Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – State Representative Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah) joined Gov. Brian Kemp in Savannah , as House Bill 303, the Original 33 Memorial Act, and House Bill 762, the Savannah Music Commission Act, were signed into law on May 1.  “Today is a powerful day with the signing of the Original 33 Memorial Act,” said Rep. Gilliard. “These heroic Americans can now be celebrated both at the State Capitol and through a marker program across the state of Georgia. It is only right that we memorialize them in the place that they were expelled from and memorialize them across the state…

ATLANTA– Clark Atlanta University (CAU) Guild will host its 29th Annual Jazz Under the Stars (JUTS) event on Saturday, May 3, at university’s campus. With gates opening at 5 p.m., this beloved tradition will kick off at 6 p.m. with a pre-show featuring the talented CAU JazzTet and an evening of exceptional performances designed to support the university’s arts students. The main show will officially begin at 7 p.m., with a lineup that celebrates jazz’s rich heritage while supporting current students pursuing their passions in the arts. This year’s event will provide a memorable musical experience and raise vital funds…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has named four Gwinnett County Public Schools seniors as recipients of its 2025 corporate-sponsored scholarships. These students are among a group of winners in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship program. This year, approximately 830 distinguished high school seniors nationwide won National Merit Scholarships financed by 124 corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations.  Recipients were selected from a group of students who advanced to the finalist level. Corporate sponsors provide National Merit Scholarships for children of their employees, residents of communities the company serves, or students who plan to pursue college majors or careers…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Efforts to improve water service capacity throughout DeKalb County continue on Monday, May 12, with the launch of the Harrington Drive Water Main Replacement Project. Crews will install 9,500 linear feet of water lines with new 8-inch ductile iron pipe.   This project is part of DeKalb County’s $4.27 billion capital improvement program to improve capacity and service of the watershed systems serving the community.  This project is expected to last 12 months (May 2025 to April 2026), barring any weather delays. Normal construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. An increase…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–A viral video fight between a group of students and a teacher at Martin Luther King Jr. High School is not as “cut and dry” as it appears, DeKalb Schools Superintendent Devon Horton said during a press conference on Tuesday at the school.  Although three students have been charged in connection with the April 22 incident and the teacher has been placed on administrative leave, Horton said the students should not be criminalized. He said the ongoing investigation involves ninth grade students and the student who threw the first punch had only been at the school for less…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced this week a conviction by jury trial in the case of an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) driver from College Park accused of raping a woman who had fallen asleep in her car. Jurors found Bruce Andre Hines, 47, guilty of Rape for the sexual assault of the  51-year-old woman on March 5, 2023. According to the investigation, the victim called 911 to report that she had been raped by an EMS driver that morning between 3 and 4 a.m. inside of her car in the 4000 block of Glenwood Road in…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) plans to hold a one-stop hiring event on Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 593 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale, GA.  Candidates will have the opportunity to take the Agility Test and complete a large portion of the job interview process and walk away with a conditional offer. Candidates are encouraged to bring a comfortable set of clothes for the Agility Test and a set of clothes for the interview process. Recruit and certified officer positions are available and candidates could walk away with a conditional…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett Police detectives have identified the victim of a domestic related homicide as Tiffany Trim, 35, of Snellville. The woman’s relatives were notified, authorities. Detectives are actively still investigating and following up on leads.  On Wednesday, around midnight, officers responded to a domestic call near the 4100 block of Hillsborough Drive.  A juvenile called 911 and said there was a domestic argument between a man and woman in the home.  When officers arrived, they located one adult female deceased in the home.  They were told the suspect had just left on foot. The juveniles in the home were not…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson is reminding residents that motor vehicle and property tax services are available at three office locations in DeKalb County. “The Memorial Drive tax office is typically very busy the beginning and end of each month. We’re reminding taxpayers that the same in-person services are also available at satellite offices located on Clairmont Road and in South DeKalb Mall,” said DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson. Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., at the following locations: Central office at 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032 North office at 3653 Clairmont…