Author: On Common Ground News

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A man accused of killing the woman working for him was found guilty of murder and sentenced to a life in prison without the possibility of parole. Edward Rodley Smith, Jr., 39, was convicted of malice murder for the shooting death of 33-year-old Breana Marie Rogers in October 2022. “This defendant took advantage of Breana Rogers and killed when she tried to escape from him,” Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “This verdict and sentence, we hope serve as justice for her loved ones and provides them with closure and healing. Rogers was staying with Smith at a…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has appointed Devon Hudson, owner of Devon Hudson State Farm Agency and principal of Hudson Holding Company, to serve as DeKalb’s newest representative on the MARTA Board of Directors.  “I am pleased to appoint an exceptionally qualified leader who shares my commitment to strengthening and expanding transit,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “In the upcoming year, DeKalb will take significant steps to advance mass transit as we prepare for the region’s future. This appointee brings both technical expertise and dedication to public service that will help drive that progress.”  A graduate of Illinois State University, where he earned…

CONYERS, GA—Sherri Washington officially became the newest member of the Conyers City Council on Wednesday, Nov. 19, marking a new chapter in public service.  Rockdale County Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten performed the ceremony, which was held at City Hall.  A crowd, including several elected officials, community leaders, family members, and residents, attended the ceremony, which was held at 6 p.m.– just ahead of the regular City Council meeting.  For Washington, who formerly served on the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners, the moment not only marked a transition to a new role, but a public opportunity for redemption and a chance to…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A man known to frequent Atlanta’s Kirkwood neighborhood is now behind bars  on multiple charges for allegedly exposing himself and harassing a woman at her home.        A DeKalb County Grand Jury indicted Rodney Lee Stroud, 53, on Nov. 19 on two counts of Aggravated Stalking, Public Indecency, and Peeping Tom. Stroud is a repeat offender who has been arrested several times for prowling, indecency, public drunkeness and similar charges. Stroud has a rap sheet that goes back to at least 1994, DeKalb County Jail records show.      According to the preliminary investigation, officers with the Atlanta Police Department responded…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA— Springfield Baptist is set to host its 1,000 Turkey Thanksgiving Giveaway, a tradition that brings holiday cheer and support to local families. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, at Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive SE, Conyers. As part of its commitment to community service and outreach, Springfield will be distribute 1,000 free turkeys, along with all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, to families in need. The event is open to everyone, and no advance registration is required.  To streamline the experience, onsite mobile registration will be…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist DEKALB COUNTY, GA–A 16-0 run to start the second quarter keyed a 52-37 non-region boys’ high school basketball victory for the Miller Grove Wolverines over the Arabia Mountain Rams at Miller Grove on Tuesday night(Nov. 18). Trailing 11-10 at the end of the first quarter, the Wolverines (2-0) as James Williams scored seven points and Teshawn Bogle scored six points to open a 15-point lead. Williams opened the scoring with a layup on an assist by Kai Harden following by a three-pointer from Carlin Cabbil and a steal and dunk by Bogle. Williams three-pointer from…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA- Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson this week presented her proposed $2.6 billion budget to guide County government spending for the 2026 fiscal year. The proposed budget represents a $66 million decrease from 2025’s approved $2.67 billion budget. The proposed 2026 budget is made up of a $2.19 billion operating budget and a $409 million capital improvements budget, which includes funds from the County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax(SPLOST) program. To develop the proposed budget, the County took a zero-based budgeting approach, evaluating each line item in several categories to identify opportunities for cost savings. Chairwoman…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is helping travelers get to their Thanksgiving destinations this year with fewer delays. To improve traffic flow during the Thanksgiving holiday, Georgia DOT will suspend lane closures on interstates, major state routes, and roadways near major shopping areas from 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, through 10 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30. This suspension of construction-related lane closures aims to reduce congestion and create a smoother travel experience for everyone.  Important Reminders for Travelers: While lane closures are suspended, construction crews may still be active near highways, and some long-term lane closures could remain in…

STONECREST, GA– Women are invited to be inspired and informed at an upcoming free empowerment summit that will be held this weekend in the city of Stonecrest. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Stone Mountain Lithonia chapter and WAOK Radio’s “Wake up with Dee Morning Show” are hosting “This Girl is on Fire,” an advocacy and empowerment summit. The event is free and open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 pm. Register and share this event with all of your contacts. Scan the flier below to register.