Author: On Common Ground News

CONYERS, GA–City Manager Tony Lucas has announced his intention to retire from the city of Conyers effective May 31, 2024. Lucas leaves a legacy of nearly 40 years of service to the city, serving in numerous key roles integral to the community’s growth and progress. “I am most proud of the relationships and partnerships I’ve helped forge while at the city,” said Lucas. “I can say without a doubt that the positive, progressive reputation the city, the city council, and the Conyers Police Department enjoy is a result of the right people willing to sit at a table, work cooperatively,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb Districtt Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by bench trial in the case against an Atlanta man accused of shooting a friend who owed him $35. On Monday, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie found Rickey Carter, 65, guilty on charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony stemming from the shooting death of Quinlan Parker, 48, on Jan. 28.. According to the investigation, officers with the DeKalb County Police Department responded to a call about a person shot at an apartment on Maypop Lane…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a Parks Citizen Advisory Board Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 26, at 6 p.m. at the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker. The meeting will take place in suite 111. For more information, contact Carol Underwood, administrative coordinator, at 404-371-2927 or cjunderw@dekalbcountyga.gov.

ATLANTA—Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) knows that there is nothing more important than taking steps to protect your personally identifiable information. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and can use Social Security numbers, birth dates, and other personal information to steal identities, money and more. DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore is urging the public to use precaution. “Driver’s license phishing, texting and social media scams designed to steal people’s identities are at an all-time high, so please be on high alert,” said Moore.  “Managing your driver services account online by frequently changing your password and opting to get alerts by…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA— The second suspect wanted for a series of auto break-ins plaguing Gwinnett County was captured during a traffic stop in the city of Suwanee, authorities announced on today (March 18). Roy Higgins, 28, of Buford, was arrested on March 12 by officers conducting a traffic stop of the vehicle he was driving ion Lawrenceville-Suwannee. Authorities said Higgins, who was wanted for dozens of charges stemming from a series of auto break-ins in 2023, was booked into the Gwinnett County Jail around 10 p.m. Higgins is facing charges of Entering Auto (10 counts); Financial Transaction Card Fraud (10…

Rockdale County’s C.J. Hicks, Honey Creek, and Shoal Creek Elementary schools for competing in the 2024 Black History Reading Bowl, which was sponsored by the Reading Committee of the Chi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® The Black History Reading Bowl was held on Feb. 10 at Indian Creek Middle School. After weeks of study and preparation and three rounds of competition, C.J. Hicks Elementary prevailed as the 1st place winner, with Honey Creek Elementary coming in 2nd place and Shoal Creek Elementary School coming in at 3rd place. Sharron Porter serves as president of Chi Tau…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—An investigation is under way following the death of a 27-year-old inmate at the DeKalb County Jail, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. Christon Devante Collins experienced a medical emergency in his jail cell on Friday, March 13, authorities said. The sheriff’s office on-site medical team responded and rendered emergency services until DeKalb EMS arrived and transported Collins to a local hospital, where he died two days later. Collins, an Atlanta resident, had been in custody since Feb. 4, on charges of Obstruction of Law Enforcement and Simple Battery Against Police. The incident is being investigated by…

ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will close its Airport Station for six weeks—April 8 through May 19—to renovate the concourse and platform levels. MARTA advises passengers to allow at least 30 extra minutes when taking MARTA to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.  MARTA service will continue to and from the airport via a bus shuttle between College Park Station and the North Terminal Lower Level, downstairs from North Baggage Claim. The shuttle will be provided 22 hours a day, 4 a.m. to 2 a.m.    During this closure, MARTA will remove and replace the floor tiles on the…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is accepting applications for numerous summer employment opportunities such as pool managers, food monitors, camp counselors and bus drivers. Applicants must be age 18 or older to apply for recreation positions. All applicants selected will be required to successfully complete a drug and alcohol screening and criminal background check prior to employment. To view available DeKalb County positions or complete an application, visit https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/human-resources/employment-opportunities and select “Click Here.” For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations manager, at 404-710-6331 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.