Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Parks and Recreation invites the community to attend the third annual Art for the Ages Intergenerational Showcase Event on Thursday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Costley Mill Event Center. This special cultural arts initiative celebrates creativity, culture, and community by bringing together seniors, youth, families, art lovers, and residents of all ages for a day of artistic expression and connection. The showcase will feature visual arts, dance performances, and a vibrant fashion presentation highlighting both seniors and youth from across Rockdale County. “Art for the Ages is more than a showcase.…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Get a behind-the-scenes look at life in a cloistered monastery. On these Highlights and Insights Tours, participants will get to see sections of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit not normally open to the public. Visitors will get a rare glimpse into the lives of these monks and revel in the profound beauty and history of one of the most magnificent and peaceful places in Georgia.  Tours begin at 9:30 a.m. and are $20 per person,  every 2nd Saturday March- Nov. 26. The  tours are Organized by Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance. For more information: 404-988-8384 AT A GLANCE:…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County residents and stakeholders are encouraged to mark their calendars for government meetings set for the month of July.   For planning purposes, the links for the agendas, locations and times are provided below, along with streaming sites and other pertinent information.

DECATUR, GA–The DeKalb-Peachtree Airport Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 13, at 6 p.m., 000 Airport Road., Room 227, Atlanta. The public also can attend the meeting virtually at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/84958022051 or via phone by calling 602-333-0032 and using the conference code 482992. The meeting agenda is as follows: Approval of June 2026 Minutes Information/Old Business Director’s Report – Hunter Hines Airfield Crack Seal and Remarking Project Airport Perimeter Fencing Project Noise Report – Sarah Moore June Operations and Noise Report Other III. New Business Public Comments

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA– Mark your calendars for the upcoming Community Health & Wellness Expo on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 PM, presented by the NAACP DeKalb County Branch Health Committee in partnership with Berean Christian Church, 2201 Young Road, Stone Mountain. The Expo is free and open to the public—no registration is required to attend. Come explore health resources, visit community vendors, and take advantage of the many wellness services available. If you would like to participate in the eligible health screenings, pre-registration is required. Individuals who complete the screenings will receive a $45 gift card incentive.…

GWINNETT COUNTY, Join Gwinnett County for an unforgettable evening celebrating creativity, culture, and community on July 25, from 3 to 9 p.m., at the Lawrenceville Arts Center. This vibrant free arts festival brings together live performances, interactive activities, local artisans, and delicious food for all ages to enjoy From high-energy dance performances and live music to hands-on workshops and immersive art experiences, this event showcases a diverse lineup of talented performers and makers. Guests can explore vendor booths, participate in creative activities like painting, terrarium building, and henna art, and enjoy a dynamic stage program featuring multicultural acts, acrobatics, jazz,…

UPDATE: According to an arrest affidavit, former DKPD Officer Derrick Harris, Jr.  had his firearm in one hand and handcuffs in the other hand as Seth Eccles, 19, lay facedown on the ground with his hands behind his back.  In the process of attempting to handcuff Eccles, whom Harris believed to be connected to a robbery, Harris accidentally discharged his firearm. Eccles was taken to a hospital where he died.   The GBI has charged Harris with involuntary manslaughter and Harris has been terminated from the DKPD.  DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Criminal charges have been filed against DeKalb County Police Officer Derrick…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– On July 3, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Section (SIS) conducted a pandering operation, resulting in the arrest of 10 men who allegedly attempted to solicit an undercover deputy. This operation is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing efforts to combat sexual exploitation by targeting those who create the demand for prostitution and criminal activity that often exploits vulnerable individuals. The following individuals were arrested and charged: 1 Brian Huertas: Pandering – Felony, VGCSA 2 Chetan Vekariya: Pandering – Felony 3 Jose Delgado Ontiveros: Pandering – Felony 4 Relemon Adams: Pandering – Felony 5  Adib Jaberi:…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Georgia Supreme Court has upheld the murder convictions of two of the men found guilty in a fatal 2022 gang carjacking in Peachtree Corners, the Gwinnett County District Attorney announced on July 7.  A third assailant’s appeal is pending. In a unanimous decision, the Georgia Supreme Court Justices ruled against the appeals that Miles Chatezal Collins and Josiah Hughley, Jr. brought in the case that found them guilty of, among other charges, felony murder, aggravated assault, hijacking a motor vehicle, and violating Georgia’s Street Gang, Terrorism and Prevention Act for their respective parts in the shooting death of…