Author: On Common Ground News

NEWTON COUNTY, GA–The Newton County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a second suspect in connection with the March 19 homicide during Senior Skip Day at Denny Dobbs Park. The suspect has been identified as Tashshawn Lyons, 17, of Conyers. He is facing charges of murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a person under the age of 18 and reckless conduct.  Lyons, a student at Rockdale County High School, was hospitalized before his arrest due to injuries sustained while fleeing the scene. He is now in custody at the Newton…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County government will host the 8th Annual Reverse Trade Show & Procurement Summit on March 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center in Decatur.   The annual event, hosted by the DeKalb County Purchasing and Contracting Department in partnership with WorkSource DeKalb, is designed to connect businesses with county government departments and other industry professionals in a unique reverse trade show format. Instead of vendors approaching buyers, government representatives are stationed at booths while business owners walk the floor, engaging directly with decision-makers. This format allows businesses to gain insights, build relationships,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA –DeKalb County School District Superintendent Devon Q. Horton will deliver his State of the District Address on Thursday, March 27, 5:30 p.m., at the Innovative Fernbank Science Center, 156 Heaton Drive in Atlanta.The event will conclude at 8 p.m. This year’s theme, “SoaringTogether: New Levels, New Heights,” celebrates DCSD’s recent achievements, examines the challenges ahead,and charts a bold new course for the District’s future, according to a news release. The superintendent will provide a detailed update on the District’s future, including evidence-based strategies and initiatives to promote academic, social, and emotional success for all students. Hudson will…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – The Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center has reached critical capacity and is seeking volunteer foster homes for shelter animals in need. “Some animals that enter the center need a little extra care before they’re ready to find their adoptive home,” said Katrina Helman, Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Division Director. “Fostering is a great way to make a difference in an animal’s life without the long-term commitment of adoption. It gives these pets a chance to thrive while also helping open space for other animals in need.” Foster homes are needed for a variety of reasons, including…

NEWTON COUNTY, GA—A prayer vigil is being organized today, March 22, to remember Justin Etienne, a student at Salem High School in Rockdale County.  Etienne, 18, died after he was shot at Denny Dobbs Park, where a crowd of high school seniors from Newton and Rockdale counties were celebrating Skip Day on March 19.  According to a social media post, organizers are planning to have a candlelight vigil at the park today for the popular soccer player. However, it is unclear if the gathering would be allowed by law enforcement or county officials.  A mother said earlier this week that students at Salem…

NEWTON COUNTY, GA–The Newton County Sheriff’s Office has arrested one suspect in connection with the March 19  homicide at Denny Dobbs Park during Senior Skip Day. The suspect has been identified as Jarvis Hinton Jr., 16, of Covington. Hinton, a student at Newton High School, is facing charges of murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a person under the age of 18 and reckless conduct. He is currently in custody at the Newton County Detention Center. As it stands today, March 21, the investigation continues and additional suspects may…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A Gwinnett County man was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl. Isaiah Esquilin-Perez, 22, was convicted of three counts of aggravated child molestation, three counts of incest and one count of child molestation for attacks on the girl in April 2023 and previously. Esquilin-Perez was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences and mandatory sex offender registration. “We pray that this child and her family are able to find resolution and healing in this verdict and sentence,” Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “This defendant violated the trust of this family with his horrible actions. His punishment…

DECATUR, GA – To accommodate walk-in customers applying for homestead exemptions, the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office located at 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur will have extended hours on March 24 through April 1 from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Appointments are strongly encouraged and can be scheduled online at DeKalbTax.org or by calling 404-298-4000. To avoid delays, homeowners can check their exemption status and apply online before the April 1 deadline. Letters were recently mailed to homeowners who may be eligible for a senior exemption, a property assessment freeze, or a basic homestead exemption for the current tax year. All applications, including property…

STONECREST, GA — Hayden Quarry Road will be closed to through traffic March 24-27, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to facilitate the installation of water line crossings at 7199 Hayden Road. Work will be underway between Turner Hill and Klondike Roads       Road closure and detour signs will be placed in the area during the road closure period advising motorists of construction work in the area and of local traffic restrictions.  Questions regarding this road closure should be addressed to Brett Clay, project manager, for Dogwood Site Contractors at 404-831-3559