Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announced the launch of the $28.9 million Candler Crossing development, a transformative project set to restore vitality to the Candler Road corridor, deliver essential services, and spark new opportunities for the community. The project will feature a full-service Publix grocery store, multi-tenant retail space, and public amenities designed to create a walkable, family-friendly destination. It was unanimously approved by the Board of Commissioners. The development will be in District 3 represented by Nicole Massiah, and Super District 7, represented by Dr. Ladena Bolton.  Venture South Investments was first engaged in 2019 by Cochran-Johnson, then…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against an Atlanta man accused of multiple sexual assaults nearly 40 years ago.  On Friday, Sept.19, jurors found Jeffrey Briney, now 61, guilty of two counts of Rape, five counts of Kidnapping, five counts of Criminal Attempt to Commit Armed Robbery, five counts of Aggravated Assault and two counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony in connection with an incident on March 28, 1986.  The jury also convicted Briney on two counts of Rape, two counts of Kidnapping,…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – The Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner’s Office announces that beginning the week of Oct. 1, service fees will be applied to credit card transactions conducted at the county’s Driver Motor Vehicle offices. Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner Denise R. Mitchell said the change brings Gwinnett in line with other counties across Georgia that have long charged similar fees. Historically, Gwinnett County has absorbed the service fees associated with credit card transactions as a benefit to its residents. However, due to the county’s rapidly growing population and the increasing cost of providing these services, continuing to cover these fees is no longer sustainable. “We’ve…

ATLANTA – The House Study Committee on Reinsurance for Essential Industries, co-chaired by State Rep. Noel Williams, Jr. (R-Cordele) and State Rep. Darlene Taylor (R-Thomasville), will hold its second meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 9 a.m., Room 506 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building in Atlanta. Created by House Resolution 40, this study committee will study the cost of the property and casualty reinsurance market and conditions necessary for public-private partnerships in Georgia’s commercial property and casualty reinsurance market. For more information about the study committee meeting and to access the live stream, please click here. WHO: Members of the House Study Committee…

Metro Atlanta job seekers will have the chance to connect with employers, sharpen their skills, and explore career pathways in high-demand industries at a free career networking event on Friday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The event will be hosted at Impact Event Center, 2323 Sylvan Road, East Point, through a collaboration between MWI Workforce Institute and Microsoft. The event will offer resume coaching and interview strategies, career resources, and an opportunity to network with Microsoft hiring managers, including a Datacenter 101 workshop designed to introduce participants to one of the fastest-growing fields supporting the digital economy. “As conversations about…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Is your child interested in learning more about Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts or Mathematics career opportunities?  You’re invited. Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will host its third annual S.T.E.A.M. Fair at the DeKalb Academy of Technology and Environment in Stone Mountain on Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., 1492 Kelton Drive, Stone Mountain.  This free, hands-on event is designed especially for students in grade 6-8 across DeKalb County, providing them with the chance to explore exciting fields in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics. From robotics challenges to “Is It Magic…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA—A Stone Mountain woman is seeking the public’s help in the return of her Support dog, Nala, who went missing on Aug. 30.  Nala is a French Bulldog, who went missing from the Carriage Cluster neighborhood, located near Redan and Allgood roads in Stone Mountain.   Latoya Peeples reached to On Common Ground News in an e-mail in a desperate plea for help:  “I am pleading for your help to bring my Support dog, Nala, back home where she belongs. She disappeared while in the care of a dog sitter, who didn’t notify me until a day after she…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist The Stone Mountain Pirates could not hold off the South Atlanta Hornets in the second half as they fell 38-13 at Cobb Stadium on Thursday night(Sept. 18). South Atlanta took an 8-7 lead into the half as Eric Paredes hit a 37-yard field goal as the halftime horn sounded. The Hornets had 38-yard pass from Jaylan Alexander to Caleb Yarrell to set up the go-ahead points. The Hornets came out in the second half, scoring 23 unanswered points to take command of the game. They opened the half driving 73 yards for a touchdown…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA—Join the City of Lawrenceville on Oct. 4 for “CULTURA: Fiesta Latina,” a vibrant celebration of Latin culture filled with live music, performances, food, and art that invites everyone to explore and enjoy. The festival will be held in Downtown Lawrenceville from 3 to 8 p.m. There will be a special Fiesta del Barrio on the square featuring DJs, street performances, cocktail specials, and cultural demonstrations.  At A Glance CULTURA Fiesta Latina Oct. 4, 2025 Lawrenceville Lawn, 210 Luckie St., Lawrenceville For more information: 678-407-6653 or Email Events Cost: Free