Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson signed an executive order on Dec. 17 ending pandemic-era remote work and formally transitioning county government back to full in-person operations. Beginning Jan. 5, 2026, all DeKalb County offices under the CEO’s supervision will be staffed in person during regular business hours. The requirement ensures that residents can consistently access services, ask questions, and receive assistance when visiting County facilities, the CEO said. “In-person service matters,” Cochran-Johnson said. “Having staff present in our offices strengthens accountability, collaboration, and efficiency across County government and improves the experience for the people we serve.”  Executive Order…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit, with assistance from the U.S. Marshal’s Office, on Dec. 17 arrested a person suspected of murdering a man on Oct. 4, and pistol whipping a woman during an alleged home invasion on Oct. 1. Investigators located Lithonia, Georgia resident Darryle Gerard Lawson, 31, on Glenwood Parkway in Decatur and took him into custody without incident. According to arrest warrants, Lawson is charged with Malice Murder in the shooting death of Allen Dewayne White in Decatur. No cause was given for the shooting. Lawson also is charged with Aggravated Assault Weapon and…

GWINNETT COUNTY GA—Three former Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) students have been nominated for “Music’s Biggest Night,” formally known as the Grammy Awards.  John Kadadu, Luc Bernadel, and Andrew Hitt all previously participated in the Grayson Technical Education Program at Grayson High School and were students of the music production program. The three students have each been nominated for their contributions to the following projects: John Kadadu, Duluth High School, Class of 2014 Engineer – Nominated for artist “JID” – Best Rap Album Luc Bernadel, Duluth High School, Class of 2019 Producer – Nominated for artist “FLO” – Best Progressive R&B Album Andrew Hitt, Lanier High School, Class…

DECATUR, GA– Darnell D. Fullum has appointed as DeKalb County’s new Director of Public Safety, bringing more than 38 years of distinguished fire service and public safety leadership to the role. DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announced the appointment on today, Dec. 17. Fullum succeeds  Director Jack Lumpkin, who announced his retirement from the position earlier this week. Lumkin will stay on and support transition efforts until February 2026. “Chief Fullum has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, good stewardship and unwavering commitment to the employees and citizens of DeKalb County”, said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “His extensive operational knowledge, proven ability to modernize…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Rainbow Park Baptist Church is hosting a community food distribution on Dec. 31, at noon, 2941 Columbia Drive, Decatur.  Groceries including fresh produce and essential goods will be provided to those in need, while supplies last. The event is free. No registration isrequired. 

ATLANTA – State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D – Lithonia) will hold a pre-session town hall meeting to discuss her legislative priorities for the 2026 legislative session on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. via Zoom.  Registration is required for the town hall meeting. Please click here to register.  At A Glance: WHO: Representative Dar’shun Kendrick (D – Lithonia)  WHAT: 2026 Pre-Session Town Hall Meeting  WHEN: Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. WHERE: Zoom

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating  a 23-year-old woman who has been missing for three weeks. Bryana Alexis Lummus was reported missing on Dec. 12. 2025. She was last seen three weeks ago. She  suffers from mental health issues, the Sheriff’s Office stated in a social media post.  Lummus is white, has hazel eyes, blonde hair, weighs 160 pounds and is 5’2.  Anyone who has information about Lummus’ current whereabouts is urged to  contact 911 immediately. Those with information about her may also ontact the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office at 770-278-8000 or email RCSO.PIO@RockdaleCountyga.gov. 

(STONE MOUNTAIN, GA) – The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is pleased to announce that six schools have exited the Comprehensive School Improvement (CSI) and Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) designations of Federally Identified Schools.  The district congratulates Cross Keys High, Chapel Hill Elementary, Indian Creek Elementary, Oak View Elementary, Towers High, and Woodridge Elementary. “Exiting TSI and CSI designations is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, principals, and support staff,” said Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Norman C. Sauce III. “These schools have demonstrated what is possible when we remain focused on student outcomes…

ATLANTA— Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, founder of the Be Someone mentoring program, located in DeKalb County, GA., was a guest on Atlanta News First(ANF) on Tuesday, Dec. 16.  Hudson, an internationally-known speaker, motivator, and chess champion   discussed how he’s using chess to teach kids how to make the right moves and stay on the path to success. As parents  get in their last shopping days for Christmas, Hudson announced a special Chess Leadership Training Workshop to get kids’ focused on their future  and a free Xmas toy giveaway.   Watch the news station’s interview with Hudson at the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3usFbxXkQMc

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Board of Education Member Diijon DaCosta, Sr. has been named the County School Board Member of the Year. The Georgia Association of Black County Officials(GABCO) honored DaCosta for his outstanding service during GABCO’s President’s Reception celebrating Georgia’s county officials on Dec. 7. DaCosta is the most senior member of the DeKalb County Board of Education, currently serving as chair of the Board’s Policy Committee. He represents the Stone Mountain and Stephenson community clusters and has been a member of the Board since 2018. Over his tenure, he has held leadership positions as both vice chair…