Author: On Common Ground News

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…

DULUTH, GA– The Gwinnett Police Department is seeking additional victims following an investigation involving Xavier Anderson, who was arrested in January 2026 for impersonating a police officer, sexually assaulting, and robbing a victim. The investigation determined that Anderson arranged to meet the victim for sexual services before committing the crimes. Anderson has never been employed as a law enforcement officer. Since his arrest, detectives have continued reviewing evidence and uncovered information suggesting Anderson may be responsible for additional crimes that have not been reported to law enforcement. Detectives recognize that individuals involved in sex work may be hesitant to report crimes,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) is recruiting new officers to help make DeKalb County a better, safer place to live. DKPD will host a one-stop hiring event on Saturday, Nov.14, from 8 a.m. until noon, at Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 593 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale, GA.  Applicants can expect to run an agility test before interviews and a psychological evaluation with DKPD officials. It is recommend that applicants bringing a set of clothes to change into following the agility test. A new DeKalb County Police recruit can start at a salary up to $64,050 with a $3,000…

ATLANTA— The Rebirth” sculpture in Atlanta’s Summerhill community has been restored, thanks to the City of Atlanta’s Cultural Affairs Conservation and Maintenance Team. Mayor Andre’ Dickens’ Office of Cultural Affairs announced the completion of the restoration effort in its Nov. 6, 2026 online newsletter. Summerhill is one of Atlanta’s oldest communities and is sandwiched near downtown Atlanta between the Grant Park neighborhood to the East and the Mechanicsville neighborhood  to the West. The colorful Rebirth sculpture was created in 1996 by Patricia Cunfer and members of the Summerhill community. It consists of many hand-painted tiles done by children. Now, it stands…

CONYERS, GA–On Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, Rockdale County Public Schools informed the Conyers Police Department about a social media post circulating locally regarding a possible mass shooting at Rockdale County High School. Conyers Police Department began an investigation by deploying school resource officers, the Criminal Investigations Division, and the K9 Unit. “Working with Rockdale County Public Schools, we found that the post originated from a threat against a school in Wisconsin, and the person responsible was arrested in Tucson, Arizona. Based on this information, we concluded the threat to Rockdale County High School lacked credibility and seemed to be a hoax,”…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Contractors for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will install lane closures on Interstate 285 (I-285) in proximity of the Bouldercrest Road bridge/overpass this weekend and will temporarily close access to the Bouldercrest Road bridge next week, as the I-285 at Bouldercrest Road Interchange Improvement project continues in DeKalb County.  Weather and on-site conditions permitting, one right lane will be closed on I-285 eastbound between Bouldercrest Road and US 23/SR 42/Moreland Avenue, inclusive of the I-675 interchange, beginning 8 p.m. on Friday, November 6 until 5 a.m. Monday morning. In addition, beginning  at 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 12 until 5 a.m. on…