Author: On Common Ground News

Left to right: Councilmembers Rob Turner and Jazzmin Cobble listen as CityAttorney Winston Denmark speaks. Four members of the Stonecrest City Council—George Turner, Tammy Grimes, Rob Turner and Jazzmin Cobble—this evening staged a walkout of the regular meeting after a contentious special called meeting was held concerning Councilwoman Cobble. Only Councilmember Jimmy Clanton and Mayor Jason Lary remained on the dais as a bewildered audience was left trying to make sense of why the four council members had left the meeting soon after it began. The attendance record of Cobble, who represents District 3, was the center of…

  Rockdale County officials announced at a news conference today that the county is aggressively responding to a ransomware attack on the government’s computer network. County officials said they have contacted the Georgia Technology Authority, GBI, Homeland Security and other federal agencies regarding the attack, which took place last Friday and has paralyzed the county’s ability to accept water bill payments for now. “Rockdale County is in a very critical state with the ransomware attack…  We don’t take these ransomware attacks lightly at all. This is a major interruption to the productivity of Rockdale County and all hands are on…

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) high schools – Heritage and Rockdale County – were named 2020 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools by State School Superintendent Richard Woods, a distinction RCPS high schools have achieved for more than 10 consecutive years. Superintendent Terry Oatts said, “I congratulate our AP Honor High Schools for their commitment to expanding AP course offerings and participation across all disciplines while simultaneously increasing AP exam achievement among all students. As a district, we are expanding our AP course offerings at each of our high schools as we are committed to facilitating optimal student learning, achievement,…

This month’s DeKalb Cultural Exchange (DCE) community breakfast meeting will focus on the prevalence of Human Sex trafficking and its pervasive presence in the State of Georgia.  Information will be brought forth from subject matter experts and victims. Come out for an informative time of sharing and a good breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 8, 9 a.m., at the Greater Traveler’s Rest/House of Hope, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. Stonecrest Councilman Rob Turner and DeKalb County School Board member Vickie Turner are hosting the event.  

Georgia Natural Gas President Mike Braswell (center) and Vice President of Retail Operations Jeffery Joseph (right) present a $200,000 donation to Executive Director Jeffrey Joseph of the Heating Energy Assistance Team Feb. 5. Low-income Georgians throughout the state will have additional financial support to help with the costs of heating their homes this winter. Georgia Natural Gas (GNG), Georgia’s leading natural gas provider, is donating $200,000 to the Heating Energy Assistance Team (HEAT), a nonprofit organization that provides energy assistance statewide to Georgians in need. “Year after year, Georgia Natural Gas has remained committed to supporting HEAT’s…

President Donald J. Trump was found not guilty on Feb. 7, bringing an end to the Senate’s impeachment trial, clearing the path for him to seek re-election and emboldening opponents to defeat him at the ballot box. Trump was acquitted 52-48 on abuse of power, the first article of impeachment. He was acquitted 53-47 on obstruction of justice, the second article of impeachment. The U.S. Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate (67 senators) to convict in an impeachment trial. Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate, while Democrats hold 45. Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth District…

DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office has been selected to participate in the Vera Institute of Justice’s Reshaping Prosecution program, a national initiative focused on criminal justice reform. The program produces ideas, analysis, and research that inspires change in the systems people rely upon for safety and justice. Along with DeKalb, two other counties, including Ingham County in Michigan, and Boulder County in Colorado, were selected for the Vera partnership after demonstrating a strong commitment to working to transform policies, practices, and office culture to address disparities, promote racial equity and increase transparency and accountability…

DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson is inviting the community to the “District 5 Greek Day & Voter Education Symposium” on Thursday, Feb. 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event will be held at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Stonecrest. The District 5 Greek Day and Voter Education symposium will feature presentations by the historically black Greek organizations referred to as the “Divine Nine.” The organizations include: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, founded 1906, Cornell UniversityAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, founded 1908, Howard University Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, founded 1913, Howard University Phi…

Xernona Clayton and Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant pose during the Feb. 2 “Living Legends” recognition. Andrew Young, former Atlanta Mayor and United States Ambassador to the United Nations , will be honored as a “Living Legend” at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church on Feb. 9. The 87-year-old civil rights leader will be recognized during a special portion of the 10 a.m. worship service by Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant as part of the church’s Black History Month celebration. Each Sunday, during the month of February, the New Birth congregation will recognize the contributions of notable African-American icons whose contributions…

The DeKalb County Department of Family & Children Services (DFCS) has relocated its office and all operations to 2300 Parklake Drive, Atlanta as of Monday, Feb. 3. The previous location, 178 Sams Street, Decatur, permanently closed its doors on Friday, Jan. 31. DeKalb County residents now will need to apply for all services at the new location: 2300 Park Lake Drive, Atlanta.Operating hours are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday to walk-in customers – except holidays. The new 113,000-square-foot office building houses over 500 DFCS staff, and is expected to serve more than 100,000 DeKalb families. DFCS, which provides…