Author: On Common Ground News

Good Friday Service features Grammy Award-Winning Artist Hezekiah Walker STONECREST, GA– New Birth Missionary Baptist Church invites the community to The Great Awakening, a powerful Easter weekend celebration set April 18-20. This three-day experience will commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ through vibrant worship, meaningful community engagement, family-focused activities and transformative economic empowerment while inspiring faith, renewal, and unity. All events are taking place on the New Birth campus, located at 6400 Woodrow Rd., in the city of  Stonecrest.  “As we commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we embrace a season of spiritual awakening and renewal,” said Dr. Jamal Bryant, senior pastor of…

ATLANTA — With the May 7 federal mandatory REAL ID deadline fast approaching, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is reminding residents to check their driver’s license or state ID card now, especially if they are planning to travel by plane. If you see a gold or black star in the upper right corner, you’re already REAL ID compliant — no need to visit a DDS center for a new driver’s license or state ID. Beginning May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act—a security measure enacted after 9/11—will take full effect, requiring travelers flying within the U.S. to present REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a state identification card.  While…

DECATUR, GA—Georgia Rep. Hank Johnson, who represents parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, announced that the 2025 Congressional Art Competition is now open to high school students residing or attending school in Georgia’s 4th Congressional District.  This annual competition celebrates student creativity, with the first-place winner having their artwork professionally framed and displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside winners from across the country. The winners  also are invited to a national reception in Washington, D.C., where they will meet fellow winners, view their work in the Capitol, and be recognized by members of Congress.  The Congressional Institute sponsors the nationwide visual art…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The Rockdale Board of Elections will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.  As outlined in the attached agenda, the Rockdale Board of Elections will vote on consolidating the following election day voting precincts: Honey Creek with Magnet Hightower with Milstead Anyone wishing to object to these consolidations must submit a response by email no later than 5 p.m. on April 21, 2025, or present their objections in person at the Board Meeting.   The meeting will be held in person at the Board of Elections Office, 1115 West Ave. S.W., Conyers.       To attend virtually,…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will hold a Committee of the Whole Special Called Meeting and Executive Session on Tuesday, April 15, at 9 a.m. in Multipurpose Room A1201, 178 Sams Street, Decatur.  The tentative agenda follows:              Committee of the Whole Committee Reports Review of the Proposed Executive Agenda for April 22, 2025 C.Review of Commissioners’ Preliminary Agenda for April 22, 2025  Special Called Meeting Executive Session Other Matters

DECATUR, GA—Yamir Paul Thomas, 23, of Stone Mountain, has been sentenced to serve two life terms, plus five years to serve consecutively after his conviction for murdering the general manager of a Church’s Chicken restaurant where they both were employed.   The DeKalb County Office of the District Attorney announced the sentence following the jury trial. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Adams, who presided over the trial, handed down the sentence on April 3 after the jury found Thomas  guilty of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony in connection…

STONECREST, GA—The Stonecrest Business Alliance will host its Spring Membership and Community Breakfast on Wednesday, April 16, 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., at Privi, 8020  Mall Parkway, Stonecrest.   The focus will be on Economic Development, specifically the City of Stonecrest programs for business attraction and retention. The panel will feature City of Stonecrest Deputy City Managerichael McCoy, Business Attraction Development Manager Oyinkansola Suzuki, and Business Retention Associate David Lyons. Thespecial guest will be the new Super District 7 Commissioner, LaDena Bolton. This is a great opportunity to meet our new Commissioner, connect with the Stonecrest Economic Development Staff, and network with fellow business professionals…

DECATUR, GA–Authorities are investigating a head-on vehicular crash involving a DeKalb County Police officer and two children who were injured over the weekend.  The crash occurred on Saturday, April 5, at approximately 7:22 a.m. on East Ponce de Leon Avenue between Rays Road and Hambrick Road. A third vehicle also was involved.  Investigators determined an eastbound driver tried to pass another vehicle by illegally going over a double-yellow line.Investigators say they believe the at-fault driver hit the vehicle it was trying to pass, sending it into a tree. Then investigators say the at-fault driver hit the westbound DKPD officer head-on.…

ATLANTA–Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson, District 4, is encouraging eligible high school students to apply for the 2025-26 Bridging the Dream Scholarship programs. The Sallie Mae Fund, in conjunction with Thurgood Marshall College Fund, is accepting applications for the  program The application window is open for both the Bridging the Dream Scholarship for high school students and the Bridging the Dream Scholarship for graduate students until April 25, 2025.  Bridging the Dream Scholarship for High School Seniors  40 students will receive up to $10,000 each to help pay for a two- or four-year degree, professional certificate, or vocational training. Eligible students must demonstrate…