Author: On Common Ground News

Pictured from left: DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management’s David Hayes, Willie Horton and Darren Eastall accepted the 2019 Collection Systems Gold Award on behalf of the county. The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management(DWM) was recently recognized with a top award for outstanding wastewater collection system operations. “After many years of mismanagement and dysfunction, this award is evidence that the DeKalb County Watershed Management Departmenthas made verifiable progress and improvement,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “DeKalb has prioritized enhancing customer service, properly treating wastewater to protect the environment and ensuring the viability and integrity of the system.”…

(D-Stone Mountain), chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC), said the GLBC stands against the health care waiver proposals by Gov. Brian Kemp. Rep. Bennett, along with leaders of the House Democratic Caucus, Senate Democratic Caucus and a representative for the Latino and Asian American Pacific Islander caucuses, held a press conference on Dec. 3 to voice their opposition to the proposals. “Health care is a right that should be afforded to all Georgians,” said Rep. Bennett. “We, at the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, cannot in good conscience support policy that ignores the needs of an estimated 600,000 Georgia…

Rockdale County Board of Commissioners’ Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. is hosting The Pastor’s Table on Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, 6 p.m., at Coaxum’s Low Country Cuisine, 1300 Iris Dr SW, Conyers. Local faith leaders in Rockdale County will network and speak with the Chairman and other religious leaders, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about opportunities to serve the community. Senior level church leaders in Rockdale are encouraged to attend. Space is limited to only one senior level religious leader or associate religious leader per house of prayer. Space is available on a first come, first-served basis. The theme for the event is “Fish and Grits.” The…

Officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will assist military veterans and their spouses with claims and compensation on Dec. 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. All veterans and/or their spouses in the metro area are urged to attend, said retired Lt. Col. Amos King, who heads Justice for Veterans. “This will be the third annual event. It’s an opportunity for veterans to get the help they need in applying for claims and compensation. Officials will be on site who can provide an update on their claim or help…

  Public celebration set Dec. 16  Melody M. Maddox officially took the reigns as DeKalb County’s new sheriff after the Thanksgiving holiday. Maddox was sworn in on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019 by DeKalb County Superior Court Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson to fill the unexpired term of Jeffrey Mann, who retired at the end of November.  Maddox becomes the county’s 50th sheriff and the first woman to hold the position. Maddox was appointed Chief Deputy Sheriff in July of this year to fill the position held by Reginald B. Scandrett, who retired in June. A Decatur resident, Maddox became Chief…

Culinary Specialist Seaman Recruit Cameron Spivey, from Conyers, slices up turkey for the holiday feast on Nov. 28. Russell is underway conducting routine training in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Photo by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Lynch

“A president holding an American ally over a barrel to extract personal favors is deeply troubling.” Hank Johnson  WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth District, questioned Constitutional experts that were called in on Wednesday, Dec. 4, as the House Judiciary Committee began its first formal impeachment proceedings. The hearing set the wheels in motion for the conceptual framework for what could soon be articles of impeachment against President Trump. During the hearing, Johnson questioned Professor Noah Feldman, of Harvard University, and Professor Pamela S. Karlan, of Stanford University. The scholars examined the framework of high crimes…

The three people that Rockdale County Sheriff’s deputies found dead at 4122 Sweetwater Lane in Conyers on Dec. 2 are believed to be the result of a domestic dispute, according to authorities. Authorities said in a news release today that the three deceased persons knew each other and were related. Deputies found the victims after responding to a welfare check at the residence around 2:30 p.m. on Monday. The deceased persons have been identified as Michael Curry, 50, Conyers; Jaydah Curry, 25, of Conyers; and Joshua Baker, 19, address unknown. The Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the case,…

Revonda Cosby (third from left), the incoming Executive Director of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance with members of the Board search committee and outgoing Executive Director Mera Cardenas (second from right). The board of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance announced today (Dec. 4) that Revonda Cosby has been selected to succeed Mera Cardenas as the Alliance’s executive director. Cosby will begin in the new role on Thursday, Dec. 5, as Cardenas helps her to make the transition into the lead position. Cardenas, who had served the nonprofit for nearly a decade, announced in October that she would…

Today (Dec. 4), Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced his appointment of successful businesswoman Kelly Loeffler to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Senator Isakson, effective Dec. 31. “From the farm to the New York Stock Exchange, Kelly Loeffler has lived the American Dream. I’m confident that she will work every single day to keep that same dream alive for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come. Kelly Loeffler will stand with the President, Senator Perdue, and their allies in the U.S. House and Senate,” said Governor Kemp.”I’m excited to appoint Georgia’s first female Senator in nearly 100 years…