Author: On Common Ground News

(LAWRENCEVILLE, GA–– Gwinnett County is cranking up the tunes to help shelter pets find their forever homes during National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. The Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center will host “Shelter Pets Rock” on Saturday, Nov. 4, 11 a.m. to 4, p.m., with family-friendly activities, music, entertainment and local vendors. All pet adoption fees are waived at the annual event hosted by Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement. “Shelter Pets Rock is a wonderful opportunity for people to come out to the center, meet all of the amazing animals we have here and enjoy an afternoon of fun,” said Division Director Vernon Sawyer. “Shelter…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Over the weekend, Aaron “A.J.” Hawkins stopped by his alma mater, Martin Luther King Jr. High School, to break bread with his beloved Lions football team. Hawkins, a former offensive lineman who graduated from MLK in 2008, and his family provided the team and coaches a catered pre-game meal on Friday, Oct. 27. The Hawkins Group, comprised of businesses that are owned by Hawkins’ parents, Aaron and Mia Hawkins; his sister, Jade Hawkins; his wife, Michele Hawkins; and IHawkMedia, which “A.J.” Hawkins owns, thanked Kenley’s Catering and Sandwich Shop for preparing and delivering the hot meal. Hawkins said…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett County Police detectives have identified three men wanted for stealing more than $4,000 worth of goods from the Lowes store at 4855 Stone Mountain Highway in unincorporated Lilburn. With the help of Acworth Police and Newnan Police, Gwinnett investigators  have secured Felony Theft by Shoplifting warrants for Kenneth Williams, Jr., 24, Stone Mountain; Rogelio Anastasio Thompson, 25, New York; and Tyquan R. Harden, 22, New York. Authorities say the incident took place on Sept. 26 around 6:48 p.m. Two men entered the Lowes store and began shoplifting. Detectives say they believe Kenneth Williams acted as the getaway…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) twelfth-graders who live in the city of Conyers have the opportunity to enhance their creative writing skills by writing about their hometown while vying for cash prizes. The “Conyers, Celebration of Community” essay contest is underway, and submissions are due to RCPS English Language Arts instructors at Rockdale County High School, Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, and Rockdale Career Academy by Wednesday, Dec. 13. The essay contest is sponsored by the City of Conyers in an effort to further engage with younger citizens. Essays will be judged by city staff, Mayor…

NORCROSS– Gwinnett County Police detectives are seeking help from the public in locating a missing 33-year-old female from Norcross. On Oct. 30, the family of Amanda Kelly Hines contacted Gwinnett County Police to report her missing. The family last had contact with Hines on Oct. 18. Hines’last known location was near Bussel Place in unincorporated Norcross. Hines is described as a black female, about five foot five inches tall and 160 pounds. She has long brown hair and brown eyes. Hines has the word “NEVAL” tattooed on her left arm and was last seen wearing a gold jumpsuit with white…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced that the application period for the 2023-2024 winter season of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will begin on Dec. 1, 2023. The program helps Georgians – including both homeowners and renters – with the costs associated with heating their homes through direct payments to home energy suppliers. Funds are administered through local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are expired. To qualify, a family’s income must be less than or equal to 60 percent of the median income for a Georgia family.…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) has been appointed to serve as vice chair of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators’ (NBCSL) Committee on Telecommunications, Science and Technology. “I look forward to working on this committee and bringing my background and experience to benefit Georgians and Black Americans,” said Rep. Kendrick. “The world is changing fast, and I consider it an honor to be on the cutting edge of what’s happening and developing policy around that.” NBCSL has 15 policy committees. These committees meet to exchange ideas, network and find solutions to issues facing all Americans. The policy…

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for Georgia, with sub-freezing temperatures expected on Wednesday night (Nov. 1). Temperatures are expected to be around 34 in the metro Atlanta area when children head off to school Wednesday morning. The freeze warning will be in effect from 2 a.m. on Wednesday night through Thursday morning. The Northeast Georgia mountains are expected to dip to a low of 23, while other parts of Georgia are expected to experience temperatures as low as 25 and 27. Residents are urged to bring pets indoors and sensitive plants and protect outdoor plumbing. To…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Judge Maureen Wood of the Rockdale County Juvenile Court was honored with the Innovative Leadership Award at the 2023 Georgia Conference on Children and Families (GCCF). The award recognizes Judge Wood’s exceptional leadership in the field and her unwavering dedication to enhancing programs for court-involved youth and families since taking the bench in 2016. Judge Wood’s contributions were celebrated by her peers, who described her as “a leader amongst leaders.” Key accomplishments highlighted at the awards ceremony include: Expanding the Rockdale County Juvenile Court program offerings by implementing two additional Accountability Courts: The Family Treatment Court and Mental…

ATLANTA – You’ll get to snooze a little longer on Sunday, which marks the end of Daylight Saving Time. Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King is urging all Georgians to change their smoke alarm batteries when they move their clocks back one hour on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 2 a.m. “Smoke alarms are an essential part of home fire safety plans; in the event of an emergency, they can save you, your family, and your belongings,” said Commissioner King. “However, a smoke alarm’s life-saving capacity ends with the life of its batteries. Even if your smoke alarm has not started…