Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Process Fugitive Unit and Field Operations Unit have arrested a suspect connected to an October 11 homicide in Decatur, Georgia. Sheriff’s Office deputies took Damian Edwards,18, into custody on Friday, October 16, at a residence on Mt. Zion Road in Morrow, Georgia.  Edwards faces one charge of felony murder and one count of felony armed robbery for his alleged role in the death of Anthony Lenard in the 1600 block of Treasure Cove. Officers responded to a person shot call on Oct. 11 around  11 p.m. and found a man, later identified as Lenard, inside…

ATLANTA – A group of state lawmakers with military backgrounds have petitioned Gov. Brian Kemp to bring home Georgia’s National Guard soldiers from Washington, D.C. before the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays.   State Representatives Sandra Scott (D-Rex); Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain); Eric Bell (D-Jonesboro); Derrick Jackson (D-Tyrone); and Floyd Griffin (D-Milledgeville); along with State Senators Kenya Wicks (D-Fayette); and Tonya Anderson (D-Lithonia) cited recent safety concerns involving a National Guard member who was shot in Washington D.C. while responding to an operational confrontation on Oct. 18. The legislators also expressed their  concern about the mounting anxiety from soldiers prolonged separation from their families.  The…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – On Wednesday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-4) and DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson (D-5) will host The Fourth Source, a resource fair designed to connect residents with local resources and services. The fair will be held at the Sanford Realty  Complex, 4183 Snapfinger Woods Drive, Decatur.  “Even when Congress is not in session, my work for the people of Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District never stops,” the Congressman said. “While hardworking Americans and Georgians continue to bear the cost of Republicans’ cruel and irresponsible policies, I’m working here at home…

Atlanta – Record-breaking turnout continues as Georgia has surpassed 1 million in-person early votes, with 1,007,015 Georgians casting their ballots as of noon Oct. 20. In 2022, 894,412 Georgians had voted early in-person, marking a 12% increase this year.  “We continue to break records each day of early voting,” said Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “This is evidence that Georgians trust our election process. The strong turnout reflects the work our 159 county election officials do to make our elections free, fair, and fast.”  In addition to in-person voting, 48,916 absentee ballots have been accepted as of noon on Tuesday, bringing overall…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County officials  unveiled the newly expanded community recreation center at Lenora Park on Tuesday, Oct. 20.  The park’s transformation includes the park’s existing gymnasium into a modern facility with expanded amenities and gathering spaces for residents in South Gwinnett.  Funded by the County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax,(SPLOST) the facility includes an updated gym, as well as a new community room with a catering kitchen, dance studio, art room with pottery studio, game room, restrooms, locker rooms, offices and a reception area. The project also added a new drop-off area and parking for 73 vehicles. “This…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Country Lane will be closed to traffic on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Vista Trail and Woodland Hills Drive to facilitate tree removal work at 1108 Country Lane. Road closure and detour signs will be placed in the area during the road closure period advising motorists of construction work in the area and of local traffic restrictions.  For questions regarding this road closure, contact Whitney Anderson, office administrator: Boutte Tree, Inc. at 404-799-5472.

STONECREST, GA—The City of Stonecrest will host its Fall Festival on this Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Southeast Athletic Complex, 5845 Hillvale Road. Get ready to follow the Yellow Brick Road to an unforgettable evening of family fun as the City of Stonecrest presents There’s No Place Like Stonecrest Fall Festival. Inspired by the beloved worlds of The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz and Wicked, the celebration will transform the Southeast Athletic Complex into a magical destination inflated with entertainment, activities and memorable experiences. From the wonder of hot air balloon rides to captivating magic shows, food and sweet treats, the festival promises an evening…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA— Rockdale County Elections Director Cynthia Willingham reported that 536 residents cast ballots on Sunday, Oct. 18, for the General and Special Election set Nov. 3, 2026. Sunday’s turnout brought the total for the 6-day Early Voting period in Rockdale to 10,376, Willingham stated. Sunday’s turnout in Rockdale was the lowest number since Early Voting began on Tuesday, Oct. 13, ending the evening with 1,918 voters.  Rockdale has 66,389 active registered voters. As of Sunday, the total number of active voters remaining to cast  ballots is 56,013.   Early voting continues: Monday through Friday, Oct. 19-23, from 8-5…