Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is urging parents to discuss with their children the gravity of making threats against a school system, as its investigation continues at a local high school. Rockdale County Public Schools implemented two consecutive lockdowns this week after graphic social media posts described a “shooting plan” that allegedly was to be executed at Heritage High School. In response, the Sheriff’s Office launched an immediate investigation and identified two students responsible for the initial threat.  School officials declared Monday, Feb. 24, as a virtual learning day for high school students, while  soft lockdowns were implemented…

DECATUR, GA- DeKalb County made history on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Less than 60 days into her administration, CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson secured the Board of Commissioner approval for a $4.27 billion infrastructure investment, the largest in DeKalb’s history.  The initiative, centers on a “10 x 10” (10 percent annual increases over 10 years) water and sewer rate adjustments that will reverse decades of underfunding, strengthen economic development, and elevate DeKalb County from an “F” to a “C” in our water distribution infrastructure performance, the county stated in a news release. “The future of DeKalb County depends on adequate infrastructure investments, and…

DeKalb County, GA – On Saturday, March 15, 2025, students, educators, school leaders, and community members from across DeKalb County will gather for “Changemaker Hub,” a day-long event designed to spark critical thinking and creativity about the future of education.  The Rockbridge Coalition, in partnership with the Georgia Alliance of Black School Educators, AchieveIt Educational Services, DeKalb County School District, and event host World Savvy, will lead theinteractive experience that challenges students to reflect on their educational journeys, engage in meaningful discussions across generations and roles, and collaboratively envision a system that prepares them to thrive in both community and…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Boys and Girls Club of Rockdale received the community support—and the funding – it needed from the Board of Commissioners (BOC) on Tuesday, Feb. 25.  In a 2-1 vote, the BOC approved a one-year, $100,000 contract for the Boys and Girls Club to provide mentoring services to youths enrolled in the club. The vote followed several people who expressed during public comments that the club is a lifeline for many families in the community, providing after-school care, activities and mentoring and other resources. The crowd of supporters applauded the BOC for its approval. …

LITHONIA, GA – On Feb. 22, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) hosted his “Future of the Fourth” reception at the Lou Walker Senior Center to honor outstanding young leaders from Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District. The event recognized students who have excelled in technology, service, and leadership including winners of the district’s 2024 Congressional App Challenge and nominees for U.S. Service Academies. “This event was about celebrating the bright future of our district,” said Congressman Johnson. “These young leaders are innovators, scholars, and dedicated individuals who will shape our community and our nation in the years to come.”  During the ceremony, students…

CONYERS, GA—The Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District presented a $250 check to local conservationist member, Claire Cline, to assist her ongoing Pine Tree Farm restoration efforts.  Cline’s tree farm in Coffee County was damaged from Hurricane Helene, a powerful tropical cyclone that devastated the Southeastern U.S. in September 2024. The storm caused widespread destruction and fatalities, prompting states of emergency in Florida and Georgia. Cline makes the 7-hour round trip weekly to her farm working with Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), and local forester and community members regarding her Pine Tree Farm Restoration.  Many of the 40 Soil Water…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office has issued a critical alert for a missing disabled man identified as Brandon Sistrunk.  He has been missing since Feb. 20.   The following alert has been issued:  CRITICAL MISSING NAME: BRANDON SISTRUNK Missing Since: February 20th, 2025 Reported Missing: February 24th, 2025 Sex: Male Race: Black Eyes: Brown Hair: Black Weight: 160 lbs Height: 5’5” Additional Information: The above image(s) are those of a Missing Disabled Person. SISTRUNK was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, gray jeans, black gloves, and an “Eskimo” hat. The picture above resembles what he was last seen…

DECATUR, GA- DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has announced the appointment of Reginald D. Wells as the new Director of Watershed Management, following the retirement of longtime director David Hayes.  With more than 25 years of leadership experience in water resource management and infrastructure operations, Wells will lead the county’s efforts to enhance water services, improve infrastructure, and maintain regulatory compliance. “Reginald Wells brings a wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of water infrastructure management,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “As we transition leadership following David Hayes’ dedicated service, we are confident that Reginald’s vision and strategic approach will help DeKalb County continue providing reliable, high-quality water services to…

ATLANTA – State Representatives Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) will host Honoring Heroes Day on Friday, Feb. 28, at 9:30 a.m. at the Georgia State Capitol. The event will recognize the contributions of school bus drivers and school food service staff in Atlanta, Fulton, Clayton and DeKalb counties public schools who have made an impact on these communities. “I am profoundly grateful for our school bus drivers and food service workers, whose dedication and hard work reflect our core values of safety, care and service,” said Rep. Schofield. “Their commitment ensures the…

ROCKDALE COUNTY –The Rockdale County Public Schools district is under lockdown for the second consecutive day. The action follows Monday’s lockdown after the Rockdale County’s Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation and identified two students responsible for a threat at a local high school. The high school under threat has been identified as Heritage High School in social media posts. The posts on social media were graphic, citing a “shooting plan” that allegedly was to be executed.  The Rockdale Sheriff’s Office stated that precautionary measures to protect students and faculty included additional security implanted at all high and middle schools across Rockdale.…