Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Kevin Grier, 35, will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the death of Ian Hagerty,17, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced today, April 20.   Greer was convicted by jury trial in the case accused of a shooting and killing the teen during a candlelight vigil. Grier was found guilty of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon or First Offender Probationer, in connection with Hagerty’s death.  DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie, who…

By Mark Brock DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Donald Sellers, Sr., who has coached track for more than two decades at Stephenson High School, has been inducted into Georgia’s 2026 Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Sellers, who has served as track coach since 2000,  has compiled an extensive resume that includes two state championships (2002, 2021), 10 DeKalb County track titles and a pair of Coach of the Year honors (2002, 2021). Those kinds of accomplishments catch the attention of track fans and coaches and led to his being elected to the Hall of Fame. “A…

DECATUR, GA– Constituents are invited to learn about key legislation that passed during the 2026 Legislative Session at an upcoming town this month.  DeKalb County House Legislative Delegation Chair Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), Vice Chair Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Secretary Long Tran (D-Dunwoody), along with members of the DeKalb County House Legislative Delegation, will host the post-session town hall meeting on Wednesday, April 22, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Church ATL, 1561 McClendon Ave. N.E., Decatur. 

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Gwinnett County mourns the loss of Gwinnett Superior Court Judge Deborah Fluker, who passed away Saturday, April 18, following a courageous battle with cancer. Fluker remained on the bench even as she fought cancer, and was admired for her remarkable strength by peers and others who knew her. Judge Fluker, elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024, made history as the first African American Superior Court Judge in the county. Throughout her distinguished legal career, she was known for her fairness, integrity and unwavering commitment to justice. Before taking the bench, Judge Fluker served in multiple prosecutorial roles,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Police Department is seeking the public’s help locating a man who disappeared earlier this week.  Albert Waugh, who may also respond to the name “Alex,” was last seen walking away from the 1700 block of S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road on April 14 around 3:15 p.m.  DeKalb County Police have been extensively searching for Waugh since he was reported missing. The police have used drones, a DKPD helicopter, Mattie’s Call, Reverse 911, and have been canvassing the neighborhood where he was last seen. Waugh is 5’7”, 140 lbs. with black hair and brown eyes. He was last…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The Mitsubishi Electric Classic Tournament returns to the metro Atlanta area April 20-26, featuring legends of the game at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, GA. The annual event benefits local charities through the Gwinnett Championship Foundation Inc. and has raised more than $5.75 million since the first tournament in 2013. Event Highlights Fan activities: There will be special events including the Kids’ Putting Experience April 25-26, 12-4 p.m., Tickets: Daily tickets range from about $18 to $67. With a variety of tickets available, you can pick your favorite hole on the course to watch along the rope line or find public…

STONECREST, GA– The city of Stonecrest has launched a new marketing campaign celebrating the people, progress, and spirit of DeKalb County’s most populated city, home to an estimated 60,000 residents, officials announced on Tuesday, March 31.  The “Stonecrest PROUD!” campaign features a new 2:59-minute rap song that hypes up Stonecrest’s assets—including the Browns Mill Aquatic Center, Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, the Mall at Stonecrest and the mega New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.  City officials say the four-month civic pride initiative, which run April-August, will be driven by a series of social media videos spotlighting Stonecrest residents, businesses, city employees…

ATLANTA — The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will officially launch its NextGen Bus Network on April 18. The new modern network offers high frequency service with buses arriving every 15 minutes or better. This historic initiative represents the first time since MARTA began bus operations in the early 1970s that the entire system has been redrawn from scratch. The new bus network is designed to meet the needs of modern customers using transit in an ever-evolving Atlanta region. Moving away from the incremental changes of the past, MARTA is launching the network designed for how people live and work today,  officials…

UPDATED: 4.18.2026 ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA— The Rockdale Farmer’s Market is opening for the season on Sunday, April 19, in Conyers. The markets will offer fresh produce and vegetables, baked breads and other homemade goods, as well as homemade crafts. This is your chance to shop local farmers, support small businesses, get healthy, and enjoy Sunday afternoons and Wednesdays.  Leslie Lambert, who is coordinating the vent, said about 20 vendors have signed up including Diamond P. Cattle, which will be selling selected meats. Vendor Janet Dillard shared via social media that she is looking forward to the market. She said she…

CONYERS, GA—Business owners and leaders are invited to a listening session on Monday, April 27, from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Conyers City Hall, 901 O’Kelly Street.   Hosted by Mayor Connie Alsobrook and City Council member Sherri Washington, the session is designed to invite open dialogue among business owners and professionals to strengthen the local business environment and facilitate further collaboration between the city and businesses. Conyers Mayor and City Council launched “Conyers Conversations Listening Sessions” earlier this year as a means of engagement and collaboration with citizens. “We want to provide an intimate space where we can speak freely with…