Author: On Common Ground News

THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED A man who is accused of brutally sexually assaulting two women in their home in Clarkston is in custody.  Corey C. Griffin, 48, was arrested on June 24 on a warrant by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office after Atlanta Police received a 911 tip.   Police had been searching for Griffin since April when other attacks happened in the Stone Mountain area but had no address for him.  The Atlanta Police Department responded to a 911 tip after a BOLO was issued for Griffin and someone reported his whereabouts. Atlanta Police captured him and held him…

  DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has nominated Rita Scott to the MARTA board of directors. If approved, Scott would become the first African-American woman to represent DeKalb County on the board. “Rita Scott will advocate for needed transit expansion and improvements throughout DeKalb County, particularly in south DeKalb and other underserved areas,” CEO Thurmond said. “Her experience in governmental affairs and community activism will be an asset to transit officials and riders alike.” Since 2004, Scott has worked with Communication Workers of America as a political director, lobbying on behalf of workers and workers’ rights. “I am excited and…

State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia), in partnership with Pastor Eric Lee, Sr. of Springfield Baptist Church, will host “Getting a Grip on House Bill 673: Everything You Need to Get a Handle on the Hands-Free Law” on Wednesday, June 27, 7 – 8 p.m., at Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers. The Hands-Free Georgia Act, which was passed during the 2018 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly, creates a hands-free driving law in Georgia that will take effect on July 1, 2018. During the forum, Rep. Carter along with Judge Ronald Ramsey, a representative from Georgia’s Public Information Office…

DeKalb community activist Ed Williams said he plans to ask Georgia’s Superior Court to rescind the 66 percent pay raise the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved for themselves on Feb. 27.  Williams said he is filing a Writ of Mandamus with superior court following Attorney General Chris Carr’s determination that although the board violated the state’s open meeting law and approved the raises, it’s too late to undo the commissioners’ action.   “I am going to insist that the DeKalb BOC compensation ordinance 2018-1773  be rescinded,” said Williams, who said he also plans to ask the DeKalb County Ethics Board…

By Valerie J. Morgan New businesses and new homes are skyrocketing in the city of Stonecrest, which marked its first birthday in May. Stonecrest officials say the city has issued 124 new business licenses this year, compared to 114 new licenses issued for 2017.   Officials say the numbers for residential development also are positive. So far this year, the city has issued 180 residential building permits, but the city’s housing growth, is expected to explode over the next couple of years. In addition to the 180 residential permits, land is being cleared now for a new single-family subdivision where…

By Travis Hudgons Three seniors from DeKalb County’s Redan High School have been selected in the Major League Baseball Draft.  Redan is one of only two high schools in the nation that had three players selected in the 2018 MLB draft, according to maxpreps.com. Taj Bradley, Kelvin Smith and Lyndon Weaver were selected during the June 6-8 draft to play professional baseball after competing with 1,214 players selected by 30 MLB teams over 40 rounds.  Bradley had the highest overall pick at Redan. He was selected in the 5th round (150th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays. Smith was picked…

Ever wanted a pet, but not the long-term commitment? Already have a pet, but have 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 foster homes for 50 animals including both cats and dogs. In an effort to relieve inundated animal shelters, the agency is aiming to attract potential pet owners who can foster animals for either two weeks or for the weekend through the organization’s “Weekend Warriors” program. Weekend Warriors commit to four days, beginning Friday and returning animals on Monday with the option to…

The South DeKalb Parent Council (SDPC) and South DeKalb Improvement Association Education Committee have partnered to present a “Civics 101” series.   The series is being launched to enhance citizens’ knowledge on government policies and regulations as well as to foster citizens’ civic involvement.   “We’re presenting this series to educate and engage the community,” said Donna Priest Brown, who is handling publicity for the series. Brown said Ed Williams, founder and chair of Concerned Citizens Against Cityhood in DeKalb and Concerned Citizens for Effective Government, will be the guest speaker on Saturday, June 30, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at…

State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) in partnership with Pastor Eric Lee, Sr. will host “Getting a Grip on House Bill 673: Everything You Need to Get a Handle on the Hands-Free Law” on Wednesday, June 27, 7 – 8 p.m. at Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive, S.E., in Conyers. The Hands-Free Georgia Act, which was passed during the 2018 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly, creates a hands-free driving law in Georgia that will take effect on July 1.  During the forum, Carter and DeKalb County Judge Ronald Ramsey, a representative from Georgia’s Public Information Office, will educate…

The third and final public millage rate hearing for the DeKalb County School District(DCSD)  will be held on June 26, 6:15 p.m., at the Robert F. Freeman Administrative & Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain.  Following the public hearing, the DeKalb Board of Education will consider the adoption of the district’s proposed $1.832 billion budget—including $1.092 billion for the General Fund—for the 2019 Fiscal Year at 7 p.m.  The proposed budget focuses on transportation; an increase in school resource officers; new textbooks; a new early childhood learning center; and two new administrative regions, among other items. The Board…