Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — Antonio Robert Watson, 38, of Lithonia, has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison for gunning down a woman in a fatal attack at an extended stay motel room. Authorities said Watson and the woman had been dating.  A jury convicted Watson on Thursday, Nov. 5, in connection with the death of Shalileha Alford, 30, on April 15, 2025.  DeKalb District Attorney Sherri Boston announced that Watson was found guilty of Malice Murder, three counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Home Invasion in the First Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission…

DECATUR, Ga. – In observance of Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, garbage, recyclable materials and yard trimmings collection for residential customers will be based on a revised schedule as follows:  Monday, Nov. 9 – Normal collection service.  Tuesday, Nov. 10 – Normal collection service.  Wednesday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day observed. No collection service. Thursday, Nov. 12 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, will be serviced on Thursday, Nov. 12. Friday, Nov. 13 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Thursday, Nov. 12, will be serviced on Friday, Nov. 13. The Customer Experience call center, administration building, and Seminole Road Landfill will…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—On Monday, Nov. 9, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Rockdale Water Resources will temporarily interrupt water service to bring a newly installed water main into service. Affected areas include Pine Log Road, Briar Cliff Creek, Bellmont Circle, Benfield Road, Reavis Bluff, Weather Wood Place and Circle, Park Place, Spring Mill Cove, Big Bear Cove, and Little Bear Cove. Please plan ahead ahead for water needs during this time.  The interruption will be postponed in the event of inclement weather.  For more information, contact Carey Hicks at  470-998-9571 or Roderick Robinson at  770-278-7538 Please share this notice with neighbors in the affected…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and Gwinnett County Solid Waste Management will host an America Recycles Day event at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. until noon. Gwinnett County residents are invited to drop off select hard-to-recycle items that are not accepted curbside. Having served more than 1,400 residents at the 2025 event, Gwinnett officials say the county is looking to smash records this weekend. Items that will be collected during the America Recycles Day event include: Paper for shredding – participants are asked to limit their paper to five copier paper boxes Electronics – Recycling is free…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Cynthia Willingham, director of the Rockdale Board of Elections, has announced a Special Meeting to be held on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026. The purpose of the meeting is to certify the results of the Nov. 3, 2026 General and Special Election. This meeting is open to the public and will be held in person and available virtually. Details and the meeting agenda are provided in the public notice follows: ROCKDALE BOARD OF ELECTIONS NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING–PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND Notice is hereby given that the Rockdale County Board of Elections and Registration will hold a Special Meeting on…

Create cherished holiday memories this season by visiting Georgia’s charming Christmas tree farms, where you can choose and cut your own perfect tree.  Wander through rows of lush, Georgia-grown Christmas trees, and savor the joy of bringing home a fresh, vibrant tree that will fill your home with holiday cheer this season.  With farms spanning from the mountains to the coast, you’re sure to find one near you. Many farms offer more than just trees, too – think festive gift shops, kids’ activities, and even visits with Santa.  Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm, set on 50 acres in Cumming, offers a selection…

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is reaffirming the County’s commitment to a compassionate, coordinated homelessness response and proposing a 120-day preparation period before implementation of the Urban Camping Ordinance. The Board of Commissioners approved the ordinance on Oct. 27, 2026, by a 5–2 vote. The measure addresses behaviors affecting public safety, access to public spaces and obstruction of public infrastructure.  In a letter to residents, Cochran-Johnson emphasized that implementation must be supported by outreach, shelter, behavioral health services and pathways to stable housing. “Residents deserve safe, accessible public spaces,” Cochran-Johnson wrote. “Equally important, individuals experiencing homelessness deserve compassion, opportunity,…

ATLANTA – The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) has relaunched its FLOAT initiative, a customer assistance program designed to help eligible residents bring past-due water and sewer accounts current while providing financial relief and additional customer support.  The initiative offers flexible payment options and financial assistance to customers experiencing economic hardship. The program also provides opportunities to address outstanding field service requests, resolve billing discrepancies, and make necessary account adjustments. FLOAT benefits and eligibility include: ◦           Available to eligible single-family residential customers ◦           Account balances that are 61 days overdue ◦           Increased flexibility for seniors and customers on fixed incomes. ◦           Payment plans…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA–– From Nov. 4-11, the Armed Forces Monument at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center will glow green as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a national initiative that shows support for our service members. “Each November, we turn our lights green as a small token of appreciation for those who served our country, but our gratitude doesn’t end when the lights go off,” said Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “We remain committed to ensuring veterans and their families have the resources and support they need every day of the year.” Residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join…