COVID-19 relief resources. WHO: Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) hosting telephone town hall 60,000 constituents are being called to participate. Atlanta Legal Aid Attorney Lindsey Siegel to discuss housing assistance. WHEN:             Monday, Dec. 13, 5:30-6:40 p.m. WHERE:          Constituents nd…

DECATUR, GA—A 30-year member of the “All Star Gangstas,” a New York subset of the infamous “Bloods” criminal street gang, has been sentenced to life without parole, plus 55 years in prison. During court proceedings on Wednesday, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Adams sentenced Leroy Starr Copney, Jr., 49, following his conviction Dec. 2 on charges of Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault (two counts), Criminal Street Gang Activity, and weapons offenses, in connection with the murder of Andrew Spencer, 30. The victim was gunned down on Dec. 29, 2016 at a QT gas station on Buford…

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Human Services Department is recruiting volunteers to participate in its tutoring program designed to help DeKalb students improve their reading skills. Volunteer tutors are needed now to begin tutoring in January 2022. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Experience Corps is an evidence-based literacy program that improves the reading skills of children in kindergarten through the third grade. The department is working in collaboration with the United Way of Greater Atlanta, the AARP Foundation and the DeKalb County School District on this initiative. Recent data shows that DeKalb students on average have a…

DECATUR,GA– The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct a board meeting on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/88137432677 Join by phone at 602-333-0032 or 888-270-9936 and use conference code 171493. Agenda I. Adoption of Agenda II. Approval of the Minutes of the November 17, 2021 Special Called Meeting III. Administrative Items A. Update on Search for Legal Counsel B. 2022 Board of Ethics meeting calendar C. Executive Session IV. Ethics Cases 1. Request for Dismissal 1. Jenna Bird v. Zack Ray [2021-7] 2.  Nailah Douglas v. Officer…

CONYERS, GA– The Rockdale County Board of Education (BOE) was recently recognized by the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) with the third Leading Edge Award, which highlights school districts that are leading the way in ensuring students are competitive in an ever-changing global market. The Rockdale County BOE was recognized for its innovative partnership with Kids’-Doc-On-Wheels (KDOW) for school-based telehealth and mobile medical services and was honored during the Georgia School Boards Association / Georgia School Superintendents Association Annual Conference, December 2-3, 2021. “We are honored to be recognized for the third consecutive year with the GSBA Leading Edge…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will offer a Winter Break Camp, Dec. 20 – 23, Dec. 27- 30 and Jan. 3 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost of the camp is $10 per day for children ages 5-12. Each participant must provide his or her own breakfast, lunch and snack. To register, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click the “Register Online” button. Residents can also register in person at any of the locations listed below: Park staff will meet campers outside all recreation centers for curbside drop-off and pickup. Parents will not…

ATLANTA– As the holiday season kicks off, Georgia Power is inviting customers to show off their light displays and festive decorations on social media for a chance to win weekly prizes including home energy saving kits, and tickets to top Georgia holiday attractions and sporting events. The sweepstakes runs through Dec. 24, 2021.     Entering the sweepstakes* is easy:  Step 1: Follow Georgia Power on Instagram and “Like” Georgia Power on Facebook. Step 2:  Take a photo of how you are celebrating the holidays with festive decorations and lights at your home with friends and family. Step 3: Share your photo on Instagram…

Shooter leaves victim to die while hanging out at hookah bar   DECATUR, GA- DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against a Decatur man accused of killing his cousin and later shooting a friend. Jurors returned guilty verdicts on Dec. 3 against Jamal Rashad Kerns, 25, on charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault, and two counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, in connection with the shooting death of Keschon Kerns,18, and the shooting of Malik Golar, now 24. The incident…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Hank Johnson (GA) and Jamie Raskin (MD) re-introduced The Bivens Bill, legislation that allows citizens to recover damages for constitutional violations committed against them by federal law enforcement officials, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Justice (DOJ) and federal prison officials. The lawmakers first introduced the Bivens Bill in 2020. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) introduced a companion in the Senate. The Senate bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Alex Padilla (CA), Ed Markey (MA), and Ron Wyden (OR). After the Civil War, Congress enacted…