Author: On Common Ground News

A DeKalb County Grand Jury has indicted two men for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy. The 24-count indictment against 39-year-old Kelvin Jermain Armstrong and 47-year-old Kevin Walker includes charges of Aggravated Sexual Battery, Aggravated Child Molestation, Child Molestation, Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes, False Imprisonment, Reckless Conduct of an HIV Infected Person, and drug possession. The charges against the defendants stem from an incident on Jan. 29, 2018.  According to the investigation, the victim was grabbed and forced into a Buford Highway apartment while walking home after missing his school bus. Once…

DeKalb County residents can now get a work-out at church facilities that have partnered with the DeKalb County Board of Health. Through a partnership with the Board of Health and funding from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant, six DeKalb  churches are now offering fitness classes and open gym hours to the public. Thanks to shared use agreements, each faith-based organization will open its facility to engage community members in physical activity. Adults and youth can participate in activities such as Zumba, basketball, indoor soccer, weight training and walking groups.…

The Originals, filmed in Conyers since 2013, has finished its five-year stint in the city. Conyers officials marked the premiere of the fifth and final season of the vampire episodes, which aired on April 19, tweeting that the white oak stake prop used in  “The Originals” is now on loan to the Carter Library. The prop is part of an exhibit highlighting President Jimmy Carter’s role in the creation of the first Georgia Film Commission in 1973 when he was governor. “That stake, apparently, is the only thing that can kill a vampire,” said Jennifer Edwards, director of the city’s…

The Goss family—Stephanie, Matt, Colton and Blakely—have been named the 2018 March For Babies Ambassador Family for Rockdale, Newton and Walton counties. Ambassadors bring to life the mission of the March of Dimes, sharing how they have been affected and helped by research, programs, advocacy, or educational campaigns funded by the organization. Since 1946, families have represented the organization in this distinct volunteer role. The Goss family Journey with March of Dimes began in 2016 when at 21 weeks, Stephanie Goss was admitted to the hospital on complete bed rest due to a slow rupture in the amniotic sac surrounding…

Recently, David Manuel posted a picture of himself on Facebook sporting a dapper striped jacket and checked dress shirt, announcing proudly: “Today is National Donate Life Blue & Green Day! I am wearing my colors!!” Manuel, Recreational and Cultural Arts Manager, received nearly 100 “likes” on the photo from friends cheering him on with thumbs up and hearts on his social media page. Those who are close to Manuel know that he has come a long way. Three and a half years ago, his future was bleak. He didn’t know if he would live. He says God granted him grace…

The Rotary Club of South DeKalb honored its “Laws of Life” essay winners on April 18 at the Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson, who served as the keynote speaker, encouraged the students to immerse themselves in literacy, sharing that effective communication is a necessary tool that would help them in their career paths. Johnson told the students that her love for literacy helped her to find “her voice” and led her to the career path that she enjoys today. She said she learned persuasive communication through reading—tools  that she needed…

The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is proud to announce, celebrate and honor the valedictorians and salutatorians for the 2017-2018 school year. Each year, at every DCSD high school, the senior student with the highest cumulative grade point average is named as the class valedictorian. The student with the second-highest grade point average is named the salutatorian. In rare cases, when students’ grade point averages are tied, the students are named co-valedictorians or co-salutatorians. “It is with great pride that I congratulate the valedictorians and salutatorians for the Class of 2018,” said Superintendent/CEO Dr. R. Stephen Green, adding the students…

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) school social workers named Katy King, art teacher at Gen. Ray Davis Middle School, and the Bible Church of God—Atlanta in Conyers, led by Pastor William L. Robinson and First Lady Victoria Robinson, as the 2018 Laura Barnes Honorary Social Workers. This is the 11th year of the award, which recognizes one person or organization in the community and one person in the school system for exemplifying the traits of a social worker in their tireless efforts to help the families of Rockdale County. The award is named in memory of beloved RCPS social worker,…

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, Department of Watershed Management and the City of Clarkston leaders restocked Crystal Pond in Clarkston with more than 1,600 fish today (April 18). Thurmond committed to fully restocking the pond after a Feb. 18 sewer spill, caused by a blockage of grease, disposable diapers and wipes, resulted in fish loss. Immediately after the incident, the county began a 28-day restoration project that included cleaning nearby sewer mains, removing debris and water testing. The county will continue proactive efforts in this location to prevent future spills, including routine sewer main cleanings every three months and thorough…

On April 12, a raccoon was captured in the 400 block of North Hairston Road in Stone Mountain and later tested positive for rabies. This year, there have been seven positive raccoon rabies incidents in the county including Dunwoody, Decatur, Tucker, Stone Mountain, Avondale Estates and Lithonia.  Georgia is a rabies endemic state and the virus is present all year long. It is not unusual for the county to report several rabies cases this time of year. Residents should make sure pets are up to date for preventative vaccination and should eliminate outdoor feeding stations.  Anyone who has been bitten…