Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – State Representatives Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) and Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), along with members of the DeKalb County House and Senate Legislative Delegation, have announced the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of their new Constituent Services Office. The event will be held on  Saturday, April 27, 5 p.m. at the New Black Wall Street in Stonecrest, Georgia.  The delegation is inviting constituents, along with their families, friends and neighbors, to join in celebrating the establishment of a dedicated space where community members will be able to conveniently access their state legislators and a range of services. From personal assistance to district…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs’  East Central DeKalb Community & Senior Center, Hairston Crossing Library and The Friends of Hairston Park have partnered to install a StoryWalk® at  Hairston Park, 889 South Hairston Road, Stone Mountain, GA. The literacy through the leaves StoryWalk® project will feature the book, “The Hike,” by author Alison Farrell. Visitors to the park will be able to read pages of the picture book installed on signposts along popular walking routes throughout the park from May 1 -31. StoryWalk is a movement and literacy boosting project that places an…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold four guided walking tours to review trail and greenway improvements along the county’s trail network on Saturday, May 4. The community is invited to help shape the future of the county’s trail and greenway network through the Trail and Greenway Master Plan planning process. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and bring a water bottle. Spots are limited and registration is required. Register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DeKalbTrailsWalkingTours. Locations and Times: Arabia Mountain Trail, 1 – 2 p.m. Stone Mountain Trail, 1 – 2 p.m. Mason Mill Park,…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale officials held a groundbreaking ceremony today, April 19, for the county’s long-awaited judicial and administrative complex. The $140 million project will include the construction of a three-story courthouse building with over 100,000 square feet, the renovation of the existing courthouse annex and the construction of a two-story parking deck with 240 spaces, which will serve the courthouse and downtown Conyers. The new building and renovations will provide the expansion officials say is needed for an aging  and provide room to grow for future needs. The project is expected to be completed in 2027 and the following firms…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Following an executive session today at its two-day board Retreat, the DeKalb County Board of Education unanimously approved a two-year extension for Superintendent Dr. Devon Q. Horton. Board members also exercised the year three option in his original contract.  Horton is now set to lead the DeKalb County School District through June 30, 2027. The vote was 6-0. “The Board is thrilled to have Dr. Horton continue to lead DeKalb County Schools,” said Board Chair Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr. “Since assuming the position last July, he has consistently delivered on his vision to disrupt for excellence. His focus…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– A date has been set for the trial of Gerald Jerome Clark, of Stone Mountain, who is accused of shooting Mary Kilpatrick, 27, putting her in the trunk of her car and then setting it on fire in 2020. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Asha F. Jackson has scheduled the case to begin with jury selection on Monday, April 22, in Courtroom 6C, DeKalb DistrictAttorney Sherry Boston’s office announced.    On Aug. 2, 2021, a DeKalb County Grand Jury indicted  Clark, now 44, on charges of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Arson in the First Degree, two counts of Aggravated Assault, Kidnapping,…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office today(April 19) terminated a Sheriff’s Deputy charged with two felonies. Decatur resident Joann Marks, 26, was taken into custody at the DeKalb County Jail on charges of Violation of Oath of Office by a Public Officer and Sexual Contact by an Employee or Agent in the First Degree. She had been employed by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office since 2021 and was assigned to jail operations. 

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announces a conviction by jury trial in the case against a Snellville man accused of beating a man so severely it ultimately ended his life.  On Monday, jurors found Jaheim Sims, 22, guilty on three counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Battery, two counts of Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony stemming from the attack on Mario Vasquez Lopez, 56, on Sept.r 10, 2020.   As part of a plea deal, Sims’ co-defendant pleaded guilty to Aggravated Battery, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a…