Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA — Make plans now for the 48th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival, which will be held Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26. One of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, is an annual celebration of culture, community, and the art of jazz. This year’s festival is presented by Design Essentials. Returning to Piedmont Park, in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, the three-day festival, which will include an array of activities and vendors, will take place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day.   To view a special video message from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, click HERE. “We have a fabulous lineup of…

Rockdale County High School (RCHS) invites the community to recognize outstanding individuals in RCHS athletics and beyond by nominating them for the RCHS Wall of Fame.  This prestigious honor is reserved for former RCHS student-athletes and coaches who have made a lasting impact on the school, community, or in their professional careers. Community members can submit their nomination by May 7 at https://forms.office.com/r/3KXJuTawBp?origin=lprLink Nominations do not carry over from previous years. If someone was nominated before but was not selected, they must be renominated each year to be considered. When submitting the nomination, please provide detailed information on the nominee’s…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County Board of Commissioners’ meetings will be streamed on the links below.  Links also will be made available via the Rockdale County Government Facebook Page. Streaming sites:  https://www.youtube.com/@Rockdale23 |  https://www.rockdalecountyga.gov/board-of-commissioners-meeting-videos   View Agendas: https://www.rockdalecountyga.gov/rockdale-board-of-commissioners-meeting-agenda/  Interested in volunteering? Check out this link to fill out a volunteer application:https://www.rockdalecountyga.gov/citizen-commissions-committees/.  Open Records Act Requests: https://www.rockdalecountyga.gov/what-is-an-open-record-request/ Streaming sites:  https://www.youtube.com/@Rockdale23 |  https://www.rockdalecountyga.gov/board-of-commissioners-meeting-videos/

NEWTON COUNTY, GA–The Newton County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a second suspect in connection with the March 19 homicide during Senior Skip Day at Denny Dobbs Park. The suspect has been identified as Tashshawn Lyons, 17, of Conyers. He is facing charges of murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a person under the age of 18 and reckless conduct.  Lyons, a student at Rockdale County High School, was hospitalized before his arrest due to injuries sustained while fleeing the scene. He is now in custody at the Newton…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County government will host the 8th Annual Reverse Trade Show & Procurement Summit on March 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center in Decatur.   The annual event, hosted by the DeKalb County Purchasing and Contracting Department in partnership with WorkSource DeKalb, is designed to connect businesses with county government departments and other industry professionals in a unique reverse trade show format. Instead of vendors approaching buyers, government representatives are stationed at booths while business owners walk the floor, engaging directly with decision-makers. This format allows businesses to gain insights, build relationships,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA –DeKalb County School District Superintendent Devon Q. Horton will deliver his State of the District Address on Thursday, March 27, 5:30 p.m., at the Innovative Fernbank Science Center, 156 Heaton Drive in Atlanta.The event will conclude at 8 p.m. This year’s theme, “SoaringTogether: New Levels, New Heights,” celebrates DCSD’s recent achievements, examines the challenges ahead,and charts a bold new course for the District’s future, according to a news release. The superintendent will provide a detailed update on the District’s future, including evidence-based strategies and initiatives to promote academic, social, and emotional success for all students. Hudson will…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – The Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center has reached critical capacity and is seeking volunteer foster homes for shelter animals in need. “Some animals that enter the center need a little extra care before they’re ready to find their adoptive home,” said Katrina Helman, Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Division Director. “Fostering is a great way to make a difference in an animal’s life without the long-term commitment of adoption. It gives these pets a chance to thrive while also helping open space for other animals in need.” Foster homes are needed for a variety of reasons, including…

NEWTON COUNTY, GA—A prayer vigil is being organized today, March 22, to remember Justin Etienne, a student at Salem High School in Rockdale County.  Etienne, 18, died after he was shot at Denny Dobbs Park, where a crowd of high school seniors from Newton and Rockdale counties were celebrating Skip Day on March 19.  According to a social media post, organizers are planning to have a candlelight vigil at the park today for the popular soccer player. However, it is unclear if the gathering would be allowed by law enforcement or county officials.  A mother said earlier this week that students at Salem…