Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – State Rep/ Floyd Griffin (D-Milledgeville) issues the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s announcement to rename Veterans Day:  “Recently, on social media, President Trump announced plans to rename Veterans Day. Later back tracked, the White House claimed that there are no plans to rename Veterans Day. As a veteran, a public servant and proud American, I am astonished that President Trump would suggest renaming Veterans Day as ‘Victory Day for World War I.’ Veterans Day is a solemn occasion in which we honor all men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces across all generations…

DECATUR, GA— Efforts to improve the watershed system throughout DeKalb County continue Monday, May 19, with the launch of the Katherine Valley Water Main Replacement Project. Crews will replace 5,400 linear feet of aging pipelines.  The line repair project is expected to last approximately 7 months (May to December 2025), barring any weather delays.   This project is part of DeKalb County’s $4.27 billion capital improvement program to improve capacity and service of the watershed systems serving the community.  Normal construction hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays.  An increase in construction-related noise and traffic during…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb Human Services Department announces the beginning of its 2025-2026 Human Services Grant cycle. A virtual public meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, May 22, at 10 a.m., to provide details regarding the Human Services Grant Application process.  The Human Services Grant Program aims to provide opportunities for community partnership with local organizations that can successfully address identified service needs for the citizens of DeKalb County, Georgia. Eligible non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to be awarded a grant utilizing the County General Fund and Victim Assistance Funds. Agencies that receive Victim Assistance Grant…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Weather permitting, Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) construction partners will open the new Interstate 285 southbound to I-20 eastbound ramp overnight on Friday, May 16, into the morning of Saturday, May 17,  as part of the I-285/I-20 East Interchange project. This opening is a significant milestone for the project in reconstructing key interstate-to-interstate connections at one of the nation’s most congested interchanges to improve safety and mobility for metro Atlanta and the region. The access point for the new ramp will occur earlier (just to the north of the existing ramp) and will carry vehicles over the interchange to…

DECATUR, GA. – Newly-elected DeKalb County Commissioner Nicole Massiah will host her first community town hall on Tuesday, May 6, at 6 p.m., at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The town hall comes on the heels of Commissioner Massiah’s successful Live Love Laugh concert—a free outdoor celebration that was held on May 2 and was attended by hundreds across South DeKalb. Now, the focus shifts to strategy, Massiah said.  Tuesday’s town hall, she said, marks a critical step in her commitment to transparency and collaboration as she begins her first term in office.  Residents with have an opportunity to dialogue with senior county officials and receive updates on neighborhood issues including code enforcement and…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office will host its 4th Annual Breaking the Stigma Awareness Fair on Saturday, May 10. The community fair will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Alexander Park, 800 Old Snellville Highway (Lois Lane Allen Pavillion #4), Lawrenceville.  The event will feature several mental health and wellness organizations, along with food and activities. Members of the Sheriff’s Office and mental health professionals will be on site to engage with the community. Images via Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office

DECATUR, GA. – DeKalb County Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 12.  The meeting will be held at Darro C. Willey–Administrative Center, 3560 Kensington Rd., Decatur, GA 30032.  The meeting will also be livestreamed. To receive a link to the livestream, contact weissingera@dekalblibrary.org no later than Monday, May 12 at noon.   For more details and the agenda, click here.

“I am appalled that the BOC would pen a letter to the Governor asking him to veto SB238 without any communication with the citizens and without a public vote that could be witnessed and recorded.”  –State Rep. Rhonda Taylor  ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County leaders and constituents are at war over a bill that is now awaiting Gov. Brian Kemp’s signature.  JaNice VanNess, the newly-elected chair of the Rockdale Board of Commissioners, veteran Commissioner Doreen Williams and newly-elected Commissioner Tuwanya Smith are under fire for sending a letter requesting that the governor veto SB238. The bill paves the way for voters to…