Author: On Common Ground News

CONYERS, GA–On Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, Rockdale County Public Schools informed the Conyers Police Department about a social media post circulating locally regarding a possible mass shooting at Rockdale County High School. Conyers Police Department began an investigation by deploying school resource officers, the Criminal Investigations Division, and the K9 Unit. “Working with Rockdale County Public Schools, we found that the post originated from a threat against a school in Wisconsin, and the person responsible was arrested in Tucson, Arizona. Based on this information, we concluded the threat to Rockdale County High School lacked credibility and seemed to be a hoax,”…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Contractors for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will install lane closures on Interstate 285 (I-285) in proximity of the Bouldercrest Road bridge/overpass this weekend and will temporarily close access to the Bouldercrest Road bridge next week, as the I-285 at Bouldercrest Road Interchange Improvement project continues in DeKalb County.  Weather and on-site conditions permitting, one right lane will be closed on I-285 eastbound between Bouldercrest Road and US 23/SR 42/Moreland Avenue, inclusive of the I-675 interchange, beginning 8 p.m. on Friday, November 6 until 5 a.m. Monday morning. In addition, beginning  at 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 12 until 5 a.m. on…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — Antonio Robert Watson, 38, of Lithonia, has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison for gunning down a woman in a fatal attack at an extended stay motel room. Authorities said Watson and the woman had been dating.  A jury convicted Watson on Thursday, Nov. 5, in connection with the death of Shalileha Alford, 30, on April 15, 2025.  DeKalb District Attorney Sherri Boston announced that Watson was found guilty of Malice Murder, three counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Home Invasion in the First Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission…

DECATUR, Ga. – In observance of Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, garbage, recyclable materials and yard trimmings collection for residential customers will be based on a revised schedule as follows:  Monday, Nov. 9 – Normal collection service.  Tuesday, Nov. 10 – Normal collection service.  Wednesday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day observed. No collection service. Thursday, Nov. 12 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, will be serviced on Thursday, Nov. 12. Friday, Nov. 13 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Thursday, Nov. 12, will be serviced on Friday, Nov. 13. The Customer Experience call center, administration building, and Seminole Road Landfill will…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—On Monday, Nov. 9, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Rockdale Water Resources will temporarily interrupt water service to bring a newly installed water main into service. Affected areas include Pine Log Road, Briar Cliff Creek, Bellmont Circle, Benfield Road, Reavis Bluff, Weather Wood Place and Circle, Park Place, Spring Mill Cove, Big Bear Cove, and Little Bear Cove. Please plan ahead ahead for water needs during this time.  The interruption will be postponed in the event of inclement weather.  For more information, contact Carey Hicks at  470-998-9571 or Roderick Robinson at  770-278-7538 Please share this notice with neighbors in the affected…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and Gwinnett County Solid Waste Management will host an America Recycles Day event at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. until noon. Gwinnett County residents are invited to drop off select hard-to-recycle items that are not accepted curbside. Having served more than 1,400 residents at the 2025 event, Gwinnett officials say the county is looking to smash records this weekend. Items that will be collected during the America Recycles Day event include: Paper for shredding – participants are asked to limit their paper to five copier paper boxes Electronics – Recycling is free…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Cynthia Willingham, director of the Rockdale Board of Elections, has announced a Special Meeting to be held on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026. The purpose of the meeting is to certify the results of the Nov. 3, 2026 General and Special Election. This meeting is open to the public and will be held in person and available virtually. Details and the meeting agenda are provided in the public notice follows: ROCKDALE BOARD OF ELECTIONS NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING–PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND Notice is hereby given that the Rockdale County Board of Elections and Registration will hold a Special Meeting on…

Create cherished holiday memories this season by visiting Georgia’s charming Christmas tree farms, where you can choose and cut your own perfect tree.  Wander through rows of lush, Georgia-grown Christmas trees, and savor the joy of bringing home a fresh, vibrant tree that will fill your home with holiday cheer this season.  With farms spanning from the mountains to the coast, you’re sure to find one near you. Many farms offer more than just trees, too – think festive gift shops, kids’ activities, and even visits with Santa.  Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm, set on 50 acres in Cumming, offers a selection…

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is reaffirming the County’s commitment to a compassionate, coordinated homelessness response and proposing a 120-day preparation period before implementation of the Urban Camping Ordinance. The Board of Commissioners approved the ordinance on Oct. 27, 2026, by a 5–2 vote. The measure addresses behaviors affecting public safety, access to public spaces and obstruction of public infrastructure.  In a letter to residents, Cochran-Johnson emphasized that implementation must be supported by outreach, shelter, behavioral health services and pathways to stable housing. “Residents deserve safe, accessible public spaces,” Cochran-Johnson wrote. “Equally important, individuals experiencing homelessness deserve compassion, opportunity,…