Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston today announced a conviction by guilty plea in the July 2022 case against Samuel Harvey, 62. Harvey brutally attacked and robbed an elderly military veteran in a pharmacy parking lot who later died.  Immediately following Harvey’s guilty plea on April 4, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Stacey Hydrick sentenced Harvey to 20 years to serve 15 in confinement and the remaining 5 on probation. Because of Harvey’s prior criminal history, he is not eligible for parole, the District Attorney’s Office said.    Harvey pleaded guilty to Abuse of an Elder Person, Robbery by Force, and…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) today (April 15) announced the Class of 2025 valedictorians and salutatorians.  DeKalb Schools’ Superintendent Devon Q. Horton congratulated the 52 students who have excelled in their studies and embody excellence and leadership. “I congratulate these remarkable scholars as they celebrate this impressive milestone in their lives,” said Horton. “Their hard work, curiosity, and perseverance have led to this moment. I am confident that as each embarks on their next journey, they will pursue their paths with the same vigor and determination that has led them here. We can’t wait to see all…

DECATUR, GA—Registration is underway now and will end on April 20 for the 2025 DeKalb Summer Youth Employment Program (DSYEP). DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and WorkSource DeKalb announced today, April 15, that the program will provide 350 interns with work experience and professional growth opportunities across various industries including healthcare, education, technology, retail, and government. “Our youths are the architects of tomorrow, and it’s our responsibility to equip them with the foundation to build bold, bright futures,” said Cochran-Johnson. “Through this program, we’re not just offering jobs — we’re investing in dreams, potential, and the…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – State Representative Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), along with other state legislators, will hold a meeting to update constituents on the legislative session on Saturday, April 19, at 10 a.m, at Stephenson Middle School, 922 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain. The event is also hosted by the Rockbridge Coalition; East DeKalb Community District; Stephenson Middle and High School PTSAs; Lithonia High PTSA; Arabia Mountain PTSA; Wynbrooke Elementary PTSA; and the P.I.L.O.T. Program. The event seeks to provide an opportunity to engage with parents, students and community leaders across the participating schools and organizations. The goal of the event is…

DECATUR, GA – State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D – Lithonia), joined by members of the DeKalb County House Delegation, will hold a town hall meeting to recap the 2025 legislative session on Wednesday, April 30, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, Decatur.  “For my constituents in East DeKalb, I invite you to hear from your Dekalb House Delegation on what happened this session – both statewide and locally,” said Rep. Kendrick. “I hope to personally meet you all there.”  WHO:              Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D – Lithonia)  Rep. Karla Drenner (D – Avondale Estates)  Rep.…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Register now to attend the Rockdale Soil & Water Conservation District’s Ice cream & Cookie Social with guest speaker Mike Worley, Georgia Wildlife Federation Director. The event will be held on April 24, 5 to 8 p.m., at the University of Georgia Extension Office, 1127 West Ave. S.W., Conyers. Worley will speak at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free but registration is required due to limited space. The social is an opportunity for those interested in protecting and conserving Rockdale’s natural resources with a focus on cleaner water and healthier soils. More information is available in the flier below:…

UPDATE: The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office announced on April 16, 2025 that the suspect has been identified as Shawn Murphy. No additional information was provided.   ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA — The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) is investigating the apparent drowning of a suspect who fled from deputies and entered Salem Lake early this morning, April 13. According to authorities, deputies initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Old Salem Road and Underwood Road, near Salem Lake around 2:35 a.m. The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot, prompting a pursuit. During the chase, the suspect entered the lake to…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– It’s that time again. Join Voices For Rockdale’s next scheduled clean-up on Wednesday, April 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pine Log and Bulldog Circle.  Cleanup supplies will be provided on site. To volunteer, email:voicesforrockdale@gmail.com The group kicked off its first Adopt-A-Mile project on Feb. 18, officially joining the City of Conyers’ Adopt-A-Mile program this year.   Corliss Turner, founder of Voices for Rockdale, said the clean-up initiative is a good way for residents to get involved in the community and show support and pride.  Voices for Rockdale’s has two more cleanups scheduled for 2025: July 6 and Oct. 8.  

DECATUR, GA – As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance its watershed infrastructure, DeKalb County will begin construction on the 2nd and 3rd Avenue Sewer Improvement Project in Decatur starting Monday, April 21. Construction will take place Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., excluding major holidays. The project is scheduled to last approximately nine months (April 2025 to January 2026), weather permitting. The scope of work includes the replacement of approximately 1,900 feet of gravity sewer mains and manholes between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. Residents should anticipate increased noise and traffic in the area during work hours. To learn more about the project, the public is invited to attend…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA— Parkview High School senior and rising illustration artist Ava Burton is blossoming this spring—both in talent and recognition. As one of the standout student artists featured at the 89th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Burton’s vivid acrylic painting, Sleepy Time, recently captured the spotlight on Fox 5’s Good Day Atlanta, during an April 9 live segment. Representing the Peach State with pride, Burton’s featured work is a kaleidoscopic, dream-like depiction of a snail family inspired by nostalgic childhood memories and the imaginative spirit of animated storytelling. “As a child, I was afraid of the dark and would sometimes tiptoe…