Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D – Lithonia) will hold a pre-session town hall meeting to discuss her legislative priorities for the 2026 legislative session on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. via Zoom.  Registration is required for the town hall meeting. Please click here to register.  At A Glance: WHO: Representative Dar’shun Kendrick (D – Lithonia)  WHAT: 2026 Pre-Session Town Hall Meeting  WHEN: Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. WHERE: Zoom

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating  a 23-year-old woman who has been missing for three weeks. Bryana Alexis Lummus was reported missing on Dec. 12. 2025. She was last seen three weeks ago. She  suffers from mental health issues, the Sheriff’s Office stated in a social media post.  Lummus is white, has hazel eyes, blonde hair, weighs 160 pounds and is 5’2.  Anyone who has information about Lummus’ current whereabouts is urged to  contact 911 immediately. Those with information about her may also ontact the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office at 770-278-8000 or email RCSO.PIO@RockdaleCountyga.gov. 

(STONE MOUNTAIN, GA) – The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is pleased to announce that six schools have exited the Comprehensive School Improvement (CSI) and Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) designations of Federally Identified Schools.  The district congratulates Cross Keys High, Chapel Hill Elementary, Indian Creek Elementary, Oak View Elementary, Towers High, and Woodridge Elementary. “Exiting TSI and CSI designations is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, principals, and support staff,” said Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Norman C. Sauce III. “These schools have demonstrated what is possible when we remain focused on student outcomes…

ATLANTA— Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, founder of the Be Someone mentoring program, located in DeKalb County, GA., was a guest on Atlanta News First(ANF) on Tuesday, Dec. 16.  Hudson, an internationally-known speaker, motivator, and chess champion   discussed how he’s using chess to teach kids how to make the right moves and stay on the path to success. As parents  get in their last shopping days for Christmas, Hudson announced a special Chess Leadership Training Workshop to get kids’ focused on their future  and a free Xmas toy giveaway.   Watch the news station’s interview with Hudson at the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3usFbxXkQMc

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Board of Education Member Diijon DaCosta, Sr. has been named the County School Board Member of the Year. The Georgia Association of Black County Officials(GABCO) honored DaCosta for his outstanding service during GABCO’s President’s Reception celebrating Georgia’s county officials on Dec. 7. DaCosta is the most senior member of the DeKalb County Board of Education, currently serving as chair of the Board’s Policy Committee. He represents the Stone Mountain and Stephenson community clusters and has been a member of the Board since 2018. Over his tenure, he has held leadership positions as both vice chair…

DECATUR, GA- DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced that 17 young adults have graduated from her office’s 2025 STRIDE pretrial diversion program. STRIDE, which stands for Stopping Trends of Repeat Incarceration with Diversion and Education, is a voluntary diversion program that holds young adults ages 17-24  accountable for serious non-violent crimes they have committed, while also ensuring their civic and career opportunities remain intact. Graduates successfully completed a 12-month program that encompassed several requirements including: cognitive behavioral counseling; monthly meetings; full-time work or school; community service; civic engagement; acts of restorative justice (restitution, letters of apology, etc.); and a book-based…

DECATUR, GA— Toady, DeKalb County announced the retirement of two distinguished department heads whose leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on County government and the residents it serves, Benita Coakley Ransom, Director of Human Resources and Richard “Rick” Lemke, Director of Public Works. Ransom retires after nearly 15 years of faithful and exemplary service to DeKalb County, where she led one of the region’s most comprehensive and forward-thinking human resources operations. Throughout her tenure, she oversaw all facets of the County’s human resources administration, including talent acquisition, employee and organizational development, compensation, employee relations, human resources information systems,…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Rockdale Board of Commissioners recently honored four longtime staff members of the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office who received their Years of Achievement Awards for their dedication, hard work and commitment to the community.  Sheriff Eric J. Levett posed for pictures with the honorees and accepted the one on behalf of nvestigartor K. Pugh, who was not present: Investigator G. Levett – 35 years Captain D. Harris – 30 years Captain N. Lynn – 25 years Investigator K. Pugh – 20 years