Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA—Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., founder of Voices of Faith Church (VOF), is marking his 31st pastoral anniversary with a weeklong celebration that will culminate with special worship services on Sunday, Oct. 19, at VOF’s main campus in Stone Mountain (Gwinnett County) and Conyers (Rockdale County).    VOF has five campuses across metro Atlanta and one in his hometown, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The festivities kicked off on Wednesday with an in-person Empowerment Night and continued Friday evening with bowling, bandanas and blessings. A crowd of members and guests attended the “Bowling with the Bishop” pizza night, which was held at Bowlero Lilburn…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist The Lithonia Bulldogs went on a 48-point run to pick up a crucial 48-7 Region 5-4A victory over the St. Pius X Golden Lions at Cobb Stadium on Friday night. St. Pius drove 81 yards on the opening drive with all running plays to take a 7-0 lead on a one-yard run by Nathan Hildreth. From that point on, the Bulldogs’ defense allowed the Lions (6-3, 4-3) just 31 yards of offense (no passing yard) while the Bulldog offense would score 48 points and ran up 432 yards of offense. Lithonia (7-1, 5-1) answered…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett County officials held an open house on Saturday, Oct. 18, to kick off a series of community meetings to gain public input on the restoration of the historic Maguire-Livsey Family Big House in Snellville.   The Big House was primarily occupied by two families central to Gwinnett’s history — the Maguires, who were Irish, during the 19th century and the Livseys, who were black, in the 20th century. Thomas Maguire, an Irish immigrant, bought the plantation and owned it until his death in 1886, after which the property was subdivided and later purchased by the Livsey family, descendants…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police are ready to offer as safe, fun event for families this Halloween with the return of “Trunk or Treat.” This year’s free event will take place on Halloween night, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m., at 2385 Wesley Chapel Road. Kids are invited to dress up in their costumes and trick or treat with DeKalb County Police officers.  There also will be music and plenty of fun for everyone, so we encourage all the boys and girls to attend.

The Gwinnett County Police Department is notifying the public that I-85 South, from 316 to south of Jimmy Carter Boulevard, will be closed to traffic on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 7:30 a.m. until approximately 8:15 a.m. due to an accident investigation.    The Police Department’s Accident Investigation Unit will be mapping a double fatality scene that occurred on Oct. 5, using several drones in the area.  Ramps onto I-85 South, from 316, Pleasant Hill, Steve Reynolds, Beaver Ruin, Indian Trail, and Jimmy Carter Boulevard, will be impacted. Traffic will not be able to enter I-85 during the investigation.  Further, traffic will be slowed…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Interim Police Chief Gregory Padrick joined regional law enforcement leaders at the Atlanta Police Foundation’s annual Crime Is Toast breakfast to honor fallen DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire officers and residents across the region. Officer Rose was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor, two of the highest recognitions for valor and heroism in the line of duty. His widow, Mrs. Rose, accepted the awards on his behalf during the ceremony, which was attended by representatives from law enforcement agencies throughout metro Atlanta. The Crime Is Toast breakfast, hosted annually by the Atlanta…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA— An Atlanta man will serve a life sentence after being convicted for molesting and sexually assaulting a 4-year-old girl. Mario Edwin Adon-Barrios, 37, was found guilty of aggravated child molestation, child molestation, and sexual battery for attacking the child in June 2023. He was sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years and must register for life as a sex offender and stay away from the victim and her family. He also will be deported at the end of his prison sentence. “The defendant’s depraved behavior is disturbing and deserving of the sentence he received,” District Attorney…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) scores increased over the previous year while the state saw a smaller increase and the nation held the same on the American College Test (ACT), according to results recently released by the Georgia Department of Education for Class of 2025 graduates. RCPS had an overall ACT composite score of 18.2, an increase from last year’s score of 17.6. The state average increased slightly from 21.2 to 21.4 and the nation held steady at 19.4. The ACT is a national college admissions exam, which measures achievement in English, mathematics, reading and science with…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has successfully installed its weather siren system, marking a significant step forward in public safety and emergency preparedness. After being on hold for three years, the project is finally complete, and the system is now fully operational. There are nine fully operational sirens throughout the County: Costley Mill Park South Rockdale Park Lorraine Park Legion Fields Johnson Park Wheeler Park Lakeview Estate Park Black Shoals Park Earl O’Neil Park This automated system is directly linked to the National Weather Service, allowing for real-time activation during tornado warnings. The system delivers…