Author: On Common Ground News

Tammy L. Grimes took the oath of office on Dec.17, becoming the newest District 5 Councilmember for the city of Stonecrest. Grimes’ inauguration marked another chapter for the city, which became DeKalb County’s largest municipality with more than 50,000 residents when it was incorporated in 2017. Attorney Noreen Banks-Ware, a long-time friend of Grimes, administered the oath of office. Grimes was flanked by her husband, Reginald; son, Reginald II; and two daughters, Taylor and Tylar as they all stood before a packed crowd at City Hall. Grimes’ father and mother, Willie and Alean Tayton, and Grimes’ sister, Dr. Sheila Tayton,…

DeKalb Sheriff Melody Maddox joins Chief Deputy Randy Akies and Chaplain Curtis Crocker to distribute toys at the agency’s 14thAnnual Adopt-A-Family Holiday Party. (Photo by DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office) The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office’s 14thAdopt-A-Family program held Dec. 19 was an exciting occasion for kids from Bethany Foster Care and DeKalb County Department of  Family and Children’s Services  who will now be able to celebrate the holiday with loads of gifts. Earlier this season, the Sheriff’s Office held its annual Chili Cook-off, where guests tasted and judged each other’s culinary skills.  Proceeds and individual donations paid for bikes, electronics, clothes…

 DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is speaking out about the growing prevalence of dollar stores and the negative impact they are having on communities from a health standpoint and on local grocers locally and nationally. Cochran-Johnson joined a national conversation on the subject during the Dec. 8 CBS “Sunday Morning” interview with Special Contributor Allison Aubrey. DeKalb County and Moville, Iowa were featured in the segment, along with business owners and case studies from across the United States. The issue is one that prompted DeKalb’s Board of Commissioners (BOC) to approve a 45-day moratorium on dollar stores this week.…

Joshua Bryant, Tiffany Swanson, Aaron Johnson The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has arrested all three suspects wanted in connection with the Dec. 5 beating and carjacking of 74-year-old Rosa Smith. Joshua Bryant, 20, of Atlanta, and Tiffany Swanson, 19, of Statesboro—were arrested on Dec. 19 and booked into the DeKalb County Jail. The first suspect, Aaron Johnson, 17, of Atlanta surrendered to police and has been in custody at the DeKalb County Jail since Dec. 11 on robbery and elder abuse charges. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit, working with U.S. Marshals and Atlanta Police Department arrested Bryant and Swanson  on…

The man who shot an employee at the Dart Container manufacturing plant in Conyers is now in custody at Rockdale County Jail. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Cameron Golden of Arkansas, is being held on charges of murder and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime. Authorities still have not given a motive for the shooting.  The shooting happened on Friday, Dec. 13. The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office responded to a “shots fired” call at 6:58 a.m. at the Dart manufacturing plant, located at  1455 GA-138. Upon arrival, deputies found one male with a gunshot wound…

Customers will see an increase in their Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) and Georgia Power bills beginning in January 2020. The typical AGL residential customer’s bill will go up by about $2.54 per month, about a 4 percent increase. The Georgia Power bill will go up by about $6 a month, which also represents about 4 percent increase. The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the Georgia Power increase on Dec. 17. The $1.77 billion increase, which will fund improved infrastructure, will be phased in over a three-year period, officials said. Officials said AGL’s $65 million rate hike, approved on Dec.…

The Conyers Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating the male suspect pictured. On Nov. 25, the suspect shoplifted multiple tool kits from Home Depot, 1330 Dogwood Drive, Conyers. He was seen leaving the scene inside of a red Ford Expedition on the passenger side of the vehicle. Tipsterswill remain anonymous and are asked to contact Crime Stoppers with anyinformation:  404-577-TIPS (8477)  or visit www.CrimeStoppersAtlanta.org. BOLO CS 19-117286

The state of Georgia is replacing all voting machines by the March 24 presidential primary with a new voting system. In the wake of this change, DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson wants to ensure all DeKalb residents experience how to use the new voting machine and have the opportunity to check their voting status. Cochran-Johnson is hosting a town hall meeting for the public on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 6 to 8 p.m., at Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. Citizens will have a chance to try out the machines ahead of the town hall, from 4 to…

Rockdale County Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten will perform a mass wedding ceremony for couples who want to get married on New Year’s Day. Judge Aten is hosting the wedding ceremony at 2 p.m. in the Magistrate Courtroom, 948 Bank Street, Conyers. Couples must bring a valid marriage license and government-issued identification with them. Pre-registration is required. There is no cost for the wedding ceremony and guests are welcome. “Rockdale’s reputation as a wonderful community for families is widespread. The hundreds of free courthouse weddings that I’ve performed are an expression of my commitment to uplifting and supporting our families…

By Mackenzie N. Morgan OCG Staff Writer Students from Freedom Middle School being recognized for collecting over 500 toiletries for low-income students and families at a special ceremony Dec. 12. Newly elected Stonecrest District 5 City Councilwoman Tammy Grimes attended the special event. A local Waffle House sponsored and served the students a hot breakfast for their commitment to serving the community. While most kids are making wish lists during this time of year, a group of students from Freedom Middle School took time to help others in need this holiday season. About 30 students…