Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police have arrested a suspect two days after the weekend murders of two young boys. Investigators arrested 18-year-old Julian Ellis on Tuesday night (Sept. 22) in connection with the shooting deaths of Jamarion Rolle, 11, and Jakhi Clark, 12. Two women, ages 19 and 37, were also shot at the scene. The women survived and received treatment for their injuries.  Ellis is facing two counts of Felony Murder and six counts of Aggravated Assault stemming from the shooting on Sunday night (Sept. 20) on North Hairston Road in unincorporated  Stone Mountain.  Police have not stated a…

A record-setting 31 Gwinnett County Public Schools alumni are currently on NFL rosters or practice squads, the highest number in district history. Representing schools across the district, these athletes showcase the strength of GCPS athletics and the opportunities available for scholar-athletes to succeed at the highest levels of competition. Their success reflects years of hard work and dedication, along with the support of coaches, teachers, families, and school communities that helped them along the way.  “Seeing 31 former GCPS student-athletes on NFL rosters is something our entire community can take pride in,” said GCPS Director of Athletics Jason Holcomb. “It speaks…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the renaming of the DeKalb County Police Department’s East Precinct at 2484 Bruce Street in the City of Lithonia as the Chief Eddie Moody Precinct. The item was presented to the Board by District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson.  Eddie Moody, the first African American Chief of Police in DeKalb County, dedicated some three decades of his professional career to the DeKalb County Police Department. Moody, now 72, began his service with the Department in 1973 as a clerk typist and rose through the ranks…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A 59-year-old Norcross man was convicted of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, the District Attorney’s Office said on Tuesday (Sept. 22).  A Gwinnett County jury found Alejandro Rangel guilty of aggravated child molestation, aggravated sexual battery, and five counts of child molestation for sexually abusing the teen over the course of two months in 2024. He was sentenced to life in prison plus one year of probation. “We are thankful for the outcome of this trial and grateful for the team of prosecutors and investigators who put this case together,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. In May…

DECATUR, GA —The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved a combined $879,000 in investments on Tuesday (Sept. 22) for the Sugar Creek Golf & Tennis Center and the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center.  The investments, brought forward by District 3 Commissioner Nicole Massiah, will improvefacilities that provide arts, recreation, and gathering spaces for residents across the community. “These are investments in places where people come together,” Massiah said. “Whether it’s enjoying a performance at Porter Sanford or spending an evening on the tenniscourts at Sugar Creek, our residents deserve quality facilities right here in their community. I’m grateful we can continue improving these spaces and creating more opportunities for families throughout District 3.” At Porter Sanford, $79,000 will fund equipment and technology improvements, including upgrades to the Flex Theater, a new digital marquee, wireless lighting equipment, risers, and other equipment. The 17½-year-old center…

GRAYSON, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating missing person, Jonathan Bryce Seay. Seay, 23, was reported missing after leaving his residence near the 3000 block of Haynes Club Circle in Grayson in a family member’s white Buick Envision displaying Maryland license plate 1DM8169. Seay’s father spoke with him by phone after he left the residence but has not had contact with him since.  Seay’s current whereabouts are unknown, and detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating him. Seay is a Black male, approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs…

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry is hosting Passport Day, Saturday, Sept. 26, 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., to accept passport applications and to provide passport information to U.S. citizens. No Appointment necessary. You may apply for a passport for routine or expedited service.  DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court, along with hundreds of national acceptance facilities around the country, are hosting Special Passport Acceptance Events throughout the months of September and October. The DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court routinely accepts passport applications, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., with no appointment necessary.  For more information on Passport Day…

ATLANTA—The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) announced that the Digital Driver’s License and ID program has achieved a remarkable milestone: 800,000 customers have added a digital driver’s license and/or ID to their smartphone wallet since the program launched in May 2023.   This marks a significant advancement in digital identity verification within the state of Georgia, officials said in a statement on Sept. 21.   “Adding a digital driver’s license to your smartphone wallet offers greater security, convenience, and privacy.  It’s a smart, practical step for anyone looking to simplify everyday interactions while keeping their license or ID safer, more accessible,…

VILLA RICA, GA——Fall celebrations begin on Sept. 26,  when Villa Rica honors its 200-year-old gold rush heritage at the annual Gold Rush Festival. But being the state’s first discovery of gold in 1826—and Georgia’s shiny metal one of the world’s purest—is just one of the many ways to relish this time of year when Villa Rica trees show off their own shades of gold, as well as a palette of other autumnal colors. The fun happens all the way until New Year’s Day.  Gold Rush Festival  It’s not well known that Georgia contains a beautiful vein of gold, one of the world’s purest,…