Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Dr. Norman C. Sauce III has been appointed interim superintendent of the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) effective Nov.16, the DeKalb Board of Education announced today (Nov. 14). “Our Board was pleased to extend Dr. Sauce a one-year contract,” Board Chair Deirdre Pierce said in a news release. “The move ensures stable leadership and continuity in the district’s progress. Over the past month, Dr. Sauce has demonstrated strong leadership, a clear vision for student success, and a commitment to transparency and collaboration. Formalizing his role through a contract provides the consistency needed to maintain momentum on key…

CONYERS, GA—Mayor-elect Connie Alsobrook wants to hear from the community and provide important updates on key projects as she prepares to officially take office in a few weeks. Alsobrook is hosting a community listening session on Nov. 20, 5 to 7 p.m., at Star Vision International Records, 941 S. Main St. NE., Conyers. Alsobrook said she is inviting the community to her first “My Mayor Listens” meeting hear residents and community partners ideas and concerns to help move the city forward. The meeting also will provide a chance to discuss how the city can work collaboratively to improve the community…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–As families across DeKalb County prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, the DeKalb County chapters of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and local organizations are joining forces to provide holiday meals to 1,000 families on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the DeKalb County School District’s headquarters.  The groups’ collaborative effort aims to ease financial burdens and spread joy through the “Thanksgiving Basket Give-away.” Several local organizations are partnering to host the event including the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. of DeKalb County, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. of DeKalb County, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. of Decatur and Stone Mountain-Lithonia, Zeta Phi Beta…

UPDATED: 11.14.2025 DECATUR, GA — DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will host the annual Thanksgiving Drive-Thru Food Distribution on Saturday, Nov. 15, providing thousands of families across DeKalb County with nutritious groceries and holiday meal essentials. The countywide food distribution will take place at six locations, ensuring accessibility for residents across the community. No registration is required, and participation is open to DeKalb County residents only. “Food insecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges facing families across our nation and DeKalb County is no exception,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “Through initiatives like this, we are…

STONECREST, GA–For the fifth consecutive year, 1-800TruckWreck, powered by Witherite Law Group, is teaming up with V-103 The People’s Station: The Big Tigger Morning Show and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to distribute free turkeys to 4,000 Atlanta-area families ahead of Thanksgiving. The annual turkey giveaway will take place Thursday, Nov. 20, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Rd, Stonecrest, GA.  During the drive-through event, 4,000 families will each receive one free turkey – over $100,000 in donations sponsored by 1-800TruckWreck. The giveaway is free and open to the public with no registration required.  Turkeys will be distributed on a first-come, first-served…

ATLANTA – Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced that electrical component and system manufacturer Socomec will invest nearly $10 million in a new facility in Suwanee, creating 300 new jobs in Gwinnett County. “We are excited to welcome Socomec to the No. 1 state for business,” said Gov. Kemp. “As Georgia continues to lead the way in attracting innovative manufacturers, we look forward to seeing the opportunities this project will bring to the people of Suwannee and the surrounding community.” Socomec specializes in power switching, monitoring, conversion, and energy storage, as well as expert services that support each business area. Socomec launched its U.S.…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Southeast Fugitive Task Force has arrested Stone Mountain, Georgia resident Raphael Sims, who is charged with fatally shooting his cousin. According to the arrest warrant, Sims, 38, shot his cousin, Geremy Sims, 25, of Decatur, multiple times on Nov. 3, 2025, on North Hairston Road in Stone Mountain. No motive was given for the shooting. Sims was charged with Malice Murder and taken into custody at a residence in Chamblee, and transported without incident to the DeKalb County Jail, where he is being held without…

ATLANTA – Based on new federal directives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture following the Nov. 12 final passage and signing of the federal government funding package, the Georgia Department of Human Services will issue full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November.  SNAP recipients whose distribution dates have already passed and who received partial benefits will receive the remainder of their allotment by Tuesday, November 18. All other SNAP benefits will be issued in full according to the normal issuance schedule for the remainder of the month.    SNAP recipients are advised to continue to lock their EBT cards between purchases to prevent…

CONYERS, GA – State Representatives Rhonda Taylor (D-Conyers) and Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), and State Sen. Emmanuel Jones (D-Decatur), will host a pre-legislative listening session on Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at the Conyers-Rockdale Library, 864 Green St. S.W. “These listening sessions are where democracy starts,” said Rep. Taylor. “Before we introduce or debate a single bill, we want to hear directly from the people we represent. Your voices guide our priorities and ensure we are addressing the real challenges families face across the East Corridor.” The event will feature a panel discussion and open dialogue with Reps. Taylor…