Author: On Common Ground News

The family of Shali Tilson, their attorneys and community activists will hold a press conference on Thursday (May 31), 2 p.m., at the Rockdale County Jail, 911 Chambers Drive, Conyers. Tilson’s family and supporters plan to discuss the results of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s autopsy report as well as the details of a community march to be held on Saturday, June 9 to for justice in the case. Tilson, 22, was found dead on March 12 in the Rockdale County Jail, nine days after he was arrested on misdemeanor charges. GBI medical examiners attributed Tilson’s cause of death to…

Voices of Faith Ministries kicked off its summer camp session on Tuesday (May 29) at its Stone Mountain and Conyers campuses. The summer program includes daily meals, academics, bible study, arts and crafts, games, music, Zumba and weekly field trips to go skating, paintballing, bowling and swimming. The camp will also offer a junior Toastmaster’s session to help strengthen leadership and public speaking skills. The camp runs until July 27 and is open to children and youths ages 4 and up. For more information, call 678-374-5200. Summer Food Program at Voices of Faith Voices of Faith’s Conyers campus is…

By Valerie J. Morgan The Georgia Bureau of Investigations is awaiting a toxicology report for another inmate who died after being held in the custody of the Rockdale County Jail. Jail deputies and medical staff discovered Jamie Krischelle Henry unresponsive in her cell on Saturday, May 26, around 8:26 p.m. The discovery was made during a routine cell check, said Yolande Lovingood-Moore, Rockdale County Sherriff’s spokesperson. Medical staff transported Henry to Piedmont Rockdale Hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time after arriving. Henry, 40, of Douglasville was being held for Fulton County on a warrant. Lovingood-Moore said Henry…

Rockdale County Deputy James Campbell has been arrested on stalking charges. Campbell’s arrest stems from a complaint filed with the Office of Professional Standards on May 19, 2018. The department’s Internal Affairs investigation was turned over to the Criminal Investigation Division. Campbell was arrested on May 27 without incident.

The Friends of Stonecrest Library will hold its bi-monthly meeting on June 4, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., The group is seeking public input and volunteers to serve on various committees.  If you are unable to attend this meeting, please send email friendsofstonecrest@gmail.com to volunteer for one of the committees below: Book Sales Hospitality Fundraising Membership Publicity

Effective today, May 29, American Medical Response (AMR) has agreed to immediately increase staffing and add ambulances in low call volume/high risk areas. Ambulances will be placed in two DeKalb County fire stations in Dunwoody and Stonecrest.

Recent DeKalb County School District (DCSD) graduates can learn more about college entry, military enrollment, and entering the workforce courtesy of the Department of Student Advancement’s Summer Transition Centers (STC). STCs are scheduled to open June 4 at locations throughout DeKalb County. The free centers offer assistance in finalizing college paperwork, receiving financial aid, answer questions about what to do after high school, college application, and reviewing other options. “When a student graduates from a DeKalb County high school, we make sure they have the tools needed to succeed at the next level available,” said Superintendent/CEO Dr. R. Stephen Green. “The…

Party in the streets Colorful feathered costumed and lively Caribbean music filled the streets around The Mall at Stonecrest. Several thousand people lined up to witness the Atlanta DeKalb Caribbean Carnival parade, on May 26. The Memorial Day weekend event has celebrated 30 years in the Atlanta area and has grown tremendously over time, according to organizers. Photos by Travis Hudgons. 

Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson is hosting his Memorial Day Weekend Birthday Bash on Saturday, May 26, 6:30 to 10 p.m., at the Downtown Atlanta Hilton Hotel, 255 Courtland Street NE, Atlanta. The chess champion and motivational speaker is kicking off summer with a fun and entertaining evening for families. The free event gives attendees a sneak peek at what it’s like to attend one of Hudson’s hands-on, high-energy chess camps. “There are no spectators at our events. We get everyone involved, from the students to the parentss,” said Hudson, who has hosted children’s chess camps since 2001. “We’re looking forward to…

DeKalb County School District officials held a pinning ceremony for 70 high school students who have completed its inaugural Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. The pinning ceremony was held on May 15 at the Robert R. Freeman Administrative Instructional Complex.   The students from high schools throughout the district completed the nursing course work, preparing them to enter the medical career field. Upon receiving their certification, the students became immediately employable in nursing career paths. By Spring 2019, the DeKalb School District plans to offer students enrolled in the CNA pathway further opportunities for success. This includes paths to licensed practical…