Author: On Common Ground News

Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner honored the Lou Walker Senior Center for its outstanding programs for seniors. Turner presented a proclamation to Bettye Austin Davis, executive director of the center, declaring Sept. 24 as Lou Walker Day in the city of Stonecrest. Seniors at the center also observed Sept. 24 as National Voter Registration, with a registration drive. The Lou Walker Senior Center opened its doors on Jan. 6, 2006 to provide comprehensive social, health, nutritional, educational and therapeutic services for DeKalb county seniors age 55 and older. The center serves over 3,000 members who participate in a host of activities…

DeKalb County residents now have a free ticket to Financial Literacy101. A new partnership between RBC Bank and DeKalb County is bringing financial literacy coaching and education through a project called Operation HOPE. The initiative, led by DeKalb County District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, is designed to help county residents take control of their finances. Officials and community leaders gathered on Sept. 25 for a ribbon-cutting celebration to mark the launch of HOPE Inside RBC Bank DeKalb, located at the AEI StartUp Factory, 7310 Stonecrest Concourse in the city of Stonecrest. Operation HOPE Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer John…

“The family is devastated that no one will be held criminally liable for Shali’s death. However, the struggle for Justice for Shali is far from over,” said Attorney Mawuli Davis, who is representing the Wilson family. Rockdale County District Attorney Alisha A. Johnson officially announced the conclusion of the four-month Special Grand Jury investigation into the death of 22-year-old Shali Tilson, saying there is no evidence that Rockdale County Jail administrators criminally caused his death. Johnson released the findings of the Grand Jury’s 84-page report on Sept. 25.  She said during an interview with On Common Ground News, that although no one…

Actor Wesley Snipes met with Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, Councilman Rob Turner, key city staff members and Attorney Bernard Knight on Sept. 23 to tour the city and gather information.  Snipes is considering opening a distribution center in the city for Dr. Amino Power+, a new protein supplement that is gaining international recognition. Snipes said that he first heard about Stonecrest during Mayor Lary’s 2017 bid and public relations campaign for Amazon’s second headquarters in which Mayor Lary appeared on Fox, MSNBC and other major networks. “I told my assistant to find that guy,” Snipes said, referring to Mayor Lary.…

The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s assistance in obtaining information on two individuals who were allegedly involved in the fatal shooting at White Oak Court on Sept. 16. A homeowner fatally shot three teens involved in an alleged armed robbery on his front lawn. Neither the homeowner nor two females were injured during the exchange of gunfire with the teens, the Sheriff’s Office has said. Sheriff’s spokesman, Deputy Lee Thomas, said in a news release: “The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office wishes to identify these persons so that they can be questioned.  We encourage anyone…

Conyers Police are looking for a man who rented a 26-foot Penske van on Aug. 19 and failed to return the vehicle. The suspect rented the van around 11:21 a.m. from 251 Penske Drive. Any information leading to the arrest of the suspect may result in a cash reward of up to $2,000.00. Tipsters will remain anonymousand are asked to contact Crime Stoppers with anyinformation: 404-577-TIPS(8477).

By Mackenzie N. Morgan   DeKalb County demolished its 67thresidential eyesore on Sept. 25 in a neighborhood in unincorporated DeKalb. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond said the single-family home, located at 5437 Forest East Lane in Stone Mountain, was demolished after property owners failed to comply after receiving various code enforcement infractions dating back to 2017. The property was cited for high weeds and grass, inoperable vehicles on the property, and abandonment among other things. Thurmond was on site for the demolition, flanked by news crews, neighbors and elected officials eager to see the abandoned property come down. “This is a…

The  (DCSD)  police is conducting random searches to deter students from brining weapons, illegal substances and other contraband to school campuses. “The safety and security of students and staff continue to be our number one priority at DeKalb County School District. As a continuing proactive effort, random searches will be conducted on our high school campuses throughout the school year.  The searches are intended to serve as a deterrent to weapons, illegal substances, and other contraband as identified in the student code of conduct,” the district said in a news release. The announcement of the school district’s determent plan follows two…

From L to R: Ray Davis; District 4 Councilman George Turner, who is a  member of Omega Psi Phi; District 2 Councilman Rob Turner; and District 1 Councilman Jimmy Clanton. Three members of Stonecrest City Council supported the annual golf tournament scholarship fundraiser of Kappa Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The event was held at Heritage Golf Course in Tucker on Sept. 20. The fraternity sponsors projects such as blood drives, voter registration campaigns, prostate awareness seminars, senior citizens visits, community beautification activities, elementary school tutorials and mentoring programs for middle and high school males…

Rockdale County Chairman , Sr. has been appointed as a member of the International Economic Development (IED) Task Force, the Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Steering Committee, and the Membership Standing Committee for the National Association of Counties (NACo). The IED Task Force consists of 72 members and facilitates the exchange of information, ideas and resources concerning county-level engagement in international economic development activities. Members serve a one-year term on the Task Force but can reapply each year and remain on the Task Force as long as they would like. The Task Force typically holds two in-person meetings…