Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 on Tuesday, Nov. 10, to pass an ordinance ending the unattended tethering of dogs in unincorporated DeKalb County.  DeKalb joins Henry, Walton and Clayton counties, among others, in prohibiting owners from chaining or tying up dogs in one spot outdoors.  “A dog left tied up alone, day after day, month after month, suffers, and our old rules made that too hard to stop. This ordinance sets a clear standard: A dog on a tether must be attended, and dogs kept outside need enough room to move,” stated DeKalb District 2…

ATLANTA—District 1 City Councilmember Jason Winston is hosting a diaper distribution in collaboration with several community supporters on Saturday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Ormewood Church, 1071 Delaware Ave. S.E., Atlanta. In its 5th year, the annual event will offer free diapers, baby supplies, and menstrual period products to District 1 families in need while supplies last. The event is made possible with support from Helping Mamas, Ormewood Church, Welcoming Atlanta, the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services. 

ATLANTA – The Georgia House Democratic Caucus convened today to elect its leadership team for the 2027-2028 legislative term. House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus) was nominated by the Democratic Caucus to serve as the 76th Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Speaker of the House is chosen by the members of the House of Representatives on the first day of each biennial legislative session. The House will officially elect its Speaker when it convenes for the start of the 2027 session on Monday, Janu. 11, 2027. “Putting the needs of Georgia’s citizens at the center of our campaigns…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners recently celebrated the 40thanniversary of Gwinnett Parks with a proclamation, marking four decades of protecting natural spaces, expanding recreational opportunities and enriching the quality of life for residents across the region. In 1986, voters approved a referendum with a collective mission to preserve green spaces and provide accessible recreation for all.  Today, Gwinnett Parks and Recreation has grown into a vibrant network of more than 50 parks, with more than 145 miles of multiuse trails, community centers, athletic fields, aquatic centers, facilities, playgrounds and nature preserves that welcome millions of visitors…

CONYERS, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) announced a proposal to consolidate and rezone select elementary and middle schools beginning with the 2027-28 school year. The proposal is the first phase of Future Ready RCPS, a three-part plan to create capacity, define opportunity, and build the future for students. The proposal responds to a sharp and persistent decline in school-aged children in the district, driven largely by decreasing birth rates and an aging population in the county. Across the district, RCPS has more than 5,000 open seats with elementary schools using about 62 percent of their seats and middle schools using…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police has arrested one of its own police officers during a criminal drug investigation.  Officer Marius Tassy, 43, was arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and taken to the DeKalb County Jail on a felony charge of Unlawful Practice of Pharmacy (GA Code § 26-4-40) and a misdemeanor charge of Sale of Dangerous Drugs (GA Code § 16-13-72).  Tassy is on administrative leave pending further investigation. He was hired by the DeKalb County Police Department on May 1, 2023. DeKalb County Police launched the investigation in late October. “The authority we are entrusted with as law enforcement…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed three additional measles cases in Macon County. All three individuals were close contacts of a measles case confirmed on Oct. 12, 2026. DPH has notified others who may have been exposed and are at increased risk of developing measles. Vaccination is the best protection against measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine for children: the first at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. Parents with questions about vaccination should talk to their healthcare provider. Anyone…

President Edwina Clanton Re-Elected to lead DeKalb branch for third term DEKALB COUNTY, GA — The NAACP DeKalb County Branch announces the results of its 2027–2028 Branch Elections, with members selecting officers and Executive Committee representatives to guide the organization over the next two years. Incumbent President Edwina Clanton secured re-election to a third term, receiving 85 votes (65.38%), compared to 45 votes (34.62%) for challenger Martha Jackson. The election results reflect the membership’s decision on the leadership that will guide the branch’s continued commitment to civil rights, civic engagement, economic opportunity, social justice, and community empowerment throughout DeKalb County. 2027–2028 Elected Branch…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a Parks Citizen Advisory Board Committee meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6 p.m., at the Hamilton Recreation Center, 3262-B Chapel St., Scottdale. DeKalb County officials will discuss the future of the Zonolite Expansion Master Plan on Thursday, Nov. 19, 6– 7 p.m., at the Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur. The meeting will take place on the lower level of the center. The community is invited to attend and provide input regarding the master plan.

DECATUR, GA – Get into the holiday spirit with a fun, hands-on creative workshop on Thursday, Dec. 10, 6 to 8 p.m.,  at the DeKalb History Center, 101 E. Court St., Decatur.  Using festive papers, vintage images, and fun embellishments, participants will design one-of-a-kind holiday cards and unique ornaments to share, gift, or treasure for years to come.  There will be two options to explore: The Christmas Card Table A hands-on, make-and-mail kind of workshop Participants create a collection of one-of-a-kind collaged Christmas cards using vintage papers, words, images, ribbon, stamps, music, and other ephemera. The Ornament Bar Let your creativity…