Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Nothing says summer quite like sticky fingers from shaved ice and a chalk-covered sidewalk masterpiece—and that’s exactly the vibe families enjoyed at the Conyers-Rockdale Library’s Summer Reading Kickoff on Saturday, June 7. Hundreds of families turned out for the day-long celebration designed to spark young imaginations and encourage children to make reading a summer priority. The library lawn was buzzing with laughter, games, and colorful creativity as kids participated in sack races, face painting, chalk art, and yard games. The sweetest part? Every child left with a swag bag full of summer treats and reading goodies. The fun…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County Police detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect involved in a shooting that occurred in April. At approximately 1 p.m. on April 10, the suspect fired multiple gunshots at a blue Hyundai Elantra as it fled from the area of 5615 Singleton Road. The vehicle, which was occupied by two individuals, appeared to have been engaged in a transaction with the suspect shortly before the shooting. No injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire. The suspect is described as a Black male with a light complexion and medium-length hair, approximately…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct its Regular Public Meeting on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Note, in observance of Juneteenth, the meeting is on Wednesday. The meeting will be held at the 178 Sams Street, Room A1201 – A & B, Decatur, GA.  Agenda  Callto Order Adoptionof Agenda   III. Administrative Items Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of May 15, 2025 Discussion on In-Person and Remote Board Meetings Ethics Officer’s Monthly Report Advisory Opinions – Update Preliminary Cases  Kisha Davis v. Nicole Sullivan, Case No. 2025-2 Kisha Davis v. Jo Dancer, Case No. 2025-3 Public Comments…

WASHINGTON, D.C—Leaders of eight legacy Civil Rights organizations announced in a joint statement on Monday night (Oct. 10) that they are standing in “urgent solidarity” with Los Angeles, CA in response to President Trump’s immigration raids and the responsive protests underway in the city. President Trump has doubled the number of troops activated rom the California National Guard to 4,000 and deployed 700 Marines to the Los Angeles area area. The federal government has accused local authorities of not doing enough to protect Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from being assaulted, which state and local officials deny. The protests began in downtown LA on…

DECATUR, GA –DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson delivered her inaugural Employee State of the County address to more than 1,000 DeKalb County employees and stakeholders.  The Employee State of the County, held on June 6, was the first of its kind in DeKalb’s history. Employees were given the opportunity to hear directly from CEO Cochran-Johnson about what has been done and her visionfor the County.  Cochran-Johnson outlined her strategy to achieve the County’s goals and shared information on new benefit programs such as the DeKalb Employee First-Time Homebuyer Program, Elder Care Leave and the Educational Reimbursement Program. CEO…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners will host a town hall on June 17, 6 p.m., at Johnson Park Gymnasium, 1781 Ebenezer Road S.W., Conyers.  The town hall will focus on the county’s parks and recreation initiatives and activities.  Highlights will include updates on park trails and amenities, summer activities and classes and youth sports clinics.  The community is encouraged to attend. 

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) is notifying approximately 7,000 voters about two temporary polling location changes related to the upcoming special election for the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) on June 17. The precinct changes are due to ongoing DeKalb County School construction. Following a June 9 Special Called Meeting, the DeKalb Board of Registrations and Elections unanimously approved two temporary Election Day changes:  The combined precincts of Henderson Mill (HC) and Midvale Road (MW) will relocate from Henderson Mill Elementary School to Warren Technical School located at 3075 Alton Road, Atlanta, GA 30341. The Toney Elem…

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County, in conjunction with the DeKalb County Continuum of Care, has announced the launch of the $7.8 million HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Program known as “Project HOME-ARP.” The program will become effective on July 1, 2025.  Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the initiative is designed to expand access to safe, stable housing by providing rental assistance and supportive services for residents experiencing homelessness  or at risk of homelessness. “This funding allows us to directly address the urgent needs of individuals and families who are struggling to remain housed or to exit homelessness,”…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– From June 5 –10, expect traffic delays and road closures due to sewer mn repairs. During this time, repairs will be conducted on West Ave from Main Street to Dogwood. Repairs will take place daily, weather permitting, and will require partial or full lane closures in the affected areas. Motorists are encouraged to plan for additional travel time, use alternate routes when possible, and follow all posted signage and detours. Repairs will consist of inspecting the inside of the pipes with a camera before cleaning and putting in a new liner to repair the pipes from the…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA— Springfield Baptist Church announces its Juneteenth Celebration, taking place on Wednesday, June 18, 7 to 9 p.m., 1877 Iris Drive, Conyers.   This event is open to the entire community, and everyone is invited to join in commemorating this historic day. The indoor/outdoor celebration will feature a variety of engaging activities for all ages, including storytelling, live drumming, a vendor fair, bounce houses, and other fun-filled activities designed to bring families together. Juneteenth marks a significant moment in American history, and Springfield Baptist Church is proud to honor this important day with a celebration that reflects our commitment to community,…