Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections Office (DeKalb VRE) is encouraging all registered voters to make a plan to vote for the upcoming May 21, 2024 General Primary Election. Voters also are urged to remain aware of any possible impacts to local mail service in requesting and returning voter-related documents. “Our goal is to ensure our residents can vote with confidence by being prepared, informed and empowered before casting ballots,” said Executive Director of DeKalb VRE Keisha Smith. “With every election, we are working tirelessly to ensure an easy and seamless election experience for DeKalb County voters.” Here…

ATLANTA–Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) said he “fully supports” peaceful pro-Palestinian student protestors who were arrested at Emory University’s campus in Atlanta on Thursday, April 25. The Atlanta demonstration over the Gaza war was one of many protests on college campuses held this week across the U.S. Emory University’s Vice President for Public Safety Cheryl Elliott said in a message to the campus that 28 people were arrested on Thursday morning, including 20 Emory community members. “At 7:41 a.m. a few dozen protestors arrived on campus. When they arrived, these individuals ignored and pushed past EPD officers stationed on the Quad…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A Gwinnett County grand jury on Thursday, April 25, indicted a Lawrenceville father and stepmother accused of killing a young girl, then delaying a call for emergency medical aid.  The stepmother, Natiela Barros, 34, is charged with malice murder, two counts of felony murder, aggravated assault and cruelty to children for the Jan. 30, 2024 death of 8-year-old Sayra Barros. The child’s father, Cledir Mendes Barros, 37, is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of child cruelty.  “These defendants were supposed to protect and care for Sayra Barros. That was their primary responsibility as parents,”…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County is in the process of making major upgrades to improve EMS services—specifically the response time throughout DeKalb County. The county plans to add more EMT/paramedics, more   nurses and additional ambulances. Fitch & Associates, a nationally-known leader in EMS and Ambulance system consulting, is completing a review of DeKalb County’s EMS system as the county moves forward, county officials said on Thursday, April 25. In February, DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved $3.8 million in the 2024 budget to add 15 EMT/paramedics, five nurse practitioners, and five ambulances to enhance countywide service delivery.   County officials expect to…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A Gwinnett County jury returned a guilty verdict on Thursday, April 25, against a Lilburn man who had more than 50,000 images and 200 videos of children being sexually abused and tortured. Following the verdict, Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge Deborah Fluker followed the State’s recommendation and sentenced 76-year-old Roger Sheman Wright to 100 years in prison plus 20 years of probation. Wright also must register as a sex offender for life. Jurors returned the guilty verdict against Wright on all 10 counts of sexual exploitation of children. “Each one of these children in these images are victims…

 DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County Human Services Office of Youth Services will host a Youth Health Fair on Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Clarkson Community Center, 3701 College Ave., Clarkston. The event is part of the county’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public health and ensuring all community members have access to critical health services. The health fair will offer free services to attendees, including sports physicals, hearing and vision screenings, car seats to families (while supplies last) ,and free hygiene kits. To promote continued vigilance against COVID-19, the event also will provide a $100 gift card…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA—Head to Stone Mountain Village’s business district to enjoy free concerts every Friday evening during the months of May and June.  The 2024 Spring Tunes by the Tracks  series takes place from 7 to 9 p.m., rain or shine(unless severe weather) and features local indie artists, performing on a stage in the municipal parking lot on Main Street. The series kicks off with Diane Durrett & Soul Suga’ on May 3.  Bring a lawn chair. There will be beer, wine, and sodas available for purchase. Here’s the lineup for the Spring 2024 dates and artists for Tunes by the Tracks:  May 3 Diane…

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial on today, April 25,  in the case against a Decatur man accused of shooting and killing the man who lived in the apartment above him. On Monday, jurors found Alphonso Watts, 53, guilty of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony stemming from the attack on Darryl Halden, 35, on August 16, 2020. Immediately following the guilty verdicts, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Shondeana Morris, who presided…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – This Saturday, April 27, the annual DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Spring job fair will be held from 9 a.m. until noon at Miller Grove High School, 2645 DeKalb Medical Pkwy in Lithonia. Exciting certified and classified opportunities are currently available. Click HERE for real-time listings of open positions. DCSD employees are eligible for retention and attendance incentives. Additionally, sign-on bonuses and incentives are available to many new hires. Here are just a few of the benefits of joining the DCSD Team now: New Hire Incentives(Teachers, Bus Drivers,School Resource Officers) Up to $4,000 Exemplary Teacher Transfer Incentives-Up to$4,000…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The 10th annual Gwinnett Multicultural Festival and County Government Open House will be held on Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth. The Multicultural Festival andOpen House brings the community together every year to celebrate the vibrant cultures and customs of the people who call Gwinnett home.The open house is an opportunity for residents to meet local government employees and discover what each County department does to serve the community. Festival highlights: live music, dance, and other performing arts celebrating the county’s rich heritage. Admission is free. There will be activities for all ages.…