Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA—How Big is Your Dream Foundation, in partnership with DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, will host the 2023 Winter Teen Bash on Dec. 16, 6 p.m., at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in Decatur. The free event is open to youths ages 10-19, celebrating the completion of the first semester. Teens are encouraged to register to attend and come dressed to impress for the celebration. The evening will include free admission, free food, music, dance, photo ops, and live performances by talented young artists, emphasizing the healing power of music. The event highlights the importance of arts education…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit with assistance from Georgia State Patrol SWAT, arrested a suspect in the murder of a man and the assault of another, in Decatur, Georgia, earlier this year. Kaleb Fisher, 23, a Stone Mountain resident, was taken into custody on Dec. 8 at a residence off Moury Avenue in Atlanta. Fisher is the suspect in the June 26, 2023, drive-by shooting near the intersection of Wesley Chapel Road and Snapfinger Woods Drive, which resulted in the death of Demario Hollis and caused injury to Jerry Toney, both age 19. Fisher was transported…

CONYERS, GA—The NewRock chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction’s hosted a sold-out crowd for its pre-screening of the 2023 adaptation of The Color Purple film. Not even the rainy weather deterred supporters from attending the event, which was held at the AMC Conyers Crossing 16 movie theater on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. The event offered movie-goers the opportunity to see the film 15 days before opening in theatres nationwide on Christmas Day, while supporting NewRock’s scholarships and community programs. Since the organization’s inception in 2018, it has awarded $15,000 in scholarships to teens and supported initiatives such as  the Newton County…

UPDATE: The funeral for Mr. Thomas Livsey will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m., New Bethel AME, 8350 Rockbridge Road, S.W. (Highway 124), Lithonia. Internment will follow the service at New Bethel. Tri-Cities Funeral Home in Lithonia is handling the funeral arrangements.  GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners is paying tribute to community stalwart Thomas Livsey, Sr., a descendant of the historic settlement in Gwinnett known as The Promised Land.  Livsey, the “unofficial mayor” of The Promised Land, passed away on Dec. 6, officials said.  He was 93. Board of Commissioners Chair Gwinnett Nicole Love Hendrickson…

STONECREST, GA—DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, along with Emory Healthcare and Emory Hillandale Hospital leaders, on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2923 unveiled $11 million in improvements and renovations to Emory Hillandale Hospital, funded by DeKalb County. The funding has been used to expand the hospital ‘s emergency department and provide other critical improvements to ensure access to all who need it, officials said. Championed by CEO Thurmond and approved by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, a total of $12 million in funding was made available in October 2022, following the closure of Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center. Of the $12 million provided by…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A Lithonia man was sentenced to 25 years  for stabbing and stomping his then-girlfriend as motorists on busy Wesley Chapel Road tried to intervene,  DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston’s Office has announced. On Wednesday, Dec. 6, a jury found Lavon Bell, 43, guilty on charges of Aggravated Battery–Family Violence, Aggravated Assault–Family Violence and Possession of a Knife During the Commission of a Felony stemming from the assault on Jan. 22, 2021. According to the investigation, Bell and his girlfriend had gone out to eat at a restaurant in Lithonia. During the meal, Bell began to accuse her of cheating on…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The Rockdale County Board of Education (BOE) was recently recognized by the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) for the fifth consecutive year with the Leading Edge Award, which highlights school districts that are leading the way in ensuring students are competitive in an ever-changing global market. The Rockdale County BOE was recognized for its innovative personnel solutions to the teacher shortage during the Georgia School Boards Association / Georgia School Superintendents Association Annual Conference, held Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, 2023. The innovative solutions include collaborating with Clayton State University to offer paid internships, the RCPS Early Career…

STONECREST, GA— Transforming Faith Church (TFC) is inviting the community to its New Year’s Eve worship celebration featuring award-winning gospel artist Charles Jenkins. Pastor Lee May said that he and his congregation, whom he calls “transformers,” are preparing for a joyous experience and are looking forward to welcoming everyone. The NYE’s celebration is a milestone for the 6-year-old church. “In our short history as a church, this is a first for us,” Pastor May said.  “We believe 2024 has some amazing things in store for us all. What better way to prepare for this amazing journey than in worship.” Charles Jenkins…