Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about individuals fraudulently claiming to be Chief Deputy Temetris Atkins and other Sheriff’s Office employees. Using the names of real officials to appear legitimate, these impersonators are contacting members of the public in an apparent attempt to solicit money, personal information, and other sensitive details. Reports have surfaced throughout the metro area concerning victims who were duped by scammers demanding bond payment for loved ones who may be incarcerated. Others have paid fines for traffic  violations and other fees by scammers using spoofing techniques that appear to be…

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County Public Library (DCPL) has announced that the Decatur Library, located at 215 Sycamore St.  in downtown Decatur, has reopened with enhanced security. The library is implementing new entry procedures designed to provide a safe and secure environment for patrons, following a fight that erupted between two men that turned into a shooting inside the library on Feb.  2 around 5:10 p.m. The library reopened on Feb. 10. Medicus Brown, 44, has been taken into custody and faces charges of aggravated assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Decatur Police have confirmed there…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County Police fatally shot a man whom they said threatened them with a knife while they were responding to a domestic situation on Oaktree Park Court in Lawrenceville.  Nawras Mahmud, 31, has been identified as the suspect who was killed on Thursday, Feb. 19. The officer-involved shooting case has now been turned over to the GBI to lead the investigation.  The incident occurred around 3:44 p.m. when officers from the Gwinnett Central Police Precinct responded to a person stabbed call stemming from a domestic violence situation. The caller reported that someone inside the home armed with…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Portions of I-20 will be closed intermittently March 2-4 as construction crews work on the new Courtesy Parkway Bridge, officials have announced. The Rockdale County Department of Transportation (RDOT), in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), plan to close portions of the interstate during the evening hours of Monday, March 2, and Tuesday, March 3. The parkway extension project is expected to wrap up by Wednesday morning, March 4, weather permitting, officials said.  During construction, drivers may experience several changes in driving conditions: Traffic Pacing Operation on Eastbound and Westbound I-20 between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Intermittent closures on I-20…

DECATUR, GA — Due to the summer construction schedule at various DeKalb County schools, the DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections (BRE) recently announced a series of proposed temporary polling place relocations for the May 19 General Primary Election, and June 16 runoff. These eight changes are intended to ensure voters continue to have safe and accessible polling locations in close proximity to the existing polling locations on Election Day. All impacted precinct voters will return to their permanent polling locations for the Nov. 3 General Election. “In coordina on with the DeKalb County School District, we are implementing temporary…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – The DeKalb County Office of the CEO has released its first 2025 Year in Review report and video, which chronologically reflect the county’s progress and milestones.  The report highlights progress across key priority areas including public safety, infrastructure, economic development, health and human services, fiscal stewardship, and community engagement. It also underscores the County’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and data-driven governance. “DeKalb County’s Year in Review reflects the hard work, innovation, and dedication of our employees and partners who serve our residents every day,” said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “It is both a reflection of what we…

STONECREST, GA–The City of Stonecrest is bringing rhythm to the city with an electrifying Battle of the Drumlines on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Miller Grove High School Gymnasium, 2645 DeKalb Medical Parkway in Stonecrest. Launched in 2025, the Battle of the Drumlines was created to spotlight student excellence while strengthening connections between the city of Stonecrest, high schools, HBCUs, and community at-large. Building on its inaugural success, this year’s showcase promises an even more crowd-moving experience to cap off Black History Month.  “This is such a dynamic showcase of extraordinary talent from our young people —…

DECATUR, GA–This Black History Month, the DeKalb History Center is celebrating the Divine Nine historically Black Greek lettered fraternities and sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The DeKalb History Center will host its 18th Annual Black History Month luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court St., Decatur. The theme is “Stepping into Tradition: The Divine Nine.” Founded at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), these organizations were established to assess the needs of Black Students. Their objectives are to provide spaces for community, scholarship, and support for Black students…

ATLANTA – State Representatives Rhonda Taylor (D-Conyers) and Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) will host a community energy assistance event in partnership with Georgia Power on Saturday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Antioch A.M.E Church Food Pantry, 4730 Elam Road, in Stone Mountain. “This event is about meeting people where they are,” said Rep. Taylor. “Families should not have to struggle to maintain basic necessities, such as utilities and groceries. We are bringing relief directly into the community.” At the event, community members will have the opportunity to apply for Georgia Power bill discounts onsite, receive assistance with payment arrangements, learn about income-qualified programs, access information on energy…

Atlanta and the nation are paying tributes to the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., the charismatic civil rights champion, two-time presidential candidate and founder of the Rainbow PUSH advocacy coalition.  Jackson passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 17,  at his home in Chicago. He was 84.  Jackson’s family confirmed his death in a statement, saying that he “died peacefully” but did not give a cause. Jackson was hospitalized in November for treatment of a severe neurodegenerative condition, progressive supranuclear palsy, according to the Rainbow PUSH.  Jackson had announced in 2017 that he had Parkinson’s disease.  For decades, Jackson stood at the forefront of…