Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–  Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) detectives are investigating an overnight shooting that left one male deceased. On Sunday, July 14, just after 9 p.m., officers assigned to the West Precinct responded to a 911 call of a person shot near the area of 4840 Jimmy Carter Blvd. in Norcross.  When officers arrived on the scene, they encountered a male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers attempted to render lifesaving first aid, but the victim died from his injuries. Detectives assigned to the Homicide Unit responded to the scene along with the Crime Scene Unit and officials from…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Long Range Planning Division invites the McNair neighborhood to its inaugural “Community 101” public meeting on Thursday, July 18,  6 p.m., at the N.H. Scott Recreation Center, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur.  The Planning & Sustainability department will discuss local planning needs custom to the McNair area and explore educational resources.  The community is invited to attend. The discussion will center on  the proper tools and resources needed to address planning-related matters from a community-led standpoint.  For more information, contact Aprell King, Planner, at470-898-2251 or alking@dekalbcountyga.gov or visit https://tinyurl.com/McNairCommunity101.  

CONYERS, GA—Three retired city of Conyers employees who each served more than 40 years were honored at the unveiling of the Conyers Employee Wall of Fame outside of Conyers City Hall on July 11.  Former Public Works superintendent George Duren retired from the city in April 2018 with 42 years of service. He was the first city employee to reach the 40 years of service milestone. Also honored were Marvin Flanigan, former director of Planning and Inspection Services, who retired in April 2024 with 43 years of service, and former city manager and chief of police Tony Lucas, who retired…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Still looking for weekend plans? Purchase tickets to see the Cosmic Swift Laser Show with our special ticket offer of $20 at the Gas South Arena. The show is two hours of non-stop Taylor Swift hits seamlessly blended with the world-famous touring Laser Spectacular & Light Show! With large-screen video projection, 3-D glasses, and all the mind-bending effects the Laser Spectacular is famous for, the show is taking America by storm. DJ Tiff will have Swifties singing along to all their favorite hits.  Ticket Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E006082AEE72EBD?did=cosmic

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The DeKalb County Police Department is hosting a One-Stop Shop Hiring event on Saturday, July 13, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker.  Candidates will have the opportunity to complete the hiring process and potentially walk away with a conditional offer to start employment on Sept. 16. The new starting salary for certified officers is up to $64,640 and up to $60,060 for non-certified individuals.  Hiring incentives include $5,000 for certified officers with two or more years of experience and $3,000 for those with no experience. For more information, call DeKalb County Police Department’s Background…

ATLANTA – MARTA, in partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB), invites families to a free community event, “Explore Your City with Alma’s Way,” on Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m. to noon at Arts Center Station.   The event highlights the PBS Kids animated series “Alma’s Way,” created by Sonia Manzano, known for her role as “Maria” on Sesame Street. The series centers on 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a confident Puerto Rican girl living in the Bronx. Alma’s family, including her aunt Tía Gloria, a conductor on the 6 train, uses public transit to explore their city.  Activities at the Arts Center MARTA Station…

ATLANTA –MARTA has been awarded $25 million for construction of the South DeKalb Transit Hub through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Buses and Bus Facilities Program.  The approximately 2500-square-foot multimodal hub will serve four high ridership bus routes bordering Georgia’s 4th and 5th Congressional Districts: Route 15 (Candler Road), Route 186 (Rainbow Way), Route 74 (Flat Shoals), and Route 9 (Boulevard/Tilson Road). Being built adjacent to the Gallery at South DeKalb on Candler Road, and with park-and-ride availability, the hub will provide a safe, sheltered space to catch or transfer buses and purchase fare, and feature real-time service information and SMART restrooms…

CONYERS, GA—The Conyers Downtown Development Authority (DDA) recently presented the 2023 Outstanding Achievement Award to Ginette Nean for her efforts in renovation and beautification at Djea Natural Hair Spa at 933 Commercial Street in Olde Town Conyers. Djea Natural Hair Spa opened in Olde Town Conyers in July 2022, but the business has been located in Conyers since 2010. Nean takes pride in her business specializing in healthy hair care, curly hair texture, and locs. Nean uses quality hair products and makes her own all-natural butter for locs. Djea currently has three stylists and three independent stylists who serve clients…

CONYERS, GA— Conyers City Manager Kameron Kelley has appointed Rebecca Hill as deputy director of the Georgia International Horse Park (GIHP). The appointment was effective July 1. Hill began her career with the city of Conyers in 2003. She holds degrees from Young Harris College and the University of Georgia. Prior to being appointed deputy director, she served as an intern, event manager, sales and marketing manager and assistant director. Hill is responsible for promotions, sales and event bookings for special events and equestrian events, website management, advertising and social media promotions. Hill is a member of the League of Agriculture and…