Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA, GA—Today,  Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced his appointment of Nancy N. Bills to the Rockdale Judicial Circuit, Clarence Cuthpert as State Court Judge of Rockdale County, Jesse C. Stone to the Augusta Judicial Circuit, Dick Perryman to the Alapaha Judicial Circuit, Rosemary Greene to the Cherokee Judicial Circuit, and Carletta Sims Brown to the Richmond County Civil and Magistrate Court.  Nancy N. Bills will fill the vacancy of David B. Irwin, who resigned on  Oct. 31, 2020.  Bills  currently is the State Court Judge for the Rockdale Circuit Court and presides over a DUI court. Bills holds a bachelor’s…

Atlanta rapper “Silento” Ricky Hawk, 23, was arrested today (Feb. 1) for the murder of Frederick Rooks, 34. DeKalb County Police Department detectives identified Hawk as Rooks’ cousin. On Jan.21, at approximately 3:30 a.m., police investigated a shooting after Rooks was found on Jan. 21, at approximately 3:30 a.m. in the roadway on Deep Shoals Circle in the Panthersvile Road area, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene. The suspect at the time was unknown.  However, after a thorough investigation, DKPD detectives identified Hawk as the person responsible for Rooks’ murder. Investigators are still…

Decatur, GA—The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) DeKalb County Branch will host virtual events throughout February in observance of Black History Month. “This is a time for the black community to refocus and build upon what we have learned over the past years, that Black Lives Matter, Black Votes Matter, Our Voices Matter,” said NAACP DeKalb President Teresa Hardy. “It is now time for us to unite and demand freedom, justice and equality. We are more than 28 Days (the shortest month in the year)!” NAACP DeKalb and Community Social Justice of House of Hope ATL will kick off the celebration with…

DECATUR, GA—The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) DeKalb will host a virtual parade on Jan. 18, at noon, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Holiday. This year will mark the 19th year for the MLK Parade in DeKalb County and the theme is “Remember the Dream, Honoring the Dreamer.” Teresa Hardy, president of the NAACP DeKalb, said the 2021 celebration will encompass a variety of creative events to honor Dr. King and his contributions to society. “This momentous occasion will be celebrated via online streaming services and will reinforce the notion of teamwork…

Conyers, GA -The Conyers-Rockdale (Nancy Guinn Memorial) Library will change it hours of operation effect. Saturday, Feb. 6. In order to better serve the community, the Board of Trustees voted to adjust service hours to: Monday –Thursday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This change will restore the library to its full hours of service and apply to all available resources, including appointments to Browse, Borrow, and Go, and curbside pickups. Director Brenda Poku said the new hours will optimize the library’s ability to provide services during periods that are more convenient…

NOTICE FOR SETTING OF QUALIFYING FEES FOR NOVEMBER 2, 2021 GENERAL ELECTION Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 21-2-131(a)(1)(A) notice is hereby given that the City of Stonecrest, Georgia has set the qualifying fees for the November 2, 2021 General Election, to elect Three Council Members. The qualifying fee is Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($450.00) for City Council Members. Qualifying dates will be announced at a later time. This 29th day of January 2021 Megan P. Reid City Clerk

DECATUR, GA – “Operation Fugitives 2021,” a multi-agency task force, deployed 60 law enforcement officials throughout DeKalb County to arrest suspects on Domestic Violence and Felony charges this week. The task force went to 155 locations in search of suspects. A total of 25 individuals were arrested on Jan. 26 during the operation and transported without incident to the DeKalb County Jail. Working in teams, the task force was able to clear 44 outstanding warrants. Led by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Field Uniform and Domestic Violence Units, the task force included authorities from the DeKalb County Police Department and…

Today, Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced that 418,584 Georgians who are 65+ have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Seniors who are 65+ are currently included in the expanded 1A criteria and are encouraged to make an appointment to receive their vaccine with a local health provider today. “Our top priority is getting vaccines in the arms of the most vulnerable Georgians: our seniors,” said Kemp. “Thanks to our expanded weekly allocation from the federal government, we will continue taking necessary steps to protect elderly Georgians – especially those in our nursing homes – frontline healthcare workers, and first responders. Demand for the…

Leaders outline critical needs facing communities hit by COVID-19 As the 1st Vice President of National Association of Counties, DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson and the National Association of Counties (NACo) today met (Jan. 28) with President Biden’s Economic Council Advisors to discuss the critical aid needed for state, local and territorial governments. The virtual meeting was broadcast at 11 a.m. Eastern Standard Time by C-SPAN. Johnson provided opening remarks expressing how county governments are one of the nation’s largest employers, with a workforce of 3.6 million, or more than one percent of Americans. “We are on the frontlines providing essential…

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a murder suspect. A Felony Murder warrant has been issued for 32 year-old Stone Mountain, Georgia resident Michael Blair Stewart in connection with the December 5, 2020 shooting death of 31 year-old Stone Mountain resident Jireh Kharnplay Morris on Bouldercrest Road in DeKalb County. According to the warrant,  Stewart should be approached with caution, as he is considered to be dangerous and may be armed. Anyone who has information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect is asked to contact the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive…