Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Interim Police Chief Gregory Padrick joined regional law enforcement leaders at the Atlanta Police Foundation’s annual Crime Is Toast breakfast to honor fallen DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire officers and residents across the region. Officer Rose was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor, two of the highest recognitions for valor and heroism in the line of duty. His widow, Mrs. Rose, accepted the awards on his behalf during the ceremony, which was attended by representatives from law enforcement agencies throughout metro Atlanta. The Crime Is Toast breakfast, hosted annually by the Atlanta…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA— An Atlanta man will serve a life sentence after being convicted for molesting and sexually assaulting a 4-year-old girl. Mario Edwin Adon-Barrios, 37, was found guilty of aggravated child molestation, child molestation, and sexual battery for attacking the child in June 2023. He was sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years and must register for life as a sex offender and stay away from the victim and her family. He also will be deported at the end of his prison sentence. “The defendant’s depraved behavior is disturbing and deserving of the sentence he received,” District Attorney…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) scores increased over the previous year while the state saw a smaller increase and the nation held the same on the American College Test (ACT), according to results recently released by the Georgia Department of Education for Class of 2025 graduates. RCPS had an overall ACT composite score of 18.2, an increase from last year’s score of 17.6. The state average increased slightly from 21.2 to 21.4 and the nation held steady at 19.4. The ACT is a national college admissions exam, which measures achievement in English, mathematics, reading and science with…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has successfully installed its weather siren system, marking a significant step forward in public safety and emergency preparedness. After being on hold for three years, the project is finally complete, and the system is now fully operational. There are nine fully operational sirens throughout the County: Costley Mill Park South Rockdale Park Lorraine Park Legion Fields Johnson Park Wheeler Park Lakeview Estate Park Black Shoals Park Earl O’Neil Park This automated system is directly linked to the National Weather Service, allowing for real-time activation during tornado warnings. The system delivers…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County Board of Education voted on Wednesday(Oct. 15) to accept the resignation of Devon Q. Horton as superintendent of the DeKalb County School District, effective Nov. 15. Horton’s resignation comes one week after he was indicted on federal corruption charges concerning the Evanston-Skokie School District 65 in Illinois, where he formerly served as superintendent. The indictment includes 17 counts including fraud, theft and tax evasion in a kickback scheme.   School Board member Tiffany Hogan was the only member who voted against accepting Horton’s resignation at the special called meeting on Wednesday. The DeKalb School Board…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reports the death of the 8th inmate to die in custody at the DeKalb County Jail this year. Officials said the death appears to be a medical emergency and there is no evidence of foul play. An internal investigation is underway, and an autopsy will be performed by the DeKalb Medical Examiner’s Office. According to authorities, 59-year-old Rodney Garrick of Lithonia, Georgia, was found unresponsive in the facility early this morning (Oct. 15). Officials said that on-site medical personnel immediately administered aid until emergency medical services arrived. Garrick was transported to a nearby…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Early voting for the upcoming Nov. 4 elections began on Tuesday, Oct. 14 and is off to a very sluggish start.  As of Wednesday, Oct.. 15, only 86 voters had cast ballots in the City of Conyers races for a new mayor and three City Council seats. Early voting ends Oct. 31. Conyers voters will elect a new mayor to succeed Mayor Vince Evans, who is not running for re-election. Connie Alsobrook and Bradley “Brad” Smith are vying for the seat. Voters also will elect someone to fill the City Council District 2, Post 2 seat vacated by …

ATLANTA – Fulton County Board of Health (FCBOH) Environmental Health and mosquito control staff recovered additional positive samples for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) from traps this week. The positive test results were reported in the Hapeville, GA area.  While FCBOH is collaborating with its mosquito control vendor to treat the nearby areas, residents are being asked to take action of their own to reduce mosquito breeding sites on their property as peak “mosquito season” continues through October. Although rare in humans, EEE can be very serious. Symptoms in severe cases of EEE include a sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA–Voices of Faith Church is gearing up for a fun-filled evening of children’s activities planned for its Fall Festival on Oct. 31. The festival will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at 2500 Rockbridge Road, SW., Stone Mountain. Families are invited to bring the kids out for music, trunk or treating, a bounce house and other activities. Admission is free.   Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. is founder of Voices of Faith Church, which has five campuses in GA and one location in Baton Rouge, LA.