Author: On Common Ground News

In keeping with Georgia’s Open Meetings Act, this notification is to advise that members of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and DeKalb County Board of Education will participate in a Virtual Joint Meeting, 10:00a.m., Thursday, May 13, 2021.  No Board action will be taken. The virtual joint meeting  can be viewed at the following link on DeKalb Schools TV (DSTV) by going to: www.dekalbschoolsga.org/communications/dstv, or Comcast channel 24 for Comcast subscribers in DeKalb County.

   When Sheldon Fleming was 7 years old, his dad, Samuel Fleming, snapped a picture of him and his 11-year-old brother, Greg, sitting on a sofa at the family’s apartment on 9th Street in Anchorage, Alaska. Sheldon Fleming, who today calls the City of Stonecrest, Georgia home, said the image not only reflects his humble beginnings but is a source of tremendous pride for his family including his brother, Greg, and dad, who also call DeKalb County home. The black and white photo, which was taken in 1965, is part of a new exhibit at Anchorage Museum’s “Black Lives in…

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit has arrested a suspect in a murder that took place on Mill Station Court in Lithonia between Jan. 24 and Feb.14, 2021. Lawrenceville resident Kimmeth Harden, 50, is charged with murdering Claudia Palmer and concealing her death, the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on May 10. According to the arrest warrants, Harden slit Palmer’s throat and stabbed her in the chest, causing her death. Palmer’s body was discovered during a police welfare check at her residence, where Harden had been a tenant. Harden was arrested at the DeKalb Police Department Headquarters…

STONECREST–The Stonecrest Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA) has agreed to move forward in selling the city-owned Sears buildings to Stonecrest Resorts, LLC, a development affiliate of Urban Retail. The URA received bids from Stonecrest Resorts, LLC and one other unnamed entity, but ultimately selected the $2.4 million bid offered by Stonecrest Resorts, LLC (Urban Retail), which recently acquired The Mall at Stonecrest, where the Sears building is located.  The URA  approved a motion 5-0 at the May 10 special called meeting to issue a letter of intent to sell the Sears property. The motion included a modification that stipulates the Sears…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson is inviting Gwinnett County residents to attend a town hall where she will engage her constituents on her first 100 days in office, highlighting services and programs including a new Pre-Trial Intervention and Diversion program, Conviction Integrity Unit and expanded victim services. The town hall event will take place Friday, May 14, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with options to join virtually or in-person in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium in Lawrenceville. “I am excited for the opportunity to serve and be accountable to questions and concerns of every Gwinnettian. I…

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Presiding Officer Steve Bradshaw will resume joint meetings between the Board of Commissioners and DeKalb Board of Education beginning on Thursday, May 13, 10 a.m. via Zoom. “I am pleased that we will resume our joint meetings,” said Bradshaw. “I look forward to working with our Board of Education partners in public service as we collectively address areas of mutual interest and concern.” “To work in concert and collaboration with our DeKalb Board of Commissioners is quite exciting and fulfilling,” said Vickie Turner, chairwoman of the Board of Education. “This cross collaboration between both boards affords…

Gwinnett County is helping ease hardships furing the COVID-19 pandemic by continuing to feed Gwinnett’s children during the summer. After Gwinnett County Public Schools wraps up its meal service, the Gwinnett Summer Meals program will provide free grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches for children 18 years of age and younger at County parks, libraries and other locations beginning June 1. Meals are also available for adults 19 years of age and older with physical or mental disabilities who are enrolled in a school-based program. Parents or children can pick up nutritious meals from 25 locations around the county. Meals can…

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) and the nonprofit Kids’-Doc-On-Wheels (KDOW) are partnering to hold free COVID-19 vaccination events for those age 18 and older, including RCPS students, families, staff and community members. The COVID-19 vaccination events are free and will be held May 15 and June 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Dr., Conyers. The events will administer Moderna vaccines, which are approved for those ages 18 and older. The link to pre-register is available at www.rockdaleschools.org/vaccination. On-site registration is available but pre-registration is strongly encouraged. “We are excited to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to all…

Due to an event being held on the premises, operations at the Greater Piney Grove COVID-19 testing site were e suspended today, May 10. Regular operations will resume on Wednesday, May 12, as the site is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. COVID-19 testing is free and open to all individuals who wish to be tested. A driver’s license or identification card is not required. For more resources and information about COVID-19, visit the DeKalb County Board of Health’s COVID-19 website at dekalbhealth.net/covid-19 or call 404-294-3700, Option 1.

Virtual public meeting set May 19, 10 a.m. DeKalb Human Services Department announces the beginning of its 2021-2022 Human Services grant cycle.  A virtual public meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 19, 10 a.m. to provide details regarding the Human Services grant application process. The Human Services Grant Program provides opportunities for community partnership with local organizations that can successfully address identified service needs for DeKalb County residents. Eligible nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to be awarded a grant utilizing county general fund and Victim Assistance funds.  Agencies that receive Victim Assistance grant funds…