Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR,GA— DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announced the appointment of Melvin K. Carter as Chief of DeKalb County Fire Rescue, elevating a 26-year department veteran and lifelong DeKalb County resident to lead one of the County’s most critical public safety agencies. Carter brings more than two decades of fire service experience and a comprehensive background in fire suppression, emergency medical services, training, fiscal administration, recruitment and retention, and strategic planning to the role. Throughout his career with DeKalb County Fire Rescue, he has held several executive leadership positions, including Deputy Chief of Operations, Deputy Chief of Training and Professional Services, and Deputy…

UPDATE: Rockdale County Water Resources announced on Thursday, Aug. 6,  that it is extending the Boil Water Advisory for the affected areas of North Rockdale County for an additional 24 hours. Initial water-quality testing has been completed. However, 1 test out of the 20 samples requires re-testing after inconclusive results before the advisory may be lifted. Water Resources staff are collecting the required repeat samplesand will continue monitoring water-quality conditions throughout the affected area. The advisory will remain in effect until satisfactory test results are received and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division confirms that it may be lifted. Residents in…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The Georgia Department of Education has released the 2025-2026 Georgia Milestones assessment results. Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) students showed notable improvement in mathematics across elementary and middle grades, along with increases in Eighth Grade Science, Eighth Grade Social Studies, high school Biology, and high school Algebra Concepts and Connections. Other areas either remained steady or had a slight decrease. Because the 2025-2026 school year marked the first administration of Georgia Milestones English Language Arts (ELA) assessments aligned to the state’s new K-12 English Language Arts Standards, additional test development activities must be completed before ELA scores can be calculated and reported.   “We are seeing increases in…

DECATUR, GA — The DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office, in partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine, has welcomed the inaugural fellow of its newly established Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program, marking a historic milestone in forensic medicine and medical education.  The fellowship, ACGME-accredited on April 24, 2025, is the first forensic pathology fellowship in the nation sponsored by a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). The program reflects a shared commitment by DeKalb County and Morehouse School of Medicine to expand access to specialized medical training while increasing diversity within the forensic pathology profession.  On…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) is launching its first-ever online real estate surplus auctions.  The initiative marks a significant step in expanding public access to surplus property opportunities by making auctions available to qualified bidders across Georgia and beyond through a transparent, easy-to-access online platform. Currently, the department has approximately 200 parcels available for sale. The current inventory features varied parcel sizes ranging from 0.05 to 17 acres, including suitable development sites, irregular remnant tracts, and wetland mitigated sites. Additional surplus real estate opportunities can be found on an ongoing basis.  “Moving our surplus real estate auctions online helps us reach a much…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Neighborhoods across DeKalb County’s Super District 7 are encouraged to apply for a new beautification program offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to enhance shared community spaces. Super D-7 Commissioner LaDena Bolton, in partnership with the DeKalb County Community Development Department, announced the launch of the Super District 7 Beautification Grant Program on Aug. 6.  Bolton said the initiative is designed to provide funding to HOAs, civic organizations, and residents who represent their communities to enhance the visual appeal and livability of communities across DeKalb County’s Super District 7. Bolton emphasized that the program reflects her commitment…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is proud to recognize National Emergency Management Awareness Month throughout August. The campaign is designed to increase public awareness of the emergency management profession and recognize the dedicated professionals who work every day to help communities, businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, and government agencies prepare for emergencies and disasters.  “Emergency managers are the professionals who help communities and organizations prepare for the unexpected long before disaster strikes,” said Josh Morton, MPA, CEM, SCCEM, President of the IAEM-USA Council. “National Emergency Management Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize their contributions and increase…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– William “Buck” Godfrey, the winningest high school football coach in DeKalb County passed away this past weekend, Godfrey’s family announced on Saturday, Aug. 1. Godfrey was 83. Godfrey’s daughter, Rashan Ali Smith, thanked the community for its outpouring of love, stating that the family would release details of the celebration of life service for her father once plans are solidified. “…Our family is extremely grateful for the outpouring of love we have received since the ascension of our hero, William “Buck” Godfrey. The indelible impact he made on our lives will forever be guarded and revered. We…