Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Due to flooding at Chief Cornerstone Community Church, 2900 Salem Road, the Fieldstone Precinct is being relocated on Election Day, Tuesday, June 15, to 1400 Parker Road. There are three candidates running in the special election for the Rockdale Probate: Judge Gary Washington(Incumbent), Kathy Harvey, a counselor, and Justin Kenney, attorney. “We will be putting signs at Chief Cornerstone Church on Sunday, June 13,” said Rockdale Elections Director Cynthia Willingham.  “Judge Mumford issued an emergency order on June 11.” The judge’s order is as follows:

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond will announce the next steps for the Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition program, initiated in February 2021 to provide financial relief to DeKalb renters threatened by eviction and landlords facing revenue losses—both due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thurmond will host a news conference on Monday, June 14, 10 a.m. the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. On March 24, DeKalb County’s Department of Innovation and Technology was informed by federal agents of an international cyberattack that impacted the Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition program. The public is invited to view the announcement live on DeKalb County Television (DCTV) on…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in the murder of a Decatur man who was killed in May.  Ellenwood resident Autori Jarquez Muhammad, 24, turned himself in to authorities at the DeKalb County Jail on June 9. He was arrested for the May 18, 2021 murder of Anthony Jerome Merricks, 23, of Decatur. According to warrants,  Muhammad shot Mr. Merricks multiple times while attempting to rob him on Summit High Court in Decatur. Muhammad is charged with Felony Murder and Criminal Attempt Armed Robbery. 

What do you do when you only have a few items on hand in the kitchen? I had a couple of green tomatoes, red bell peppers, fruit, limes, eggs and juice.I  decided to fry the green tomatoes and red bell pepper. This is a very simple dish that I made for lunch to go with some black-eyed peas that my daughter had cooked overnight in the crockpot. She made the peas with a tomato sauce, which was absolutely outstanding.  I made my own special sauce as a topping for the fried veggies. I used garlic Aioli mustard, Hickory & Cracked…

Attention Rockdale County Residents: Today is the last day for Early Voting in the special election for Rockdale County Probate Judge. This is an important election to choose the person you want to be your Probate Judge. The candidates: Incumbent Judge Gary Washington, Kathy Harvey, a counselor, and Justin Kenney, attorney. Extended hours for voting are being offered today: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The main precinct is located at 1400 Parker Road. Election Day is next Tuesday, June 15. You must go to your assigned precinct, if you plan to vote in person next week. For more information,…

CONYERS, GA—Conyers Police Department’s K9 Wick, handled by Officer Brandon DeCosse, has received a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Wick’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love- Trained to Serve- Loyal Always.” Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and…

No office visit required for eligible drivers 64 and older The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is now offering residents who are 64 and older the option to renew their non-commercial driver’s license online. While mail-in and fax options have been available since August 2020, this new online service gives seniors another choice when conducting their licensing business. “DDS continues working to ensure efficient, safe and customer friendly options within the law. Many experienced drivers are tech savvy and will appreciate having this online renewal service at their fingertips,” DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore said. Georgia Law O.C.G.A.…

ATLANTA— The City of Atlanta entered Phase 4 of its reopening plan, effective June 9.  City officials said non-mission-critical employees are now permitted to resume in-person operations at City facilities under enhanced safety requirements and measures. City facilities remain closed to the public. City leadership has made numerous policy and procedural changes for in-person operations to accommodate health and safety precautions, including the following: Masks will be required in City facilities, for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Employees and members of the public entering City buildings will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure. Temperature screening device have been installed at public…

Sale of Sears building pending, city to determine if Sam’s Club also will be sold   STONECREST, GA—The City of Stonecrest Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA) appointed Jazzmin Cobble as its new chair at a special called meeting on Monday (June 7). Mayor Jason Lary’s term as chair had expired. He is out on sick leave. Both, Jimmy Clanton(vice chair) and George Turner(secretary), were reappointed. The three appointments are effective for the next meeting, expected on June 17. All three will serve as officers until January 2022, when new, one-year appointments will be made by URA members. The URA…