Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County has extended its moratorium on the acceptance, processing, and approval of applications related to the establishment or expansion of data centers and battery energy storage systems through Sept. 8, 2026. The extension, approved through Resolution No. 2026-12, amends Resolution No. 2026-01 and allows the County additional time to continue reviewing policies, land use/zoning considerations, infrastructure needs, and potential community impacts associated with these types of developments. Rockdale County is also continuing its broader efforts to gather public input through the County’s Unified Development Ordinance Update, also known as the UDO process. The UDO update is…

CONYERS, GA — The Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Kysa Anderson Daniels as its Executive Director. A seasoned communications professional and dedicated community advocate, Daniels succeeds Michael Hutcheson, who is transitioning to full-time ministry after nearly 17 years of leadership at the Coalition. Since 1995, the Rockdale Coalition has been a cornerstone of the county, uniting community partners to improve the well-being of local families and expand healthcare access for the underserved.  Officials said Daniels brings a wealth of local expertise and a passion for service that aligns with this mission.…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– A Lawrenceville man will spend life in prison after confessing to fatally shooting two people in a Lilburn attack sparked by perceived disrespect. Javier Aragon Ruiz, 55, pled guilty pled guilty to two counts of malice murder, two counts of felony murder, four counts of aggravated assault, three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and one count of possession of a knife during the commission of a felony for the December 2025 shooting deaths of Javier Martinez, 28, and 17-year-old Jesua Valesca Garcia Perez.  Ruiz also stabbed Jace Austin Corley and shot at…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA— State Rep. Rhonda Taylor (District 92) is inviting citizens to join her and State Representatives Angela Moore and Viola Davis for breakfast and an overview of the 2026 Legislative Session.    The meeting will be held on May 23, at 10 a.m., at the Conyers-Rockdale Library, 864 Green St. S.W., Conyers, and kicks off Taylor’s “2026 District 92 Constituents Speak” series.    Constituents will have an opportunity to hear updates on key legislation that passed as well as bills that did not pass. Residents also will have an opportunity to share their concerns with the state lawmakers.…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Gwinnett County will host its annual Supplier Networking and Resource Fair, providing local businesses with direct access to county buyers, contracting officers and regional partners.  The event will be held on Thursday, May 14, 8 a.m. until noon, at the Gas South Convention Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth.  The event follows the Board of Commissioners’ recent adoption of a resolution defining “Local Small Business,” strengthening access to county contracting opportunities.   Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson will present remarks at 9 a.m., highlighting new small business initiatives. Attendees also may attend breakout sessions and participate in networking opportunities during the event. …

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing 47-year-old man from Snellville.  Victor Bai was last seen by his family on March 31.  He is five foot two inches tall and weighs 135 pounds.  He has black hair and brown eyes.  Anyone with information on Bai’s whereabouts is urged to contact GCPD detectives at 770.513.5300. Pictured: Victor Bain/Photo via Gwinnett County Police Department

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, garbage, recyclable materials, and yard trimmings collection for residential customers will run one day late as follows: Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day observed. No sanitation service. Tuesday, May 26 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Monday, May 25, will be serviced on Tuesday, May 26. Wednesday, May 27 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Tuesday, May 26, will be serviced on Wednesday, May 27. Thursday, May 28 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, May 27, will be serviced on Thursday, May 28. Friday, May 29 –…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson delivered her second annual State of the County address on Thursday, May 7, 2026, outlining a bold vision for DeKalb County centered on economic development, infrastructure investment, housing, innovation, and government accountability. This year’s theme, “Mission Possible: Believe the Unbelievable,” was unveiled through a cinematic, Matrix-themed presentation that framed DeKalb County’s progress as a choice to move beyond limitations and actively build the future through intentional leadership, innovation, and collective action. Throughout her remarks, CEO Cochran-Johnson emphasized a unified strategy that connects economic development, infrastructure, housing, and government operations into a single, coordinated vision for…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– All three high schools within Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) district have been named 2026 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools by Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods. The distinction is one that RCPS has achieved for more than 16 consecutive years, district officials announced.  Salem High was named an AP Expansion School. Heritage High and Rockdale County High were named AP Access and Support Schools, AP Humanities Schools and AP STEM Schools. Rockdale County High also was named an AP Humanities Achievement School. RCSD Superintendent Shirley Chesser praised the collective efforts of students, education leaders and support staff for pushing to excel as one of the state’s top…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson showed her support  —and love—for seniors by helping kick off the 37th Annual DeKalb County Senior Olympic Games on Monday, May 4.  The CEO raised an illuminated torch at the 10 a.m. opening ceremony, which was held at the Exchange Intergenerational Recreation Center in Decatur.   Excitement and applause filled the gymnasium as the crowd cheered on parade participants carrying signs and their own torch to kick off the competitions. Many snapped cell phone pictures, capturing friends and others as they filed in. The second week of the competitions runs through Thursday,…