Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County announced today(Aug. 22) that it is making recreation centers and libraries throughout the county available as cooling centers due to a heat advisory. As defined by the National Weather Service’s Peachtree City Forecast Office, a heat advisory is issued when “feels like” temperatures are expected to reach or be greater than 103 degrees, or when the actual air temperature is expected to be at 105 degrees or greater. All DeKalb County libraries and recreation centers will be available as cooling centers, during the locations’ normal business hours. For a list of DeKalb County recreation centers, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/weather. A…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – The Gwinnett County Police Department needs the public’s help in locating Jamel Leslie Cooke, 44, who is wanted for shooting a female at a local hotel. Cooke  has active warrants for Aggravated Assault, Armed Robbery, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, authorities said. His current location is unknown. Cooke is considered armed and dangerous. On Tuesday, Aug. 15, at around 12:00 p.m., officers assigned to the West Precinct were dispatched to a “person shot” call at 5945 Oakbrook Parkway in unincorporated Norcross. When…

CONYERS, GA. – Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is honoring 104 students recently named 2023 Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars – including two AP Capstone Diploma recipients and one AP Seminar and Research Certificate recipient – for their outstanding performance on the 2022-2023 exams. This is an increase of 21 students from the previous year with all three of our high schools represented among AP Scholars. The percentage of RCPS students scoring 3 or higher also increased 5 percentage points over the previous year. “I commend our Advanced Academics Coordinator and her outstanding team to include our gifted specialist, school counselors, school…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Community activist Josie Dean is calling on the community to stand in unity with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis as Fulton officials await the surrender of Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants in the Georgia election case. The former president and his 18 associates have until Aug. 25 to turn themselves in to the Fulton County Sheriff’s officials after being criminally charged as  being part of a “criminal enterprise” that conspired to overturn Trump’s electoral defeat. Last week, CNN reported that the FBI was looking into allegations of threats against Fulton County officials, including Willis. Threats reportedly have…

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UPDATE: DeKalb County Police have arrested the child’s father, 23-year-old Artavious North  and  charged him with making False Statements and False Report of a Crime.  North was arrested on Thursday, Aug. 17.    Investigators said there was no armed robbery or kidnapping in DeKalb County.  The location of 2-year-old J’asiah Mitchell is still unknown. At this time, the East Point Police Department will be the lead investigating agency, the DeKalb County Police Department stated. All future inquires should be directed to their department.  Update: The DeKalb County Police Department is investigating a report of a missing child.  Two-Year-old…

On Common Ground News extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the Rev. Steven N. Dial. While my wife, Val, and I were saddened to learn of his passing this morning, we rejoice in knowing that he is with our Father. Rev. Dial was an awesome leader who not only had a deep commitment and love for his congregation at Rainbow Park Baptist Church in Decatur, but DeKalb County and the metro Atlanta community at large.  For years, Rev. Dial hosted the Jan. 1 Jubilee Day Celebration for the DeKalb County NAACP at Rainbow Park Baptist. His church…

DECATUR,GA – Today, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond proposed to the Board of Commissioners a tax cut that is projected to save DeKalb homeowners $1 billion over a six-year period. In November, DeKalb County voters will have the opportunity to approve a $1 billion plan. The relief would come from a proposed  Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST) credit for homeowners who qualify for a homestead exemption. If approved, this relief would begin in 2024. “The proposed EHOST tax relief is part of a comprehensive strategy to improve housing affordability, counter gentrification and increase the marketability of homes,” CEO Thurmond…

  ATLANTA –MARTA will celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop with a free customer event at Five Points Station on Friday, Aug. 18, 3 to 6 p.m. Like hip hop, MARTA is an integral part of Atlanta’s history, and the system has served as  a muse and featured in many prominent hip hop tracks. Friday’s celebration will include a hip hop inspired photo booth, MARTA merchandise, and lots of great hip hop music (the radio edits, so bring the kids!) spun by DJ Sed the Saint Sed The Saint | International DJ and Startup Founder (djsed.com) and @sedthesaint on Instagram.…