Author: On Common Ground News

STONECREST, GA — New Birth Missionary Baptist Church’s Resurrection Weekend continues today, April 4, with a Spring Festival featuring pop-up outreach activations designed to meet people where they are. New Birth is hosting a large-scale community impact day, featuring free food distributions for hundreds of families, a health and wellness fair, fitness activations, and a Family Fun Day with activities for all ages. The Bullseye Black Market has also returned, showcasing local businesses and creating a vibrant marketplace that blends. The food distribution began at 9 a.m. and the Spring Festival and outreach activities start at 10 a.m.  and ends at…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A Gwinnett County cheerleading coach pled guilty to sexual abuse of a teen cheerleader at his Snellville home. Charles Archibald Moore III, 33, was sentenced to 25 years with the first 12 years to be served in prison after pleading guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of children, invasion of privacy, grooming of a minor, and electronically furnishing obscene material to minors. “This defendant violated the trust he was given as a youth leader,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “This is despicable behavior. We pray that the victim and her family can recover and move forward.” Moore…

DECATUR, GA – As many residents are preparing to travel during spring break, DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Nicole M. Golden is reminding vehicle owners to check their registration. “Driving with an expired car tag, or without a tag, can potentially cost you valuable time and money. Ensuring your vehicle registration is current should be on your travel checklist prior to any road trip, whether it’s in or outside of DeKalb,” said Golden. “Tags can be renewed online, at a kiosk or any three tax office locations.” To avoid delays, taxpayers can go online to renew their vehicle registration, pay insurance fines, check their vehicle title…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Gwinnett County Police detectives have identified the suspect seen on a doorbell camera holding a gun and attempting to kick in an apartment door. The suspect has been identified as Sonny Stephens, 21, of Lawrenceville, and police are seeking the public’s help in locating him. Stephens is facing charges of Criminal Attempt to Commit Home Invasion and Possession of a Firearm during Commission of a Felony.   On March 22, around 1a.m. officers responded to a suspicious activity call at 900 Legacy Park Drive.  The victim said someone was at his apartment door trying to kick the door in…

DECATUR, GA– Registration is now open for the 2026 DeKalb County Senior Olympic Games for ages 50 and older. The games, in its 37th year, will be held May 4 –15 at venues across DeKalb.  The event will kick off at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 4, at Exchange Intergenerational Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur.  The Olympic-style sports festival will include free-throw basketball, bowling, track and field, billiards, swimming, table tennis, line dancing, water volleyball and more.  Participants are encouraged to compete as a team or enter individual events. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the top three…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Isaiah Reid, 19, has been arrested in connection with a shooting that took place at a Miller Grove High School football game in February. His mother, Michelle Reid, also was arrested in connection with the incident, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office announced on April 2.    Reid was taken into custody without incident at an apartment complex in the 4300 block of Satellite Boulevard in Duluth, Georgia. He was arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit, in coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Gwinnett Fugitive Task Force. Reid is charged with multiple felonies, including Aggravated Assault…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive, Conyers, will host its monthly Drive-Thru Food Pantry on Saturday, April 11.   Free groceries will be provided from 9 a.m. until noon (while they last) to individuals and families in need throughout the community. This outreach is open to all, and no registration is required.  Event Details: Springfield Baptist Church Drive-Thru Food Pantry Saturday, April 11 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM 1877 Iris Drive SE, Conyers, GA

DECATUR, GA –– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit, with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Clayton County Police Department, has arrested a suspect wanted on a series of criminal warrants extending from an alleged drive-by shooting incident two years ago in Lithonia, Georgia. Davion Jermarie Knox, 21, of Atlanta, was taken into custody on March 31 without incident at a Richardson Parkway residence in Clayton County.  Knox is charged with 31 felonies that include multiple counts of Aggravated Assault with Intent to Murder, Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and Criminal Damage to Property…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA—Women of Voices of Faith and First Lady Pamela Hawkins will present their annual fashion show and luncheon on April 18, 11 a.m., at 2500 Rockbridge Road S.W., the church’s Stone Mountain campus.   Under the 2026 theme, Step Up & Stand Firm, the event promises to be a beautiful and joyous celebration for sisters—for both young and young at heart.  Tickets are on sale now for the celebration. Get yours before they sell out. For more information, call 770-498-5850.  

LILBURN, GA—Get ready to dance, eat and celebrate. The City of Lilburn will host its Fiesta in the Park, a vibrant, family-friendly community celebration bringing the energy, color and traditions of Cinco de Mayo right to Lilburn City Park.   City officials say this exciting new event promises a celebration filled with music, movement, delicious food and unforgettable entertainment for all ages. Set your calendars for Saturday, May 2, from 4 to 7 p.m., as Lilburn City Park transforms into a lively fiesta. The event kicks off at the bandshell with Alma Mexicana Folk Dance, followed by a lively Mariachi Band…