Author: On Common Ground News

U.S. Army Lt. Kathy Willis Brown, a 1991 graduate of Columbia High School, was promoted to the rank of colonel during an official ceremony on Saturday, June 16, at the Mary Gay House in Decatur. Lt. Brown was appointed to the United States Military Academy by Congressman John Lewis in 1991. Since then, she has risen through the ranks of the United States Army, seeing tours of duty in South Korea, North Carolina, California and the Pentagon. Lt. Brown has earned more than 10 medals, including recognition of duty in the Iraqi Campaign, Global War on Terrorism, Korean Defense and…

Editor’s Note: The following letter was submitted by activist Josie Dean, who lives in Rockdale County.  The Rockdale County Think Tank Inc. would like to address the two deaths of inmates inside the Rockdale County Sheriff Department’s Jail. We would like to say that those two deaths were an atrocity and uncalled for.  The young lady inmate, Jamie Henry, 40, needed medicine and medical care and died shortly after inside the jail.  The other recent death of Shali Tilson, 22, inside the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Department Jail was simply an inmate who died of thirst. Thirst?? That is the story…

Rockdale District Attorney Alisha Johnson says she is thoroughly reviewing the evidence provided by the Georgia Bureau of Investigations in the death of Shali Tilson, 22. She said she is awaiting the results of the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office concerning the death of Jamie Henry, 40. Both died while in the custody of the Rockdale County Jail.  After completely reviewing all of the evidence, a decision will be made on whether or not to pursue formal charges, Johnson said in a news release dated June 15.   Johnson said her office has received numerous inquiries and requests regarding the March…

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit has arrested Jerell Curtis, a 17-year-old suspect in the murder of Erasmus Pratt in Stone Mountain. On June 9, a warrant was issued for Jerell Curtis charging him with Aggravated Assault and alleging he shot Pratt in the face.  Pratt subsequently died as a result of the shooting and an additional warrant was issued on June 13,  Curtis’ arrest upgrading the charges to Murder. On June 19, members of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit apprehended Curtis in an apartment off Fairington Parkway in Lithonia, where he was taken into custody without incident.

The DeKalb County School District’s new Early Learning Academy at Terry Mill Elementary School will host an open house on Thursday, June 21, 10 a.m.  The school is located at 797 Fayetteville Road SE in Atlanta. More than $3 million was invested to accommodate approximately 200 3-year-old students in pre-kindergarten at the new academy, which will open in August for the 2018-2019 school year. The academy will be offered free of charge. “The Early Learning Academy will awaken an early love of learning for our early childhood students,” said DeKalb Schools Superintendent R. Stephen Green. “The Academy will also…

  The Rockdale County Board of Education (BOE) was recently honored as a 2018 Exemplary Board, the highest status in the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) Board Recognition Program. The Rockdale County BOE also earned Exemplary status in 2015 and 2016. The GSBA Board Recognition Program was paused and revised during 2017 to require an even higher level of commitment from school boards and individual members. “We are extremely proud that the Rockdale County Board of Education has again earned Exemplary status – the highest status conferred by the Georgia School Boards Association,” says RCPS Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts. “Not…

  City of Avondale among 19 governments In Georgia to receive grants, loans The State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) has awarded approximately $18.1 million in funding for 19 transportation infrastructure projects across the state through the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB). Gov. Nathan Deal said the awards would enhance mobility for local communities as well as tourists. “The innovative transportation initiatives receiving these funds will benefit local communities for years to come and reinforce Georgia’s reputation as a top destination for businesses and job creators,” Deal said. SRTA Executive Director Chris Tomlinson said the awards would provide critical funding towards…

Ever wanted a pet, but not the long-term commitment? Already have a pet, but could make room for another for a few weeks? Considering a pet, but not sure if you’re ready to take the plunge? LifeLine Animal Project is seeking temporary foster homes for 50 animals. The agency wants people willing to take in an animal for two weeks to help relieve shelters. LifeLine is currently caring for more than 1,000 animals at the DeKalb and Fulton County Animal Services shelters they manage. LifeLine will supply all of the pet’s supplies and support.  You simply provide the love!  Whether…

The Stonecrest City Council work session will be held June 18, 6 p.m., at City Hall. The work session agenda can be found here. The Stonecrest City Council will meet on Monday, June 18, 7 p.m., at City Hall. The meeting agenda follows the work session agenda.

The Rockdale County District Attorney’s Office has received numerous inquiries and requests regarding the March 12, 2018 death of Shali Tilson, 22, and the May 27, 2018 death of Jamie Henry, 40. Both died at the Rockdale County Jail. In the interest of keeping the Rockdale community informed, the Rockdale County District Attorney’s Office is providing this update. On June 13, 2018, the Rockdale County District Attorney’s Office received the results of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations’ (GBI) examination into Shali Tilson’s death. Rockdale County District Attorney Alisha Adams Johnson is in the process of thoroughly reviewing the…