Author: On Common Ground News

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;…

The city of Tucker’s “TKR Summer of Fun” series kicked off with “Movies on Main” on June 8. The city blocked off Main Street for the public to watch a free screening of “The Greatest Showman.” The next free event will be on July 3 the City of Tucker and Old Town Tucker Merchants Association (OTTMA) will team up to host the “Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Spectacular.” The show, which will be staged on the practice field behind Tucker High School, will best be viewed from Main Street. Volunteers from OTTMA have organized a street festival including live music,…

The first city of Stonecrest’s Comprehensive Plan Community Outreach meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 12, 6 to 8 p.m., at Ousley United Methodist Church, 3261 Panola Road, Lithonia. The meeting will repeat on Saturday, June 16, 10 a.m. to noon., at Big Miller Grove Church, 3800 Miles E. Fowler Way, Lithonia. The community is invited to provide input on the city’s footprint for the future.

Judge Gregory Adams is not a Candidate for DeKalb Commissioner District 7 Ahead of the July 24 run-off elections, DeKalb County Judge Gregory A. Adams has issued a statement to clarify to the public that he is not a candidate for DeKalb County Commission District 7. The person who is running is not related to Judge Gregory A. Adams by blood or marriage, the news release said. Judge Adams was initially elected to the bench in 2004. Prior to Judge Adams’s election to the Superior Court, he served as the Chief Judge of the Juvenile Court for 10 years. On…

By Valerie J. Morgan  A national search will be conducted to find a successor for Bishop Stephen A. Davis who has resigned from New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.  Church officials announced Davis’ resignation on June 6, saying that he resigned to concentrate on the two churches he founded in Alabama.  Thomas W. Dortch Jr.,  chairman of the church’s board of directors, told On Common Ground News that Davis was challenged in making the weekly drive to Stonecrest while trying to oversee his church in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.     “It was a lot for him. We appreciate what he did. He…