Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – Sharon Henderson, a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, is facing federal charges of unemployment fraud, as well as other Georgia lawmakers, according to U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg.   Henderson, who lives in Newton County, was arrested on Dec. 8 after a federal grand jury charged her with two counts of stealing government funds and ten counts of making false statements to illegally collect $17,811 of unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Henderson’s case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Georgia Office of the State…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A mother who beat and killed her 4-year-old son because he would not use the toilet has been sentenced to life without parole.   Sophia Williams, 43, was found guilty of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, four counts of Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, and three counts of Aggravated Battery in connection with the death of her son, Anthony Vice, 4. During a sentencing hearing held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Asha F. Jackson, who presided over the trial, sentenced Willliams to Life Without the Possibility of Parole, plus 10 years. DeKalb…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has appointed Greg Padrick as the new Chief of Police, marking a key step in the County’s agenda to prioritize public safety.  “Chief Padrick brings an extraordinary depth of experience, proven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public safety,” Cochran-Johnson SAID. “For 28 years, he has served this county with integrity, and I am confident that under his leadership, the DeKalb County Police Department will continue to advance police excellence, innovation, transparency, and community-centered policing.” During his tenure with DeKalb County Police Department, Padrick has served in key roles across multiple division. His…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Community activist Josie Dean, her daughter, Canei Lampkin, and other volunteers gifted Rockdale County firefighters and City of Conyers police officers with bundles of socks this holiday season.  The socks, however, weren’t just any socks.  The first responders received the highly-quality Bombas, known for their premium comfort. “Because of Bombas’ support to our community organization, Visions of the Minds, we were able to give them the best,” said Dean, whose baby grandson went along for the deliveries.  “It was just a joy to do something good for those who protect us. They were happy to receive them.” Visions of…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– A man involved in a road rage stabbing incident has been arrested, Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) said on Dec. 10.     The suspect, identified as Yoandry Rincon, was charged with Aggravated Assault and booked into the Gwinnett County Jail. The victim, Peter Chai, was stabbed in the chest, transported to the hospital and has since been treated and released. Chai and Rincon did not know each other prior to this incident, police said. Police said the incident occurred on Nov. 13. Officers were dispatched to a person stabbed call and located the victim with a stab wound to…

CONYERS, GA– The Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) has released CCRPI (College and Career Readiness Performance Index) data, and three Rockdale County schools are among those distinguished as Literacy and Math Leader Schools.  Lorraine Elementary and D.L. Sims Elementary were both named Literacy Leader Schools for 3rd Grade Gateway Growth, while Memorial Middle School was named a Math Leader for High School Growth These statewide Literacy Leader and Math Leader distinctions celebrate schools that demonstrate extraordinary student progress and proficiency. Schools are recognized for achievement, growth, or both on annual end-of-grade or end-of-course Milestones assessments. The criteria recognize the crucial importance…

ATLANTA—Mayor Andre Dickens has appointed Vanessa Manley to serve as Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services. In this role, Manley will lead a dedicated group of public servants who are on the front lines of community engagement, meeting residents where they are to address the street-level needs of all of Atlanta’s communities. Among several priority initiatives overseen by this office: the Mayor’s Housing Help Center, Midnight Basketball and other non-policing activities to address the root causes of crime, marquee events for legacy residents including the Mayor’s Senior Ball and the Community Engagement Team whose dedicated mission is to strengthen…

STONE MOUNTAIN—You’re invited to a night of fun, food and fellowship. Voices of Faith Church is hosting its annual Festival of Trees on Friday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m., at its Stone Mountain campus located at 2500 Rockbridge Road S.W. The free event features decorated stations located throughout the building, with food, sweets and other treats, activities and prizes for the annual Ugly Sweater Contest, as well as recognition for the ministries that earn the top votes for the best decorated stations. 

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry is inviting the public to attend a town hall on Wednesday, Dec.10, 6 p.m., at the Porter Sanford Auditorium, 3181 Rainbow Drive. Terry wants to hear community feedback on new data center regulations that are coming up for a vote before the DeKalb County Commission on Dec. 16.  “Many of my constituents are completely against building any data centers in DeKalb, and I’ve heard them,” said Terry, “but if the county doesn’t have any laws in place, it allows developers to build practically anything they want, anywhere.” “Strict regulations are so important in the process…

DECATUR, GA– Due to forecasted freezing temperatures, DeKalb County will open the following warming centers for residents beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 10 – Dec.11, 2025: Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta • St. Vincent de Paul, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Road, Chamblee • Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur • Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur All transportation routes originate from Frontline Response Headquarters (2585 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta) and are scheduled for initial pickups to be completed by 7:30 p.m. Following the initial routes, final sweeps will continue from 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m., ending promptly at 10 p.m. During…