Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston More than two-dozen elected prosecutors from across the country met in Atlanta on Sept. 17 with law enforcement leaders to discuss criminal justice reform and how to work together to address racial disparities, shrink the footprint of the justice system and build safer, healthier communities. The symposium focused on how to promote practical strategies and solutions that address longstanding issues around racial equity. The group also discussed a shared vision for justice in the 21st century and how reform-minded criminal justice leaders can support each other in advancing that vision, even in the…

Fieldstone Precinct to be relocated  The Rockdale County Board of Elections regular meeting scheduled has been rescheduled to Sept. 19, 4 p.m., 1261 Commercial Drive, S.W., Suite B, Conyers (drive around to the back of the building). The Board of Elections will hold a special meeting on Thursday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m., for the purpose of hearing public comments regarding the relocation of the Fieldstone Precinct to Chief Cornerstone Community Church, 2900 Salem Road. “If you cannot attend the meeting and would like to provide comments regarding this polling place change, please send your comments via email to me…

The family of Shali Tilson has released videos of Tilson’s final agonizing hours in jail leading up to his death. Tilson, 22, died of dehydration in the Rockdale County Jail on March 12, nine days after he was arrested for disorderly conduct due to a mental health crisis he was experiencing Attorney Mawuli Davis, who  is representing the Tilson family, said a whistle blower recently provided a copy of the video to the Davis Bozeman Law firm.  Davis said that while the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office has had the video in its possession for the last 16 months, it was…

Jordan Lane, between North Decatur Road and Scott Boulevard, will be closed to through-traffic between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., from Thursday, Sept. 19, to Thursday, Oct .31, to install a new water main. Road closure and detour signs will be placed in the area to advise motorists of traffic restrictions. For more information, contact the DeKalb County Roads and Drainage Department at 404-294-2878.

There is a new route that contains no hills for DeKalb County’s fourth annual Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run/Walk. This year’s route, which still begins and ends at Northlake Mall and features a one-mile fun run, is easier because it has no hills. On Saturday, Oct. 19, DeKalb County, along with Susan G. Komen and Northlake Mall, will host the event at Northlake Mall, located at 4800 Briarcliff Rd. NE in Tucker, at 9 a.m. The early registration discount for the 5K and one-mile fun run/walk has been extended through Sept. 27 and is $5 for DeKalb County employees and…

ATLANTA—Gov. Brian P. Kemp is encouraging all qualified Georgians who want to serve in the U.S. Senate to submit their applications online. U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson announced his decision on Aug. 28 to resign from public office at the end of the year. There is no vacancy until Isakson’s formal resignation on Dec. 31, 2019. Under Ga. Const. Art. V, § II, Para. VIII and Ga. Code. Ann. § 21-2-542, the goveron will make a temporary appointment where such person will serve until a special election is held on Nov. 3, 2020. “To ensure an open and transparent appointment…

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit today arrested 27-year-old College Park resident Shauntae Laquana Taylor on a charge of felony murder. According to a warrant issued on Sept. 16, Taylor pistol whipped, then shot Miguel Angel Munoz at a hotel on Executive Park Drive in Brookhaven, causing his death. DeKalb sheriff’s investigators located Taylor at a hotel in College Park, where she was taken into custody without incident and transported to the DeKalb County Jail.

County water supply safe for consumption   DeKalb County’s boil water advisory for the city of Dunwoody has been lifted. Authorities have confirmed that the water supply in all areas of the county is safe for consumption without boiling. “DeKalb County would like to thank our residents, business owners and visitors for their patience and cooperation during the boil water advisory,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “Thanks to the hard work of DeKalb County employees and efforts of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, the county’s water system has returned to normal.” The countywide boil water advisory, which began Saturday…

A young man named “Rico” speaks out about the shooting of two of the suspects, who were his friends. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan Three teens, including a ninth grader, were killed early this morning after attempting to rob three residents at a home on White Oak Court in Rockdale County. According to the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, the three male teens were wearing masks when the shooting occurred on the lawn round 4 a.m. today (Sept. 16). Neighbors said two of the suspects were half brothers and the third suspect was their friend.  The juveniles’ identities  were being withheld.…

Grammy-award winning rapper Kanye West hosted his recent “Sunday Service” at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in the city of Stonecrest on Sunday. The ‘Stronger’ and ‘Jesus Walks’ artist led a 600-person choir, 150 of those traveling from California to join New Birth’s choir and other local singers, for the pop-up praise and worship event. “At a time where unfortunately, the church is becoming less and less relevant to this generation of young people, we are committed to doing all we can to shift that mentality and show that the church is not only relevant but necessary,” said…