Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – The community is invited to celebrate the grand opening of Johnson Park’s new inclusive playground during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 4:30 p.m.,1781 Ebenezer Road in Conyers. The state-of-the-art playground has been designed with accessibility and inclusivity at its core, ensuring that children of all abilities can play together in a welcoming and engaging environment. The new facility features accessible equipment, sensory-rich play elements, and barrier-free pathways that accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices. “This playground represents our commitment to creating spaces where every child in our community can experience the joy of…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain), chair of the Georgia Martin Luther King, Jr. Advisory Council, announces a Celebration of Service honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Friday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m. at the North Wing Steps of the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. The event’s keynote speaker will be John Hope Bryant, financial literacy entrepreneur and businessman. Bryant is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of the nonprofit, Operation HOPE, chief executive officer of Bryant Group Ventures and the Promise Homes Company. He is also the co-founder of Global Dignity, an advisor to business and…

CONYERS, GA—Thunderous applause filled the room as Connie Alsobrook was sworn in on Wednesday evening, Jan. 7, as the first woman–and the first black mayor —to lead the City of Conyers. The milestone makes Alsobrook only the 33rd mayor in the city’s 172-year history. Rockdale County Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten performed the historic ceremony, which drew a standing-room-only crowd that included several elected officials and community leaders who attended at the Cherokee Run Golf Club in Conyers. Alsobrook was joined by her daughter, Miranda, as she took the oath of office. Guest speakers at the inauguration included the Rev. Aldren Sadler…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Looking to make a difference in your community? Attend the DKPD Hiring Event on Jan. 24, 8 a.m. to noon, at 2484 Bruce Street, Lithonia and learn how you can serve DeKalb County with pride.

DECATUR, GA. –  The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a community meeting to discuss future plans for the Longdale Park Master Plan on Thursday, Jan. 22, 6 – 7 p.m., at the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Station 6, 2342 Flat Shoals Road SE, Atlanta

UPDATE: After days of searching, investigators found Ernestine Merritt deceased on Jan. 7. Her body was located in some woods behind the 3900 block of Old Ivy Court. Preliminary investigation suggests there is no foul play, the DeKalb County Police Department sad in a statement. ELLENWOOD, GA—Members of the DeKalb County community have joined the DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) in the search for an elderly woman who has been missing since Sunday, Jan. 4.    Ernestine “Erni” Merritt, 79, was last seen around 4:30 a.m. leaving her home, which is located on Yolanda Trail in Ellenwood, GA. Ring…

CONYERS, GA– A 55-year-old Covington man is facing numerous charges after driving off and dragging a Conyers Police Department officer who was attempting to arrest him while the officer was conducting a traffic stop. The driver who was arrested was identified as William Cornelius. The incident occurred on Dec. 31 around 4:17 p.m., as the CPD Traffic Unit officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that had a brake light not functioning and a tinted tag cover. During the traffic stop investigation, the officer suspected the driver was under the influence of narcotics and was attempting to further the…

  Notice is given that the Rockdale Board of Elections will hold a Special Meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 5:00 pm as indicated below (agenda attached).   THIS MEETING WILL BE AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY – SEE DETAILS BELOW WHEN:           Wednesday, January 14, 2026 TIME:              5:00 pm   WHERE:        IN-PERSON:    BOARD OF ELECTIONS OFFICE            1115 WEST AVENUE, SW                                                 CONYERS, GA 30012 – Phone (770) 278-7333       VIRTUAL:            Online Via Zoom – Join Zoom Meeting – Please text (470) 902-0976, if you have problems accessing the meeting. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7049887949 Meeting ID: 704 988 7949 One tap mobile +13126266799,,7049887949# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,7049887949# US (New York) AGENDA JAN 14 2026 REVIEW VOTER…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct its regular public meeting on Thursday, Jan.15, 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at 178 Sams Street, Room A1201 – A & B, Decatur, GA. Agenda Call to Order Adoption of Agenda Administrative Items Approval of the Minutes Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting of December 18, 2025 Report of Committees Legislative Items Chair’s Statement Regarding a Settlement Matter Ethics Officer’s Monthly Report Preliminary Cases Miles Dillard v. Brandon White and Juliana Njoku, Case No. 2025-14 Lexi Morgan v. Juliana Njoku, Travis Cherry, and Vanessa Collins, Case No. 2025-20 Public…