Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – The Gwinnett County Police Department has arrested the armed robbery suspect who fought with a Chick-fil-a employee for several minutes during an early morning attack. Tommie Lee Williams ,51, was arrested today (July 31) on a warrant in connection with the July 1 incident.  Williams was charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, kidnapping, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and criminal damage to property in connection with the July 1 incident. The incident happened around 4:30 a.m. at the restaurant, located at 5075 Stone Mountain…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—As DeKalb County School District(DCSD) students return to classes on Aug. 5, some will be welcomed by new principals. The district announced the appointment of 20 inew principals who will lead their respective schools for the 2024-25 school year. DCSD Superintendent  Devon Q. Horton expressed his confidence and gratitude to these outstanding school administrators. “We are proud to welcome these outstanding leaders to their new roles. I am confident these principals will give their all to provide a high-quality education for the students in their buildings throughout the new school year and beyond,” Horton said. “I thank each of…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) announced the top three finalists for the district Teacher of the Year during the 2024 RCPS Convocation. The district finalists for RCPS Teacher of the Year are Lindsay Ezell of Memorial Middle School; Dr. Chuck Garner of Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology; and Tonya Grant of Barksdale Elementary School. Each finalist was named in a surprise announcement before the audience of employees from all schools gathered at the 2024 RCPS Convocation. “All of our school-level Teachers of the Year are exceptional educators who stand out for their ability to connect with students and have a profound impact…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs announces that select county pools and facilities will be open on a modified schedule beginning Aug. 10 through Labor Day, Sept. 2. Operation Hours Splash pad – Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pools – Saturdays and Sundays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.   Exchange Splash Pad 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, Ga. 30034 Gresham Pool 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta, Ga. 30316 Lithonia Pool 2501 Park Drive, Lithonia, Ga. 30058 Medlock Pool 874 Gaylemont Circle, Decatur, Ga. 30033 Midway Pool 3181 Midway Road, Decatur, Ga. 30032 Tobie Grant…

STONECREST, GA–The 2024 Arabia Mountain High School Rams wrapped up its football camp with a trip to Voices of Faith Church.  The church, under the leadership of Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., provided the players with free haircuts for Picture Day and backpacks filled with school supplies in preparation for the first day of school on Aug. 5.  The team and coaches also attended worship service on July 28 at Voices of Faith , receiving a warm welcome from Bishop Hawkins and congregation members. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9-3y6bSl9M/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA—Chris Moten’s revolutionary new sound, Trap Jazz, is coming to Stone Mountain. Trap Jazz will take center stage on Friday, Aug. 9, 7 p.m., at Voices of Faith Church’s 30th Anniversary Celebration featuring an evening of dinner and jazz. Led by Moten, Trap Jazz recently performed at the Atlanta High Museum to a packed-out crowd. The performance follows a growing number of major events for the up-and-coming Atlanta artists since a Hulu documentary premiered on Aug. 23, 2023 celebrating Trap Jazz as the new sound for this generation—a fusion of jazz, classical, and hip hop. Moten, who turned 38…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct its Special Called meeting on Thursday, Aug.  8, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/88137432677. Join by phone at 602-333-0032 or888-270-9936 and use conference code 171493.  Agenda Callto Order Adoptionof Agenda III.            Administrative Items Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of July 18, 2024 Nomination and Election of Officer(s) Evidentiary Hearing Procedures Public Comments Comments from the Board of Ethics Executive Session to Discuss Pending Litigation and Personnel Issues Motion to Convene an Executive Session Motion to Adjourn an Executive Session Motion to Approve the Executive Session Affidavit VII.         Announcement of Next Regular Meeting Date of Thursday, August 15, 2024…

LITHONIA, GA–First Saint Paul AME Church will host its Annual Back to School Bash on Aug. 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The church, which is under the leadership of the Rev. Marvin L. Crawford, is located at 2624 Klondike Road, Lithonia.   The free event will feature the following: School supplies Back packs Clothing with Emonie’s Closet Child ID packets  There will be food, games, and music. The DeKalb County Board of Health’s Mobile Clinic will provide immunizations and health screenings.  The community is invited.

DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County Government is partnering with the DeKalb County School District and local faith leaders to distribute 3,000 bookbags filled with school supplies, along with 5,000 boxes of fresh produce, chicken, and lunch box snacks on Saturday, Aug. 3. DeKalb students return to classes for the 2024-2025 school year on Monday, Aug. 5. DeKalb County and its partners will distribute: 3,000 clear bookbags filled with a pack of 12 pencils, a pack of 12 pens, a pack of 24 crayons, pack of three erasers, ruler, composition notebook, a three-subject notebook, notebook filler paper, a flash drive and a calculator…