Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA—Efforts to improve the watershed system throughout DeKalb County continue with the launch of the Grant Drive Water Main Replacement Project. Crews will replace 6,600 linear feet of aging pipelines.  The line repair project is expected to last approximately seven months (February to August 2026), barring any weather delays.   This project is part of DeKalb County’s $4.27 billion capital improvement program to improve capacity and service of the watershed systems serving the community.  Normal construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. An increase in construction-related noise and traffic during work hours…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County Police VICE Investigators have arrested a 36-year-old man for trying meet up with a 14-year-old female.   Jonathan Dismang, of McDonough, was arrested during an undercover internet investigation.   On Jan. 5, the VICE Unit conducted an ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) undercover investigation into a man who believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old female via the internet.   Dismang sent explicit pictures of himself and was requesting to meet up with the 14-year-old. He travelled from McDonough to a pre-determined location in Norcross to meet the female he was communicating with.  He was placed under arrest and charged…

DECATUR, GA –The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit, with the U.S. Marshal’s Office, has arrested a second suspect in the 2025 Ingles grocery store shooting in which two bystanders were seriously injured. Christian Earion Shamar Price, 28, was arrested at a Providence Point Way residence in Lithonia, Georgia without incident on Jan.13, 2026. Price was transported to the DeKalb County Jail, where he is being held without bond, authorities said. Price was being sought on an arrest warrant charging him with aggravated assault weapon in connection with a shootout inside the Ingles grocery store located at 4815 Rockbridge Road in Stone…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– During its Jan. 12, 2026Regular Board Meeting, the DeKalb County Board of Education elected Allyson Gevertz as the new Board Chair and Awet Eyasu as  Vice Chair for 2026. “I am honored by the board’s confidence in electing me as chair of the DeKalb County Board of Education. I’m so proud of the work of this board,” said Gevertz. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the superintendent, educators, and community to support student success and make thoughtful, transparent decisions in the best interest of our students.” “Thank you to my colleagues for selecting me to serve…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The graduation rate for Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) students involved in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs remains exceptionally strong with 99.38% for the Class of 2025. RCPS continues well above the state-wide rate, which rose to 98.45%. This rate applies to students who complete a Career Pathway.  The state also released the district’s 2025 graduation rates for pathway completers in the areas of Advanced Academics, World Language, and Fine Arts. RCPS graduation rates in these areas all rose to 99.79%, 99.40%, and 100%, respectively.  Rockdale’s Superintendent Shirley Chesser said, “CTAE courses prepare students with real-world…

DECATUR, GA– The Arbor Day Foundation named DeKalb County a 2025 Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community.  The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries. The Foundation’s Tree City USA program is now celebrating its 50th recognition season. The anniversary underscores the program’s rich history of growing healthier, greener, and…

DECATUR,GA– Due to forecasted freezing temperatures and hazardous wind chills, DeKalb County will activate warming centers beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14, continuing through Friday, Jan. 16, 2026:  The following sites will be open for those in need: Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta St. Vincent de Paul, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Road, Chamblee Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur The following locations will be open on January 15 – January 16 (Thursday and  Friday) for the 24-hour activation: Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur All transportation routes originate from Frontline Response…

ATLANTA – State Representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale), Sheila Jones (D-Atlanta), Edna Jackson (D-Savannah), Mekyah McQueen (D-Smyrna) and Terry Cummings (D-Mableton)  celebrate d113 years of service, leadership and sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc with a House Resolution. To commemorate the milestone, the legislators introduced a House Resolution, LC 129 0529, on the second day of the 2026 session, recognizing Jan.13, 2026, as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Founders’ Day. Founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has grown into a global organization of more than 300,000 members…

ATHENS, GA–Georgia Rivers is offering kayak anglers and aspiring anglers multiple opportunities in 2026 to land some lunkers while learning from kayak fishing experts through the organization’s Fish Georgia Rivers program. “Kayak angling is one of the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities,” said Kendon Townsel, Georgia Rivers Fish Georgia Coordinator. “Our goal is to connect anglers with Georgia rivers and givethem the tools and training they need to enjoy safe and successful kayak fishing trips.” Each class will be led by certified American Canoe Association kayak angling instructors.This year’s schedule includes trips for a variety of experience levels from novice to expert kayak anglers and are open…

DECATUR GA— A positive rabies case was reported in the South-Gresham Park Area  area involving a deceased racoon. The racoon tested positive for rabies on Jan. 13  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 each year.  Residents should make sure pets are up to date for preventative vaccination and should eliminate outdoor feeding stations and access to garbage cans. Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal should seek medical attention immediately.  Additionally residents are advised to watch pets…