Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) is introducing evening town hall meetings as a new addition to its regular schedule, beginning in March. The initiative aims to increase transparency and encourage more community interaction, officials said. As part of the revised schedule, the board will host the town halls separately, consolidating its Work and Voting Sessions into a single comprehensive morning meeting. Traditionally, the BOC meetings have served for discussing and deciding critical issues impacting Rockdale County.  Under the revised schedule: Regular Work Sessions and Voting Meetings now will be held on the 2nd and 4th…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to forecasted cold weather, DeKalb County will open four warming centers for residents this weekend. A storm currently over the northern Pacific Ocean is projected to push onshore in the northwestern United States this weekend, heading across the Rockies on Monday (March 3), according to Accuweather.com. The storm’s path is expected to continue across the Southern states, where it will tap Gulf moisture. The combination of that moisture, building warmth and a strong jet stream will boost the risk of severe weather and likely some tornadoes, according to weather reports.  The following DeKalb warming centers will open…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb Legislative Community Cabinet will host its monthly community breakfast on Saturday, March 1, 9 to 11 a.m., at Chapel Hill Middle School, 3535 Dogwood Farms Rd, Decatur, GA.                   The guest speakers will be Georgia Public Service Commissioner Fritz Johnson; DeKalb County Juvenile Court Chief Judge Temika Murry; DeKalb County Juvenile Justice Council; and Pam Hill of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.  Additionally, members of the DeKalb Legislative Community Cabinet, including State Represrntatives Omari Crawford(D-Decatur), Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) and Dewey McClain (D-Lawrenceville), along with Howard Mosby and founder…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–– Partnership Gwinnett, dedicated to bringing new jobs and capital investment to Gwinnett County, recently celebrated more than 1,600 new jobs representing $275M in capital.   A reception, sponsored by Hogan Construction Group, was held to honor those businesses that chose Gwinnett in which to locate or expand in 2024. This year’s event welcomed companies across the initiative’s target sectors, each playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing the local business ecosystem. Among those companies honored were Elemaster, GreenBoom, maeirAMERICA, McKesson, NanoLumens, OFS, RealTruck, Sortimo, and Thermacell. “When companies choose Gwinnett, they are choosing…

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…