Author: On Common Ground News

CONYERS, GA—Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office investigators have charged Zaire Watson, Jr., 22, with the murder of Fernando Soloman, 20, in a mix-up over a Door Dash food delivery. The fatal shooting occurred on Sept. 8 at 1:12 a.m. after a Door Dash driver delivered food to the wrong duplex unit, where the men lived, according to the Sheriff’s Office incident report obtained by On Common Ground News today. Door Dash delivered the food to the unit where the suspect and his father, Zaire Watson, Sr. lived. That address is listed on the Sheriff’s Office incident report as 347 Tall Oaks…

The annual arrival of pumpkin-spice flavors and cooler temperatures have many people eager for fall getaways. To help leaf peepers plan their autumn escapes, Georgia State Parks has launched “Leaf Watch 2022” to track fall color as it moves across the Peach State. Found at GaStateParks.org/LeafWatch, the travel planner is filled with top trails and overlooks, mountain cabins and campsites, fall events and safe hiking tips. Park rangers are often asked when leaf color will peak. Only Mother Nature knows for sure, but Georgia’s most vibrant hues usually come toward the end of October or early November. Shutterbugs are encouraged to share…

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today recognized 297 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022, including six schools in Georgia. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Secretary Cardona made the announcement during his Road to Success Back to School bus tour. The Georgia schools named as National Blue Ribbon Schools were: Appling – North Columbia Elementary School, Columbia County School District. Bremen – Jones Elementary School, Bremen City School District. Jefferson – Jefferson Elementary School, Jefferson City School District. Perry – Kings Chapel Elementary School, Houston County School District. Rome – Armuchee Primary…

ATLANTA–Former Congressman and Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall has been named managing partner and CEO of Chattahoochee Trails, a new organization intended to provide water reclamation and recreational opportunities along Atlanta’s underutilized Chattahoochee Riverfront. “Atlanta has never had a riverfront – although we have a river,” says Hall. “Cities around the world have transformed their riverfronts into historic attractions for visitors and residents, and we can do the same here in Atlanta through the innovative use of our blue and green infrastructure. “I’ve always loved innovation and technology,” says Hall, who attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is a…

GWINNETT COUNTY—Explore Gwinnett is hosting a free Family Reunion Workshop on Saturday, Oct. 1, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Mountain Park Activity Building, 1063 Rockbridge Road, in unincorporated Stone Mountain in Gwinnett County. Those who are planning to host a family reunion in Gwinnett County are encouraged to attend. Gwinnett vendors will be on site to help make your family event as smooth as possible –from vendors offering catering to venues and other services. Although the event is free, registration is requested at the link below: Register

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Friends of Washington Park will host a dedication ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2 p.m., at Washington Park, 2830 Arborcrest Drive, Decatur. The event will honor the late Mrs. Sadie Sims’ (1915-2017) life and dedication to the Washington Park community. The DeKalb Board of Commissioners granted approval for a memorial plaque to be installed on a bench in the park. Mrs. Sims, also known as “Mama Sadie”, was a pillar in the community in many ways and will forever be a part of DeKalb County. In the early 1970s, she and her husband, Jessie, along with…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – DeKalb County Board of Health is hosting a drive-thru flu vaccination event this Saturday, Sept. 17, 8 a.m. until noon, at Dunwoody High School. This event is focused on adults ages 18 and older, seniors 65 and older who may need a high-dose vaccine for added protection, individuals who are immunocompromised or have chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease), and pregnant women. Pediatric flu vaccines will be given at DeKalb’s regional health center locations during regular business hours. Three types of flu vaccine will be available: standard, Flublok®, and high dose. All patients…

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Larry Johnson, in his role as DeKalb County’s District 3 Commissioner and immediate past president of the National Association of Counties, attended the nation’s celebration of the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act on Sept. 13 at the nation’s Capitol. President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law on Aug.  16. The IRA aims to reduce the federal deficit, cut carbon emissions and address several issues related to healthcare such as lowering the costs of prescription drugs. According to an estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the IRA would reduce federal deficits by $102 billion between 2022…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist STONECREST, GA—Former Arabia Mountain High School’s Chandler Martin has been named the Southern Conference’s Defensive Player of the Week. The East Tennessee State linebacker is making a comeback after being redshirted his freshman year due to injury and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lithonia native exploded with 23 tackles in East Tennessee’s 20-17 loss to The Citadel on Saturday, Sept. 10. Martin entered last Saturday’s game with a total of 13 tackles in nine games. Martin broke East Tennessee’s 29-year record of 22, which was set by Nakia Thomas in 1993 against Appalachian State.…