Author: On Common Ground News

Pictured L-R: DeKalb County, Georgia Commissioner Larry Johnson, Congressman Hank Johnson and Sen. Jon Ossoff NACo President Larry Johnson: Counties ready to move forward on overdue projects   WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, leaders of the National Association of Counties (NACo) applauded the enactment of the landmark bipartisan infrastructure package signed into law by President Biden. NACo President Larry Johnson, who serves on the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, joined county leaders from across the country at the White House for the signing ceremony for the bill.  Johnson said the bill will  greatly transform DeKalb and other counties across the nation as major…

Renee Cail, President of CHASE STONECREST,GA— DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie has ruled in favor of Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment (CHASE) by striking Metro Green’s claims against the group, holding that they amount to a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP). SLAPP suits effectively prevent citizens and community groups from speaking out in opposition to a developer’s actions. Georgia has an anti-SLAPP statute that allows courts to strike these types of claims early in the litigation process. The Southern Environmental Law Center filed the anti-SLAPP motion in order to protect CHASE’s First Amendment rights and to…

STONECREST, GA— Witherite Law Group, 1-800-TruckWreck, and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church are joining together on Wednesday, Nov. 17, starting at 6 a.m., to provide meal boxes for needy Atlanta-area families this holiday season.  The drive-through event will be held at New Birth’s Family Life Center parking lot, 6400 Woodrow Road, Stonecrest. Big Tigger, famed morning show host on V-103, will also be onsite helping to distribute food and hosting a live remote.  More than 1,000 Thanksgiving meal boxes, including turkeys, will be provided. The 20-pound boxes will be filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, shelf-stable food items, and other essential items for families financially…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct a special called meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. The meeting can be viewed via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/88137432677 or by phone at 602-333-0032 or 888-270-9936 and use conference code 171493. Agenda Adoption of Agenda Approval of the Minutes of the October 21, 2021 Meeting III.            Ethics Cases Request for Dismissal Billy Hampton v. Janet Essix [2019-5] LaTashae Walker v. Colet Odenigbo [2019-3] Probable Cause Hearings Atlanta Air Tours, LLC v. Mario A. Evans [2021-5] Malcolm Whichard v. Ozell Hayes/Rashad Cash [2021-4] Executive Session Public Comments…

ATLANTA—The City of Atlanta announced the opening of an emergency warming center in anticipation of frigid temperatures. The center will open tonight, Saturday, Nov. 13, 20 at 11p.m. and will remain open through Sunday at 7 a.m. The warming center is located at the former Adamsville Recreation Center at 3404 Delmar Lane N.W., Atlanta. Transportation will be provided at 10:30 p.m. from the Gateway Center, located at 275 Pryor St. SW, Atlanta.

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners invites citizens to its 2021 Holiday Drop-In on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., at the J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers. The informal, drop-in event is open to the public to enjoy light refreshments, live music, casual conversation and photo opportunities while celebrating the holiday season with elected officials, County leaders and staff. All guests are encouraged to continue to adhere to social distancing and COVID-19 safety protocols, which include wearing face coverings and hand sanitization while attending the event. For more information, contact Andrea…

CONYERS, GA—City Council member Connie Alsobrook will use her photography skills to gift special needs families with holiday photographs on Dec. 4 and 5.vSpecial Needs photography takes time and much patience, so each session will be given a full hour. DeKalb Family in Action Inc. will host the first session in Stone Mountain and Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers will host the second session in Conyers. A maximum of 20 families will be served at  each location. Alsobrook will send digital photos via email and sponsors have made it possible for each family to receive a free…

STONECREST, GA—Family, friends and congregation members this weekend will celebrate the life of Pastor Charles W. Bennafield, who served as leader of the historic Flat Rock Community Church for the past four years. Pastor Bennafield passed away on Sunday, Nov. 7. He was 58. “There are no words to express the sadness that we are experiencing at this time. Charles was deeply loved by so many people,” his wife, Pam, wrote in a Facebook post. “…It is not easy to say goodbye, but together we will learn how to live with this and celebrate his amazing life.” Stonecrest City…