Author: On Common Ground News

 DECATUR, GA– Arts DeKalb is presenting a live Latin jazz concert, art, and culture celebration on Friday, Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at  the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.  The free concert featuring the C.O.T Band and art exhibition by Mexican artist Miguel Millo will be held in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.  The celebration will bring the sound and spirit of Latin Jazz to life with bold rhythms, lively instrumentation and an energetic performance designed to get audiences moving. C.O.T. delivers an exciting musical experience from the first note to the final…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Former DeKalb County Police Sgt. Cameron Livsey, 47, has been indicted in connection with the cold case concerning the kidnapping and rape of two teen girls. The break came 15 years after DNA linked Livsey to evidence collected in 2011, DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston announced on Wednesday, Oct. 7.  A DeKalb County Grand Jury indicted Livsey on Tuesday,  Oct. 6, on charges of Rape, Aggravated Sodomy, two counts of Kidnapping, two counts of Armed Robbery, two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, two counts of Aggravated Sexual Battery, and two counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Police Department is seeking the public’s help finding a suspect wanted in connection with a series of all-terrain vehicles (ATV ) thefts, luring victims through social media. Detectives have identified Jordan Wright, 21, who is currently wanted for three separate counts of Theft by Taking. Police said Wright could be linked to additional cases. In the theft cases, the suspect met victims through social media to buy an ATV. This led to an in-person meetup, where the suspect required a test drive. He then fled the area on the vehicle and cut off communication with…

CONYERS, GA – The Rockdale County Board of Education has earned the Georgia School Boards Association’s (GSBA) 2026 Exemplary Governance Team Recognition, the highest level of achievement in GSBA’s Governance Team Recognition Program. This marks the 11th year the Board has received GSBA’s highest distinction. The recognition honors the governance team’s exceptional commitment to effective governance, continuous improvement, transparency, collaboration, strategic leadership, and accountability, all of which support strong district leadership and student success. “Receiving GSBA’s highest governance recognition for an 11th year reflects the Rockdale County Board of Education’s sustained focus on principled leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and meaningful collaboration,” said Superintendent…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– A Stone Mountain man who fatally shot his ex-wife’s sister and her brother pled guilty and will now spend the rest of his life in prison for their murders.  Teodros Mulat Shibeshi, 64, pled guilty to malice murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for the April 2024 shooting death of Tigist Lulesegud, 57, and  her brother, Abebe D. Yeshetela, 65.  Shibeshi was sentenced to life in prison plus 25 years without the possibility of parole. “We hope this outcome can bring justice to Ms. Lulesegud’s family,” Gwinnett…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Dr. Norman C. Sauce III is officially the new superintendent of the DeKalb County School District (DCSD), after serving 11 months as the district’s interim schools’ chief.   The DeKalb County Board of Education (BOE) voted 4-1-1 on Monday, Oct. 5, to appoint Sauce to the school district’s top leadership role.  BOE Vice Chair Awet Eyasu abstained from Monday’s vote while board member Tiffany Hogan cast the dissenting vote. Board member Diijon DaCosta did not attend the meeting. Both Eyasu and Hogan had voted against Sauce in September after Sauce was named the sole finalist with no other candidates…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson will host a voting tele townhall on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m. with DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections staff.  Residents can call in to hear about early voting, absentee ballots, and what to expect at the polls, and to ask questions live. Register here to let county officials know you plan to be on the call.   Monday, Oct. 5, marked the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 General and Special Election. Georgia does not offer same-day registration, so residents who miss Monday’s deadline cannot vote in the November election or in…

DECATUR, GA–The DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m., 178 Sams Street, GIS_A3400A-TRc Conference Room (Third floor), Decatur, GA. The public can also attend the meeting virtually. To join the meeting online, use the link below: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/289744534601646?p=yXEX7jJFkhZq37fpVQ Meeting ID: 289 744 534 601 646 Passcode: gZ7Y5x49   Meeting Agenda Call to Order and Roll Call Adopt Agenda III.    Confirmation of No Conflicts Review/approval of Aug. 13, 2026 minutes Public Comment            Chairman’s Remarks\Updates VII.   Real Estate Attorney’s Update- Allie Jett VIII.  Financial Report- Quinn Green, Co-Chair & Treasurer  Executive Director Report-T. Churchill  Vote Adjourn Next Regular Meeting:…