Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR- In a livestream news conference today (April 21), DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox reported that 13 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. Of those, eight remain in custody and are in isolation under the care of medical services. Maddox said the confirmed cases represent 1 percent of the jail’s population, which is a little over 1,200. Maddox said there are 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among staff members, who are quarantined at home and/or in treatment. “We are in touch with them and they tell us that they are doing well,” she said. Maddox said her administration has…

There will be a special-called Executive Session of the Stonecrest City Council on Wednesday, April 22, at 5 p.m. to discuss real estate matters. The virtual meeting will be held via the City of Stonecrest’s YouTube Live Channel. Executive Sessions are held to discuss real estate, personnel and litigation matters and are not open to the public.  However, if the council must vote on any matter, the public will have access to that portion of the meeting through the live stream. The meeting also will be uploaded on the city’s web site at stonecrestga.gov.

Dr. Lisa Herring The Atlanta Board of Education has announced Lisa Herring, Ed.D. as finalist for the position of Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools (APS). In October, the Board launched a nationwide search with an extensive community engagement period, interviewing a diverse group of candidates before advancing Herring as the finalist. A Georgia native and Spelman College graduate, Herring brings more than 25 years of progress and achievement in urban public-school systems across the Southeast. She has a proven track record of success in school turnaround and academic achievement along with building strong partnerships across the entire community. “Over the…

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 -…