Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Government and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta (ULGA) have launched the Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP) to help eligible low-income households manage their water and sewer bills. The program begins on the same day a 10 percent water and sewer rate increase take effect across the county. The rate adjustment is part of a long-term plan that will include a 10 percent increase each January for the next 10 years to fund critical infrastructure upgrades to DeKalb’s aging water and sewer system. These investments will reduce water main breaks, prevent service disruptions, and ensure the delivery…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – The flowers on their graves have long since withered, but for Zona Inman, the pain of losing two children in one night has never faded.  The 56-year-old Rockdale resident said it’s been nearly four years since her daughter, Shakeema Brown, 28, who was a Fulton County Sheriff’s deputy, and her son, Levoy Brown, 30, were ambushed and gunned down. Shakeema’s husband, Jaquavia Jackson, 28, is serving a life sentence for the double murders that took place at their Covington, GA home on Oct. 27, 2021. Prosecutors said Jackson staged a home invasion at the house and then…

ATLANTA –The escalator at MARTA’s Vine City Station is back in service after state investigators and inspectors cleared it following the July 15 crowd-surge incident that resulted in several injuries. The incident happened just after midnight as thousands of fans were leaving the final Beyoncé Cowboy Carter performance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Witnesses said a concert goer screamed after spotting a bug, prompting riders to stampede. The sudden surge caused the escalator to overload and speed before stopping, officials said. A state inspection confirmed the next morning the overspeed was the result of “high passenger volume” rather than a mechanical failure.  At…

CONYERS, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) announced its extraordinary school-level 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year – the women and men who go above and beyond for their students, peers and community. This year’s Teachers of the Year are: C.J. Hicks Elementary School – Danyel Stancil D.L. Sims Elementary School – Kalisha Woods Flat Shoals Elementary School – Karen Jackson Hightower Trail Elementary School – LeDonna Denmark Honey Creek Elementary School – Catherine Grant J.H. House Elementary School – Dr. Orissa DePass Lorraine Elementary School – Gretchen Gault M.G. Barksdale Elementary School – Joy Kimble-Acosta Peek’s Chapel Elementary School – Tanya…

By Mark Brock DCSC Athletics Specialist  DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Redan High School’s Treshon Bell raced 65 yards around the left end for a touchdown on the first play of the game as the Redan Raiders got a quick start on the way to a 41-9 season opening win over the Stone Mountain Pirates at Adams Stadium on Thursday night, Aug. 14. Justin Davis capped Bell’s run with the PAT for a 7-0 lead just 16 seconds into the game. Stone Mountain recovered a muffed punt after the Pirates opening drive stalled to set up the first score of the night. Paskali…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit  made arrests last week in connection with two separate murder cases in the county. On Tuesday, Aug. 5, investigators arrested Keenan Maxwell Williams, 35, of Lithonia, GA on a warrant for Felony Murder. Williams is accused of shooting Marietta, GA resident Cole Pitter, 36, on July 6, 2025 in Lithonia.  Williams was taken into custody without incident and transported to the DeKalb County Jail, where he is being held without bond. On Wednesday, Aug. 6, investigators with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Task Force arrested Jacksonboro, SC resident Emdria Swinton, 23, in Lithonia.  According…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A 43-year-old man was sentenced to life on Aug. 12 after soliciting a teen girl on social media and taking her to a Gwinnett County hotel to have sex. Zachary Mitchell Allen pled guilty to Aggravated Child Molestation and Sexual Exploitation of Children. He was sentenced to life with the first 25 years in prison. He also must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and have no contact with children. “This defendant was a habitual abuser,” Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “We are pleased with this sentence that will keep him…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Efforts to improve the watershed system throughout DeKalb County continue Tuesday, Sept. 2, with the launch of the Bend Creek Sewer Improvement Project.  Crews will replace approximately 2,310 feet of gravity sewer main along Bend Creek Road. This sewer improvement project is expected to last approximately 12 months (September 2025 to September 2026), barring any weather delays.   Normal construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. An increase in construction-related noise and traffic during work hours should be expected.  To learn more about the Bend Creek Sewer Improvement Project, join the virtual community meeting…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Construction crews associated with the Clairmont Terrace Water Main Replacement Project will conduct night work on Clairmont Road between Tanglewood Circle and Buford Highway near the intersection of Clairmont Terrace. The work will take place from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. on the following nights: ·     Monday, Aug. 18 ·     Tuesday, Aug. 19 ·     Wednesday, Aug. 20 ·     Thursday, Aug. 21 ·     Friday, Aug. 22 (ends at 5 a.m) A lane closure and lane shift will take place on Clairmont Road during the night work; one lane will remain open to local traffic. Signs and flaggers will be in the area to advise motorists of…