Author: On Common Ground News

June 16 @ 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm Bring your bike and sense of adventure for a 6-mile, round-trip ride to the Lithonia Farmers Market for opening day. We’ll make a brief stop to hike the 1.5 mile Vaughters’ Farm Meadow Loop trail where you’ll learn about the cultural history and lands of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. Don’t forget to bring your shopping bags and cash for the market. For more information, call 770-484-3060. Details Date: June 16 Time: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm Venue Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center 3787 Klondike Rd. Lithonia, GA 30038  Phone: 770-484-3060

June 17 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Free This Father’s Day, families are welcome to spend quality time together in nature with Ranger Meredith for a leisurely one mile hike to Arabia Lake. Bring your own gear if you have it but we will also provide rods and bait for anyone who doesn’t. Bring plenty of water and dress for the weather; snacks will be provided. For more information, call 770-484-3060. Details Date: June 17 Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Cost: Free Organizer Davidson–Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve Phone: 770-492-5220 Website: http://www.co.dekalb.ga.us/natural_resources/wonders.html Venue Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center 3787 Klondike Rd.…

Today, Oz Nesbitt, Sr., chairman of the Rockdale Board of Commissioners, offered condolences to the families of Jamie Henry and Shali Tilson, whose deaths sparked a nearly two-hour protest at the Rockdale County Jail this past Saturday. Nesbitt’s remarks came 92 days after the death of Tilson, 22, and nearly three weeks after Henry, a 40-year-old mother who died while in the custody of the Rockdale jail. In offering his condolences, Nesbitt explained in a video released at 9:30 a.m. today (June 12) why he had not said anything publicly about the deaths until now. “Recently, people have been asking…

For the next six years, DeKalb County homeowners will receive an estimated $110 million annually in property tax relief. The $660 million tax cut is the result of the passage of two measures in November 2017—the Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST) and the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). “This is a rare moment in local governance,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “We are experiencing a harmonic convergence in DeKalb: property values are rising, homeowner taxes are decreasing and the county is poised to make critical investments that will improve our roads, streets, public safety and other…

By Travis Hudgons At today’s Board of Commissioners’ meeting, DeKalb County Commissioner Gregory Adams refuted the “vicious lies” he said are circulating about him during an emotional outpouring. “I didn’t run for office to be picked on, to be criticized, to be mocked, or to be humiliated,” said Adams, fighting back tears as he spoke. “The love and respect I have for people is very high. I have never disrespected a woman, and I never will.” Although Adams did not elaborate on the “lies,” he is facing a civil suit as he prepares for a runoff f against Lorraine Cochran-Johnson…

The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a team of suspects involved in a violent carjacking that took place at Panola Way Elementary School. District officials say a construction worker on the renovation project at Panola Way Elementary School was injured during a carjacking on Monday, June 11. The worker’s white Toyota Tundra was taken from the school, and three young men driving a gray four-door Mercedes Benz with tinted windows were identified as the perpetrators. The worker suffered significant injuries and is receiving treatment at a local hospital after being dragged…

  Rockdale County Deputy James Patrick Campbell was terminated on Monday after two more women, including a 17-year-old, came forward and accused him of stalking, the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office said today. “This behavior is definitely not reflective of this agency and will not be tolerated,” Sheriff Eric Levett said in a statement. Campbell had been on paid administrative leave since he was arrested on May 27 on the first stalking charges involving a woman and her daughter. The initial complaint against Campbell was filed on May 19 with the Office of Professional Standards. An internal affairs investigation was turned over…

The DeKalb Library Board of Trustees recently announced a “Fine-Free Summer” starting June 1 and ending Aug. 31.  During this time, any materials from the children’s and teen’s collections can be returned late without incurring fines. The program applies to books, audiobooks, music CDs and some DVDs. Library patrons will still be fined for lost or damaged items. For more details about the “Fine-Free Summer” program, library branch locations, and hours of operation, visit dekalblibrary.org.

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Zoning Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, June 26, at 9 a.m. has been canceled. There are no items to be heard

ATLANTA – Georgia’s big jackpots are growing. Tuesday’s Mega Millions jackpot is $144 million, and Wednesday’s Powerball jackpot is an estimated $121 million. The Mega Millions jackpot has grown since May 8 and has rolled 10 times. Mega Millions offers two jackpot payment options: the $144 million annuity prize paid out as one immediate payment followed by 29 annual graduated payments; or the cash option, which is approximately $85 million. Powerball began growing May 23 and has rolled 6 times. Powerball offers two jackpot payment options: the $121 million jackpot prize paid over 29 years in 30 graduated payments;…