Author: On Common Ground News

State Sen. Gloria Butler (D – Stone Mountain) is partnering with Overcomers House Inc., 2100 Fountain Square, Suite C, Snellville,  to host the 10th annual ‘Back to School Giveaway’ on Saturday, Aug. 4, 11 a.m. Children must be present to receive the giveaway items, which include back packs, school supplies and food. “It’s important to give back to the community and welcoming students back to school with the supplies they need is my favorite way to do so,” said Butler. “Teachers oftentimes spend much of their hard earned paychecks on supplies, so this event is a small way to help…

DeKalb County Marshal’s Office deputies are now equipped with life-saving antidotes for opiate overdose victims.  In a fast-growing response to the resurgence of prescription drug and heroine abuse, the use of Narcan often is the critical difference of survival for the overdose victim.   Narcan kits contain nasal syringes prefilled with naloxone, which blocks or reverses the effects of opioids.  DeKalb Marshal’s Office deputies are now trained to recognize and administer the drug into the nasal passages of the patient when overdose is suspected. The drug’s action immediately begins to reverse the effects of an opiate overdose. “By having our deputies equipped…

The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is now accepting reservations for its “2019 Memorials of World War II European Tour.” The public is invited to join the Chamber on this unforgettable 10-day trip, which includes tours of London, England and Paris, France on the 75th anniversary of D-Day when Allied forces invaded northern France bringing World War II to an end. After landing in London, travelers will explore one of the cities that served as the backdrop to World War II while discovering the city’s rich cultural and historical legacy. There will be expert guides and front-row seats to some of…

By Sheriff Eric J. Levett   Gangs are morphing, multiplying, migrating and entrenching themselves in our Rockdale County communities. They are selling drugs to our kids, shooting up our neighborhoods, invading our homes, robbing our banks and stores, stealing our identities, our money, and instilling fear and violence everywhere they go. Parents, I challenge you to get more involved with your children and be a positive role model and set the right example. Take a firm stand against illegal activity. Spend quality time with your child. Let him or her know that you care. Try to really listen to your…

By Viola Davis I recently forced my mother to seek medical help due to her allergic reaction to a source we could not identify.  My mother approached me with an ice pack on her face and lip claiming that she had either bit her lip and/or had an insect bite.  I noticed that she had massive swelling of her lip and knew that something was wrong.  However, within 24 hours, the swelling had spread to include her lower face.  By this time, I refused any further excuses and demanded we go to the doctor and I’m glad we did. The doctor took one look at…

  The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners is convening a meeting of the Rockdale Coalition of Homeowners and Civic Association on Thursday, Aug. 2, 6 p.m. at J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers. Officials from several county departments will discuss updates, new initiatives and other information . The next meeting of the series will be Nov. 8 at the Rockdale Auditorium, 903 Main St., Conyers. For more information or to RSVP, contact Jeannettia Owens at 770-278-7058 or jeannettia.owens@rockdalecountyga.gov.

All DeKalb County School District (DCSD) schools will open their doors to students and parents for open house events on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2. The events serve as an opportunity for students and parents to get to know their school campuses, teachers, and administrators. Wednesday, Aug. 1  2:00-4:00 PM   Elementary Schools  4:30-6:30 PM   Middle Schools Thursday, Aug. 2  2:00-4:00 PM     High Schools (9th Graders and New Students)  4:30-6:30 PM     High Schools (Returning Students) For information on a specific school within DCSD, please visit a school’s specific website…

A Lithonia man is awaiting extradition to the DeKalb County Jail following his arrest on July 27 in Tallahassee, Florida on a warrant for felony murder, the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office said today. Rondriques Brundage, 32, is charged with the shooting death of Rodrell Matthews on July 9.  The warrant alleges that Brundage shot Matthews at the front door of 6676 Chupp Road in Lithonia, causing his death. Caroline Alicia Davis, 23, of Decatur also was arrested in connection with Matthews’ death. Davis was charged with concealing a death and tampering with evidence. The warrants alleged that on the day of…

State Sen. Emanuel Jones (D – Decatur) released the following statement regarding the potential closure of the South DeKalb campus of Georgia Piedmont Technical College: “After reading an editorial in the “On Common Ground” newspaper regarding the potential closing of the South DeKalb Georgia Piedmont Technical College Campus, I have serious concerns that require immediate attention. I am the State Senator who represents the residents and citizens of the South DeKalb community. Our emphasis is to promote economic development and academic excellence in the South DeKalb community. As such, the programmatic offering at this facility which includes: GED, Continuing…

Ezra Tyron Black, a detention deputy with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, was arrested for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release this evening (July 31). Black was arrested on July 26 around 9 p.m. He was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; crossing of guard lines with drugs; violation of oath of office; and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, officials said. The Special Investigation Unit received information that inmates had items in their possession that were not permitted. SIU conducted an undercover…