Author: On Common Ground News

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) has been elected by his peers to lead the Judiciary Subcommittee – Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet. The subcommittee has jurisdiction over administration of U.S. Courts, federal rules of evidence, civil and appellate procedure, judicial ethics, patent, copyright and trademark law, information technology and the Internet. A former judge and criminal defense attorney, Johnson has served on Judiciary since 2007, championing civil liberties, consumer protections and workers’ rights. “I am honored to be named the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet,” Johnson said. “At a time when the Trump…

DeKalb County Cooperative Extension is calling for applications for Fresh on DeK, the DeKalb Mobile Farmers Market, stops for 2018. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Feb. 1. Launched in May 2015, the mobile market has raised awareness about the importance of fruit and vegetable consumption for healthy living by providing fresh, affordable produce and food demonstrations to county residents. Communities, businesses or organizations can apply to be a Fresh on DeK stop. The proposed location must be able to provide a liaison to organize the site. The site must also have a street-level parking area that is highly visible,…

THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary said he is seeking another wholesale warehouse store after the abrupt Jan. 11 closing of the Sam’s Club at 2994 Turner Hill Road. The Stonecrest store is one of 63 that the warehouse giant abruptly closed across the nation, laying off thousands of employees. “I’ve already contacted Costco and they’re interested,” Lary said. Lary said he was outraged to learn the Stonecrest store was closing. Loyal members, who have supported the store for years, expressed their shock, and employees, who learned they no longer had jobs when they reported to work.…

Civic and community activists say they plan to protest the regressive policies of the Trump administration during the NCAA College Football Playoff National Championship game in Atlanta today. “Every measure the previous administration put in place to protect the well-being of people and the planet has been under attack by the Trump administration. We urge all citizens to get engaged to stop the assault on our civil and human rights, and on health, education and the environment,” said Richard Rose, president of the Atlanta branch of the NAACP. Other organizations taking part in the protest include the Georgia Alliance for…

Two more suspects have been arrested in connection the bronze heist at the Walk of Heroes Veterans Memorial in Rockdale County. The Rockdale Sheriff’s Office said that Bryan Sears of Union City was taken into custody today (Jan. 8). Keshia Martin Black of Coweta County was arrested on Jan. 3. The arrests follow that of Wendall Heath Tolbert, 51, of Coweta County, who was charged with felony theft and interference with government property, also a felony. “This case has taken us to Union City, Coweta County and Meriweather County,” Sheriff Eric J. Levett said. “We want to make sure that…

With temperatures plummeting into the teens, landscapes in metro Atlanta have offered some postcard worthy photo opportunities. Photographer Glenn L. Morgan captured an icey Lake Capri, where residents in the lakefront community in Rockdale County are enjoying Mother Nature’s awesome bounty.

The Rockdale Board of Commissioners will meet on Jan. 9, at 10 a.m.., at the Assembly Hall, 901 Main St., Conyers. The meeting agenda is as follows: Call to Order Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: Pastor Eric Lee of Springfield Baptist Church Special Recognition/Presentation Approval of the Agenda Approval of the Minutes: December 12, 2017 Unfinished Business: None. Consent Agenda: None. Regular Agenda: 2018-01: Belmont Village Condominium Association, Inc. – Water Service Easement and Utility Service Agency Agreement – Ratification 2018-02: IP-TL Conyers, LLC – Fire Rescue – Fire Rescue/Public Safety Recruitment Fair – No Cost – January 13, 2018…

MARTA will offer additional rail service beginning at 5 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8, until 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, as the Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide face-off in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship. The game begins at 8 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with a free halftime concert by Kendrick Lamar at Centennial Olympic Park. There are also several events planned in the days leading up to the game, including Playoff Fan Central at the Georgia World Congress Center, the Championship Tailgate Plaza in the International Plaza, and Playoff Playlist Live!, which features daily concerts…

In preparation for President Trump’s visit to Atlanta and the College Football Playoff National Championship, state and local governments have announced early closures for Monday, Jan. 8. The City of Atlanta will close at 2:30 p.m. Fulton County and state government will close at 3 p.m. Gov. Nathan Deal’s office said agencies are also encouraged to allow employees with the ability to telecommute to do so. Employees and visitors are also encouraged to use MARTA to travel on Monday. Finally, state and local governments will continue monitoring weather and will send additional guidance to employees as necessary

The Avondale school community is working to assist seven Avondale Elementary School families who were displaced by a massive fire that occurred on Wednesday, Jan. 3, at the Pine Tree Circle Apartments. “Our social worker and counselor are working directly with the families to determine their needs, and the school community, which includes the PTA and the Avondale Elementary School Education Foundation, is committed to meeting those needs so families can get back on their feet,” said Patti Ghezzi, who is helping coordinate the effort. The PTA is collecting clothes and other necessities, as well as gift cards. A Go…