Author: On Common Ground News

CONYERS, GA—Sherri Washington officially became the newest member of the Conyers City Council on Wednesday, Nov. 19, marking a new chapter in public service.  Rockdale County Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten performed the ceremony, which was held at City Hall.  A crowd, including several elected officials, community leaders, family members, and residents, attended the ceremony, which was held at 6 p.m.– just ahead of the regular City Council meeting.  For Washington, who formerly served on the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners, the moment not only marked a transition to a new role, but a public opportunity for redemption and a chance to…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A man known to frequent Atlanta’s Kirkwood neighborhood is now behind bars  on multiple charges for allegedly exposing himself and harassing a woman at her home.        A DeKalb County Grand Jury indicted Rodney Lee Stroud, 53, on Nov. 19 on two counts of Aggravated Stalking, Public Indecency, and Peeping Tom. Stroud is a repeat offender who has been arrested several times for prowling, indecency, public drunkeness and similar charges. Stroud has a rap sheet that goes back to at least 1994, DeKalb County Jail records show.      According to the preliminary investigation, officers with the Atlanta Police Department responded…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA— Springfield Baptist is set to host its 1,000 Turkey Thanksgiving Giveaway, a tradition that brings holiday cheer and support to local families. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, at Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive SE, Conyers. As part of its commitment to community service and outreach, Springfield will be distribute 1,000 free turkeys, along with all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, to families in need. The event is open to everyone, and no advance registration is required.  To streamline the experience, onsite mobile registration will be…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist DEKALB COUNTY, GA–A 16-0 run to start the second quarter keyed a 52-37 non-region boys’ high school basketball victory for the Miller Grove Wolverines over the Arabia Mountain Rams at Miller Grove on Tuesday night(Nov. 18). Trailing 11-10 at the end of the first quarter, the Wolverines (2-0) as James Williams scored seven points and Teshawn Bogle scored six points to open a 15-point lead. Williams opened the scoring with a layup on an assist by Kai Harden following by a three-pointer from Carlin Cabbil and a steal and dunk by Bogle. Williams three-pointer from…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA- Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson this week presented her proposed $2.6 billion budget to guide County government spending for the 2026 fiscal year. The proposed budget represents a $66 million decrease from 2025’s approved $2.67 billion budget. The proposed 2026 budget is made up of a $2.19 billion operating budget and a $409 million capital improvements budget, which includes funds from the County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax(SPLOST) program. To develop the proposed budget, the County took a zero-based budgeting approach, evaluating each line item in several categories to identify opportunities for cost savings. Chairwoman…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is helping travelers get to their Thanksgiving destinations this year with fewer delays. To improve traffic flow during the Thanksgiving holiday, Georgia DOT will suspend lane closures on interstates, major state routes, and roadways near major shopping areas from 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, through 10 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30. This suspension of construction-related lane closures aims to reduce congestion and create a smoother travel experience for everyone.  Important Reminders for Travelers: While lane closures are suspended, construction crews may still be active near highways, and some long-term lane closures could remain in…

STONECREST, GA– Women are invited to be inspired and informed at an upcoming free empowerment summit that will be held this weekend in the city of Stonecrest. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Stone Mountain Lithonia chapter and WAOK Radio’s “Wake up with Dee Morning Show” are hosting “This Girl is on Fire,” an advocacy and empowerment summit. The event is free and open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 pm. Register and share this event with all of your contacts. Scan the flier below to register.

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners in a unanimous vote on Nov. 18 approved a new five-year contract.with American Medical Response (AMR) for emergency ambulance services. The total maximum value of the new contract extension based on performance is $77,773,900. “As we continue to reimagine how EMS is provided in DeKalb County, I am excited at the progress we have made and expect this contract will allow us to better serve our residents,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “We will have a world-class emergency medical service.” The new contract will increase unit hours to 600 per day, along with other…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – A Rockdale County Sheriff’s deputy was hospitalized today(Nov. 18) after a car ran a red light and struck the deputy’s patrol car, causing it to flip over onto its side, the Sheriff’s Office said.  The incident happened at the intersection of Sigman Road and Chambers Drive, which is located near the Sheriff’s Office headquarters.    The deputy was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. The Sheriff’s Office did not state if anyone was arrested. The Georgia State Patrol is handling the collision investigation. 

CONYERS, GA- Springfield Baptist Church will host its annual Christmas production, Soulful Noel: A Song for the King, on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 12 noon and 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m., at 1877 Iris Drive S.E., Conyers. This year’s show tells the story of Christmas through music, dance, and drama, as a small church discovers the power of faith, unity, and gospel music in the face of challenge. The event is free and open to all ages. For more information, visit www.sbcgrowth.church or call 770-929-1111. About Springfield Baptist Church Springfield Baptist Church has been serving the Conyers community for 146 years,…