Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A traffic stop by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of six people and the seizure of an estimated $2.8 million in suspected marijuana, $40,000 in cash and other drugs , authorities said today, Aug.13.  DeKalb County deputies conducted the traffic stop on a van on Aug. 4. Investigators seized $40,000 in cash and  approximately 220 to 250 pounds of suspected marijuana. Further investigations led to a storage facility in DeKalb County, where deputies executed a search warrant and recovered an additional estimated 1,200 boxes of synthetic THC, mushroom (Psilocybin) and suspected marijuana products. Six individuals…

CONYERS, GA— Conyers residents are gaining access to information and assistance aimed at helping them navigate some of life’s biggest challenges. Through a series of community events in recent weeks, Mayor Connie Alsobrook has brought local and regional experts together to find residents practical solutions  and connect them with available resources.  On July 25, more than 100 residents attended a Homeownership Workshop hosted by the mayor in partnership with the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA).  Held at Cultivation Church in Conyers, the workshop provided attendees with practical information about the homebuying process, including down payment requirements, financial preparation, mortgage qualifications,…

DECATUR, GA— The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Process Fugitive Unit, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals, have arrested a 16-year-old wanted in connection with a double homicide.  The July 2 shooting resulted in the deaths of Demarcus Shirley,13, and Chauncey Newman, 45. After evading apprehension since Aug. 5, the juvenile was taken into custody at a residence in the 2200 block of Flat Shoals Road in Decatur, Georgia. According to investigators, multiple shots were fired into a residence on Rockcliff Road SE on July 2, resulting in the deaths of the two victims. Several young boys were inside the home for…

BUFORD, GA – Gwinnett County Police have arrested a 22-year-old man after an innocent bystander was injured by gunfire outside a Buford business. Officers responded to Tavern at Mall of GA, located at 2720 Mall of Georgia Boulevard, on Aug. 9 after a shooting was reported. Investigators determined that Jalyn Watkins had been removed from the business and appeared to be intoxicated when he retrieved a handgun from a vehicle. Watkins fired one round into the ground, causing shrapnel to strike a 25-year-old man in the back. The victim had no involvement in the incident and was simply in the…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) today(Aug. 12) announced that it is continuing work on its Student Assignment Project. Officials said the district is inviting families, students, staff, and community members in six school clusters to help shape how new and expanded schools will serve students beginning in 2027. “The Student Assignment Project has always been about one thing: shaping what’s next for student opportunity,” said Norman C. Sauce III, Interim Superintendent of DeKalb County School District. “We’re continuing that work in new, more collaborative ways.”  The decision to continue collaborations follows strong community opposition to close several schools in what…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Stephenson Lady Jaguars knocked off the Southwest DeKalb Panters to win a second consecutive DeKalb County Spikefest Volleyball Bracket at Miller Grove over the weekend. It was Stephenson’s third title overall, having won a year ago and in 2022. The championship was a rematch as the Court 2 runner-up Southwest DeKalb knocked off Court 1 winner and host Miller Grove (4-1) two sets to none. Stephenson cruised into the title match with a 25-13, 25-20 victory over Court 1 runner-up Cedar Grove (3-2). Stephenson picked up its second victory of the tournament against the Panthers with a…

LITHONIA, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host a Beekeeping Program for participants ages 10 and up on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm, 1185 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. Whether you are curious about beekeeping, interested in gardening and pollinators, or simply looking for a unique outdoor experience, this hands-on program offers participants a rare opportunity to step into the fascinating world of honeybees.  Participants will suit up in protective beekeeping gear and enjoy a safe, up-close look inside active hives as bees work throughout the colony. During this hands-on experience,…

DECATUR, GA—Community activist Sigrid Harris will present a talk on the historic Carver Hills community at the DeKalb History Center’s Lunch and Learn on Sept. 15.  Harris will discuss how a community of Black families, their school, and a church were displaced to make way for a General Motors assembly plant in Doraville in the 1940s.  The community that became Carver Hills was displaced when homeowners were bought out and offered land for new homes in nearby Doraville where Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and I-285 now intersect.  General Motors bought 150 acres for the new community, which was named Carver Hills, in honor of…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The Gwinnett Chamber recently hosted its ninth annual Moxie Awards, recognizing women business leaders who are making significant contributions to their companies, organizations, and the Gwinnett community. Presented by Northeast Georgia Health System, the MOXIE Awards  drew more than 500 business leaders, community members, and professionals to the Gas South District Convention Center in Duluth.  The program featured emcee Audra Cunningham, CEO of ACRE Consultants and recipient of the 2025 Moxie Award. Stephanie Stuckey, Chief Growth Officer of Stuckey’s, delivered this year’s keynote address, focused on empowering women leaders to say yes, believe in themselves, and to lead…