Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson is urging the community to unite against gun violence plaguing neighborhoods. Johnson is hosting a Prayer with a Purpose Walk & Rally on Friday, June 15, 6:30 p.m., at New Life Church, 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur.  “As concerned community activists and residents, we will not allow violence to continue to ravish our neighborhoods without a fight. It is time for us to rise up and show that we will not tolerate the senseless killings,” Johnson said. “Please come out and join us if you are willing to take a stand and be a voice…

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced the 25 students who were nominated to attend a U.S. Service Academy: Military Academy (West Point), Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy and Merchant Marine Academy. Six of the 25 students who were nominated received appointments to attend a Service Academy. Every year, members of Congress nominate students to attend the nation’s military academies. Those nominees who are accepted into the academies are awarded four-year scholarships that include tuition, books, room and board, medical and dental care.  The average award per appointment is worth $425,000. “Each year, I consider it an honor to…

By Ruth A. Wilson, Clerk of Courts   The right to trial by jury is a cornerstone of our Democracy. It is both an obligation and a right of American citizenship. The U.S. courts cannot function properly without the active involvement and cooperation of the public. It puts the power in the hands of the people to decide guilt or liability. It should not be taken lightly under any circumstances. When you receive your jury summons, DO NOT ignore it under penalty of law and possibly an even greater inconvenience.  If you have an issue that prevents you from serving on…

WorkSource DeKalb announces its Mobile Career Center schedule for June. The center will be stationed at locations throughout the county to help put DeKalb residents back to work. The mobile unit brings job assistance to residents of DeKalb by conveniently traveling all over the county. Residents have access to services such as job search assistance, workshops, training and resume writing and interviewing tips. Businesses also use the mobile unit for interviewing, training, pre-employment screenings or recruiting. The Mobile Career Center also aids residents interested in applying for the DeKalb year-round internship program.  The program provides short-term internship opportunities for low-income…

By Valerie J. Morgan Rockdale County Sheriff’s officials say they are preparing for “agitators” this Saturday (June 9) as organizers rally to demand justice for two people who died in the custody of the Rockdale County Jail. Shali Tilson, 22, a Rockdale resident, and Jamie K. Henry, 40, died less than three months apart while they were held at the Rockdale County Jail. Their deaths have sparked an outcry from several activists and groups, including the Rockdale NAACP, which is demanding immediate action and accountability from Sheriff Eric Levett. Chief Deputy Dale Holmes, second in command at the Sheriff’s…

Democratic incumbent Steve Henson remained the winner of the State Senate District 41 race, after elections officials recounted the ballots on June 6. Challenger Sabrina McKenzie requested a recount after provisional ballots were counted and the election results were certified following the May 22 elections. Henson had 111 votes more than McKenzie. Elections officials said there was no change in the results. District 41 covers parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. While Henson narrowly dominated DeKalb, McKenzie received more support from Gwinnett voters.   After all of the DeKalb precinct ballots were recounted, DeKalb Supervisor of Elections Erica…

UPDATE: Congregation members of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church are expected to hear tonight from church officials about the new transition plan since Bishop Stephen A. Davis has resigned as pastor. Church officials did not state in its news release earlier today (June 6) who would replace Bishop Davis. Davis, who had served as interim senior pastor of New Birth since the death of Bishop Eddie L. Long home in January 2017, said he is resigning so that he can concentrate on the ministry that he founded in Birmingham, AL. Bishop Davis said he is bittersweet about stepping down.…

CITY OF STONECREST, GEORGIA Honorable Mayor Jason Lary, Sr. Council Member Jimmy Clanton, Jr. – District 1   Council Member Rob Turner- District 2 Council Member Jazzmin Cobble – District 3          Council Member George Turner- District 4 Council Member Diane Adoma – District 5 AMENDED WORK SESSION AGENDA June 6, 2018 Immediately following City Council Meeting Stonecrest City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Blvd. Stonecrest, Georgia CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Jason Lary PRESENTATION: Peggy Allen of DeKalb County Public Works / Road Analysis Christian Burner/ Quicket Solutions  

  Sabrina McKenzie has requested a recount in the State Senate District 41 race. Incumbent Steve Henson had a 111 vote lead over McKenzie in the May 22 primary. Henson received 50.40% (6,928 votes) while McKenzie received 49.60% (6,817 votes). District 41 covers parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. McKenzie commanded the lead among Gwinnett County voters, garnering 62.28% (1,179 votes), while Henson received 52.43% of support (6,214 votes) in DeKalb County. A recount of the votes cast will be held on Wednesday, June 6, at 9 a.m., at the office of the DeKalb County Board of Registration & Elections,…

  On Thursday, June 7, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Glendale Drive, just south of McAfee Road, will be closed to through-traffic to facilitate the installation of a new water valve equipment. The repairs are part of the Glendale Drive Water Main Replacement Project. Signs will be placed in the area advising motorists about construction work and local traffic restrictions. Flaggers will also be present to direct motorists safely through the construction work zone. MARTA buses will be rerouted around the construction zone. Motorists are encouraged to plan for traffic delays. For more information, visit the DWM website at www.dekalbwatershed.com,…