Author: On Common Ground News

CEO Thurmond: Bonus rewards ‘service, dedication and commitment’                             DECATUR, GA—Today, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved CEO Michael Thurmond’s proposed $3,000 one-time Protect and Serve Retention Bonus for first responders and eligible public safety personnel. “DeKalb’s public safety team is the front line of our ongoing efforts to quell violent crime in the county,” CEO Thurmond said. “This bonus is evidence of DeKalb County’s appreciation for their selfless service, dedication and commitment to protecting and serving our residents.” The bonus is primarily being funded by a $6.2 million allocation from the total of…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office will host its very first Clergy Roundtable discussion on July 17, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The roundtable is being held to examine how law enforcement responds to calls and active scenes and to share ideas on fostering community partnerships. “These accounts of misconduct by law enforcement personnel have been reported by victims and witnesses alleging excessive force by law enforcement personnel. Using force is a tough decision for law enforcement, so on July 17th, we bring the roundtable to you. We want you to get a first-hand look…

Photos altered due to profanity. ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a hate incident targeting Mexicans. On July 11, 11:10 a.m., deputies responded to the 2600 block of Twin Oak Drive about a hate incident. Deputies observed profanity and derogatory wording directed toward the Mexican community spray painted on the outside of a home as well as several vehicles parked in the home’s driveway. Deputy Jedidia Canty said that currently no one is occupying the home, which has been under construction for the last two years. “The Rockdale County Sheriff’s…

The DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) Board elected new leadership for the next term, selecting Dele Lowman Smith as chair and Nancy Jester as vice chair. Lowman Smith is returning for her second term on the board while Jester was recently appointed by the DeKalb Republican Party. Lowman Smith brings her background as a professional facilitator and organizational improvement consultant, skills which she uses for local government and nonprofit clients in her own consultancy. She is currently a senior vice president with GovHR where she works with local government clients to recruit senior…

TUCKER, GA– On July 14, contractors working on behalf of DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management will temporarily interrupt water service to properly replace a damaged water line. The work will take place overnight from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. to lessen the impact to residents, businesses, and commuters at the intersection of Lawrenceville Highway and Northlake Parkway. This section of Northlake Parkway will reopen on Thursday, July 15. The DeKalb County Department of Watershed is addressing the repair needs as a part of ongoing maintenance to improve water service countywide, officials said. Construction…

Application deadline is Aug. 11   DECATUR, GA—Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 DeKalb County Police Department’s Citizens’ Academy. This is an opportunity for DeKalb County residents to learn how their police department works. During the eight-week virtual program, which will begin on Aug. 25, participants will be given a departmental overview, which will include crisis intervention, police scenarios, use of force policies, and more. Participants must be at least 21 years old, live or work in DeKalb County, possess no prior felonies and consent to a background check. Applications can be requested by emailing smrobinson@dekalbcountyga.gov. The deadline…

DECATUR, GA—Youths who participated in the 2021 DeKalb Virtual Career Academy are getting a pay raise. DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners have announced an increase in pay from $9 to $10 per hour for interns and $9 to $12 per hour for lead interns. The participants will receive the increase for their last two pay periods. “By all accounts the 2021 DeKalb Virtual Career Academy class has exceeded all expectations in terms of focus, achievement and career preparation,” said CEO Thurmond said. “They have earned not only an increase in…

DECATUR, GA  – The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct a board meeting on Thursday, July 15, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/88137432677. Interested parties also can join 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 May 20, 2021 Meeting III.         Administrative Items Designation of Ethics Open Records Officer Presentation of Education Vendor Reviews Discussion of Rescission of Advisory Opinion re: Commissioner Gregory Adams [2017-3] RFQ for New Board Counsel Ethics Cases Cases Under Review Malcolm Whichard v.…

Notice is given that the Rockdale Board of Elections will hold a Regular Meeting on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 5:00pm, as indicated below and per the attached agenda. Rockdale Board of Elections Regular Meeting for Month of July 2021 WHEN:           Thursday, July 15, 2021 TIME:              5:00pm WHERE:        IN-PERSON:              BOARD OF ELECTIONS OFFICE                 1261 COMMERCIAL DRIVE, SW, SUITE B                                                         CONYERS, GA 30094 – Phone (770) 278-7333 -OR-       VIRTUAL:                  Online Via Zoom – Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7049887949 Meeting ID: 704 988 7949 One tap mobile +13126266799,,7049887949# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,7049887949# US (New York)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD–DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson had the honor of introducing Vice President Kamala Harris today (July 9) at the opening of the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2021 Annual Conference. NACo’s 86th Annual Conference, July 9-12, is being held at the Gaylord Hotel, in Prince George’s County, just outside of the nation’s Capitol. Johnson, who will be sworn in on July 12 during the conference as the incoming president of NACo, welcomed Vice President Harris as the featured speaker during today’s 1 p.m. general session of the conference. “..We’re glad to have…