Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners recently celebrated the 40thanniversary of Gwinnett Parks with a proclamation, marking four decades of protecting natural spaces, expanding recreational opportunities and enriching the quality of life for residents across the region. In 1986, voters approved a referendum with a collective mission to preserve green spaces and provide accessible recreation for all.  Today, Gwinnett Parks and Recreation has grown into a vibrant network of more than 50 parks, with more than 145 miles of multiuse trails, community centers, athletic fields, aquatic centers, facilities, playgrounds and nature preserves that welcome millions of visitors…

CONYERS, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) announced a proposal to consolidate and rezone select elementary and middle schools beginning with the 2027-28 school year. The proposal is the first phase of Future Ready RCPS, a three-part plan to create capacity, define opportunity, and build the future for students. The proposal responds to a sharp and persistent decline in school-aged children in the district, driven largely by decreasing birth rates and an aging population in the county. Across the district, RCPS has more than 5,000 open seats with elementary schools using about 62 percent of their seats and middle schools using…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police has arrested one of its own police officers during a criminal drug investigation.  Officer Marius Tassy, 43, was arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and taken to the DeKalb County Jail on a felony charge of Unlawful Practice of Pharmacy (GA Code § 26-4-40) and a misdemeanor charge of Sale of Dangerous Drugs (GA Code § 16-13-72).  Tassy is on administrative leave pending further investigation. He was hired by the DeKalb County Police Department on May 1, 2023. DeKalb County Police launched the investigation in late October. “The authority we are entrusted with as law enforcement…

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…