Author: On Common Ground News

 ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– C.J. Hicks Elementary School celebrated a special project this week: The school opened an on-campus grocery store to help students and their families—at no charge.  The elementary school and Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS), in partnership with Kaiser Permanente and Goodr, teamed up on the project to address food insecurity, which many families locally and across the nation are facing—barriers that impact attendance, engagement and academic success.   The Kaiser Permanente / Goodr Grocery Store officially opened following a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was held on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the school. The store will serve approximately 200 families each…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Gwinnett County Commissioners recently hosted Gwinnett’s state lawmakers during the Legislative Delegation Breakfast, offering updates on elections operations, public safety advancements and critical service needs tied to the County’s rapid growth. “Gwinnett is strongest when local and state leaders work together, and these conversations show how important that partnership truly is,” said Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “Whether we’re discussing elections or public safety, our focus remains the same: serving our residents with integrity, stability and a deep commitment to this community. Key takeaways:  Elections: Modernization, stability and practical challenges Elections Supervisor Zach Manifold updated lawmakers…

DECATUR, GA– Due to forecasted freezing temperatures and hazardous wind chills, DeKalb County will activate warming centers beginning at 6 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, continuing through Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025: The following locations will be open on Sunday for the 24-hour activation: Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP), 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Road, Chamblee Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur Closed Location: • Mason Mill Recreation Center will not open during this activation.

ATLANTA – Sharon Henderson, a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, is facing federal charges of unemployment fraud, as well as other Georgia lawmakers, according to U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg.   Henderson, who lives in Newton County, was arrested on Dec. 8 after a federal grand jury charged her with two counts of stealing government funds and ten counts of making false statements to illegally collect $17,811 of unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Henderson’s case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Georgia Office of the State…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A mother who beat and killed her 4-year-old son because he would not use the toilet has been sentenced to life without parole.   Sophia Williams, 43, was found guilty of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, four counts of Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, and three counts of Aggravated Battery in connection with the death of her son, Anthony Vice, 4. During a sentencing hearing held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Asha F. Jackson, who presided over the trial, sentenced Willliams to Life Without the Possibility of Parole, plus 10 years. DeKalb…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has appointed Greg Padrick as the new Chief of Police, marking a key step in the County’s agenda to prioritize public safety.  “Chief Padrick brings an extraordinary depth of experience, proven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public safety,” Cochran-Johnson SAID. “For 28 years, he has served this county with integrity, and I am confident that under his leadership, the DeKalb County Police Department will continue to advance police excellence, innovation, transparency, and community-centered policing.” During his tenure with DeKalb County Police Department, Padrick has served in key roles across multiple division. His…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Community activist Josie Dean, her daughter, Canei Lampkin, and other volunteers gifted Rockdale County firefighters and City of Conyers police officers with bundles of socks this holiday season.  The socks, however, weren’t just any socks.  The first responders received the highly-quality Bombas, known for their premium comfort. “Because of Bombas’ support to our community organization, Visions of the Minds, we were able to give them the best,” said Dean, whose baby grandson went along for the deliveries.  “It was just a joy to do something good for those who protect us. They were happy to receive them.” Visions of…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– A man involved in a road rage stabbing incident has been arrested, Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) said on Dec. 10.     The suspect, identified as Yoandry Rincon, was charged with Aggravated Assault and booked into the Gwinnett County Jail. The victim, Peter Chai, was stabbed in the chest, transported to the hospital and has since been treated and released. Chai and Rincon did not know each other prior to this incident, police said. Police said the incident occurred on Nov. 13. Officers were dispatched to a person stabbed call and located the victim with a stab wound to…

CONYERS, GA– The Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) has released CCRPI (College and Career Readiness Performance Index) data, and three Rockdale County schools are among those distinguished as Literacy and Math Leader Schools.  Lorraine Elementary and D.L. Sims Elementary were both named Literacy Leader Schools for 3rd Grade Gateway Growth, while Memorial Middle School was named a Math Leader for High School Growth These statewide Literacy Leader and Math Leader distinctions celebrate schools that demonstrate extraordinary student progress and proficiency. Schools are recognized for achievement, growth, or both on annual end-of-grade or end-of-course Milestones assessments. The criteria recognize the crucial importance…

ATLANTA—Mayor Andre Dickens has appointed Vanessa Manley to serve as Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services. In this role, Manley will lead a dedicated group of public servants who are on the front lines of community engagement, meeting residents where they are to address the street-level needs of all of Atlanta’s communities. Among several priority initiatives overseen by this office: the Mayor’s Housing Help Center, Midnight Basketball and other non-policing activities to address the root causes of crime, marquee events for legacy residents including the Mayor’s Senior Ball and the Community Engagement Team whose dedicated mission is to strengthen…