Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Democrats Venola Mason and Kelly Kautz appeared headed for a runoff in the Georgia House District 94 Special Election held on Tuesday, March 10, according to unofficial results.   Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger called for the special election to fill the unexpired term of long-time State Rep. Karen Bennett, who abruptly resigned in January. District 94 includes portions of DeKalb County and neighboring Gwinnett County.  Mason was leading the four-way race on Tuesday night with 44.23 percent (1,199 votes), while Kautz was trailing with 23.20 percent (629 votes), according to unofficial results at the Georgia Secretary of State’s…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office recently began mailing over 19,700 homeowners who may be eligible for a new senior exemption or a basic homestead exemption for the current tax year. “One of the most important things you can do as a homeowner in DeKalb is to makesure you’re not missing out on property tax savings. We’re here to help you understand all available exemptions and how they can help reduce your property taxes,” said Tax Commissioner Nicole M. Golden. “Whether you’re a new homeowner, a senior, disabled resident, disabled veteran, homeowners should check their exemption status and…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County State Court, Division B, will host the Traffic Violators Impact Program (“TVIP”) on Thursday, March 12, 5:30 to 7p.m., in Courtroom B-8 at the DeKalb County State Court, Division B, 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur.  The DeKalb County State Court hosts TVIP presentations for drivers charged with traffic violations to raise awareness of the dangers of risky driving behaviors. These presentations are held every month in Division B of the State Court of DeKalb. The remaining 9 session for 2026 will be held:  April 15  May 21  June 2  July 9  Aug. 4 Sept. 17  Oct. 6  Nov. 12  Dec. 1 Drivers charged with offenses including,…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) has named Monica Brown as the 2025-26 School Librarian of the Year. This award honors a K-12 school librarian whose exemplary library program promotes a culture of reading, fosters critical thinking through inquiry and research, and supports learning through collaborative partnerships.  Monica Brown, who works at Five Forks Middle School, is a champion for literacy. Brown encourages a culture of reading through “Book Talks with Mrs. Brown,” monthly contests, and Beanstack reading challenges. To create an immersive learning environment, Brown uses exhibit-style displays with artifacts, visuals, and interactive elements. These displays celebrate cultures, heritage months, and curriculum connections.  Beyond the…

CHAMBLEE, GA—The intersection of Peachtree Boulevard and Pierce Drive will be closed for the installation of a water pipe March 12-April 10, barring weather delays, DeKalb County officials said.  From Peachtree Boulevard, motorists will need to detour to Chamblee Dunwoody Road or Miller Drive to Peachtree Road to access Pierce Drive.  Motorists should expect delays stemming from the road closure. Precautionary signs and traffic flaggers will assist in moving safely around the closed off portion of the road.  Construction crews will work diligently to minimize the length of impact to motorists. Information can be obtained by calling the DeKalb Water…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA –NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings has officially become an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, marking marked the launch of the organization’s transformative new platform, the Victory & Values Initiative. The groundbreaking youth development program is designed to empower elementary and middle school students through a dynamic blend of sports, mentorship, and Science Technology Engineering and Math(STEM) exposure. The initiative focuses on building health, discipline, character, leadership, and access to opportunity —pathways for long-term academic and personal success. Cummings, who was sworn in and ceremonially pinned during an…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is joining in a statewide celebration this week to salute the efforts of local school board members. The week of March 9-13 has been proclaimed School Board Appreciation Week in Georgia. The weeklong observance calls attention to the contributions of local boards of education. “During this week of appreciation, we take a moment to recognize and thank our Board members for their dedicated service,” said Superintendent Shirley Chesser. “This Board has consistently earned Exemplary status—achieving the honor nine times—and continues to model strong, effective governance with a focus on continuous improvement. Our Board…

CONYERS, GA—The 45th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival returns to the Georgia International Horse Park on March 21—March 22. This year’s theme, “Rooted Together,” honors the  festival’s deep roots of friendship, culture, and shared legacy while also celebrating a major milestone: the 30th anniversary of the Georgia International Horse Park. The vibrant weekend event is presented by Robins Financial Credit Union with signature sponsor Render Turner Lake. Founded in 1982 as a celebration of cultural exchange and friendship between Conyers and Japan, the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival has blossomed into one of the Southeast’s most anticipated spring traditions. The festivities begin Saturday…

CONYERS, GA–   Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) congratulates the Valedictorians and Salutatorians of the Class of 2026. The Valedictorians and Salutatorians were notified in surprise announcements during school on Feb. 25. Administrators, counselors, family members, and classmates celebrated the accomplishments of these top scholars. The valedictorians and salutatorians will lead their senior class in their school’s graduation ceremony, which is scheduled for Friday, May 29. For more information, visit www.rockdaleschools.org/graduation HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL  HHS VALEDICTORIAN Name:  Andrea Acosta Family members:  Mother: Joy Kimble-Acosta, Father: Thomas Acosta, Brother: Thomas Acosta Jr., Sister: Arianna Acosta. Intended College/University: University of Georgia Intended Major:  Interior Design with a Minor in…