Author: On Common Ground News

The Stonecrest City Council tonight (Jan. 27) deferred a decision on a request for a rezoning and special land use permit for a gas station/assisted living facility at 3320-3300 Turner Hill Road. The council approved a 12-month deferral after city staff advised that one of the applicants was unable to attend tonight’s public hearing because his wife died after injuries from a volcano eruption that occurred while the couple was recently vacationing in New Zealand. Three people spoke against the project, while none spoke in favor of it during the public hearing portion of the City Council meeting. Attorney Bernard…

Saint Phillip AME Social Action Commission and the Coalition for the People’s Agenda will present “Count Us! I Got My Brother’s Back, Census 2020.” Fred McBride, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law, will be the keynote speaker at the event, which will be held on Thursday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m., 240 Candler Rd SE, Atlanta. The public is encouraged to attend. There is no admission fee. For more information call Beatrice Williams at 404-386-7461 or the church at 404-371-0749.

Congressman Henry “Hank” Johnson (GA-04) is kicking off the 2020 Census count campaign with a video to promote the count and encourage community leaders and stakeholders to get involved. The video was shot in the Democratic Congressional Studio and will be featured on all of the congressman’s social media outlets. “The census informs how billions of dollars are allocated every year to health clinics, schools, affordable housing, and hundreds of other critical services and programs that make a difference in our lives every day,” said Johnson in the video. “It only takes a few minutes, but the impact will be…

State Rep. Sandra Scott (District 76) has introduced legislation that would allow health care providers in bordering states to provide OB-GYN services to women in Georgia who are enrolled in Georgia’s Medicaid program. “House Bill 800 would help save lives by providing more access to OB-GYN medical care for Georgia women,” said Scott, who represents citizens who live in portions of Clayton and Henry counties.  “For example, if a person lives in Calvary, Georgia, they are approximately 23 miles from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital but about 60 miles from Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany. It would be easier…

The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the passing away of one of its investigators. Investigator John Cole Haynie passed away on Saturday (Jan. 25) after a courageous month-long medical battle. Investigator Haynie was an 8-year veteran with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. He joined the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 3, 2012 as a Detention Deputy within the Jail Division. He was promoted to a Certified Sheriff’s Deputy on March 21, 2014 after successful completion of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.) mandate academy. Investigator Haynie served in the Uniform Patrol Division for five years,…

The 50+ Ministry will be hosting their annual Black History Program on Feb. 22, 2 to 5 p.m. The celebration will pay homage to all of the wonderful accomplishments of African Americans. Click here to purchase tickets.

On Jan. 12, at approximately 4:30 p.m., two male suspects shoplifted two televisions and a home projector from Walmart, 1436 Dogwood Drive, Conyers.  The subject in all black threatened a Walmart employee with pepper spray once confronted at the exit.  The two fled in what appears to be a silver 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer.   Any information leading to the arrest of these persons of interest may result in a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.   Tipsters will remain anonymous and are asked to contact Crime Stoppers with any information: Call:404.577.TIPS (8477) Click: www.CrimeStoppersAtlanta.org

Stonecrest City Council meeting will take place on Monday, Jan. 27 at Stonecrest City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Blvd., Stonecrest, Work session begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by the city council meeting at 7 p.m. No agenda available at time of posting.

State Sen. Tonya Anderson, District 43, discussing the hair bill at the DeKalb Cultural Exchange community breakfast meeting on Jan. 11. Left to right: State Sen. Nikema Williams posted the “Professional Hair” graphic g on her Facebook page to demonstrate the versatility of black hair styles deemed suitable for the workplace.  James “Jamie” Lary(center) said men are not exempt from hair discrimination. Rockdale County hair stylist Brittany Bryant said the majority of her clients come to her in search of hair solutions that consider style, function and professional appeal. By Mackenzie N. Morgan Staff Writer State Sen. Tonya…