Author: On Common Ground News

The DeKalb/Rockdale County community is mourning the loss of Michael Eugene McClinton, longtime owner of Robert’s Restaurant, known for its golden fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and other soul food favorites. Mr. McClinton passed away on Monday, Dec. 5, after a year-long battle with a rare cancer. He died at home in Conyers, GA where his wife, Marilyn, step-daughter, Nikita Williamson, and granddaughter, Kennedy, had kept watch over him. He was 66. “Kennedy said she misses him and asked if he was in heaven playing with the angel children and I told her that’s where he is now,” said Ms.…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Bundle up the family for a Holiday Bus Tour of Gwinnett County’s cultural and historic sites on Sunday, Dec. 18, 3 to 7 p.m. The event will mark the county’s first time hosting a holiday bus tour and organizers are encouraging guests to register early. The deadline is Dec. 12. Stops include: McDaniel Farm Parkin Duluth, a former cotton farm dating back to an 1820 land lottery purchase Chesser-Williams Housein Buford, circa-1850s, with original stenciled paintings on the interior and exterior walls Gwinnett History Campusin Lawrenceville, including the storied Lawrenceville Female Seminary, the circa-1827 Isaac Adair House and the scenic…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Southwest DeKalb Panthers gave the home teams a sweep of the Miller Grove Wolverines in Region 6-4A high school basketball action with a 49-35 victory at Southwest DeKalb on Tuesday night. Miller Grove’s Javon Terrell grabbed an offensive rebound and drove under the goal for a reverse layup to tie the game at 19-19 with 4:53 left in the third quarter. The Wolverines (4-3, 0-1) had battled back from down as much as 12 points in the second quarter. Southwest DeKalb (3-1, 2-0) responded as Josh Clemons hit a short jumper…

Rockdale County Board of Commissioners’ voting session and second reading of the 2023 Appropriations (Budget) ordinance will be heldTuesday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m., Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers.  Winter Recess: Dec. 19 through Jan. 20, 2023 – No board meetings scheduled.  Holidays –Friday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 26, – County Offices Closed – Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Holidays** Holiday – Monday, Jan. 2, 2023 – County offices Closed – New Year’s Day Holiday. Holiday – Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 – County offices closed – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday.  Rockdale County Board of Commissioners’ Combined Work Session…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County will unveil a rendering of a bicentennial mural depicting the county’s rich history during a kickoff on Dec. 9, which marks the founding of the county in 1822. The mural, which will show DeKalb’s history from prehistoric times to modern development, will go outside the county’s Maloof Auditorium in the city of Decatur. “This mural will show in rich detail the glorious and compelling history of our county, documenting who we were and how we came to be,” CEO Thurmond said. The bicentennial celebration of the county’s diverse history and culture will begin at 6 p.m.…

DECATUR, GA—  DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE)  officials are scheduled to certify the Senate runoff election results on Monday, Dec. 12, at noon.. Officials have concluded initial unofficial and incomplete tabulations of the Dec. 6 Runoff Election, including absentee, advance in-person, and Election Day voting. Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) ballots must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9. Provisional ballots also will be factored into the final certified results. “Throughout this election cycle, we’ve provided a smooth voting experience for DeKalb County voters,” said Keisha Smith, executive director of DeKalb VRE. “I’d…

STONECREST, GA – The City of Stonecrest will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new playground at Salem Park on Friday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. Salem Park is located at 5290 Salem Road. The ceremony will mark a new beginning for area residents since the former playground was removed in 2019. The improvements were funded by Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds at approximately $250,000. The new playground includes features that encourage musical learning. In addition, the surface is comprised of poured-in-place rubber, which provides easier access to the playground for individuals with…

Notice is given that the Rockdale Board of Elections will hold a Special Meeting on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022 at 5 p.m. to certify the results from the Dec. 6, 2022 General Runoff Election.  WHEN:           Friday, Dec. 9, 2022 TIME:              5 p.m.  WHERE:        IN-PERSON:            Board of Elections Office (New location) 1115 West Ave., SW Conyers, GA 30012, 770- 278-7333         -OR- VIRTUAL:                  Online Via Zoom – Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7049887949  Meeting ID: 704 988 7949 One tap mobile +13126266799,,7049887949# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,7049887949# US (New York)  

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a one-time cost- of-living payment for County government employees. On Dec. 16, eligible full-time employees will receive a $1,500 payment and regular part-time employees will receive a $750 payment. Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson said the payments are needed as the County faces challenges with retaining first responders, utility workers and hard-to-fill positions across the organization. “Gwinnett residents deserve sustainable, high-quality county government services and those are made possible by a strong, reliable workforce,” Hendrickson said. “We intend to keep Gwinnett a preferred community where everyone can…