Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA— The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Process Fugitive Unit, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals, have arrested a 16-year-old wanted in connection with a double homicide.  The July 2 shooting resulted in the deaths of Demarcus Shirley,13, and Chauncey Newman, 45. After evading apprehension since Aug. 5, the juvenile was taken into custody at a residence in the 2200 block of Flat Shoals Road in Decatur, Georgia. According to investigators, multiple shots were fired into a residence on Rockcliff Road SE on July 2, resulting in the deaths of the two victims. Several young boys were inside the home for…

BUFORD, GA – Gwinnett County Police have arrested a 22-year-old man after an innocent bystander was injured by gunfire outside a Buford business. Officers responded to Tavern at Mall of GA, located at 2720 Mall of Georgia Boulevard, on Aug. 9 after a shooting was reported. Investigators determined that Jalyn Watkins had been removed from the business and appeared to be intoxicated when he retrieved a handgun from a vehicle. Watkins fired one round into the ground, causing shrapnel to strike a 25-year-old man in the back. The victim had no involvement in the incident and was simply in the…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) today(Aug. 12) announced that it is continuing work on its Student Assignment Project. Officials said the district is inviting families, students, staff, and community members in six school clusters to help shape how new and expanded schools will serve students beginning in 2027. “The Student Assignment Project has always been about one thing: shaping what’s next for student opportunity,” said Norman C. Sauce III, Interim Superintendent of DeKalb County School District. “We’re continuing that work in new, more collaborative ways.”  The decision to continue collaborations follows strong community opposition to close several schools in what…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Stephenson Lady Jaguars knocked off the Southwest DeKalb Panters to win a second consecutive DeKalb County Spikefest Volleyball Bracket at Miller Grove over the weekend. It was Stephenson’s third title overall, having won a year ago and in 2022. The championship was a rematch as the Court 2 runner-up Southwest DeKalb knocked off Court 1 winner and host Miller Grove (4-1) two sets to none. Stephenson cruised into the title match with a 25-13, 25-20 victory over Court 1 runner-up Cedar Grove (3-2). Stephenson picked up its second victory of the tournament against the Panthers with a…

LITHONIA, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host a Beekeeping Program for participants ages 10 and up on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm, 1185 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. Whether you are curious about beekeeping, interested in gardening and pollinators, or simply looking for a unique outdoor experience, this hands-on program offers participants a rare opportunity to step into the fascinating world of honeybees.  Participants will suit up in protective beekeeping gear and enjoy a safe, up-close look inside active hives as bees work throughout the colony. During this hands-on experience,…

DECATUR, GA—Community activist Sigrid Harris will present a talk on the historic Carver Hills community at the DeKalb History Center’s Lunch and Learn on Sept. 15.  Harris will discuss how a community of Black families, their school, and a church were displaced to make way for a General Motors assembly plant in Doraville in the 1940s.  The community that became Carver Hills was displaced when homeowners were bought out and offered land for new homes in nearby Doraville where Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and I-285 now intersect.  General Motors bought 150 acres for the new community, which was named Carver Hills, in honor of…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The Gwinnett Chamber recently hosted its ninth annual Moxie Awards, recognizing women business leaders who are making significant contributions to their companies, organizations, and the Gwinnett community. Presented by Northeast Georgia Health System, the MOXIE Awards  drew more than 500 business leaders, community members, and professionals to the Gas South District Convention Center in Duluth.  The program featured emcee Audra Cunningham, CEO of ACRE Consultants and recipient of the 2025 Moxie Award. Stephanie Stuckey, Chief Growth Officer of Stuckey’s, delivered this year’s keynote address, focused on empowering women leaders to say yes, believe in themselves, and to lead…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Joanne Howell, a 70-year-old woman suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia who was reported missing on Aug. 7, was found deceased at Misty Lake in Ellenwood, DeKalb County Police said on Monday, Aug. 10.  Police and fire crews responded to a reported drowning on Monday around 7 a.m. in the 3900 block of Misty Lake in Ellenwood. Water rescue teams entered the small, private lake and recovered the body, confirming shortly before noon that it was Joanne Howell, the subject of a Mattie’s Call. The medical examiner was on scene around 9 a.m. to transport the body…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) is reminding voters in Congressional District 13 that early voting for the Special Election Runoff will begin Saturday, Aug. 15, and continue through Friday, Aug. 21. Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 25. Early Voting Details One early voting location will be available during the seven-day early voting period. Voters may cast their ballots at the following location: County Line-Ellenwood Library 4331 River Road Ellenwood, GA 30294  Early voting hours are: Saturday, Aug. 15: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 16: Noon to 5 p.m.; and Monday, Aug. 17,…

DECATUR, GA — Greenforest Community Baptist Church’s Social Justice Ministry will host the “Know Your Rights Forum” on Aug. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Greenforest Early Learning Center, 3250 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. A panel of experts will present on the following critical topics: Court Rights — Judge Yolanda Mack, DeKalb County State Court Health Rights — Tousha T. West, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Firearm Rights / Regulations / Safety — Representative from the DeKalb County Police Department Civil Rights / Bill of Rights — Attorney Gerald Griggs, Past President, Atlanta NAACP Moderator:  Candace McCowan, WSB-TV Anchor/Reporter Attendees will have access to resource tables offering practical tools, community services, and helpful information to support individuals…