Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Kevin Grier, 35, will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the death of Ian Hagerty,17, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced today, April 20.   Greer was convicted by jury trial in the case accused of a shooting and killing the teen during a candlelight vigil. Grier was found guilty of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon or First Offender Probationer, in connection with Hagerty’s death.  DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie, who…

By Mark Brock DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Donald Sellers, Sr., who has coached track for more than two decades at Stephenson High School, has been inducted into Georgia’s 2026 Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Sellers, who has served as track coach since 2000,  has compiled an extensive resume that includes two state championships (2002, 2021), 10 DeKalb County track titles and a pair of Coach of the Year honors (2002, 2021). Those kinds of accomplishments catch the attention of track fans and coaches and led to his being elected to the Hall of Fame. “A…

DECATUR, GA —DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) is reminding residents of key dates to put on their radar and important information to know before heading to vote in the May 19 Primary Election.  Key Election Dates to Know DeKalb VRE encourages voters to make a plan now by noting the following important dates: Early (Advance in-Person) Voting Period: April 27 – May 15 (Visit www.DeKalbVotes.comfor locations) Election Day: May 19 (Polls open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.) Absentee Voting Information Registered voters may also choose to vote by absentee ballot. Request an Absentee Ballot: Now Deadline to Request an…

ATLANTA — The Atlanta City Council on Monday, April 20, approved two resolutions addressing federal immigration activities within the City.  The first declares the Council’s opposition to the acquisition, renovation, expansion and operation of warehouses or other facilities with the City for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities (26-R-3361).  The second establishes procedures for the City and Atlanta Police Department regarding documentation, accountability, and public transparency in connection with federal immigration enforcement activities. (26-R-3363). Other items approved by Council include: An ordinance declaring a certain area of Downtown Atlanta as a temporary “public entertainment district” during FIFA World Cup 26, June 11…

DECATUR, GA– Constituents are invited to learn about key legislation that passed during the 2026 Legislative Session at an upcoming town this month.  DeKalb County House Legislative Delegation Chair Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), Vice Chair Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Secretary Long Tran (D-Dunwoody), along with members of the DeKalb County House Legislative Delegation, will host the post-session town hall meeting on Wednesday, April 22, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Church ATL, 1561 McClendon Ave. N.E., Decatur. 

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA—The Lawrence Hotel, the first upscale, boutique, full-service hotel in downtown Lawrenceville, will host three career fairs during the month of May.  Set to officially open its doors in Summer 2026, the Hilton Tapestry property invites hospitality professionals, and those who wish to enter the hospitality field to apply at the upcoming job fairs. “We’re looking for team members and staff who truly embody the core values and elements that will make a stay at The Lawrence distinguishable from that of any other,” said Chase Wynn, General Manager of The Lawrence. “It’s not just about being able to do the…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Join the Gwinnett County Police Department’s Community Affairs Section for a free Child Passenger Car Seat Checkup event at Target, 875 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd, Lawrenceville, GA. The event will take place on Thursday, April 23, 4 to 8 p.m. The event is a free, educational session where certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) help caregivers ensure their car seats are correctly installed and appropriate for their child’s age, height, and weight. Child safety is a top priority for Gwinnett County Police, and proper installation of car seats can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury. No appointment is necessary.…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Police Department is seeking the public’s help locating a man who disappeared earlier this week.  Albert Waugh, who may also respond to the name “Alex,” was last seen walking away from the 1700 block of S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road on April 14 around 3:15 p.m.  DeKalb County Police have been extensively searching for Waugh since he was reported missing. The police have used drones, a DKPD helicopter, Mattie’s Call, Reverse 911, and have been canvassing the neighborhood where he was last seen. Waugh is 5’7”, 140 lbs. with black hair and brown eyes. He was last…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The Mitsubishi Electric Classic Tournament returns to the metro Atlanta area April 20-26, featuring legends of the game at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, GA. The annual event benefits local charities through the Gwinnett Championship Foundation Inc. and has raised more than $5.75 million since the first tournament in 2013. Event Highlights Fan activities: There will be special events including the Kids’ Putting Experience April 25-26, 12-4 p.m., Tickets: Daily tickets range from about $18 to $67. With a variety of tickets available, you can pick your favorite hole on the course to watch along the rope line or find public…

ATLANTA — The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will officially launch its NextGen Bus Network on April 18. The new modern network offers high frequency service with buses arriving every 15 minutes or better. This historic initiative represents the first time since MARTA began bus operations in the early 1970s that the entire system has been redrawn from scratch. The new bus network is designed to meet the needs of modern customers using transit in an ever-evolving Atlanta region. Moving away from the incremental changes of the past, MARTA is launching the network designed for how people live and work today,  officials…