Author: On Common Ground News

“Enough with the tough talk. We must protect the lives and livelihoods of all Georgians.” –Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp ATLANTA—Gov. Brian Kemp is authorizing the activation of the Georgia National Guard, following weeks of increased property destruction and deadly violence in the City of Atlanta and more than 30 Georgians wounded by gunfire, including five confirmed dead including an 8-year-old girl during the July Fourth weekend. Kemp announced today that he is issuing Executive Order 07.06.20.01, which declares a State of Emergency across Georgia and activates up to 1,000 Georgia National Guard troops. “Peaceful protests were hijacked…

DECATUR – As demand surges for COVID-19 testing throughout Georgia, the DeKalb County Board of Health is creating additional capacity for testing at two of its six testing locations by extending hours. On July 7 and July 9, the following testing locations will be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. : Former K-Mart store parking lot (I-285 and Buford Highway)
, 5597 Buford Highway NE, Doraville Rehoboth Baptist Church
, 2997 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker COVID-19 testing is free and open to all indiiduals who wish to be tested. A driver’s license or identification card is not required. Registration in advance,…

The University of Georgia, along with Rockdale County Government, the city of Conyers, and the Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council, is asking Rockdale residents to submit feedback on the future of economic development in the community. The input will be used by the Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Strategy Steering Committee to develop the community’s economic development strategic plan. There are three ways residents can give their input: two live virtual events and an online feedback form. Residents will only need to participate in one of the three options. The first virtual town hall will take place on Monday, July 13, noon to…

A group of Rockdale citizens gathered on July 2  to celebrate the removal of a Confederate monument that had stood over 100 years outside of the county’s courthouse on Main Street.  Youths had planned a protest calling for the monument’s removal. Instead, the group cebrated a new day in Rockdale. Rockdale Board of Commissioners Chairman Oz Nesbitt ordered the monument removed on June 30 in an emotional event that drew cheers and jeers. https://youtu.be/12kVL3H4y4Q

DeKalb County is seeking the public’s help in identifying a crew of suspects involved in a mailroom burglary of an apartment complex. The subjects seen in the video are wanted for questioning in reference to a number of packages being stolen from an apartment complex in DeKalb County on June 8. Anyone who recognizes these subjects or sees them should call 911 or contact DeKalb County Police North Central Precinct at 770-724-7780.

Rockdale County, in partnership with the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council (CREDC), is hosting a virtual Job Fair on Friday, July 10, 10 a.m. via Zoom. The county and the CREDC have partnered with various companies and industries to offer resources and assist those in the community searching for jobs. While Rockdale County Board of Commissioners is still under a hiring freeze, the efforts are being coordinated to help match citizens in need of jobs with companies that currently have available positions. Those looking to participate can register at the following link https://bit.ly/2YJztwp, or view the live video stream…

The Emergency Management Agency Division of Rockdale County Fire Rescue  announced that Mike Kinlein is the new EMA Preparedness and Safety Manager.  Kinlein’s responsibilities will include community safety and long-term disaster planning. Kinlein, formerly with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, brings 35 years of experience in law enforcement and a proven track record of success in the area of community planning for large events, safety and disasters.

DeKalb County Police say the suspect named as the primary aggressor in a gun battle at the Haven Motel, 4893 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, has been identified as Arthur Brown, 29. Police responded to a shot call at the motel on July 1 at approximately 10:15 p.m., DeKalb County Police spokesperson Michaela N. Vincent said in a news release. The investigation revealed that two adult males engaged in a gun battle with multiple persons being struck by stray rounds, to include a 10-year old girl and two adults (a male and a female). The investigation also revealed that Brown…