Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– A senior living facility in unincorporated Lawrenceville became a crime scene this morning (Feb. 6) after Gwinnett County Police responded to a domestic-related incident and found a deceased elderly woman inside one of the rooms. Police charged Richard Hayden, 81, of Lawrenceville with murdering his 71-year-old wife, Grace Hayden. Richard Hayden, who shared a room with his wife at the facility, was charged with Malice Murder, Aggravated Assault and Felony Murder. He is being evaluated at a nearby hospital for reasons unrelated to the incident and will be transported to the Gwinnett County Jail once released, authorities…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and DeKalb Commissioner Michelle Long Spears will partner with Atlanta-based artist Jermaine Clark to host two community engagement meetings to discuss mural installations at Mason Mill Park. The community is invited to attend the meetings and provide input regarding the installations to complete the trails for the park.  Virtual Meeting Thursday, Feb. 15, 6 to 7 p.m.: Register at http://tinyurl.com/masonmillmural In- Person Meeting Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340- B McConnell Drive, Decatur

DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson recently met with VyStar Credit Union representatives to welcome them to District 3. “I am grateful that VyStar Credit Union has continued to expand its footprint in Georgia in District 3 of DeKalb County,” Commissioner Johnson said. “This type of capital investment will continue to drive economic development and job opportunities for our residents with a convenient banking location and competitive financial services.” On Jan. 25, 2024, the Board of Commissioners approved the zoning plans for VyStar Credit Union with a 6-0 vote. The $6.5 million, brick-and-mortar capital investment is 2,800 square feet. VyStar is…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Georgia Piedmont Technical College is pleased to announce that adult education student Derick Wimbley of DeKalb County has been selected as one of eight state finalists for the Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) program. Wimbley was one of the first students at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Adult Education division who completed the newly-implemented Career Plus program. Wimbley enrolled in Spring of 2023 and earned his high school diploma and two college certificates by December of that year, exemplifying a commitment to education and personal growth. Wimbley dropped out of high school at 17 years old, got married and…

ATLANTA— Better Business Bureau (BBB) welcomes Taelore Hicks to serve as its new Media and Public Relations lead. With a diverse background in journalism and marketing, Hicks brings a wealth of knowledge to this role.   Previously, Hicks was the morning education reporter for 13WMAZ News, where she spent nearly two years telling the stories of Central Georgia. During her time at 13WMAZ, Hicks discovered her passion for storytelling and communications all while establishing herself as a trusted source for the community. Adding to her journalism career, Hicks expanded into the world of marketing by stepping into a role with an…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announces a conviction by jury trial in the case against an Atlanta man involved in a violent home invasion that led to the shooting and killing of an elderly man. Jurors returned guilty verdicts on Thursday, Feb. 1, against Deonte Denard Sills, 30. Sills was found guilty on charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Home Invasion in the First Degree, Armed Robbery, four counts of Aggravated Assault, Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, two counts of Battery and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony stemming from an…

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb Public Health (DKPH) is now the official name for the DeKalb County public health district formerly known as DeKalb County Board of Health. This new branding and logo replace the previous logo, which has been in use since 2007. “As we approach our 100-year anniversary in April 2024, we felt now was the time to create a more recognizable brand for the critical public health work that we accomplish,” said Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano, District Health Director and CEO of DeKalb Public Health. “While leading the charge during the COVID-19 pandemic, we realized that many community members didn’t…

DECATUR,GA– The DeKalb-Peachtree Airport Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 12, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/84958022051. The meeting can be joined by phone at 602-333-0032 or 1-888-270-9936 and using the conference code 482992. The meeting agenda is as follows: APPROVAL OF JANUARY 8, 2024 MINUTES INFORMATION/OLD BUSINESS Director’s Report – Hunter Hines O   EMAS Update O   PDK Minimum Standards/ Rules & Regulations O   Air Quality & Noise Assessment RFP Noise Report – Korey Barnes o   January 2024 Noise and Operations Report OTHER III.  NEW BUSINESS  PUBLIC COMMENTS

DECATUR, GA– The Gresham Recreation Center will host a Black History Month program on Thursday, Feb. 22, 5:30 p.m. at the Gresham Recreation Center, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta.   Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of African Americans while reflecting on their contributions throughout the United States. This program will focus on recognizing African American men and women in history and feature poetry, spoken word, stepping and dance performances.  This event is free and open to the public, no registration is required.   If you are interested in volunteering or performing, please contact the Gresham Recreation…

ATLANTA—Originally set to take place on Feb. 5, the Rosa Parks Day at the Georgia State Capitol will now take place this Friday, Feb. 9. The Georgia General Assembly was not in session today, in observance of the late GA State Rep. Richard Smith’s funeral happening today in Columbus, GA. Further information and updates for the Rosa Parks Day at the Georgia State Capitol will be released later this week, the Rosa Parks Consortium announced. The upcoming Rosa Parks Day at the Georgia State Capitol is the last in a series of events in Atlanta showcasing a collaborative 111th birthday commemoration for…