Author: On Common Ground News

By Mackenzie N. Morgan  Volunteers from across Rockdale County and Atlanta including students, teachers, and volunteers from the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Explorers program teamed up to help a special group of campers learn to ride a bicycle. The iCan Bike Camp, now in its fifth year, hosted 21 campers ranging from 8 years old to 43 years old, at Memorial Middle School in Conyers June 25-29. The volunteers offered a hand spotting riders during the weeklong camp. “By Day 3, we had six riders riding on two wheels without assistance. It’s amazing to see their faces filled with such…

The Office of Youth Services is currently seeking applicants who are interested in serving on the DeKalb County Youth Commission. The Youth Commission is a leadership program that provides youth with opportunities to learn about the roles of county government, participate in civic and community activities, and represent the views of DeKalb County youth. There are currently 14 scheduled vacancies on the DeKalb County Youth Commission. To apply, applicants must be DeKalb County residents entering grades 10-12. The application deadline is Wednesday, July 18. To register, go to www.dekalbcountyga.gov/youth-services/upcoming-events and click on the “student application” graphic. For more information on…

DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency is hosting two free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Workshops.  The first nine-week workshop begins on July 10 and will be held on Tuesday from 7–9:30 p.m. at DeKalb Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker. A second nine-week CERT workshop for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, with certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, begins on July 12 and will be held on Thursdays from 7–9:30 p.m. at DeKalb Fire Rescue Headquarters. Participants of the DeKalb CERT program coordinate their response during the search and rescue exercise. Participants learn what to do before, during…

By Sheriff Eric J. Levett The Hands-Free Georgia Act takes effect July 1. The law will require drivers to use hands-free technology when using cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. If you’re driving through Georgia get used to putting the phone down. Those cited will face a $150 fine, with fines as high as $900 for repeat offenders. First time offenders can receive 1 point against their driver’s licenses, with up to 4 points for repeat offenders. The law states that phone conversations and other forms of electronic communications can only be conducted with hands-free technology such as…

By Valerie J. Morgan Community activist Josie Dean said during a June 26 news conference that Rockdale County Sheriff’s officials are trying to silence her from speaking out about the two people who died while they were in custody of the Rockdale jail. Dean said she concurs with Attorney Mawuli Davis, who is representing the families of the deceased, that the jail deaths are the result of negligence. She said the sheriff’s office is harassing her in a threatening manner over her public statements.  The Georgia Bureau of Investigations determined that Shali Tilson, 22, died of severe dehydration on…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Capitol was shut down today (June 26) after authorities responded to a veteran who set himself on fire using gasoline and fireworks. Authorities say the unidentified veteran, who was protesting his treatment by the V.A. was extinguished and rushed to a local hospital. Authorities said no one else was hurt. Authorities had K-9 teams on the scene to investigate A bomb robot and K-9 teams were brought to the scene to check for explosives. Kenley Waller, who owns Kenley’s Catering in downtown Atlanta, said the scene was “All of the streets were shut down near the Capitol.…

THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED A man who is accused of brutally sexually assaulting two women in their home in Clarkston is in custody.  Corey C. Griffin, 48, was arrested on June 24 on a warrant by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office after Atlanta Police received a 911 tip.   Police had been searching for Griffin since April when other attacks happened in the Stone Mountain area but had no address for him.  The Atlanta Police Department responded to a 911 tip after a BOLO was issued for Griffin and someone reported his whereabouts. Atlanta Police captured him and held him…

  DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has nominated Rita Scott to the MARTA board of directors. If approved, Scott would become the first African-American woman to represent DeKalb County on the board. “Rita Scott will advocate for needed transit expansion and improvements throughout DeKalb County, particularly in south DeKalb and other underserved areas,” CEO Thurmond said. “Her experience in governmental affairs and community activism will be an asset to transit officials and riders alike.” Since 2004, Scott has worked with Communication Workers of America as a political director, lobbying on behalf of workers and workers’ rights. “I am excited and…

State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia), in partnership with Pastor Eric Lee, Sr. of Springfield Baptist Church, will host “Getting a Grip on House Bill 673: Everything You Need to Get a Handle on the Hands-Free Law” on Wednesday, June 27, 7 – 8 p.m., at Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers. The Hands-Free Georgia Act, which was passed during the 2018 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly, creates a hands-free driving law in Georgia that will take effect on July 1, 2018. During the forum, Rep. Carter along with Judge Ronald Ramsey, a representative from Georgia’s Public Information Office…

DeKalb community activist Ed Williams said he plans to ask Georgia’s Superior Court to rescind the 66 percent pay raise the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved for themselves on Feb. 27.  Williams said he is filing a Writ of Mandamus with superior court following Attorney General Chris Carr’s determination that although the board violated the state’s open meeting law and approved the raises, it’s too late to undo the commissioners’ action.   “I am going to insist that the DeKalb BOC compensation ordinance 2018-1773  be rescinded,” said Williams, who said he also plans to ask the DeKalb County Ethics Board…