Author: On Common Ground News

Justice for Veterans Amos King is hosting a news conference today, April 21, at 2 p.m., at the Liberty Plaza across from the Georgia Capitol to discuss Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to reopen Georgia for business. The public is invited to join the news conference, which will be streamed live from Amos King’s Facebook page. “The governor is putting commerce above the safety and lives of people. The No. 1 priority in combatting COVID-19 should be saving and protecting lives,” said Retired Lt. Colonel Amos King, who heads Justice for Veterans. “Why would you open businesses that have a direct contact…

On Common Ground News is developing a news story about Gov. Kemp’s announcement that Georgia is re-opening on Friday for business. We would like for local businesses, community leaders, elected officials, houses of worship and the public to weigh in on this issue. Please e-mail us at editor@ocgnews.com today.

This morning, DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox is hosting an update on initiatives underway at the jail. The public is invited to the virtual news conference, which will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., via DeKalb County Sheriff’s Facebook and Instragram. You can also join the conference live at www.dekalbsheriff.org. To submit questions, use the INBOX. Answers will be posted, if not answered during the news conference.  

Rockdale Sheriff’s Office will host a fresh produce give away on Wednesday, April 22, 3:30 p.m. The food will be given away until it runs out. Bring your own bag or box. The giveaway will be held in front of the Sheriff’s Administration building at 911 Chambers Drive, Conyers. 

Excel Church, 1151 Flat Shoals Road S.E., Conyers, is providing free Meals To-Go every weekday from noon to 2 p.m. In addition to the free Meals to Go, the church will provide free Groceries To-Go on Wednesday, April 22, noon to 2 p.m.  

Georgia reports decline in COVID-19 cases   Gov. Brian Kemp announced the first phase of Georgia businesses that will reopen to the public beginning this Friday, April 24. Kemp said it’s time to begin putting the economy back on track by easing the state’s mandated restrictions due to COVID-19. His announcement has drawn both, praise from those who agree with him, and criticism from those who fear the pandemic will become more widespread. “In the same way that we carefully closed businesses and urged operations to end to mitigate the virus’ spread, today, we are announcing plans to incrementally -…

Today, Gov. Brian P. Kemp provided the following update on COVID-19 in Georgia. Kemp was joined by Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, Speaker David Ralston, Georgia National Guard Adjutant General Tom Carden, Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey, and GEMA/HS Director Homer Bryson. “Good afternoon, everyone. Today I’m joined by Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, Speaker David Ralston, General Tom Carden, Dr. Kathleen Toomey, and GEMA Director Homer Bryson. “As of noon today, we now have 18,947 COVID-19 cases in Georgia with 733 deaths. The state lab has processed 5,362 tests, and commercial vendors have processed 78,966 tests. We understand that these…

Rockdale County Government is implementing a hiring freeze effective immediately, officials said today (April 20). The hiring freeze includes all Rockdale County departments, except the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. The freeze will last until further notice, county officials said. “The hiring freeze is based upon 30 days of no to very slow revenues streams. It’s simply precautionary until we can completely assess the damages of this economic set back,” said Rockdale Board of Commissioners Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. “It has absolutely nothing to do with the Governor or his order.” Nesbitt said the county government offices would not be opening…

STONECREST–DeKalb County police are investigating a fatal shooting at the Walmart on Fairington Road in the city of Stonecrest. The shooting took place on Sunday, April 19, at 7;45 p.m. in the parking lot. DeKalb police responding to the scene found one victim, Jeremiah Smith, 22, suffering from a gunshot wound in the parking lot. Smith died at a local hospital. According to police, the suspect and the victim got into an argument in the store and it ended in the parking lot where shots were fired. Police have not identified the suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) congratulates its valedictorians and salutatorians of the Class of 2020. The valedictorians and salutatorians were notified in a surprise announcement on April 17 with administrators, counselors and teachers driving to each student’s home with a sign. Rockdale students, like other students across the state of Georgia, were ordered to stay at home and learn online amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The eight students will lead their senior classes in graduation ceremonies. All of the following dates are pending COVID-19 pandemic conditions: Salem High School’s graduation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 7:30 p.m., at SHS. Rockdale…