Author: On Common Ground News

Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) has commissioned more than 30 local officials and representatives to serve on his  Complete Count Committee to help spread the word about the importance of the 2020 U.S. Census. “It’s all about two critical parts that can impact our government and society as a whole: funding and representation,” said Congressman Johnson who represents several miscounted and undercounted communities in Georgia’s Fourth District. “The 2020 Census is quickly approaching. The United States’ founders thought this data was so important they mandated it as part of the Constitution, and my office will do everything in its power to make sure…

DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson attended the DeKalb County Homeless Symposium on Oct. 11. The event brought together the community and professionals who work with the homeless population from across the region to share information on strategic planning, policy initiatives, programs and best practices concerning the homeless population. The symposium was sponsored by DeKalb County Community Development and Our House, Inc., United Way of Greater Atlanta and DeKalb County Continuum of Care. Cochran-Johnson participated in the 15th Annual TEA Walk on Oct. 12. More than 3,000 residents came together for a 2-mile empowerment walk on Buford Highway to promote…

Dr. Barbara Hall is hosting a “Stop the Violence” panel discussion on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Road. The moderator-led panel will have an open dialogue about the rash of violence in South DeKalb County.  Panelists include law enforcement officials, community leaders and Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary. Residents are encouraged to attend to ask questions and offer solutions.  

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is now accepting applications for Fourth District congressional nominations to the military service academies – U.S. Military Academy (West Point, NY), the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD), the U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO) and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point. NY) – for the Class of 2024. The deadline for receipt of completed applications and supporting materials is Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. in the Congressman’s district office. All complete applications will be evaluated, and qualified applicants will be invited to interview with Johnson’s Academy Nomination Review Board. To learn more about the…

  Stand with DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling as she helps DeKalb families build healthy relationships during “Sunday Night Lights” on Oct. 20, 4 p.m., at New Life Church, 3592 Flat Shoals. DeKalb families are invited to take part in discussions focused on conflict resolution led by certified facilitators over dinner. Solicitor-General Coleman-Stribling received funding from DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond to expand domestic violence prevention programs through her office. With the additional funding, the Solicitor created the #NOTinmyDEKALB initiative. The domestic violence prevention and mentorship campaign features two programs: Because We Are Family and Sunday Night Lights. For more…

Visions of the Minds and the Rockdale County Think Tank will present the annual Community Day of Giving Fall Fest and Health Fair on Saturday, Oct. 26, 5 to 8:30 p.m., at 1524 Flat Shoals Road, Conyers. he family event will include costume contests, music, face painting, arts and crafts, bounce houses, karaoke, games, prizes, free health screenings, food and clothing distribution

DeKalb-Peachtree Airport has hired Korey A.L. Barnes as its noise and environmental analyst. Barnes has more than eight years of experience at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport working with Delta Airlines and City of Atlanta Department of Aviation. Barnes manages noise abatement and environmental programs to ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws. He also conducts noise monitoring analysis and evaluation, monitors water sample collections for environmental purposes, implements procedures to reduce aircraft noise and manages environmental events for stormwater compliance. Barnes received a bachelor’s degree and master of science degree in aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He is also…

Parsons Corporation, a leading cybersecurity technology provider, is expanding its operations at the Georgia Cyber Center by adding more than 80 new jobs in Augusta. Gov. Brian Kemp praised the expansion and the high-quality jobs that will be created. “We are thrilled a leading cybersecurity company like Parsons is seeing rapid growth at the Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta,” said emp. “This expansion showcases the Cyber Center’s tremendous impact on the cyber industry in our state and the CSRA. These additional, high-quality jobs will only add to Georgia’s resume as a national leader in the cyber industry and a key…

Arizona’s restaurant in the city of Stonecrest plans to celebrate its re-opening under new ownership. Gizelle Bryant from The Real Housewives of Potomactelevision series announced that her daughters would be taking over ownership of the restaurant. Bryant is the ex-wife of Pastor Jamal Bryant, who serves as lead pastor at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in the city of Stonecrest. They share three daughters: Grace, 13, and twins Angel and Adore, 12. On Oct. 15, Bryant posted a picture on social media announcing a ribbon cutting ceremony for the girls’ new restaurant. “Sooo excited about my girls starting their own road of…

The DeKalb County Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating the suspect they believe fatally shot an Ellenwood man. Police found the body of Frankie Tyrone Russell, 48, on the floor near the dining room inside his residence, located in the 2300 block of Deer Springs Drive in Ellenwood on Oct. 5. Police were dispatched to the home after an alarm was activated by the garage door, which they found open when they arrived. Investigators said Russell was found with a single gunshot wound to the left side of his head. They said they believe Russell and…