Author: On Common Ground News

  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…

PDK launches new tracking system DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK) is preparing for an increase in operations Dec. 5-8 due to the NCAA SEC Championship game scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Increase in operations could affect noise and traffic around the airport. Meanwhile, the PDK Airport has launched a new system for submitting complaints and tracking flights. The system, called PublicVue, allows the public to view radar data for planes departing and arriving at the airport. The radar feed is under a 10-minute security delay, per Federal Aviation Administration regulations. PublicVue also provides residents…

Tammy Grimes is the winner of the Stonecrest District 5 seat runoff, according to unofficial results from DeKalb County elections officials.  The results initially sent did not include all of the precincts. Here are the latest results.

Less than 100 voters have participated in today’s election runoff for the Stonecrest City Council District 5 seat. As of 3:30 p.m., 98 ballots had been cast. There are 9,189 registered voters in District 5. Tammy Grimes and Dave Marcus are vying for the unexpired term of former City Councilwoman Diane Adoma. Elections officials reported 142 ballots were cast during advance voting, which ended Nov. 27. District 5 voters have until 7 p.m. this evening to go to the polls. District 5 voting precincts include Murphey Candler Elementary School, Flat Rock Elementary, Stoneview Elementary and Woodrow Road (New Birth Missionary Baptist…

Have you ever wanted to start your own business, but had no idea where to begin? Or, are you looking for effective strategies to grow your brand? These questions – and more – will be answered during Girl Boss, a free entrepreneurship panel presented by the Decatur-DeKalb Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. The discussion will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Stonecrest Salon Suite Conference Room, 7342 Stonecrest Concourse, Stonecrest. The all-female roundtable will feature entrepreneurs from multiple professions, including brand management, law, cosmetology, and chiropractic medicine. Attendees will…