Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County Police Department is looking for murder suspect Ronal E. Derickson (correct spelling of his first name). Derickson is wanted for the shooting death of a female who was in her mid-20s. The shooting happened shortly before 1 p.m. today(Sept. 11) at the Retreat at Stone Mountain, 1206 Ashley Place in Stone Mountain. Investigators believe that the victim and the suspect, who share children together, were involved in a dispute before the suspect shot the victim in the chest. Two minor children were present during the incident and investigators believe Derickson fled the scene with them. An Amber…

ATLANTA—Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced  that Atlanta will transition to Phase II of the City’s Five-Phase Reopening Plan. The transition to Phase II is effective immediately. In July, the City moved back to Phase I in response to the alarming increase in COVID-19 cases in the state of Georgia. The Mayor’s reopening plan was drawn from the recommendations of the Mayor’s Advisory Council for Reopening Atlanta and public health experts. The reopening phases are based on milestone metrics and recent data. “The city has met the metrics of our data-driven plan to cautiously move back to Phase II,” said Bottoms. “COVID-19 continues…

DECATUR–The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is currently completing the Briarcliff Corridor Water Initiative project to replace 44,500 linear feet of aging water pipe. This $20 million project is part of the county’s $1.345 billion capital improvement program to improve the water and sewer infrastructure. On Monday, Sept. 14, authorized contractors will begin connecting customers to the newly installed water lines. There will be a brief water interruption of one hour or less as crews work to replace and connect new water meters. Streets impacted include Lullwater Road, Emory University, Emory Road and Briarpark Court. Additional work on…

The Georgia Secretary of State’s Office has launched a new online portal for voters to request an absentee ballot. Voters can visit BallotRequest.sos.ga.gov to request an absentee by mail ballot for the Nov. 3 election. Voters must enter their first name, last name, date of birth, county and provide a Georgia driver’s license or personal identification card issued by the State of Georgia. The request is then sent to county election officials. When the ballots are available, voters will receive their ballot in the mail. To check the status of your voter registration and see a sample ballot,…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has posted revisions to regulations that implemented the paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The revisions made by the new rule clarify workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities under the FFCRA’s paid leave provisions, in light of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in an Aug. 3, 2020, decision that found portions of the regulations invalid. The revisions do the following: Reaffirm and provide additional explanation for the requirement that…

STONECREST—Talk show host Amos King invites viewers and listeners to the re-launch of  “The Amen Corner” this evening (Sept. 11) at 7 p.m.  on the WCRN Radio/TV Network. After nearly a two-year hiatus, King is bringing back the program on internet radio and television on the WCRN’s network. The show will be broadcast from the C-Room located in the City of Stonecrest. “We’re looing forward to being back on the air. We’re inviting everyone to tune in. It’s going to be live!” said King, who discusses everything from politics to community issues, entertainment, business and beyond. Tonight’s guests include acclaimed…

The Old School Building ruins located in the City of Lithonia. Photo provided by Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance.    LITHONIA—Community members are being asked to weigh in on the future of the Bruce Street School ruins, the remnants of the first public school in DeKalb County for Black students. Also known as the Old School Building, the ruins are located next to the future site of the East DeKalb Community and Senior Center, all within Lithonia’s historic Bruce Street community. The Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, in partnership with the City of Lithonia and DeKalb County government, seeks…

ATLANTA – Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King released the following statement today(Sept. 11) regarding the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks: “As a soldier, former police officer, and citizen, I will never forget the events of September 11. Today, my staff, my family, and I have heavy hearts as we remember those impacted by the attacks, from the family members who lost loved ones that day to those brave men and women who are still dealing with ensuing consequences such as trauma- induced mental health problems and the sacrifice of sending loved…

DECATUR—DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly created pavilion at Frazier Rowe Park, 2886 Lavista Road, Decatur, GA on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m. A total of $60,625 was allocated to complete the project. The public is invited to join park staff and county officials by visiting  DCTVChannel23.tv to view a live stream of the ceremony.

DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson will host a special homeowners association webinar for District 7 residents to provide information on best practices for running an association. The DeKalb County District 7 Homeowners Association (HOA) Town Hall will be held on Thursday, Sept. 17,  6 p.m., and will feature county, real estate and HOA experts who will share tips on how to improve communities as well as information on how to form a new HOA. “This event is for both HOA members and non-members,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. “It’s important for residents to combine their efforts in enriching their communities and…