Author: On Common Ground News

Create cherished holiday memories this season by visiting Georgia’s charming Christmas tree farms, where you can choose and cut your own perfect tree.  Wander through rows of lush, Georgia-grown Christmas trees, and savor the joy of bringing home a fresh, vibrant tree that will fill your home with holiday cheer this season.  With farms spanning from the mountains to the coast, you’re sure to find one near you. Many farms offer more than just trees, too – think festive gift shops, kids’ activities, and even visits with Santa.  Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm, set on 50 acres in Cumming, offers a selection…

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is reaffirming the County’s commitment to a compassionate, coordinated homelessness response and proposing a 120-day preparation period before implementation of the Urban Camping Ordinance. The Board of Commissioners approved the ordinance on Oct. 27, 2026, by a 5–2 vote. The measure addresses behaviors affecting public safety, access to public spaces and obstruction of public infrastructure.  In a letter to residents, Cochran-Johnson emphasized that implementation must be supported by outreach, shelter, behavioral health services and pathways to stable housing. “Residents deserve safe, accessible public spaces,” Cochran-Johnson wrote. “Equally important, individuals experiencing homelessness deserve compassion, opportunity,…

ATLANTA – The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) has relaunched its FLOAT initiative, a customer assistance program designed to help eligible residents bring past-due water and sewer accounts current while providing financial relief and additional customer support.  The initiative offers flexible payment options and financial assistance to customers experiencing economic hardship. The program also provides opportunities to address outstanding field service requests, resolve billing discrepancies, and make necessary account adjustments. FLOAT benefits and eligibility include: ◦           Available to eligible single-family residential customers ◦           Account balances that are 61 days overdue ◦           Increased flexibility for seniors and customers on fixed incomes. ◦           Payment plans…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA–– From Nov. 4-11, the Armed Forces Monument at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center will glow green as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a national initiative that shows support for our service members. “Each November, we turn our lights green as a small token of appreciation for those who served our country, but our gratitude doesn’t end when the lights go off,” said Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “We remain committed to ensuring veterans and their families have the resources and support they need every day of the year.” Residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The community is mourning the loss of William Geter III, the 49-year-old owner of Mo Better Chicken, a popular soul food restaurant located at 7331 Stonecrest Concourse in the City of Stonecrest. Geter was fatally shot at his home by his son, William Geter IV, 22, early Monday, Nov. 2, after the two got into an argument, according to the investigation. The son was arrested on Nov. 3, the following day, around 3 a.m. and is currently being held in the DeKalb County Jail without bond. Police responded to the 5900 block of Springfair Run after reports of…

LILBURN, GA— Break out the festive sweaters, warm up those holiday playlists and snag your spot along Main Street. The City of Lilburn’s annual Holiday Parade is returning Saturday, Dec.12, bringing a little extra magic, merriment and hometown holiday spirit to Old Town Lilburn. Beginning at 10 a.m., the parade will wind its way down Main Street with festive floats, marching bands, dancers, school groups, local nonprofits and plenty of holiday cheer. From twinkling decorations and creative costumes to familiar Christmas characters, including Santa, the Grinch and a few mischievous elves, there will be something to make parade-goers of all…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA— Voters on Tuesday night strongly approved FLOST, a new 1-cent sales tax designed to lower property taxes for Rockdale County homeowners.  The Floating Local Option Sales Tax, or FLOST, passed with a whopping 63.67 percent (24,307 votes). Opponents rejected the measure with 36.33 percent (13,870.)  Under the new measure, the sales tax rate in Rockdale County would increase from 7% to 8% and be in place for five years. Rockdale would join a majority of Georgia’s counties that already have an 8% sales tax, while several other jurisdictions are at 9%, the highest combined sales tax rate…

ATLANTA — Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms made history on Tuesday night (Nov. 3), defeating Republican billionaire Rick Jackson to become the first Black female governor in the nation.  Bottoms’ victory also makes her Georgia’s first female governor and returns the state’s highest political office to Democratic control for the first time in more than two decades.  Bottoms had earned more than 54.32  percent of the vote when she was declared the winner on Tuesday. Jackson had 45.68 percent of the vote. At Bottoms’ election watch party, which was held at the downtown Atlanta Marriott Marquis, the room erupted into thunderous…