Author: On Common Ground News

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA–Deputy Chief J.D. McClure will succeed Police Chief Brett West, who will retire after 30 years of service to the county, County Administrator Glenn Stephens announced. McClure is the first black to hold the position. The agenda for Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting includes ratification of the employment agreement. McClure began his career as a police officer with Gwinnett County in 1996 and currently serves as deputy chief over the department’s Operations Bureau. McClure will assume his new role Aug.21. He will also become the department’s first African American chief. “I’m honored to have…

  STONECREST—District 1 City Councilman Jimmy Clanton, who is running for re-election, was the first person to qualify today for the city of Stonecrest elections. Qualifying opened at 8:30 a.m. at Stonecrest City Hall and Clanton was the first appointment scheduled when the qualifying period was announced as a public notice  The qualifying period runs Aug. 16-20. There are three council seats up for grabs–District 1, District 3 and District 5. The seats are for four-year terms.  The General Election will be held on Nov. 2, 2021. Qualifying  will be held Aug. 16-20 at City Hall, 3120…

Photo essay by Kelly Jordan/OCG News DECATUR, GA–NBA legends Dikembe Mutombo and Dominique Wilkins joined DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond on Aug. 14 at South DeKalb Mall, where they pushed for people to get their  COVID-19 vaccinations. County officials said the event was a slam dunk: Over 1,100 people got their shots.  

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections has mailed 18,000 “no-contact” notices to individuals who have not had contact with the elections system in the last five years. This is a statewide effort that is required of all elections offices. Voters who receive these notices are encouraged to immediately update their voter registration information ahead of the 30-day deadline to prevent being listed as “inactive” in the state’s voter rolls. Inactive voters have all the rights and privileges of an active voter through the next two general elections in 2022 and 2024. An inactive status will update…

DECATUR, GA—National Constables and Marshals Association announced the appointment of Chief Marshal William J. Taylor as state director for Georgia, effective Aug. 13, for a two-year term. Headquartered in Shreveport, La., the National Constables and Marshals Association (NCMA) was founded in 1973 and currently has 15 state directors with over 1,000 members. Taylor’s priorities will include highlighting the involvement of NCMA members throughout Georgia and across America and bringing awareness to topics relevant to our communities. Chief Taylor is celebrating over 31 years in law enforcement. He is a combat veteran who retired after 24 years of…

DeKalb County Board of Health is offering free walk-up COVID-19 vaccines at its mobile clinics on the following days and sites: Tuesdays, Aug. 17, 24, 31 3 to 7 p.m. Gresham Park Recreation Center, 3113 Gresham oad Southeast Atlanta, GA Wednesdays, Aug. 18, 25 Noon to 7 p.m. County Line Ellenwood Library, 4331 River Road Ellenwood, GA Wednesdays, Sept. 1, 8, 15 3 to 7 p.m. Exchange Recreation and Intergenerational Center 2771 Columbia Drive Decatur, GA Thursdays, Aug. 19, 26 and Sept. 2 3 to 7 p.m. 1839 Phillips Road Lithonia, GA You do not need…

CEO Thurmond: DeKalb has ‘developed a ‘blueprint for success’ DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County, in partnership with the DeKalb County Board of Health and Medcura Health, on Aug. 14 administered 1,158 COVID-19 vaccinations and tested more than 150 adults and children, officials said. Officials shut down the event around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday after a deluge of vehicles packed the drive-through, which was held in the parking lot at the Gallery at South DeKalb on Candler Road.  DeKalb health officials administered all forms of the COVID-19 vaccination, including second doses of the Moderna vaccine, officials said. “DeKalb County…

Hundreds vaccinated during event at South DeKalb Mall   DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County has closed the lines for those getting COVID-19 vaccinations today at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall. Hundreds of people have already been vaccinated during the event. Anyone currently in line will be served. NBA legends Dikembe Mutombo and Dominique Wilkins appeared at the event to encourage people to get COVID-19 vaccinations. Anyone who gets vaccinated will receive a $100 prepaid debit card during the vaccination and testing event today. DeKalb County Board of Health and DeKalb County Fire Rescue are administering voluntary COVID-19 vaccinations to residents 12…

DECATUR, GA—Hundreds of cars and pedestrians have gathered at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall to receive COVID-19 vaccinations during an event sponsored by DeKalb County Government today. NBA legends Dikembe Mutombo and Dominique Wilkins are expected to make an appearance during the event today. Anyone who gets vaccinated will receive a $100 prepaid debit card during the vaccination and testing event on Saturday, Aug. 14. Walk-ups are also welcome. Until 1 p.m. today, DeKalb County Board of Health and DeKalb County Fire Rescue will administer voluntary COVID-19 vaccinations to residents 12 years of age and older at The Gallery…

NORFOLK, VA- Petty Officer 3rd Class Ndi Obioha, a Lawrenceville, GA native, is participating in the Large-Scale Exercise (LSE 2021) aboard USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41).  The U.S. Navy warship transports and launches Marines from sea to shore as part of amphibious assault operations. Obioha, a 2014 Dacula High School graduate, joined the Navy four years ago. “I feel like where I’m from, people get boxed in and I didn’t want to be a part of that,” said Obioha. “I wanted to have different career opportunities.” LSE 2021 demonstrates the Navy’s ability to employ precise,…