Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners in a unanimous vote on Nov. 18 approved a new five-year contract.with American Medical Response (AMR) for emergency ambulance services. The total maximum value of the new contract extension based on performance is $77,773,900. “As we continue to reimagine how EMS is provided in DeKalb County, I am excited at the progress we have made and expect this contract will allow us to better serve our residents,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “We will have a world-class emergency medical service.” The new contract will increase unit hours to 600 per day, along with other…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – A Rockdale County Sheriff’s deputy was hospitalized today(Nov. 18) after a car ran a red light and struck the deputy’s patrol car, causing it to flip over onto its side, the Sheriff’s Office said.  The incident happened at the intersection of Sigman Road and Chambers Drive, which is located near the Sheriff’s Office headquarters.    The deputy was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. The Sheriff’s Office did not state if anyone was arrested. The Georgia State Patrol is handling the collision investigation. 

CONYERS, GA- Springfield Baptist Church will host its annual Christmas production, Soulful Noel: A Song for the King, on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 12 noon and 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m., at 1877 Iris Drive S.E., Conyers. This year’s show tells the story of Christmas through music, dance, and drama, as a small church discovers the power of faith, unity, and gospel music in the face of challenge. The event is free and open to all ages. For more information, visit www.sbcgrowth.church or call 770-929-1111. About Springfield Baptist Church Springfield Baptist Church has been serving the Conyers community for 146 years,…

ATLANTA –MARTA is inviting customers to unwrap the holiday season with festive events across the system, including the return of holiday-themed buses, free rides, local vendor markets, pop-up shops, surprise giveaways, and visits from Santa. This year’s holiday bus program is sponsored by Tulsa Welding School Atlanta (Stratatech), which is opening a new Atlanta campus. Their support makes possible the three custom holiday bus wraps, and free rides customers will enjoy throughout the season. The celebrations begin at the 3rd Annual MARTA Holiday Market + Bus Reveal on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 3 to 6 p.m. at West End Station.…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Six Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) teachers have been selected as finalists for the 2027 Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year title. The finalists are Tram Nguyen ofBethesda Elementary School, Stephanie Guynn of Burnette Elementary School, Lisa Babbage of Radloff Middle School, Austin Hannon of Twin Rivers Middle School, Candice Richardson of GIVE Center East, and Batavia Sumlin of Paul Duke STEM High School.  Gwinnett’s program is aligned with the state and national Teacher of the Year programs. The educator named district Teacher of the Year will officially serve from July 2026 – June 2027 and will apply to be the state Teacher of the year in the fall of 2026. Gwinnett’s selection committees narrowed the field to 25 semifinalists selected…

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announced several key initiatives to assist families, including the launch of the DeKalb County Assistance Resource Guide, as residents across the county and the nation face economic challenges.   Cochran-Johnson was joined by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, officials from the DeKalb County Community Development Department, and the DeKalb County School District at a Nov. 17 press conference to highlight the county’s  most recent initiatives.    “Across the nation, and right here in Dekalb County, families are feeling the effects of a challenging economy,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “As costs rise and uncertainty continues, we are…

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…