Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA- Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 9, county election officials in all six counties in the Aug. 25 Special Runoff for U.S. House of Representatives District 13 hand counted randomly selected ballots as part of a risk limiting audit (RLA). The purpose of the audit was to confirm the accuracy of the results. The audit confirmed that Democrat Everton “E.J.” Blair defeated fellow Democrat Marcye Scott in the runoff to fill the unexpired term of long-time Congressman David Scott, who passed away on April 22, 2026 at the age of 80. Marcye Scott is the daughter of David Scott.   A risk limit of…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – Both, the head coach from Heritage High School and Rockdale County High School, have been suspended from their teams’ next scheduled football game after an on-field pregame brawl that broke out on Aug. 28.  The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) issued the disciplinary actions against the two coaches following its investigation. Additionally, 11 student-athletes from Heritage High and 28 student-athletes from Rockdale County High also have been suspended from their next scheduled game and the schools also will face fines.   Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) said the GHSA determined the teams demonstrated unsportsmanlike conduct during the pregame activities. The…

TUCKER, GA – DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson joined members of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, public safety officials and community leaders on Thursday to break ground on the $10.5 million Fire Station No. 5, marking another major investment in the County’s public safety infrastructure. The new two-story, 14,600-square-foot facility will be constructed at 4329 Cowan Road in Tucker and will replace the existing Fire Station No. 5 at 4013 Lawrenceville Highway. Built in 1955, the current station is one of the oldest fire stations still operating in DeKalb County. “Public safety is my number one priority as CEO, and…

DECATUR, GA– The Zone DeKalb project is currently undergoing active community engagement and community members are invited to participate in the upcoming Community Design Workshop. The DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability Department is hosting the Zone DeKalb Community Design Workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the DeKalb Government Service Center, 178 Sams Street, Decatur.   What is Zone DeKalb? As DeKalb County continues to grow and evolve, now is the time to take a fresh look at the regulations that shape the county’s communities. The Zoning and Sign Ordinance Update will help ensure these regulations reflect the…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 9, through Friday, Sept.11, Clifford Road will be closed to traffic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Oxford Road N.E and Dyson Drive NE to facilitate sewer installation at 1000 Clifton Road NE.       Road closure and detour signs will be placed in the area to advise motorists of construction work in the area and of local traffic restrictions. Motorists should follow posted detour signage and allow additional travel time. If you have questions regarding the road closure, contact Lee Hannah, Supervisor, Mizutek, Inc., at 404-915-8122

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) will host its annual National Preparedness Day Event on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m. The event will take place at Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers, GA. This free, family-friendly event aims to educate the community on the importance of being proactive and prepared for all types of emergencies—including natural, man-made, and technological disasters. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore information booths, watch live demonstrations, and participate in interactive presentations throughout the day. Partnering organizations include Rockdale County Fire Rescue, the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office,…

DEKALB County, GA— A Decatur man has been sentenced to life in prison in connection with the “ghost gun” murder of Rashad Walker, 28, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced on Sept. 2.  A jury found Azavier Lilly, 27, guilty on Aug. 28 of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. Investigators said that Lilly fire multiple shots, killing Walker. DeKalb County Superior Court Chief Judge Shondeana C. Morris, who presided over the trial, sentenced Lilly to Life in Prison…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Springfield Baptist Church will host its September Drive-Thru Food Pantry in Conyers on Saturday, Sept. 26.  Free groceries will be provided to individuals and families in need throughout the community. Springfield organizers said the outreach is open to all, and no registration is required.  Event Details: Springfield Baptist Church, Conyers 1877 Iris Drive SE, Conyers Saturday, Sept. 26  9 a.m.– 12 noon