Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The Southwest DeKalb Panthers used a fast 12-0 start to power their way past the Tucker Tigers in Region 5-4A girls’ high school basketball play at Southwest DeKalb on Friday night(Dec. 12). Kayla Walton got the Panthers (6-2, 4-1) with a three-pointer to open the scoring. She followed with a layup on an assist from a Bailee Canty steal. Two free throws by Chance Alexander, a three-pointer by Charmaine Owens and a steal and basket by Walton made it 12-0 with 3:52 to play in the opening period. A free throw by Harmonie Cooper and a layup by…

ATLANTA, GA–The Department of Watershed Management crews will perform an emergency road closure for sewer repair work on Monday, Dec. 15, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Harris Street N.E. between Peachtree St. NE and Peachtree Center Ave. NE will be closed between Andrew Young International Blvd. NE and John Portman Blvd. NE. Work will begin on Monday with a 24-hour road closure in place. The work is expected to last approximately six weeks, weather permitting, and will occur Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. A construction moratorium will be in effect from Dec. 22, 2025, through Jan. 5,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will temporarily close its golf courses located at the Sugar Creek Golf and Tennis Center and the Mystery Valley Golf Club on Sunday—Tuesday, Dec. 14 –16, due to cold weather conditions.  Tennis courts at Sugar Creek and driving ranges at both facilities will remain open to the public.The golf courses are expected to reopen on Wed., Dec.17, at 7a.m.  Locations: Mystery Valley Golf Club, 6094 Shadow Rock Drive, Lithonia Sugar Creek Golf and Tennis Center, 2706 Bouldercrest Road, Atlanta For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, public relations specialist at 404-710-6331 or…

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…