Author: On Common Ground News

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…

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…