Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA—Gov. Brian P. Kemp today (Aug. 29) issued a State of Emergency order for all of Georgia in preparation for Hurricane Idalia’s anticipated impact later this week. Currently, the storm system is expected to move through the state Wednesday, bringing heavy rainfall and damaging winds throughout Southeast Georgia. The State of Emergency went into effect upon the governor’s signature today, Aug. 29, and will expire at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. You can read Executive Order 08.29.23.01 here. “We are taking every precaution ahead of Hurricane Idalia’s landfall tomorrow, and I am taking this additional executive action to…

CONVICTED: Quaneesha Nicole Johnson DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston today announced a conviction by jury trial in the murder case against a Lithonia woman accused of shooting and killing the father of one of her children while the children were inside her home. Jurors returned guilty verdicts on Aug. 25 against Quaneesha Nicole Johnson, 30, on charges of Voluntary Manslaughter, two counts of Aggravated Assault—Family Violence, two counts of Cruelty to Children in the Third Degree, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony. According to the investigation, Johnson called 911 on Nov. 27,…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Fire Chief Darnell Fullum has been named 2023 Fire Chief of the Year by the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs. DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said, “Chief Fullum embodies the spirit of public service and servant leadership, and he has guided the transformation of DeKalb County Fire Rescue (DCFR) to meet the ever-changing needs of our community.” Fullum said he is honored to be recognized by peers across Georgia. Fullum began as DeKalb’s fire chief in 2014. “I share this honor with the brave and dedicated men and women of DeKalb County Fire Rescue who serve our…

DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson on Tuesday, Aug. 29,participated in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs discussion with Domestic Policy Council leaders about the emerging Medicaid crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which included a requirement that Medicaid programs keep people continuously enrolled through the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. In May 2023, the public health emergency ended, and now, nearly 15 million people, including 6 million children, are at risk of losing their Medicaid coverage. The discussion covered Medicaid re-enrollment and opportunities to ensure people keep coverage…

ATLANTA—Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced today (Aug. 29) that Daesol Ausys Georgia will establish a new manufacturing facility in West Point. The facility will create more than 140 new jobs and $72 million in investment in Harris County, which is located South of Atlanta near Columbus, GA. Operations are expected to begin in December 2024. “West Point has become an automotive capital in its own right, and we are excited that Daesol Ausys will join other innovators in Harris County,” said Gov. Kemp. “Our state’s automotive industry employs over 50,000 hardworking Georgians and will continue to grow as e-mobility…

ATLANTA – August 29, 2023 – With safety of the public, its employees and its pipelines at the forefront, Atlanta Gas Light is closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Idalia and how it may impact service operations and customers in Southeast Georgia. Atlanta Gas Light is implementing its comprehensive emergency response plan and is advising customers to take the necessary precautions now to protect themselves and their families. Meteorologists are predicting that Hurricane Idalia could bring gusty and damaging winds, heavy rain, isolated tornadoes, and coastal flooding across Coastal Georgia and the Lowcountry. Atlanta Gas Light is providing the following…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host public meetings to discuss the DeKalb Trails and Greenway Masterplan at various recreation centers throughout DeKalb. The community is invited to attend and provide input on the results of the masterplan. Meeting dates and locations are listed below (all meetings will begin at 6:00 pm)  Sept. 18 – Redan Recreation Center,1839 Phillips Road, Lithonia, 30058 Sept. 26 – Tobie Grant Recreation Center,593 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale,30079 Sept. 28 – Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, 30034 Oct. 4 – Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell…

Story updated: Aug. 29, 2023 CONYERS, GA— Five candidates, including three incumbents, are seeking to fill three seats  on the  Conyers City Council. The qualifying period for the municipal elections closed on Friday, Aug. 25. Here’s a look at who’s running for the four-year terms: Incumbent Connie Alsobrook is running unopposed for re-election to the District 2, Post 2 seat. District 2, which has the city’s largest share of voters (an estimated 3,304 as of July 21, 2023), has two  representatives who serve on the City Council and run alternately.. Alsobrook was first elected to the Post 2 seat…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs is seeking volunteers to assist at the Mystery Valley Golf Club and Sugar Creek Golf and Tennis Club now until vacancies are filled. All volunteer applicants must be 17 or older and successfully pass a criminal background check. Both facilities will be open Sunday throughSaturday and volunteers must work a minimum of a 7-hour shift once per week. Volunteers will receive  incentives that include discounted rates and more. Golf facilities listed below:   Location                                                                 Phone Number Mystery Valley Golf Course, 6094 Shadow Rock, Drive, Lithonia, GA 30058 (770)469-6913…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a guilty plea in the case against a former DeKalb County Jail Officer accused of violating his oath as a public officer by using excessive force against inmates. Cesary Wilborn, 33, pled guilty Monday, Aug. 28, to charges of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, and three counts of Violation of Oath by Public Officer in connection to incidents dating back to 2016 and 2018. On July 8, 2016, Wilborn, a jailer at the DeKalb County Jail, entered 29-year-old inmate Demetre Mason’s cell to assault him, according to the investigation.  Wilborn struck Mason in the…