Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA— The DeKalb County Board of Registration & Elections (DeKalb BRE) will hold its scheduled meeting on Thursday, Feb., 12, at 4:30 p.m. for the purpose of conducting normal business. This meeting will be conducted in person at 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur. Public comments may be made in person or submitted by sending an email of one printed page or less at a minimum font of 12 to electionspubliccmnt@dekalbcountyga.gov . The e-mail must be received between 35 and 5 minutes before the scheduled start of the meeting. The body of the email must include your first and last name.

DECATUR, GA – On Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m., Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is holding his 7th Annual Unsung Heroes Awards program, honoring 16 residents for their positive contributions to Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District. Since 2019, Congressman Johnson has recognized nearly 120 constituents who go above and beyond to volunteer their time and energy in service to their community.  The honorees include community leaders in five categories: Diamond of the District: Individuals, entities and/or organizations that serve the district through advocating on behalf of faith-based organizations, schools, municipalities or disadvantaged communities. Ms. Nadine Ali is the founder and executive director of…

BROOKHAVEN, GA — A Compassionate Police Department Award is on the way to the Brookhaven Police Department from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals(PETA).  The nonprofit organization is honoring Brookhaven police officers for their swift action in rescuing a 3-month-old puppy that reportedly was beaten on a livestream social media post by rapper Aspen Easternling.  In the video, the 19-year-old Easterling, a Twitch streamer also known as Aspen Kartier, appears to strike the wailing puppy repeatedly and then grabs the pup by the skin on its back. After receiving information from PETA, the police department searched Easterling’s home on Jan. 30 and booked…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA –  DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, alongside the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, will host a drive-thru food distribution starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, reinforcing the County’s ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting families in need. No registration is required. Participation is open to DeKalb County residents only. “Food insecurity remains a nationwide challenge,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “This work is only possible through collaboration. With the support of our Board of Commissioners, faith leaders, volunteers, and community partners, we are meeting families where they are and delivering help when it matters most.” The countywide distribution will…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA—The Celebration of Life service for Officer Pradeep Tamang will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 12Stone Church, 1322 Buford Drive in Lawrenceville Those who are planning to attend are asked to be seated by 9:30 a.m. The service will begin at10 a.m. Officer Tamang, 25, was killed in the line of duty on Sunday, Feb. 1, while responding to a credit card fraud call at the Holiday Inn Express, 1799 East Park Place Blvd., in Stone Mountain. Master Police Officer David M. Reed,  who arrived on the scene with Tamang, was critically injured during the shootout that occurred.  Officer…

City of Stonecrest to host inauguration celebration honoring newly-elected City Council members  STONECREST, GA–The City of Stonecrest is hosting its inauguration celebration honoring its newly-elected City Council on Saturday, Feb. 7. The event will be held from 6-9 p.m., at Privi Stonecrest, 8020 Mall Parkway, Stonecrest. The city cordially invites all residents, community leaders, and partners to this historic evening of celebration and unity. The evening marks a significant milestone for the City of Stonecrest as it welcomes DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson as the guest speaker and recognize the city’s dedicated leadership: •       Tara Graves, Mayor Pro-Tem •       Karmesha Washington Smith, Councilmember •       Alecia…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA-The 2026 STAR Students and Teachers for Rockdale County were honored by the Rotary Club of Conyers during a celebration held at the Conyers-Rockdale Nancy Guinn Memorial Library on Jan. 29.  The STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Student award goes to one student in each high school with the highest SAT score who is also in the top 10 or top 10 percent of their class. That student selects a teacher as their STAR Teacher. The award is a program of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE).The system winner who will advance to the regional competition is…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police arrested a suspect during an investigation into street racing and stunt driving in the North Central Precinct.  Around midnight on Feb.1, DKPD officers responded to the area of Chamblee-Tucker Road and Embry Circle. Offices found a heavy amount of traffic and vehicles drag racing. The drivers took off, leaving one abandoned vehicle at the scene. As officers investigated that vehicle, Adrian Peralta,21, returned to the scene. He told officers the vehicle was his and he admitted his involvement in the street racing incident. He was arrested and faces charges of Promotion of Reckless Stunt Driving…