Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—State Rep. Rhonda Taylor(D-Conyers), who represents House District 92, and the Georgia Student Finance Commission will host an information session concerning the Georgia Promise Scholarship voucher program, Georgia Match, and other state-supported educational resources on Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m., at the Conyers-Rockdale Library, 964 Green St. S.W., Conyers. Taylor said the information session will provide an opportunity for interested parents and high school seniors to learn more about the Georgia Promise Scholarship program created through Senate Bill 232. The program offers eligible students in grades J-12 funding to cover a range of educational expenses including private school…

ATLANTA—The City of Atlanta announced the Invest Atlanta has approved $925,00 in Tax Allocation District (TAD) funding to support the city’s small business community. The funding is part of the ongoing effort to bolster Atlanta’s small businesses through targeted investment and to ensure they can fully capitalize on major events coming to Atlanta, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  “Small businesses are the backbone of Atlanta’s economy, and these grants are one way we can help them grow and remain sustainable,” said Mayor Andre Dickens, who also serves as Invest Atlanta Board Chair. “Strategic funding isn’t just about dollars and cents; it’s about building opportunities. Every…

ATLANTA—Congressman Hank Johnson is hosting a tele town hall meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23, 7 to 8 p.m., to hear from constituents in Georgia’s Fourth Congressional district about how federal cutbacks and the government shutdown is impacting healthcare. “If you have a story you want to share, I want to hear from you. If you’re a furloughed or laid-off federal worker, I want to hear from you. Shoot, if you’re a MAGA Trump supporter, I want to hear from you, too,” Johnson stated in a news release on today, Oct. 22,” Congressman Johnson stated in a news releasee on today,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Residents filled the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center on Oct. 15 for a town hall focused on data center development in DeKalb County. The event, “Helping Residents Understand Data Centers,” brought together community members, policy leaders, and industry experts for an open and informative discussion about the growing impact of data centers across metro Atlanta. Hosted by DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson, in partnership with Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson and Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton, the event was also live streamed on DCTV to ensure access for those who could not attend in person. The conversation comes…

ATLANTA—Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., founder of Voices of Faith Church (VOF), is marking his 31st pastoral anniversary with a weeklong celebration that will culminate with special worship services on Sunday, Oct. 19, at VOF’s main campus in Stone Mountain (Gwinnett County) and Conyers (Rockdale County).    VOF has five campuses across metro Atlanta and one in his hometown, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The festivities kicked off on Wednesday with an in-person Empowerment Night and continued Friday evening with bowling, bandanas and blessings. A crowd of members and guests attended the “Bowling with the Bishop” pizza night, which was held at Bowlero Lilburn…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist The Lithonia Bulldogs went on a 48-point run to pick up a crucial 48-7 Region 5-4A victory over the St. Pius X Golden Lions at Cobb Stadium on Friday night. St. Pius drove 81 yards on the opening drive with all running plays to take a 7-0 lead on a one-yard run by Nathan Hildreth. From that point on, the Bulldogs’ defense allowed the Lions (6-3, 4-3) just 31 yards of offense (no passing yard) while the Bulldog offense would score 48 points and ran up 432 yards of offense. Lithonia (7-1, 5-1) answered…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett County officials held an open house on Saturday, Oct. 18, to kick off a series of community meetings to gain public input on the restoration of the historic Maguire-Livsey Family Big House in Snellville.   The Big House was primarily occupied by two families central to Gwinnett’s history — the Maguires, who were Irish, during the 19th century and the Livseys, who were black, in the 20th century. Thomas Maguire, an Irish immigrant, bought the plantation and owned it until his death in 1886, after which the property was subdivided and later purchased by the Livsey family, descendants…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police are ready to offer as safe, fun event for families this Halloween with the return of “Trunk or Treat.” This year’s free event will take place on Halloween night, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m., at 2385 Wesley Chapel Road. Kids are invited to dress up in their costumes and trick or treat with DeKalb County Police officers.  There also will be music and plenty of fun for everyone, so we encourage all the boys and girls to attend.

The Gwinnett County Police Department is notifying the public that I-85 South, from 316 to south of Jimmy Carter Boulevard, will be closed to traffic on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 7:30 a.m. until approximately 8:15 a.m. due to an accident investigation.    The Police Department’s Accident Investigation Unit will be mapping a double fatality scene that occurred on Oct. 5, using several drones in the area.  Ramps onto I-85 South, from 316, Pleasant Hill, Steve Reynolds, Beaver Ruin, Indian Trail, and Jimmy Carter Boulevard, will be impacted. Traffic will not be able to enter I-85 during the investigation.  Further, traffic will be slowed…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Interim Police Chief Gregory Padrick joined regional law enforcement leaders at the Atlanta Police Foundation’s annual Crime Is Toast breakfast to honor fallen DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire officers and residents across the region. Officer Rose was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor, two of the highest recognitions for valor and heroism in the line of duty. His widow, Mrs. Rose, accepted the awards on his behalf during the ceremony, which was attended by representatives from law enforcement agencies throughout metro Atlanta. The Crime Is Toast breakfast, hosted annually by the Atlanta…