Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County on Dec. 13 will host its 3rd Annual Spirit of DeKalb Awards, an evening dedicated to celebrating outstanding leaders, innovators, and changemakers in the DeKalb community.  The gala will be held at Perimeter Crowne Plaza Ravinia, bringing together distinguished guests, community partners, and supporters for a night of recognition and inspiration. The event will be hosted by Ryan Cameron, award winning radio personality, comedian and philanthropist, and co-sponsored by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce . “The Spirit of DeKalb Awards is our opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary work being done across our community,” said DeKalb…

CONYERS, GA—Mayor-elect Connie Alsobrook held her first “My Mayor Listens” community forum on Thursday, Nov. 20, at Star Vision International Event Center in Olde Town, drawing a diverse audience of black, brown, and white participants to the intimate gathering. Alsobrook spent the evening fielding questions and giving attendees the opportunity to speak openly about the issues that mattered most to them. Together, they covered a broad range of topics—from zoning and economic development, to voter apathy, rapid tree loss due to aggressive tree cutting and the need for stronger preservation polices with unchecked new development. Residents also sought clarity on…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church will welcome rap artist Big Boi as he gives away turkeys and trimmings on Saturday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m., at the church’s Annual Thanksgiving Boxes Giveaway.  “We’re honored to welcome Big Boi of OutKast, newly inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as he blesses the community with 200 turkeys and joins us in person to hand them out,” said the Rev. William Flippin, Sr., senior pastor of Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church.  Adding to the celebration, Greg Street & V-103 will be on site, making this year’s Thanksgiving at The…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Excel Church Worldwide will host its Thanksgiving Turkey & Free Groceries Giveaway and a Thanksgiving Community Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 22. The turkey box and free groceries giveaway will be held at 10 a.m. and will last until supplies run out. No registration is required. The free Thanksgiving Community Dinner will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. and is open to families, seniors, individuals, and anyone in need of a warm holiday experience.  “Thanksgiving is all about gratitude and giving back. At Excel Church, we believe love looks like service. This outreach is our way of ensuring no family in…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A man accused of killing the woman working for him was found guilty of murder and sentenced to a life in prison without the possibility of parole. Edward Rodley Smith, Jr., 39, was convicted of malice murder for the shooting death of 33-year-old Breana Marie Rogers in October 2022. “This defendant took advantage of Breana Rogers and killed when she tried to escape from him,” Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “This verdict and sentence, we hope serve as justice for her loved ones and provides them with closure and healing. Rogers was staying with Smith at a…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has appointed Devon Hudson, owner of Devon Hudson State Farm Agency and principal of Hudson Holding Company, to serve as DeKalb’s newest representative on the MARTA Board of Directors.  “I am pleased to appoint an exceptionally qualified leader who shares my commitment to strengthening and expanding transit,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “In the upcoming year, DeKalb will take significant steps to advance mass transit as we prepare for the region’s future. This appointee brings both technical expertise and dedication to public service that will help drive that progress.”  A graduate of Illinois State University, where he earned…

CONYERS, GA—Sherri Washington officially became the newest member of the Conyers City Council on Wednesday, Nov. 19, marking a new chapter in public service.  Rockdale County Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten performed the ceremony, which was held at City Hall.  A crowd, including several elected officials, community leaders, family members, and residents, attended the ceremony, which was held at 6 p.m.– just ahead of the regular City Council meeting.  For Washington, who formerly served on the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners, the moment not only marked a transition to a new role, but a public opportunity for redemption and a chance to…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A man known to frequent Atlanta’s Kirkwood neighborhood is now behind bars  on multiple charges for allegedly exposing himself and harassing a woman at her home.        A DeKalb County Grand Jury indicted Rodney Lee Stroud, 53, on Nov. 19 on two counts of Aggravated Stalking, Public Indecency, and Peeping Tom. Stroud is a repeat offender who has been arrested several times for prowling, indecency, public drunkeness and similar charges. Stroud has a rap sheet that goes back to at least 1994, DeKalb County Jail records show.      According to the preliminary investigation, officers with the Atlanta Police Department responded…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA— Springfield Baptist is set to host its 1,000 Turkey Thanksgiving Giveaway, a tradition that brings holiday cheer and support to local families. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, at Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive SE, Conyers. As part of its commitment to community service and outreach, Springfield will be distribute 1,000 free turkeys, along with all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, to families in need. The event is open to everyone, and no advance registration is required.  To streamline the experience, onsite mobile registration will be…