Author: On Common Ground News

CHAMBLEE, GA—The intersection of Peachtree Boulevard and Pierce Drive will be closed for the installation of a water pipe March 12-April 10, barring weather delays, DeKalb County officials said.  From Peachtree Boulevard, motorists will need to detour to Chamblee Dunwoody Road or Miller Drive to Peachtree Road to access Pierce Drive.  Motorists should expect delays stemming from the road closure. Precautionary signs and traffic flaggers will assist in moving safely around the closed off portion of the road.  Construction crews will work diligently to minimize the length of impact to motorists. Information can be obtained by calling the DeKalb Water…

UPDATED: 3/12/2026

DEKALB COUNTY, GA –NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings has officially become an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, marking marked the launch of the organization’s transformative new platform, the Victory & Values Initiative. The groundbreaking youth development program is designed to empower elementary and middle school students through a dynamic blend of sports, mentorship, and Science Technology Engineering and Math(STEM) exposure. The initiative focuses on building health, discipline, character, leadership, and access to opportunity —pathways for long-term academic and personal success. Cummings, who was sworn in and ceremonially pinned during an…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is joining in a statewide celebration this week to salute the efforts of local school board members. The week of March 9-13 has been proclaimed School Board Appreciation Week in Georgia. The weeklong observance calls attention to the contributions of local boards of education. “During this week of appreciation, we take a moment to recognize and thank our Board members for their dedicated service,” said Superintendent Shirley Chesser. “This Board has consistently earned Exemplary status—achieving the honor nine times—and continues to model strong, effective governance with a focus on continuous improvement. Our Board…

CONYERS, GA—The 45th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival returns to the Georgia International Horse Park on March 21—March 22. This year’s theme, “Rooted Together,” honors the  festival’s deep roots of friendship, culture, and shared legacy while also celebrating a major milestone: the 30th anniversary of the Georgia International Horse Park. The vibrant weekend event is presented by Robins Financial Credit Union with signature sponsor Render Turner Lake. Founded in 1982 as a celebration of cultural exchange and friendship between Conyers and Japan, the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival has blossomed into one of the Southeast’s most anticipated spring traditions. The festivities begin Saturday…

CONYERS, GA–   Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) congratulates the Valedictorians and Salutatorians of the Class of 2026. The Valedictorians and Salutatorians were notified in surprise announcements during school on Feb. 25. Administrators, counselors, family members, and classmates celebrated the accomplishments of these top scholars. The valedictorians and salutatorians will lead their senior class in their school’s graduation ceremony, which is scheduled for Friday, May 29. For more information, visit www.rockdaleschools.org/graduation HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL  HHS VALEDICTORIAN Name:  Andrea Acosta Family members:  Mother: Joy Kimble-Acosta, Father: Thomas Acosta, Brother: Thomas Acosta Jr., Sister: Arianna Acosta. Intended College/University: University of Georgia Intended Major:  Interior Design with a Minor in…

ROCKDALE, DEKALB COUNTIES—The five-day qualifying period for the upcoming May 19 General Primary elections ended at noon on Friday, March 6. Three candidates are officially running for a seat on the three-member Rockdale Board of Commissioners to fill the Post 2 seat: Democratic Commissioner Doreen Williams will face challengers Michelle Bernard and Melissa Mims. There are no Republicans running for the seat, according the Rockdale Board of Elections and Voter Registration. Hot-button issues for the Rockdale Board of Commissioners include the construction of data centers and property taxes. Rockdale Superior Court Judge Nancy Bills will face challenger Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. …

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A Lawrenceville man will spend life in prison for fatally choking his ex-girlfriend then burning her body in a car. Jahir Sagahon, 32, pled guilty to malice murder for the March 2023 strangling death of 28-year-old Rubi Maldonado-Nava. “This defendant took a mother away from her child,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “We are pleased with this outcome and hope that the victim’s child, her family and her loved ones are able to find closure and a sense of justice from this outcome.” On March 23, 2023, police were called to Maldonado-Nava’s home for a wellness check.…

DECATUR, GA—A coalition of South and East DeKalb community organizations will host a community-led forum on the DeKalb County School District’s Student Assignment Project (SAP) and the potential impact of proposed school closures across the county. The meeting will take place on Thursday, March 12, 6 p.m., at Peace Baptist Church, 4000 Covington Highway in Decatur. The forum is being organized by The Rockbridge Coalition, SDIAE (South DeKalb Improvement Association for Education), the South DeKalb Coalition, East DeKalb Community Coalition, The People’s Agenda, and other civic partners. School district officials are expected to attend. The DeKalb County School District is…

DECATUR, GA–– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit, with assistance from Field Operations deputies, has arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 21 in Lithonia. Sheriff’s deputies took Dominique Lovett, 35, into custody on Thursday morning (March 5) at a business on South Indian Creek Drive in Stone Mountain without incident. According to arrest warrants, Lovett is charged with Murder and Aggravated Assault with a Weapon in the shooting death of Demetrice Chandler. Deputies say Chandler was shot in the chest and then chased by the suspect following the shooting. The victim later died…