Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – The City of Atlanta opened a cooling center today (July 21) to provide vulnerable populations a place of respite from the scorching heat. The center, located at the MLK Natatorium, 90 Boulevard, NE Atlanta, will open again on Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Water will be provided to help anyone who comes to the center to stay hydrated. Temperatures in metro Atlanta have climbed into the 90s all week with meteorologists paying close attention to the heat wave. Strong thunderstorms affected several counties in Georgia with winds at 40 mph causing damage tree limbs and unsecured objects,…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Tristyn Derrium Mays, 17, and Nyerrius Carter,19, both of Lawrenceville, are facing murder charges in the fatal shooting that occurred on July 17 in the parking lot of an Applebee’s restaurant, Gwinnett County police said. Police have identified the victim who was fatally shot as Harris Bayassie, 21, of Lilburn. Authorities said Mays and Carter have been booked into the Gwinnett County Jail. Mays has been charged with Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault. Carter has been charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Tampering with Evidence. Investigators said they worked around the clock to follow up on leads…

STONECREST, GA– The City of Stonecrest was recognized as a Certified City of Ethics by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) during the association’s 2023 annual convention in Savannah. The City of Ethics program was developed by a panel of business and government leaders in 1999. The city has adopted and agreed to adhere to a set of key ethical principles and adopt a local ethics ordinance. The ethics ordinance must contain definitions, prohibited conduct and due process for officials accused of violations in areas such as financial disclosures, conflicts of interests and outside employment. The ordinance must also contain penalties…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA– This Saturday (July 22), the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is hosting its annual Back-to-School Rally to welcome families to the 2023-24 school year. The free event will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the James R. Hallford Stadium, 3789 Memorial College Ave. in Clarkston, rain or shine. This year’s rally theme is “Level Up for Success,” and will feature live entertainment, a Fun Zone for children, school supplies, family resources, health screenings, testing, vaccinations, and much more. All supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first- served basis. For more information, families can call…

CLARKSTON, GA—NBA legend Dominique Wilkins shared a motivational moment with youths attending the inaugural Rowsom Sports City of Clarkston Summer Basketball Camp. The four-day camp kicked off on Tuesday, July 18, at Clarkston First Baptist Church Family Life Center. During the visit with the former Atlanta Hawks’ forward, Wilkins encouraged the kids, saying, “Just make sure that you have fun… Make sure you do the best that you can. Anything that you do, do it with a purpose.” Clarkston City Manager Shawanna Qawiy said the city is thrilled over the opportunity the camp is providing for youths. In addition to…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting in the parking lot of an Applebee’s restaurant. At around 10:30 p.m. on Monday July 17, officers assigned to the South Precinct were dispatched to a “person shot” call in the parking lot of the Applebee’s located at 5200 Stone Mountain Highway in unincorporated Stone Mountain, investigators said. A male victim was found in the parking lot between the Applebee’s and O’Reilly Auto Parts store. Shortly after arriving at a local hospital, the victim died as a result of his injuries. Detectives are looking into the possibility…

LITHONIA, –New Bethel AME Church, 8350 Rockbridge Road S.W., is hosting a Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, July 22, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. There will be free school supplies, food, games, and prizes. The DeKalb County Health Department also will provide back-to-school immunizations along with blood pressure checks, breast and cervical cancer screenings, diabetes screening and family planning services. C.O.R.E. (Community Organized Relief Efforts) will be giving COVID-19 vaccinations. Pastor William E. Thomas, Jr., senior pastor of New Bethel AME, thanked community partners for supporting the event. “I would like to thank our community partners, Willie Watkins Funeral Home, Sams…