Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Jhon Sebastian Terencio-Quant, who was reported missing by a family member on Sept. 11, has been located and is deceased, the Gwinnett County Police Department announced today, Sept. 23. Detectives do not suspect foul play, stating that the 20-year-old man’s death appears to be drug-related. Authorities did not state where his body was found. Next of kin notifications have been made, and the official cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner’s office, authorities said. The Gwinnett County Police Department had issued an alert on Sept. 20 seeking the public’s assistance in locating the missing Norcross…

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) recently honored 124 students named as Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars – including two AP Capstone Diploma for their outstanding performance on the 2023-2024 exams. The most recent number of  scholars marks an increase of 20 students from the previous year with all Rockdale high schools represented among AP Scholars. The number of RCPS students scoring 3 or higher also increased 70% from 2022-23 with 316 students to 538 students in 2023-24. “I am proud of our students, faculty and staff for continuing to expand their reach with Advanced Placement,” said RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts. “Increasing the number…

ATLANTA – The Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Subcommittee on Artificial Intelligence (AI), chaired by Georgia Representative Brad Thomas (R-Holly Springs), will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, at 10 a.m. To watch a live stream of this meeting, please click here. This meeting will be held in conjunction with the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence. WHO:             Members of the Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Subcommittee on AI WHAT:          Subcommittee Meeting WHEN:          Wednesday, October 2, 2024 10 a.m. WHERE:       Virtual

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb Entertainment Commission (DEC) is launching a new partnership with ONE Musicfest (OMF) to offer an internship and job-shadowing program to  aspiring music industry professionals. Candidates selected for  the program will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and mentorship while working on the Southeast’s largest two-day urban music festival, which will be held Oct. 26-28, in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park. The 3-month internship, hosted by Sol Fusion, LLC (ONE Musicfest), offers seven internship positions across various departments, including Festival Management & Operations, Festival Partnerships, Festival Promotions, Marketing, OMF App/Website, Productions/Vendors, and Social Media. Interns will gain practical experience in planning and…

ATLANTA—Booker T. Washington High School, Georgia’s first public high school for African Americans and the Atlanta Public Schools system, will celebrate its 100th birthday with a dedication ceremony and program on Tuesday, Sept. 24. The event will recognize this year’s senior class and will feature alumni from several decades and various city officials. Booker T. Washington High School opened in September 1924 under the auspices of the Atlanta Board of Education. The school was named for Booker T. Washington, who was born into slavery in 1856 on a small farm in Virginia. He  became one of the foremost black educators of the…

STONECREST, GA–Doreen Carter has launched a “financial freedom experience” aimed at empowering those who want to improve their financial health. The educational program provides participants assignments for 111 days.  Carter, a financial expert and author, kicked off her “One Eleven Experience” half-day bootcamp on Saturday, July 21, with about 20 people in attendance at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Hotel conference room, located in the city of Stonecrest. “One Eleven is an intensive 111-day experience designed to help you improve your financial habits, expand your knowledge, and empower you to take control of your financial future,” Carter said. One Eleven is…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A shooter was convicted on murder charges on Friday, Sept. 20, for using a semi-automatic style gun to kill a 64-year-old woman in retaliation against her 17-year-old grandson. A Gwinnett County jury found Tyree Jaron Simmons, 27, guilty of malice murder, three counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, first-degree criminal damage to property, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for the Feb.22, 2022, death of  Christine Walker. Simmons will be sentenced at a later date but faces life in prison. According to the investigation, Simmons fired the weapon into a Snellville hotel room, striking Walker…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA –Rockdale County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a man and charged him with murder after responding to a person shot call in the 3000 block of Barcelona Way on Thursday night. The suspect, Deshaun Khalil Elder, was taken into custody for the death of a 23-year-old man. The victim, who was not identified by authorities, was taken to the hospital, where he later died from multiple gunshot wounds, deputies said. The shooting took place around 8:25 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19.According to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office, detectives said they believe there was a verbal altercation over…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–As breast cancer continues to affect millions nationwide, Rockdale County Clerk of Superior and State Courts Janice Morris announces the 2nd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness event, “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes” in Rockdale County. Last year was the first time Morris held this event. The courthouse staff, along with county employees wore pink clothing and walked during their lunch breaks to show support for those fighting breast cancer and survivors. Morris is calling on everyone again this year for the 2nd Annual Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event. She is asking the community at large, together…

ATLANTA – MARTA will host an unveiling ceremony for a mosaic art installation by local artist Michael Jones at Airport Station on Tuesday, Sept. 24, as part of the station’s ongoing rehabilitation. The mosaic artwork is inspired by the Atlanta skyline and blends vibrant colors and intricate patterns to capture the city’s energy, growth, and architectural beauty. Featuring urban elements, the piece reflects Atlanta’s cultural and historical significance, offering travelers at the world’s busiest airport a striking visual enhancement to the newly renovated station.   The event will celebrate the new artwork and the broader rehabilitation efforts at Airport Station, which include new terrazzo flooring, platform…