Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–   Rockdale County Public School’ (RCPS) brightest young scientific minds and the research they conducted in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields were in the spotlight at the 2026 Rockdale Regional Science and Engineering Fair (RRSEF).  There are 47 Grand Champion RCPS students advancing to the state level, the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair (GSEF). Four students are advancing internationally as finalists at the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and more are advancing to national competitions. A total of 169 students entered this 17th annual RRSEF competition in 21 different categories and were evaluated by more than 70 accomplished professionals as…

CONYERS, GA– Jesus Lopez, a recent graduate of the Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology and lifelong Rockdale County resident, announced today that he is running for the Rockdale County Board of Education, Post 1. As the qualifying period approaches, Lopez says he is running on a platform centered on reducing central-office bureaucracy, improving student outcomes, supporting teachers, and restoring transparency and accountability in district leadership. Lopez says his decision to run is deeply personal. As a child with a speech impediment and an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Lopez faced numerous obstacles, from prejudice to excessive red tape. He credits his…

DECATUR, GA – Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 25, Thompson Road between Dresden Drive and Grant Drive will close to through traffic for approximately four weeks, barring any weather delays. The project will require a road closure to replace water lines as a part of the Grant Drive Water Main Replacement Project. During this closure, detour signage will be installed to guide traffic along an alternate route.  Motorists should expect delays stemming from the road closure. Precautionary signs and traffic flaggers will assist local traffic in moving safely around the road closure. Our construction crews will work diligently to minimize the length of…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about individuals fraudulently claiming to be Chief Deputy Temetris Atkins and other Sheriff’s Office employees. Using the names of real officials to appear legitimate, these impersonators are contacting members of the public in an apparent attempt to solicit money, personal information, and other sensitive details. Reports have surfaced throughout the metro area concerning victims who were duped by scammers demanding bond payment for loved ones who may be incarcerated. Others have paid fines for traffic  violations and other fees by scammers using spoofing techniques that appear to be…

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County Public Library (DCPL) has announced that the Decatur Library, located at 215 Sycamore St.  in downtown Decatur, has reopened with enhanced security. The library is implementing new entry procedures designed to provide a safe and secure environment for patrons, following a fight that erupted between two men that turned into a shooting inside the library on Feb.  2 around 5:10 p.m. The library reopened on Feb. 10. Medicus Brown, 44, has been taken into custody and faces charges of aggravated assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Decatur Police have confirmed there…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County Police fatally shot a man whom they said threatened them with a knife while they were responding to a domestic situation on Oaktree Park Court in Lawrenceville.  Nawras Mahmud, 31, has been identified as the suspect who was killed on Thursday, Feb. 19. The officer-involved shooting case has now been turned over to the GBI to lead the investigation.  The incident occurred around 3:44 p.m. when officers from the Gwinnett Central Police Precinct responded to a person stabbed call stemming from a domestic violence situation. The caller reported that someone inside the home armed with…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Portions of I-20 will be closed intermittently March 2-4 as construction crews work on the new Courtesy Parkway Bridge, officials have announced. The Rockdale County Department of Transportation (RDOT), in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), plan to close portions of the interstate during the evening hours of Monday, March 2, and Tuesday, March 3. The parkway extension project is expected to wrap up by Wednesday morning, March 4, weather permitting, officials said.  During construction, drivers may experience several changes in driving conditions: Traffic Pacing Operation on Eastbound and Westbound I-20 between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Intermittent closures on I-20…

DECATUR, GA — Due to the summer construction schedule at various DeKalb County schools, the DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections (BRE) recently announced a series of proposed temporary polling place relocations for the May 19 General Primary Election, and June 16 runoff. These eight changes are intended to ensure voters continue to have safe and accessible polling locations in close proximity to the existing polling locations on Election Day. All impacted precinct voters will return to their permanent polling locations for the Nov. 3 General Election. “In coordina on with the DeKalb County School District, we are implementing temporary…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – The DeKalb County Office of the CEO has released its first 2025 Year in Review report and video, which chronologically reflect the county’s progress and milestones.  The report highlights progress across key priority areas including public safety, infrastructure, economic development, health and human services, fiscal stewardship, and community engagement. It also underscores the County’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and data-driven governance. “DeKalb County’s Year in Review reflects the hard work, innovation, and dedication of our employees and partners who serve our residents every day,” said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “It is both a reflection of what we…

STONECREST, GA–The City of Stonecrest is bringing rhythm to the city with an electrifying Battle of the Drumlines on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Miller Grove High School Gymnasium, 2645 DeKalb Medical Parkway in Stonecrest. Launched in 2025, the Battle of the Drumlines was created to spotlight student excellence while strengthening connections between the city of Stonecrest, high schools, HBCUs, and community at-large. Building on its inaugural success, this year’s showcase promises an even more crowd-moving experience to cap off Black History Month.  “This is such a dynamic showcase of extraordinary talent from our young people —…