Author: On Common Ground News

DULUTH, GA — The Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will present 28 debutantes and beaus to society at its 9th Biennial “Crème de la Crème: Visions of Elegance and Excellence” Cotillion-Beautillion Ball on Saturday, March 14. The ball will be held at the Thomas P. Hughes Ballroom inside the Gas South Convention Center. The Cotillion-Beautillion Program is a transformative initiative designed to introduceteens to the principles of poise, leadership, and social responsibility. Through structured instruction and mentorship, participants receive comprehensive training in social etiquette, ballroom dancing, dining protocol, and respectful, face-to-face communication. The program places a…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Allyssa Amos, wanted on aggravated assault charges in connection with a drive-by shooting on a restaurant in October 2025, is in custody at the Gwinnett County Jail.   The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive and K-9 Units arrested Amoson on Feb.  20 in Duluth, GA. According to police reports, Amos,36, drove the getaway car. Leamon Carter, 48, opened fire with a MAC-11 submachine gun on Harold’s Chicken & Ice Bar restaurant after a dispute over paying his bill.   Police said Carter shot several rounds through the glass door and windows of the restaurant after the restaurant closed around 2:30 a.m.…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–   Rockdale County Public School’ (RCPS) brightest young scientific minds and the research they conducted in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields were in the spotlight at the 2026 Rockdale Regional Science and Engineering Fair (RRSEF).  There are 47 Grand Champion RCPS students advancing to the state level, the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair (GSEF). Four students are advancing internationally as finalists at the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and more are advancing to national competitions. A total of 169 students entered this 17th annual RRSEF competition in 21 different categories and were evaluated by more than 70 accomplished professionals as…

CONYERS, GA– Jesus Lopez, a recent graduate of the Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology and lifelong Rockdale County resident, announced today that he is running for the Rockdale County Board of Education, Post 1. As the qualifying period approaches, Lopez says he is running on a platform centered on reducing central-office bureaucracy, improving student outcomes, supporting teachers, and restoring transparency and accountability in district leadership. Lopez says his decision to run is deeply personal. As a child with a speech impediment and an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Lopez faced numerous obstacles, from prejudice to excessive red tape. He credits his…

DECATUR, GA – Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 25, Thompson Road between Dresden Drive and Grant Drive will close to through traffic for approximately four weeks, barring any weather delays. The project will require a road closure to replace water lines as a part of the Grant Drive Water Main Replacement Project. During this closure, detour signage will be installed to guide traffic along an alternate route.  Motorists should expect delays stemming from the road closure. Precautionary signs and traffic flaggers will assist local traffic in moving safely around the road closure. Our construction crews will work diligently to minimize the length of…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about individuals fraudulently claiming to be Chief Deputy Temetris Atkins and other Sheriff’s Office employees. Using the names of real officials to appear legitimate, these impersonators are contacting members of the public in an apparent attempt to solicit money, personal information, and other sensitive details. Reports have surfaced throughout the metro area concerning victims who were duped by scammers demanding bond payment for loved ones who may be incarcerated. Others have paid fines for traffic  violations and other fees by scammers using spoofing techniques that appear to be…

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County Public Library (DCPL) has announced that the Decatur Library, located at 215 Sycamore St.  in downtown Decatur, has reopened with enhanced security. The library is implementing new entry procedures designed to provide a safe and secure environment for patrons, following a fight that erupted between two men that turned into a shooting inside the library on Feb.  2 around 5:10 p.m. The library reopened on Feb. 10. Medicus Brown, 44, has been taken into custody and faces charges of aggravated assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Decatur Police have confirmed there…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County Police fatally shot a man whom they said threatened them with a knife while they were responding to a domestic situation on Oaktree Park Court in Lawrenceville.  Nawras Mahmud, 31, has been identified as the suspect who was killed on Thursday, Feb. 19. The officer-involved shooting case has now been turned over to the GBI to lead the investigation.  The incident occurred around 3:44 p.m. when officers from the Gwinnett Central Police Precinct responded to a person stabbed call stemming from a domestic violence situation. The caller reported that someone inside the home armed with…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Portions of I-20 will be closed intermittently March 2-4 as construction crews work on the new Courtesy Parkway Bridge, officials have announced. The Rockdale County Department of Transportation (RDOT), in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), plan to close portions of the interstate during the evening hours of Monday, March 2, and Tuesday, March 3. The parkway extension project is expected to wrap up by Wednesday morning, March 4, weather permitting, officials said.  During construction, drivers may experience several changes in driving conditions: Traffic Pacing Operation on Eastbound and Westbound I-20 between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Intermittent closures on I-20…