Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County Board of Education voted on Wednesday(Oct. 15) to accept the resignation of Devon Q. Horton as superintendent of the DeKalb County School District, effective Nov. 15. Horton’s resignation comes one week after he was indicted on federal corruption charges concerning the Evanston-Skokie School District 65 in Illinois, where he formerly served as superintendent. The indictment includes 17 counts including fraud, theft and tax evasion in a kickback scheme.   School Board member Tiffany Hogan was the only member who voted against accepting Horton’s resignation at the special called meeting on Wednesday. The DeKalb School Board…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reports the death of the 8th inmate to die in custody at the DeKalb County Jail this year. Officials said the death appears to be a medical emergency and there is no evidence of foul play. An internal investigation is underway, and an autopsy will be performed by the DeKalb Medical Examiner’s Office. According to authorities, 59-year-old Rodney Garrick of Lithonia, Georgia, was found unresponsive in the facility early this morning (Oct. 15). Officials said that on-site medical personnel immediately administered aid until emergency medical services arrived. Garrick was transported to a nearby…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Early voting for the upcoming Nov. 4 elections began on Tuesday, Oct. 14 and is off to a very sluggish start.  As of Wednesday, Oct.. 15, only 86 voters had cast ballots in the City of Conyers races for a new mayor and three City Council seats. Early voting ends Oct. 31. Conyers voters will elect a new mayor to succeed Mayor Vince Evans, who is not running for re-election. Connie Alsobrook and Bradley “Brad” Smith are vying for the seat. Voters also will elect someone to fill the City Council District 2, Post 2 seat vacated by …

ATLANTA – Fulton County Board of Health (FCBOH) Environmental Health and mosquito control staff recovered additional positive samples for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) from traps this week. The positive test results were reported in the Hapeville, GA area.  While FCBOH is collaborating with its mosquito control vendor to treat the nearby areas, residents are being asked to take action of their own to reduce mosquito breeding sites on their property as peak “mosquito season” continues through October. Although rare in humans, EEE can be very serious. Symptoms in severe cases of EEE include a sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA–Voices of Faith Church is gearing up for a fun-filled evening of children’s activities planned for its Fall Festival on Oct. 31. The festival will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at 2500 Rockbridge Road, SW., Stone Mountain. Families are invited to bring the kids out for music, trunk or treating, a bounce house and other activities. Admission is free.   Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. is founder of Voices of Faith Church, which has five campuses in GA and one location in Baton Rouge, LA.     

By Lance Hammonds Once again, DeKalb County finds itself in crisis — not because of our students or teachers, but because of failed leadership at the top. Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton has been placed on administrative leave following a federal indictment in Illinois on 17 counts, including fraud, theft, and tax evasion from his previous school district. While the charges stem from another state, the responsibility for this instability rests squarely on the shoulders of our elected Board of Education. They were aware of concerns surrounding Dr. Horton’s prior employment but moved forward with his hiring in a 6-1 vote.…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–The Rockdale County Board of Education (BOE) was recently honored as a 2025 Exemplary Board, the highest status in the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) Board Recognition Program. “Being named a GSBA Exemplary Board for the 10th year is a testament to the Rockdale County Board of Education’s unwavering commitment to excellence in governance and student success,” said Superintendent Shirley Chesser. “Their continued recognition by GSBA reflects the high standards they uphold and the collaborative spirit that drives our district forward. I applaud them for their commitment to serving every student with vision and purpose.” The GSBA Board Recognition, a three-tiered…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners(B approved several items at its Oct. 7 meeting that support public safety, community identity and walkability. Highlights include sidewalk improvements near a local school, a new gateway monument, new ambulances and the retirement of a hardworking K9 officer.  K9 Oli retires after four years of service K9 Oli, a 7-year-old Belgian Malinois, has officially retired from service with Gwinnett Police. Oli joined the department in February 2020 and answered nearly 400 calls, supporting Gwinnett and surrounding areas.  Throughout his career, Oli assisted with 41 patrol apprehensions, 45 narcotics cases and 155 evidence…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and Park Pride will hold an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new playground at Biffle Park, 5221 Biffle Rd. Stone Mountain, GA, on Saturday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. A total of $325,798 was allocated to complete the newly created playground. Contributions were provided in part through Park Pride’s Grantmaking Program, the DeKalb County Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and the Parks Department to complete the project. The public is invited to join county officials, parks staff, and the Friends of Biffle Park to the ceremony.