Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced today (Oct. 1) that a conviction by jury trial in the murder case against Randy Haynes, a 39-year-old Stone Mountain man accused of fatally stabbing Caritha Blanks, 43. Haynes was convicted on two counts of Felony Murder, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Knife and sentenced to life in prison. A surveillance video aided in the identification of Haynes, officials said. The incident occurred on the evening of June 3, 2019 in the 5000 block of Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain. Haynes and the victim had arranged a…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County’s Exchange Intergenerational Recreation Center is partnering with the Georgia Spartans to host the Annual Striding for a Cure Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run/Walk and a Family Fun Day on Saturday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur. The run/walk and family fun day will provide an opportunity for DeKalb residents to come together to spread awareness about the impact of breast cancer and rally around survivors or those going through treatment. Runners of all ages are welcome to participate and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is $25 per adult and…

STONECREST—DeKalb County will give a $100 prepaid debit card to everyone who receives a COVID-19 vaccination on Saturday, Oct. 2, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Mall at Stonecrest’s former Sears building parking lot. The drive-up, walk-up vaccination event will feature guest appearances by actor/comedian Chris Tucker and renowned gospel singer Dottie Peoples. “COVID-19 has impacted lives globally and The Chris Tucker Foundation is proud to partner with DeKalb County and DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond in driving awareness and increasing access to vaccinations and information to combat this pandemic,” said actor, comedian and humanitarian Chris Tucker. “Being…

ATLANTA–At a grand-opening event in Columbia County for Amazon’s newest robotics facility in the Peach State, Gove. Brian P. Kemp today announced that Georgia has earned the “Top State for Doing Business” title for the eighth year in a row from Area Development. “We’re proud to accept the title of Top State for Doing Business from Area Development for the eighth year in a row,” said Kemp. “Thanks to our nation-leading workforce development efforts, resilient job creators, and strong pro-business environment, Georgia is emerging from the global pandemic with unprecedented economic momentum. My administration will remain focused on building on this…

STONECREST, GA –Stonecrest Parks and Recreation and District 3 Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble have planned a day of family fun at Fairington Park from 4– 9 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 2, that also showcases a variety of local entrepreneurs. This event was rescheduled from September due to the forecast of inclement weather. The headlining attraction is the Screen on the Green showing of Toy Story 4 (PG) at dusk. An Entrepreneur Expo will surround the green and feature food trucks, pop-up food carts and tables, plus local artisans, and other vendors. It’s an opportunity for the community to learn…

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson and The Heart of South hosted the District # Block Party on Sept. 18 at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur. Residents brought their lawn chairs to enjoy the free event, which was sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.  Photographer Kelly Jordan captured the event, which showcased an array of local vendors, music, entertainment, prize  and agencies and county departments that provide a variety of community resources.

DECATUR, GA —DeKalb County government is ramping up a new public outreach campaign to increase COVID-19 vaccinations in the county to 60 percent. DeKalb recently hit its initial goal of 50 percent and is pushing for a new goal, officials announced today (Sept. 30). “We have surpassed our initial goal of 50 percent,” DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond said. “Now our new goal is to get 60 percent of our eligible population vaccinated by Dec. 1 of this year.”   Officials  rolled out the  “Get Vaxxed DeKalb campaign with Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid  . Transit  Authority(MARTA). A bus wrapped with special artwork promoting…

CONYERS, GA–Recognizing the increasingly competitive job market, Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is poised to increase wages for hundreds of classified personnel such as bus drivers, paraprofessionals, and school nutrition personnel. This is in addition to significant, across-the-board step and salary increases already implemented at the start of the 2021-2022 school year through an adjusted certified salary schedule and step increases for all employees. Effective Oct. 1, 2021, RCPS bus drivers and monitors, paraprofessionals and school nutrition personnel will see their salaries increase after Superintendent Terry Oatts directed the hikes in consultation with his Finance and Human Resources Divisions.…

STONECREST—DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson and Stonecrest Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble are hosting a food distribution event on Saturday, Oct. 1, 9 to 11 a.m., at Ousley United Methodist Church, 3261 Panola Road, Stonecrest. Those in need are invited to receive a food box. Boxes will be filled with a variety of fruits, vegetables, dairy and meats will be provided while supplies last. Arrive early to secure your box.

DECATUR, GA—On Tuesday, Oct. 5, the DeKalb County Police Department will join community members and participate in the fall edition of National Night Out (NNO). Residents are asked to to turn on their front porch lights as a sign of unity. Celebrations will held in the following communities: East Precinct: Beacon Mountain Subdivision, 4 p.m., 4661 Lantern Ct., Lithonia Pepperwood Subdivision, 5 p.m., Pepperwood Lane, Stone Mountain Deer Creek Subdivision, 4 p.m., 690 Malvern Blvd, Stone Mountain South Precinct: Cove Lake Estates, 5:30 p.m., 1880 Cedar Grove Rd., Conley Tucker Precinct: Les Chateau, 5:30 p.m., 4113 Rue Antoinette, Stone Mountain San Souci,…