Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office will host its fifth annual Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. The Back-to-School Bash is open to the public and will include free health screenings, vendors, fun activities, and giveaways to students and families while supplies last. The purpose of this event is to provide students and families with the necessary school supplies for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.  Save the date for July 19! Those who plan to attend will be greeted by a Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office PIO to assist with conducting interviews and ensure you capture photo and video footage during the…

ROCKDALE COUNTY—Cheers erupted as a young player threw the ceremonial first pitch on Thursday, July 10, marking the grand unveiling of the newly renovated All-Star Legacy Field at the Barksdale Boys & Girls Club.  The field renovation, a joint initiative of the Atlanta Braves and Major League Baseball was celebrated during MLB’s All-Star Game Week festivities. The project is one of five All-Star Legacy Projects in the metro Atlanta area.  Cassey McCray, program director at the Barksdale Boys & Girls Club, said the new field is a dream come true, applauding the Braves and MLB’s $300,000 investment into the Rockdale…

DECATUR, GA—In a two-day initiative aimed at enhancing public safety, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office partnered with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to execute Operation Safe DeKalb 2025.   The July 8-9 operation, which included about 125 officers from 15 law enforcement agencies, focused on serving outstanding warrants in high-crime areas in DeKalb.  Officers attempted arrests at 400 locations, resulting in 53 arrests, for felonies and misdemeanors. An additional 10 arrests were made for traffic violations and transported to the DeKalb County Jail without incident. Authorities also seized five firearms and recovered a stolen vehicle during the operation. Charges ranged from murder,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County School District has announced 21 new principals who will take the helm at schools across the district for the 2025–2026 academic year.  “Our principals are the heartbeat of every school,” said Superintendent Dr. Devon Q. Horton. “Each of these new leaders brings extraordinary dedication, energy, and a bold vision for success. I have every confidence they will empower teachers and staff, engage families, and elevate learning for every student.” Each principal was selected through a rigorous process and began transitioning into their roles this summer, officials said. These leaders bring a vibrant mix of experiences,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt is coming this weekend to Towers High School, his alma mater, to give back to the community that helped shape him.  The NFL star will host his inaugural Devonte Wyatt Community Resource Day on Saturday, July 12, from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Towers High School in Decatur.  The event is open to students and families from the Towers cluster and surrounding Glenwood neighborhoods.  Along with free school supplies, the event will include: Food  Games Local resource vendors and community services “I was blessed with the opportunity to grow up and…

By Rev. Dorothea “Dee” Dawkins-Haigler The Black church has never just been a house of worship or a sanctuary for the soul. It was the strategy room for liberation and a headquarters for justice. From slavery to civil rights to today’s fight for voting rights, our churches have housed not only the gospel but served as incubators for grassroots mobilization. Historically, the Black church has always been more than a place to pray. It was the heartbeat of the Civil Rights Movement, the launching pad for voter registration drives, and the only place where Black bodies and Black ballots were…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Gwinnett County government has been nationally recognized for several innovative public service initiatives that demonstrate its commitment to forward-thinking governance and strong community engagement.  The County earned multiple 2025 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo)—spanning  a wide range of departments and service areas, from emergency preparedness to volunteer engagement.  Among Gwinnett’s winning entries: Gwinnett Community Block Party– Organized by the Department of Planning and Development, this first-of-its-kind event brought residents together to learn about County services, participate in hands-on art projects and share input on community priorities, all in a festive, family-friendly environment. Volunteer Events for…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A Stockbridge teen who fatally shot a schoolmate outside a restaurant was sentenced to life in prison DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced on Wednesday, July 9, following the hearing.  Jakari Naki Childs, 18, was found guilty of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Pistol or Revolver by a Person Under 18 Years Old in connection with the fatal shooting of Jacob Johnson, 16, on July 15, 2023.  Childs was 16 at the time of the shooting.   DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Stacey K. Hydrick,…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a 2nd community open house to discuss the Fisher Trail Park Master Plan on Tuesday, July 15, 6 – 7:30 p.m., at the Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur, GA.  The community is invited to attend and encouraged to provide input regarding the Fisher Trail Park Master Plan. The master plan will provide guidance for future park improvements. For more information, contact Caleb Wittenmyer, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs greenspace manager, at 404-904-3028 or ckwittenmyer@dekalbcountyga.gov.