Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA–The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a community meeting to discuss future plans for the Alice White Bussey Intergenerational Center on Thursday, Dec. 18, 6 – 7 p.m., at the Ellenwood Library, 4331 River Road, Ellenwood, GA. The community is invited to attend and provide input regarding the center. The meeting will give an opportunity for the community to learn more about the proposed amenities and share ideas. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, public relations specialist, at 404-710-6331 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Commissioner Michelle Long Spears and the City of Brookhaven invite the community to a special holiday celebration for doggies. On Dec. 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Santa will be at Brookhaven Park ‘s Dog Park to hear from your furry friends about their holiday wishes.  All are invited to bring their pets for a photo with Santa and to enjoy the amenities at Brookhaven Park, 4158 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta. The LifeLine Mobile Veterinary Clinic also will be on site to provide free vaccines and basic veterinary screenings. Reservations are required for the free…

 ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– C.J. Hicks Elementary School celebrated a special project this week: The school opened an on-campus grocery store to help students and their families—at no charge.  The elementary school and Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS), in partnership with Kaiser Permanente and Goodr, teamed up on the project to address food insecurity, which many families locally and across the nation are facing—barriers that impact attendance, engagement and academic success.   The Kaiser Permanente / Goodr Grocery Store officially opened following a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was held on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the school. The store will serve approximately 200 families each…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Gwinnett County Commissioners recently hosted Gwinnett’s state lawmakers during the Legislative Delegation Breakfast, offering updates on elections operations, public safety advancements and critical service needs tied to the County’s rapid growth. “Gwinnett is strongest when local and state leaders work together, and these conversations show how important that partnership truly is,” said Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “Whether we’re discussing elections or public safety, our focus remains the same: serving our residents with integrity, stability and a deep commitment to this community. Key takeaways:  Elections: Modernization, stability and practical challenges Elections Supervisor Zach Manifold updated lawmakers…

DECATUR, GA– Due to forecasted freezing temperatures and hazardous wind chills, DeKalb County will activate warming centers beginning at 6 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, continuing through Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025: The following locations will be open on Sunday for the 24-hour activation: Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP), 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Road, Chamblee Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur Closed Location: • Mason Mill Recreation Center will not open during this activation.

ATLANTA – Sharon Henderson, a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, is facing federal charges of unemployment fraud, as well as other Georgia lawmakers, according to U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg.   Henderson, who lives in Newton County, was arrested on Dec. 8 after a federal grand jury charged her with two counts of stealing government funds and ten counts of making false statements to illegally collect $17,811 of unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Henderson’s case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Georgia Office of the State…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A mother who beat and killed her 4-year-old son because he would not use the toilet has been sentenced to life without parole.   Sophia Williams, 43, was found guilty of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, four counts of Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, and three counts of Aggravated Battery in connection with the death of her son, Anthony Vice, 4. During a sentencing hearing held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Asha F. Jackson, who presided over the trial, sentenced Willliams to Life Without the Possibility of Parole, plus 10 years. DeKalb…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has appointed Greg Padrick as the new Chief of Police, marking a key step in the County’s agenda to prioritize public safety.  “Chief Padrick brings an extraordinary depth of experience, proven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public safety,” Cochran-Johnson SAID. “For 28 years, he has served this county with integrity, and I am confident that under his leadership, the DeKalb County Police Department will continue to advance police excellence, innovation, transparency, and community-centered policing.” During his tenure with DeKalb County Police Department, Padrick has served in key roles across multiple division. His…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Community activist Josie Dean, her daughter, Canei Lampkin, and other volunteers gifted Rockdale County firefighters and City of Conyers police officers with bundles of socks this holiday season.  The socks, however, weren’t just any socks.  The first responders received the highly-quality Bombas, known for their premium comfort. “Because of Bombas’ support to our community organization, Visions of the Minds, we were able to give them the best,” said Dean, whose baby grandson went along for the deliveries.  “It was just a joy to do something good for those who protect us. They were happy to receive them.” Visions of…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– A man involved in a road rage stabbing incident has been arrested, Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) said on Dec. 10.     The suspect, identified as Yoandry Rincon, was charged with Aggravated Assault and booked into the Gwinnett County Jail. The victim, Peter Chai, was stabbed in the chest, transported to the hospital and has since been treated and released. Chai and Rincon did not know each other prior to this incident, police said. Police said the incident occurred on Nov. 13. Officers were dispatched to a person stabbed call and located the victim with a stab wound to…