Author: On Common Ground News

Robert Croom, program director for Air Conditioning, Building Automation and Commercial Refrigeration at GPTC (left), and student Adam Lovell collaborate on a building engineering project at the college’s DeKalb Campus in Clarkston. Photo provided by GPTC. CLARKSTON, GA — Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) received a $95,000 grant as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program, which aims to equip students with in-demand knowledge and skills to support employment upon graduation. GPTC is one of 10 technical and community colleges across the nation receiving grants for the 2021‒2022 academic year but the only college…

LAWRENCEVILLS, GA—If you’re a new business owner in financial need or one who needs a jumpstart, the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center wants to lend a helping hand. The center is now accepting applications for membership from budding business owners. “Small businesses are essential to a thriving economy — bringing jobs, stimulating economic growth and driving innovation,” said Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson. “With more than 26,000 businesses here, the center will help nurture those entrepreneurs by providing guidance that will help their business.” Sponsored by the Board of Commissioners, the center is an incubator…

DeKalb County’s Senior Center Without Walls: Virtual Village and DeKalb Virtual Career Academy” were recognized with achievement awards at the 2021 the National Association of Counties (NACo. The conference, which was held virtually and in person, brought together county and elected officials from across the country to Prince George’s County, MD on July 9-12. The achievement awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. NACo recognized DeKalb Senior Center Without Walls: Virtual Village as an example of innovation and excellence in the Human Services Category. Established in March 2020, the DeKalb…

Decatur, GA—Youths in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) DeKalb County branch won five medals during this year’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) competition. The competition was hosted virtually July 8-11 during the national NAACP conference. High school students from across the country participated in the academic and cultural competition.   Freda Hammonds, ACT-SO Chair of the DeKalb NAACP branch, attributes the success of the program to the commitment of its talented students volunteer mentors who provided the guidance to the students. “We had 35 students to participate in 23…

Pictured L-R: DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond administers oath of office to DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, as his wife, Tanisha,  and  daughter Tiara, witness the historic event in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Photo by Denny Henry DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson was sworn in as president of the National Association of Counties (NACo) by DeKalb County CEO Michael L. Thurmond at the conclusion of NACo’s 86th Annual Business Meeting on July 12 in Prince George’s County, MD. “I am honored to lead the National Association of Counties as we emerge stronger than ever from this unprecedented public health and economic…

Victim stabbed nearly 50 times in vicious attack stemming from argument over bathroom   A Dunwoody man accused of stabbing to death his teen half sister was convicted of murder by jury trial, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced today (July 13).    Jurors returned guilty verdicts late Friday against Gavin Henderson, 30, on charges of Murder (three counts), Aggravated Assault, Cruelty to Children (two counts), and Possession of a Knife During the Commission of a Felony in connection with the stabbing death of Keaira Henderson, 15.    The fatal incident occurred on June 18, 2018 at the Lacota…

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit has arrested 20-year-old Roy Jackson in connection with the robbery and murder of a man in Stone Mountain, Georgia in December 2020. Jackson is accused of Armed Robbery and Felony Murder in the shooting death of old Siah Gray, 20, of Stone Mountain on Dec. 22, 2020 at a Wake Forest Road residence in Decatur. According to warrants, Jackson directed another man, Chevaz Barnes, to shoot Gray, then took money and drugs from the victim’s pockets. Barnes was arrested by sheriff’s investigators on May 7, 2021 and remains in…

  https://www.naco.org/articles/speaker-house-nancy-pelosi-talks-power-counties

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…