Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – The Georgia Department of Education recently named Shoal Creek Elementary School, Edwards Middle School, and Gen. Ray Davis Middle School as Math Leader Schools for achievement and growth in mathematics. Shoal Creek was recognized for 5th Grade Gateway Growth for its growth in the percentage of 5th-grade students scoring at the Proficient or Above level in mathematics on the Georgia Milestones Assessment. Shoal Creekmore than doubled in growth from 11.4% in 2022-23 to 28% in 2023-24. Both Edwards Middle and Davis Middle were recognized for High School Achievement, exceeding the criteria of 90% or more of their 8th-grade…

ATLANTA – The House Republican Caucus met today, Nov. 12, to elect its leadership team for the 2025-2026 legislative term. During the meeting, House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) was nominated by the caucus to serve a second term as the 75th Speaker of the House of Representatives, while House Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones (R-Milton) was also nominated to serve another term in her role. “It has been an immense honor and privilege to serve as Georgia’s 75th Speaker of the House, and I am deeply grateful for the unwavering trust and support of my colleagues and friends,” said Speaker…

Join the Atlanta Black Chambers to discuss the challenges and successes of women farmers in our community online on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 6:00 PM . This event aims to shed light on the current situation, share stories, and provide resources for women farmers. Limited seats available, register for the free workshop here.

CONYERS, GA–Springfield Baptist Church will host its 1,000 Turkey Thanksgiving Giveaway, an annual tradition that brings holiday cheer and support to local families. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the church,1877 Iris Drive SE, Conyers.   As part of its commitment to community service and outreach, Springfield Baptist Church will be distributing 1,000 free turkeys, along with all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, to families in need.  The event is open to everyone, and no advance registration is required. To streamline the experience, onsite mobile registration will be available, allowing families…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–BioLab has reopened its operations in Conyers, after being shut down since Sept. 29 following a chemical explosion. The company said in a statement that its distribution center reopened on Nov. 4 and has resumed fulfilling orders for finished products used to clean pools and spas. The facility, however, has not resumed manufacturing cleaning chemicals at the site, the company stated.  “BioLab’s Distribution Center at Conyers was cleared by relevant authorities and regulators to reopen on November 4 and resume fulfilling customer orders for finished products, which are used to clean pools and spas. We are grateful that…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Broken cell windows are being replaced with metal panels in an effort to deter vandalism and illegal contraband smuggling at the DeKalb County Jail.  DeKalb Sheriff Melody Maddox said cells with broken windows throughout the 30-year-old jail are being outfitted with tamper-resistant, impenetrable metal panels, along with energy-efficient lighting to ensure a well-lit environment.  “Deliberate inmate vandalism has left us no choice but to seal all cell windows that have been broken, burned, cracked and/or completely destroyed,” said Maddox. “Not only does this situation represent a serious widespread breach of security but it also presents a threat to…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA.–The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners (BOC) will host a town hall meeting to address the county’s proposed water and sewer rate hike.  The in-person meeting, open to residents and businesses, will be held on Nov. 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at 178 Sams St., Decatur.  The meeting also will be simulcast via Zoom for virtual attendance and will provide critical information and an opportunity for public questions on DeKalb’s proposed water and sewer rate increase.  In June, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond appealed to the Board of Commissioners to increase water and sewer rates to invest in the…