Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced today(March 30) that, in a continuing investigative effort between the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Gang Task Force, search and arrest warrants were served today at two locations in the metro Atlanta area, effectively shutting down a sophisticated, multi-state criminal enterprise that included civilians, inmates, and staff involved in contraband introduction into GDC facilities. “Georgia will not tolerate those who put our communities at risk by trafficking drugs, weapons, and contraband both in and out of our correctional facilities,” said Gov. Brian Kemp. “I want to…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners has set in motion the sale of the Stone Mountain Tennis Center site in unincorporated Gwinnett County to Fuqua Acquisitions II, LLC for approximately $5.6 million. Fuqua Development is a real estate development firm specializing in urban retail mixed-use supercenters. The company has developed such notable local projects as Peachtree Corners Town Center and The Exchange @ Gwinnett near the Mall of Georgia, as well as the retail portion of The Battery at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. The sale to Fuqua Development will open the door to the site’s long-anticipated redevelopment, county…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Beulah Missionary Baptist Church hosted Cedar Grove High School administrators and football team leaders recently in celebration of the school winning the Georgia State Championship for the 2023-2024 school year. The state title was the second the school has earned in three years. The church presented plaques to the school leaders on March 24. The Cedar Grove Saints earned 499 yards and scored seven touchdowns, defeating the Savannah Christian Raiders 49-28 in the 3A Georgia High School State Championship, which was held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Charlie J. Henderson, chairman of the Beulah Family Life Advisory Board, applauded the…

By Mark Brock   DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Southwest DeKalb High School’s tennis team served up an ace as 18 of its members and two coaches partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank(ACFB) to help get food out to those in need. Coaches Daelyn Turner and Lance Davenport joined the team as they sorted and packed food items at the ACFB warehouse, located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The group also packed food into care boxes for distribution  to supplemental food pantries, mobile markets and metro-area families and residents in need. The ACFB works with nearly 700 community-based non-profits in its mission…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) will host a firearm safety education event on Saturday, April 6, 12 – 2 p.m., at Lithonia City Hall. To register for this event, contact Rep. Carter at doreen.carter@house.ga.gov. To register for this event, please contact Rep. Carter at doreen.carter@house.ga.gov. WHO:             Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) WHAT:          Firearm Safety Education Event WHEN:          Saturday, April 6, 2024  12 – 2 p.m. WHERE:       Lithonia City Hall 6920 Main Street

DECATUR,GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will t host a senior swim program at East Central DeKalb Community and Senior Center, 4885 Elam Road, Stone Mountain, Ga. from April 9 – May 2. The registration fee is $60 per participant and will include eight lessons. The program will be for beginner swimmers ages 55 and up. Patrons will learn pool safety and the skills needed to make swimming a lifelong pursuit for healthy living. Registration will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. To access online registration, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click the “Register Now” button on the department’s…

DECATUR, GA—A search is underway for an inmate of the DeKalb County Jail who escaped on March 24 while being treated at Grady Hospital. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office stated that Jamal Sanchez, 47, was arrested on March 17, after being apprehended on a secured construction site on Peachtree Boulevard in Chamblee, Georgia.   Sanchez is charged with V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Cocaine (felony), Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers and Loitering or Prowling (misdemeanors). At the time of his escape, Sanchez had been hospitalized since March 21, 2024 for a medical emergency.

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced today, March 27, the indictments of two brothers linked to multiple rape cases around metro Atlanta from 1986 to 1987.  On Tuesday, March 26,  a DeKalb County Grand Jury indicted Jeffrey Briney, 59, on 4 counts of Rape, 7 counts of Kidnapping, one 1 count of Aggravated Sodomy, 2 counts of Armed Robbery, 5 counts of Criminal Attempt to Commit Armed Robbery, 7 counts of Aggravated Assault, 3 counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and 1 count of Possession of a Firearm by a First Offender…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—High school students in Gwinnett County are invited to apply to the Gwinnett Youth Commission(GYC), a year-long leadership development program. GYC focuses on personal and professional development, civic engagement, and public service. Youth Commissioners are representative voices of the County’s youth and serve as representatives to elected officials. The application deadline is Friday, April 5. Learn more and apply at GwinnettYouthCommission.com.

ATLANTA–The MARTA  ARTBOUND program is seeking artists to create designs for metal panels to be installed on the north and south pedestrian bridges at East Lake Station. All Atlanta artists are encouraged to apply.   The project will provides an artist fee of $90,000 for the creation of the artwork, as well as consultation time with MARTA and project stakeholders on structural and safety aspects of realizing the work. A shortlist of 3 to 5 artists will be compensated to provide design proposals after facilitated community engagement. The selected artist will create a design that will then be fabricated, produced, and…