Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Beautification Unit will host two Scrap Tire Amnesty Day events: Saturday, March 21, and Saturday, March 28, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office parking lot, 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA.  Participants will have an opportunity to dispose of up to 10 passenger vehicle tires in an environmentally responsible manner. Commercial vehicle tires and tires with rims will not be accepted. These events aim to reduce the illegal dumping of tires in streams, rivers, and other areas throughout DeKalb. In addition to being an eyesore and creating blight, illegally dumped tires can increase vector-borne illnesses, cause…

DECATUR, GA– Community members are invited to share their ideas on the area’s current and future identity through a public design workshop.  DeKalb County officials  and the ITP Training Academy will host the strategy workshop on Wednesday, March 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on the second floor of the academy, located at 3110 Presidential Drive, Atlanta. What to Expect: Overview Presentation:Learn about planning effort progress via a short overview presentation by the project team. Art-based Visioning: Help co-create public art with a local artist! Community members will create tiles for a community mosaic, reflecting aspirations for the area. Design & Development Conversations:Learn about the latest transformative…

UPDATED: 3/20/2026

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has announced the appointment of Eugene McKinnie as Director of Sanitation, effective immediately. McKinnie brings more than three decades of public-sector leadership and operational experience in solid waste management and environmental services. His career reflects a deep understanding of sanitation operations, beginning on the back of a rear-loader and rising through the ranks to lead major municipal programs and departments across the country.  “Eugene McKinnie’s extensive experience and hands-on leadership style make him an exceptional addition to DeKalb County,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “His commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and employee development will help strengthen…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Jordan Anthony “Maniac” Moorman, 28, of Duluth has been sentenced to life for his part in the 2019 deadly armed robbery of a 62-year-old man. Moorman, 28, of Duluth, was sentenced to life plus 10 years in prison for the shooting death of Leslie Smith. Moorman, whose history of gang-related crime dates back to his youth, was found guilty on March 13 of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, armed robbery, and violation of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.  “We have zero tolerance for gang violence in Gwinnett County,” Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy…

ATLANTA—State legislators and housing advocates will gather at the Georgia State Capitol on Wednesday, March 18, to discuss ideas for expanding affordable housing including adaptive reuse of underutilized or vacant buildings.   Community Action NOW!, in partnership with the National Coalition for the Homeless and State Rep. Rhonda Taylor (House District 92), will host the “Georgia Adaptive Reuse Education Day.” Taylor is sponsoring the event to bring together housing advocates to share their thoughts and expertise in conversations around affordable housing, community revitalization, and economic development in Georgia. The program will include: A briefing on Georgia’s housing landscape • Discussion on affordable housing needs across the…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Antioch AME Church in Stone Mountain will honor DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson  and all elected women in DeKalb during a special Women’s History Month celebration on Sunday, March 22, at 10 a.m.  The event, which will be held at Antioch AME, 765 S. Hairston St., will recognize Cochran-Johnson as the  church’s 2026 recipient of the “Elayne W. Hunter Woman on the Move” Award, while celebrating the contribution of women serving in elected leadership roles across DeKalb.   The program’s guest speaker will be Dr. Evelyn Bethune, granddaughter of the late civil  rights and human rights icon Mary McLeod Bethune.…

ROCKDALE, DEKALB, GWINNETT, COUNTIES: Due to forecasted severe winter weather, Rockdale County Public Schools will delay school openings by 2.5 hours on Monday, March 16.    The DeKalb County School District and Gwinnett County Public Schools announced they will be monitoring the weather, but had not announced delayed openings as of 10 p.m. Sunday, March 15. They’re urging parents to prepare and monitor the weather as they get ready for school in the morning.   The National Weather Service has alerted Central and North Georgia that a line of strong to severe storms, along with an associated cold front, are expected  to…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA— Tonya Bloodworth, a longtime distinguished educator and community leader, was sworn into office as the newest member of the Rockdale County Board of Education at the board’s work session. Bloodworth’s aunt, Mary McCrimmon, and her cousin, Jeffery Dinkins, stood beside her during the swearing-in ceremony administered by Rockdale Superior Court Judge Nancy N. Bills.  Bloodworth is completing the four-year term of Justin T. Kenny, set to expire Dec. 31, 2028. The Rockdale County Public Schools District issued a formal call to the public to fill the unexpired term. Applications, including a letter of interest and resume, were directed to…