Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA— A Rockdale County Jail detention deputy and a former employee have been arrested in connection with contraband being smuggled into the jail, according to a statement from the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. The arrests were announced in a press release issued on Dec. 17 at 8:26 p.m., though officials did not release the names of the individuals involved. The Sheriff’s Office also did not disclose what specific items were brought into the jail or the potential charges the suspects face.  The detention deputy was arrested on Dec. 13. Authorities say further inquiries uncovered additional involvement, leading to the arrest…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Michelle Marks has been arrested after kidnapping her 7-year-old son, Royal Marks, in a custody battle.  The Gwinnett County Police Department had put out an alert for Michelle Marks, who also was wanted in Oklahoma after fleeing to Georgia and then taking her son, who was in the custody of his father. Gwinnett County Police Department announced tonight that Michelle Marks and her son were located safely. Detectives learned that Michelle Marks had traveled earlier today, Dec. 17, from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport using an alias. Detectives promptly alerted the Los Angeles Police Department,…

County employees receive $1,500 retention incentive bonus  DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County will end the 2024 fiscal year with a projected $150 million fund balance. “We have ushered in a new era of financial accountability in DeKalb County as evidenced by eight years of balanced budgets and a growing rainy-day fund,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said today, Dec. 17. The county’s fiscal health allowed CEO Thurmond to authorize a $1,500 employee retention incentive bonus for DeKalb’s 6,000 employees last month. This was the fourth year that employees received a retention incentive bonus. In January 2017, the county faced a $24.7 million…

ATLANTA – Gov. Brian P. Kemp today announced that the State Workforce Development Board has officially approved Georgia’s High Demand Career List, a strategic tool aimed at aligning education, job training, and workforce development initiatives with the needs of Georgia employers.  The High Demand Career List identifies careers that are high-demand,high-wage, and high-skill, serving as a guide to improve education, job training, and spotlight critical industries across the state.   This initiative is a key part of the Governor’s Top State for Talent strategy, which supports Georgia’s reputation as the #1 state for business. By aligning workforce resources to build robust talent pipelines, Georgia will continue to lead as…

ATLANTA – DeKalb County House Delegation Chair Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) and Vice Chair Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), along with members of the DeKalb County Legislative Delegation, will hold a pre-session town hall meeting on Tuesday, Dec.17, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. State representatives will hear from the public concerning the upcoming 2025 legislative session. Inquiries may be sent to long.tran@house.ga.gov. WHO:            DeKalb House Legislative Delegation Chair Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) Vice Chair Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain)                         Members of the DeKalb County Legislative Delegation WHAT:          DeKalb County Legislative Delegation Pre-Session Town Hall WHEN:          Tuesday, December 17, 2024                         6:30 p.m.      …

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Probate Judge Gary Washington administered the oaths of office to eight elected officials on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Rockdale County Auditorium.  Retiring Superior Court Judge Robert Mumford administered the oaths of office to Judge Washington, who was re-elected; State Court Judge Vasco T. McRae; and Juvenile Court Judge Timothy McGuire.   A packed crowd of family, friends, and other officials from neighboring counties witnessed the event as Judge Washington swore in the following: Maureen E. Wood – Superior Court Judge Phinia Aten – Magistrate Court Judge Janice Morris – Clerk of Superior and State Courts Tisa Smart-Washington…

Gwinnett County DA Patsy Austin-Gatson called the abuse by the couple “horrible” GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– A Norcross woman was convicted on Friday for killing her girlfriend’s 8-year-old daughter by beating the child to death, then hiding the girl’s body in DeKalb County. A Gwinnet County jury found Celeste Alexandria Owens, 32, guilty of malice murder, three counts of felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, 11 counts of cruelty to children, making a false statement, and concealing the death of another in the November 2021 death of Amari Hall. Owens was sentenced to life in prison plus 235 consecutive years without the possibility…

ATLANTA—A public memorial service will be held for President of Tyler Perry Studios Steve Mensch on Saturday, Dec. 28, noon, at Tara Theatre, 2345 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta. Mr. Mensch passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 6 while piloting the custom-built plane that reflected his passion for flying and innovation. The beloved husband, father, and President of Tyler Perry Studios held a deep passion for aeronautical pursuits, which was matched only by his passion for storytelling and his commitment to uplifting those around him.  Mr. Mensch was a visionary leader at Tyler Perry Studios and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–On Tuesday, Dec.17, 6 to 8 p.m., Rockdale County Sheriff Eric J. is hosting a food distribution event for Rockdale residents.  Free food boxes will be given away, while supplies last, at the Sheriff’s Office, 911 Chambers Drive, Conyers. The Rockdale Sheriff’s Office is sponsoring the event in partnership with with  the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the Regional Impact Health Foundation.