Author: On Common Ground News

The DeKalb County community is honoring the life and legacy of Mrs. Mary Frances Edwards, a pioneering education leader whose passion, vision, and unwavering commitment transformed DeKalb County Schools and strengthened families across the region. Mrs. Edwards passed away on Nov. 29, after a long illness,   fher amily said.  She was 80 years old.  Mrs. Edwards’ journey of service began long before her election to the DeKalb County Board of Education in 1990. For more than 15 years, she was a tireless school volunteer and PTA president, working to unite parents and tackle challenges facing South DeKalb families. Her grassroots advocacy laid…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A 45-year-old Decatur woman has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for shooting her husband to death, the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office announced.   On Dec.1, Zenobia Harmon, 45, pleaded guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in connection with the death of her husband, Shedrick Harmon, 44, on Sept.19, 2022. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson, who presided over the plea hearing, handed down the 30-year prison sentence after the conviction by guilty plea. According to the investigation, officers…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office posted at 8:30 a.m. today, Dec. 3,  that escaped inmate Timothy Shane has been captured in Covington, GA after being on the run since he was hospitalized on Sunday at Grady Hospital in Atlanta following a reported suicide attempt.  Covington, GA is in neighboring Newton County next to Rockdale. Shane had eluded authorities by stealing automobiles and even reportedly using Uber to flee. https://ocgnews.com/rockdale-sheriffs-office-escaped-inmate-timothy-shane-considered-armed-and-danger/

Story Updated with Summary Report 9:20 p.m. STONECREST, GA– Karmesha Smith is leading by 11 votes tonight in a heated runoff with incumbent Tammy Grimes for the District 5 City Council seat.  All of the precincts have reported unofficial totals. However, provisional votes must be counted on Friday, elections officials said. Election Results Election Summary Report DeKalb Dec. 2, 2025

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public to be on the lookout for an escaped inmate considered armed and dangerous. Inmate Timothy Shane has been on the run since Sunday, Nov. 30, after escaping  Atlanta’s Grady Hospital around 1:30 a.m. Deputies and EMS had transported Shane to the hospital around 8 p.m. following a suicide attempt.  The Sheriff’s Office updated a Facebook post today, Dec. 2, at 8:51 a.m. stating that Shane has been in the South Rockdale area and deputies were looking for him but could not locate him. The post stated:  “Investigations led to…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA — Melisa Mims, former director of Communications and Marketing for Rockdale County government, has officially announced her campaign for Rockdale County Commissioner, Post II in the 2026 election.  Mims, a Democrat, is seeking the seat currently held by Commissioner Doreen Williams, who has served on the Board of Commissioners since 2015.  Early voting for the primary runs April 27-May 15. Election day is scheduled May 19, 2026.  In her announcement, Mims said that she is driven by a commitment to place residents at the center of local decision-making.  “I am running for Rockdale County Commissioner because I believe in putting…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County Police are releasing new pictures of the suspects responsible for the death of 21-year-old Kinaya Hightower, an innocent bystander who was killed while celebrating her birthday during a car meet-up. Authorities are seeking leads from the public concerning the case. Authorities said the incident occurred on Oct. 26 around 2:30 a.m. Officers were called to a reported shooting outside an Exxon gas station in the 3000 block of Moreland Avenue in DeKalb County.  According to the investigation, Kinaya Hightower was celebrating with friends at a car meet-up outside the gas station when two groups of people…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to forecasted freezing temperatures, DeKalb County will open the following warming centers for residents beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 2 and 3, 2025: Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta • St. Vincent de Paul, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Road, Chamblee • Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur • Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur All transportation routes originate from Frontline Response Headquarters (2585 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta) and are scheduled for initial pickups to be completed by 7:30 p.m. Following the initial routes, final sweeps will continue from 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m., ending promptly at 10 p.m. During…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Gwinnett County Police detectives are investigating a domestic homicide that left one man and one woman deceased.   On Dec. 2, around 11:11 a.m., officers from the Central Precinct responded to a welfare check call on the 400 block of Clearwater Place in Lawrenceville.  When officers arrived, they located a female and a male deceased inside the home.  A firearm was also located inside the home.  Homicide detectives are at the scene investigating.  Crime Scene Specialists are taking photographs and processing the scene for evidence.  The medical examiner is responding to the scene and will investigate the cause of death.  Preliminary investigation is…