Author: On Common Ground News

Story Update: Watch video of the April 5, 2025 press conference DEKALB COUNTY, GA- DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has issued an executive order implementing a temporary freeze on new spending and hiring. The order, she said during a press conference held on today, aims to safeguard critical county services and financial resources amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal funding. The Executive Order, signed April 2, does not impact existing roles or programs already approved in the FY2025 budget by the Board of Commissioners. No current positions will be eliminated because of this order. Budget neutral reclassifications are excluded., the CEO stated. “This…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A man accused of killing a pregnant 16-year-old was released a second time on bond Friday,(March 28) despite the addition of sexual assault charges and continued demand of the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s office to keep the murder defendant in custody. Jesus Monroy, 20, was charged by police in July with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, voluntary manslaughter of an unborn child (feticide) and making false statements or writings in connection with the July 15 strangling death of Mia Campos. Campos was seven months pregnant at the time of her death.  In February, a Gwinnett County grand…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–The Gwinnett County Board of Education has selectedthree consulting firms to advance to the next phase of the superintendent search process. These firms will participate in independent interviews to determine which will partner with the Board in conducting a comprehensive search for a new superintendent. The three firms selected for interviews are: Alma Advisory Group Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) McPherson & Jacobson L.L.C. The Board of Education remains committed to a thorough and transparent process as it seeks a visionary leader to guide the future of Gwinnett County Public Schools. The selected firms will bring their expertise and…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– On Wednesday, April 16, 2025 through Wednesday, July 31, 2025, Keheley Drive will be closed to traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. between Windell Drive and Melody Lane to facilitate the replacement of the sanitary sewer at 2136 Keheley Drive, Decatur, GA. Road closure and detour signs will be placed during the road closure period advising motorists of construction work in the area and of local traffic restrictions.  Questions regarding this road closure should be addressed to Jerry Guo, NEPA Analyst for GDOT, at 678-247-2488.

DEKALB COUNTY, GA. — The Stone Mountain Village Pop-Up Market will host its next pop-up market in conjunction with the City of Stone Mountain’s Mutts on Main event. The pop-up market and the Mutts on Main event will take place on Saturday, April 12, 1-4 p.m., at the Pavilion on the Lawn, 5326 Manor Drive in Stone Mountain, and can be accessed from downtown Main Street.  Bring your furry friends and enjoy an afternoon of fun with your pet while supporting entrepreneurs at the Stone Mountain Village Pop-Up Market,” said Deanna Cauthen, organizer of the Stone Mountain Village Pop-Up Market.…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Inspiring Engineers Inc. hosted the second annual Rockdale Science Festival on Saturday, March 29, and the energy was electric.  From hands-on experiments to cutting-edge demonstrations, attendees of all ages were immersed in the wonders of science. Vendors also took the opportunity to connect, explore one another’s stations, and engage in conversations that sparked ideas and collaborations.  “The enthusiasm was contagious, and planning for next year’s festival is already underway,” said Janie Jones, founder and owner of Inspiring Engineers, Inc. who also serves on the Rockdale County School Board. “We can’t wait to make it even bigger and better next year.”  …

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Inspiring Engineers Inc. hosted the second annual Rockdale Science Festival on Saturday, March 29, and the energy was electric.  From hands-on experiments to cutting-edge demonstrations, attendees of all ages were immersed in the wonders of science. Vendors also took the opportunity to connect, explore one another’s stations, and engage in conversations that sparked ideas and collaborations.  “The enthusiasm was contagious, and planning for next year’s festival is already underway,” said Janie Jones, founder and owner of Inspiring Engineers, Inc. who also serves on the Rockdale County School Board. “We can’t wait to make it even bigger and better next year.”  …

All student registration for Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is available online at www.rockdaleschools.org/registration. Parents can also bring required documents to Kindergarten Signing Day on April 22, an event with specialized in-person assistance for registering new Kindergarten students and a celebration of their transition to Kindergarten. Kindergarten Signing Day is Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 12 noon–8 p.m. at the Early Learning Center at the back of Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers.                Children must be 5 years old by Sept. 1 to enter Kindergarten. To register online, visit: www.rockdaleschools.org/registration. The child’s school will be assigned at the time of registration. Parents…

DECATUR, GA—The case against a 16-year-old charged with murder in the death of a MARTA bus driver in January will be prosecuted in DeKalb County Juvenile Court. According to the investigation, three juveniles, ages 16, 16, and 14, were involved in an argument with MARTA bus driver Leroy Ramos, 47, at the Decatur Station on the evening of Jan. 3, 2025.  The disagreement continued off the bus, where it escalated to a physical altercation.  One of the 16-year-olds pulled out a gun and fired several shots, hitting and killing Ramos. After reviewing the facts and circumstances of the case, including…