Author: On Common Ground News

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…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Joanne Howell, a 70-year-old woman suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia who was reported missing on Aug. 7, was found deceased at Misty Lake in Ellenwood, DeKalb County Police said on Monday, Aug. 10.  Police and fire crews responded to a reported drowning on Monday around 7 a.m. in the 3900 block of Misty Lake in Ellenwood. Water rescue teams entered the small, private lake and recovered the body, confirming shortly before noon that it was Joanne Howell, the subject of a Mattie’s Call. The medical examiner was on scene around 9 a.m. to transport the body…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) is reminding voters in Congressional District 13 that early voting for the Special Election Runoff will begin Saturday, Aug. 15, and continue through Friday, Aug. 21. Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 25. Early Voting Details One early voting location will be available during the seven-day early voting period. Voters may cast their ballots at the following location: County Line-Ellenwood Library 4331 River Road Ellenwood, GA 30294  Early voting hours are: Saturday, Aug. 15: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 16: Noon to 5 p.m.; and Monday, Aug. 17,…

DECATUR, GA — Greenforest Community Baptist Church’s Social Justice Ministry will host the “Know Your Rights Forum” on Aug. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Greenforest Early Learning Center, 3250 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. A panel of experts will present on the following critical topics: Court Rights — Judge Yolanda Mack, DeKalb County State Court Health Rights — Tousha T. West, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Firearm Rights / Regulations / Safety — Representative from the DeKalb County Police Department Civil Rights / Bill of Rights — Attorney Gerald Griggs, Past President, Atlanta NAACP Moderator:  Candace McCowan, WSB-TV Anchor/Reporter Attendees will have access to resource tables offering practical tools, community services, and helpful information to support individuals…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb County Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17.   The meeting will be held at the Darro C. Willey–Administrative Center, 3560 Kensington Road, Decatur, GA 30032 To listen in on the meeting, request the link from weissingera@dekalblibrary.org no later than Aug.17 at noon. For more details and the agenda, click here.

DECATUR, GA—Scott Shelton has been appointed as DeKalb County’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), placing one of the County’s most experienced technology leaders at the helm of its Innovation & Technology Department. DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson stated in an announcement that Shelton brings more than 20 years of information technology leadership experience to the role, including 16 years serving DeKalb County. Having successfully led the department as interim CIO, Shelton has guided the County through a period of significant technological modernization while strengthening IT governance, enhancing cybersecurity, and advancing innovative digital services for residents and employees alike. “Technology is at the center of…

DECATUR,GA— DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announced the appointment of Melvin K. Carter as Chief of DeKalb County Fire Rescue, elevating a 26-year department veteran and lifelong DeKalb County resident to lead one of the County’s most critical public safety agencies. Carter brings more than two decades of fire service experience and a comprehensive background in fire suppression, emergency medical services, training, fiscal administration, recruitment and retention, and strategic planning to the role. Throughout his career with DeKalb County Fire Rescue, he has held several executive leadership positions, including Deputy Chief of Operations, Deputy Chief of Training and Professional Services, and Deputy…