Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Gwinnett County Police detectives have arrested Khaden Williams, 18, of DeKalb County and charged him in connection with a shooting that left a 15-year-old male injured outside the Mall of Georgia in Buford.  The victim is being treated at a local hospital for injuries and his identity is not being released at this time, authorities said.  The shooting occurred on Saturday, Jan. 4, shortly around 9:30 p.m., after the mall had closed, authorities said. An officer working a security detail at the mall heard gunshots and immediately ran toward the direction where the shots were fired, Gwinnett County…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County’s Super District 7 Commissioner LaDena Bolton will host three community listening sessions beginning this week—North DeKalb, Central DeKalb and South DeKalb. As the newly-elected Super District 7 commissioner, Bolton represents approximately 385,000 residents who live in the eastern half of the county including unincorporated DeKalb and the cities of Doraville, Tucker, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Lithonia. Bolton succeeds Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who secured the seat to become DeKalb County’s first black female CEO.  Bolton is inviting the public to come out and share their priorities, concerns and ideas as she and other invited community leaders prepare…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) is on winter recess through Jan. 13 and will convene its first meeting of the new year on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.  The newly elected chair, JaNice Van Ness, will officially take the helm of the three-member, all female BOC. Here’s a look at the Rockdale BOC January schedule: Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Work Session/Voting Session: Tuesday, January 14, 10 a.m., Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers  Monday, Jan. 20– Martin Luther King Day Holiday – County Offices Closed  Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Work Session:  Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6 p.m., Assembly Hall, 901…

STONECREST, GA– The City of Stonecrest broke ground Jan. 3 on the Panola Shoals Restoration Project, marking a monumental investment in preserving natural resources, enhancing outdoor recreation and promoting community health. The $3 million project at 4460 Panola Rd. will stabilize and restore the South River streambank at Panola Shoals. Plans include building a more than 750-foot gravity block retaining wall, a two-tiered boulder retaining wall and a concrete access drive. Improvements will also include upgraded pedestrian pathways, native plantings to stabilize the soil and an irrigation system to support landscaping along the restored area. “This project is a testament to…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Rockdale Board of Elections will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 5 p.m., at 1115 West Ave. S.W., Conyers.  The public is invited to attend in person or virtually.The meeting will be available online via Zoom:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7049887949  Meeting ID: 704 988 7949 One tap mobile +13126266799,,7049887949# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,7049887949# US (New York)

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County Clerk of Superior Courts Janice Morris is reminding notaries public seeking to renew their commissions as well as new applicants that they must complete mandatory educational training under a new law that takes effect on Jan. 1, 2025. HB 1292, which was passed by Georgia legislators during the 2024 legislative session, requires completion of the training course as part of the application process for Georgia public notaries. Notaries will be provided a certificate after completing the training course.  Notaries who are seeking renewals and those who are first-time applicants must include the certificate of completion with their…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to forecasted cold weather, DeKalb County will open the following four warming centers for residents on each night Wednesday, Jan. 1, through Saturday, Jan. 4, starting at 8 p.m.: Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road, Atlanta  North DeKalb Senior/Community Center, 3393 Malone Drive, Chamblee, (see pickup schedule below for transportation to Frontline)  Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur (see pickup schedule below for transportation to Frontline)  Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur (see pickup schedule below for transportation to Frontline)  During warming center activation, transportation pickups will be available to Frontline International according…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Rockdale County NAACP invites the community to its Jubilee Day Celebration on Jan. 1, 11 a.m., at Bald Rock Baptist Church, 2282 Old Covington Road, Conyers.  The 2025 theme is “The Fight Continues,” and Pastor Christopher Ship will lead the worship service.   Come out and celebrate the momentous occasion.   

As 2024 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to the City of Stonecrest for allowing me the opportunity to serve this community. This year has been truly transformative for me. I have gained a deeper understanding of the culture at City Hall and developed meaningful relationships with my colleagues. I have learned invaluable lessons from each of them—some positive, some challenging. Yet, I firmly believe that everyone here is committed to the best interests of the City of Stonecrest. I would like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors…