Author: On Common Ground News

Couples who had planned to get hitched don’t have to put their wedding plans on hold. They can head to the courthouse in Rockdale County. Rockdale County Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten says she will continue to officiate courthouse weddings during Georgia’s state of emergency. Six couples, from Rockdale, Gwinnett and Walton counties, tied the knot on March 17 at Magistrate Court. The Rockdale County Magistrate Court will perform individual weddings, by appointment, on this Friday, March 20, starting at 2 p.m., in the Magistrate Courtroom, 948 Bank Street, Conyers. The court requests that the wedding couple enter the courtroom…

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is confirming two additional deaths from COVID-19 in Georgia. The individuals, a 42-year-old woman and a 69-year-old-woman, both died in an Albany hospital. In addition to testing positive for COVID-19, each had existing medical conditions. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 and should always consult their healthcare provider if they are sick. Long-term care facilities, nursing homes and congregate living settings for older people must strictly follow COVID-19 prevention measures to…

Georgia State Sen. Brandon Beach has announced that he has tested positive for COVID-19.  The Alpharetta state lawmaker reportedly began experiencing symptoms last week and was present during the special session held on Monday at the Georgia Capitol. “After experiencing a fever and cough, I sought medical attention last week,” Beach told 11 Alive News. “The diagnosis I was given was not coronavirus, but I did get tested for it on Saturday.” Beach said that with medication, he felt better by Monday and thought he “was clear.” He said his test came back positive on Wednesday and he would…

Dear Voices of Faith Family, As you know by now, we are facing a global pandemic unlike any we have ever seen during our lifetime. President Trump and CDC have declared a national emergency with unprecedented restrictions in our daily lives as the number of COVID-19 cases spreads. In an abundance of caution, we will follow CDC guidance and not have large gatherings. Effective immediately, we are moving both Sunday and Wednesday services online.

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Superintendent Terry Oatts said schools and district offices would remain closed until after Spring Break, April 6-10.  Officials plan to have students return to schools on April 13, the district said in a March 17 news release. Independent Learning Day (ILD) protocols and Be Bright Eat Right Rockdale (BBERR) meal delivery routes will continue through April 3. Superintendent Oatts detailed the decision in a message for staff, parents, students, and the community: “I am following up to notify you of additional determinations I’ve made regarding our district’s school closure. Yesterday, Governor Kemp’s mandated closure of…

Today, Gov. Brian P. Kemp signed House Bill 792- Georgia’s amended fiscal year 2020 budget – with $100 million in emergency funding to address the spread of novel coronavirus and COVID-19. “Over several months, I have worked closely with lawmakers to develop an amended fiscal year 2020 budget that reflects our priorities, reduces red tape in government, prioritizes public safety, and puts Georgia families first,” said Gov. Kemp.”This budget includes $100 million in emergency funding to fight COVID-19 in the weeks ahead as we continue to see more cases in communities across Georgia, and I applaud the General Assembly’s strong…

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit, with the assistance of U.S. Marshals, arrested 25-year-old Atlanta resident Dequan Trimell King, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release today. King is charged with armed robbery and felony murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Brandon Aubrey McCrary on Sept. 22. McCrary was found dead after a SWAT team forced their way into a condo on Waldrop Place in Decatur. King was taken into custody without incident on March 14, at a motel on Oakbrook Parkway in Norcross.  He was transported to the DeKalb County Jail.

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, the Board of Commissioners, District Health Director Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford and DeKalb County School District Interim Superintendent Ramona Tyson will host a second virtual town hall meetingabout COVID-19 and the county’s preparedness measures. The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and can be accessed via: www.dekalbcountyga.gov Comcast Cable Channel 23 in DeKalb County Facebook live:www.facebook.com/ItsInDeKalbGa Panelists will discuss medical updates, distance learning, county and municipal preparedness, and federal and state support services. Panelists will discuss medical updates, distance learning, county and municipal preparedness, and federal and state support…

The DeKalb County School District(DCSD) has added seven additional sites for meal service, bringing the total to 21 schools providing students with free meals as a result of restrictions prompted by COVID-19. The meals will be served from 10 a.m. to noon. The  district plans to add five more schools to the list through a partnership with the Atlanta Food Bank beginning the week of March 23. The following schools will become meal sites effective March 19:  John R. Lewis ES – Region I Avondale ES – Region II Stephenson MS – Region III Freedom MS – Region IV Miller Grove MS – Region…

Effective until further notice, the Dekalb County Police Department’s front screening desks will be closed, but will be providing service to the public via telephone for non-emergencies.  We will continue to respond to calls for service. For non-emergencies, call the applicable number listed below: Precincts / Sections Contact Numbers North-Central Precinct (770) 724-7600 East Precinct (770) 482-0300 South Precinct (404) 286-7900 Tucker Precinct (678) 937-5301 General Investigations (770) 724-7841 Open Records (770) 724-7474 Police Records (770) 724-7740 Property & Evidence (404) 294-2528 Internal Affairs (770) 724-7910 General Information (404) 294-2000 Uniform Division Chief (770) 724-7439 Investigations Division Chief…