Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—An obsolete extended-stay hotel in Peachtree Corners soon will be transformed into long-term, affordable housing for homeless youths, youths aging out of foster care, vulnerable seniors and other at-risk populations.   The Gwinnett Housing Corporation (GHC), county officials and community partners are hosting a ceremonial groundbreaking on Wednesday, Feb. 25, to officially kick off the project.  The county has acquired the Spring Swallow Lodge at 7065 Jimmy CarterBlvd. for theconversion.  The total development cost is $14.5M, with Praxis 3 operating as architect and Aapco as General Contractor of the housing development, which will be called The Lodge. In addition to more than half of…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will partner with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and the Happy Helping Program to provide meals that service youths ages 18 and under during the summer. The program will run June 8 – July 17.  The Department is encouraging agencies to apply now to participate as a distribution site. To qualify as a site, 50 percent of children served must meet the income guidelines for free and reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Children who are members of households that receive food stamp benefits…

ATLANTA—The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Georgia staff recently recognized 21 state legislators who are also family caregivers.    Rep. Sandy Donatucci (R-105), who cares for her mother, led the recognition from the Georgia House of Representatives floor during the Feb. 19 morning session.  She presented an AARP Georgia poster containing the legislators’ photos and highlighted key statistics about caregiving in Georgia. The list of state legislators recognized include: Arlene Beckles Rhonda Burnough Park Cannon Lisa Campbell Terry Cummings Viola Davis Robert Dawson Sandy Donabucci Demetrius Douglas Lydia Glaze Anissa Jones Jan Jones Todd Jones Karen Mathias Billy Mitchell Angie O’Steen…

By GA Reps. Viola Davis, Sandra G. Scott ATLANTA–More than 6million veterans currently receive disability compensation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Many rely on medication to manage service-connected injuries and illnesses ranging from PTSD and traumatic brain injury to hypertension, joint damage and chronic pain. Recently, a federal rule change concerning those benefits created alarm across the veteran community. On Feb. 17, the VA published an interim final rule amending its interpretation of 38 C.F.R. § 4.10—the regulation governing how functional impairment is evaluated for disability ratings. The rule stated that VA examiners should evaluate veterans based…

DULUTH, GA — The Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will present 28 debutantes and beaus to society at its 9th Biennial “Crème de la Crème: Visions of Elegance and Excellence” Cotillion-Beautillion Ball on Saturday, March 14. The ball will be held at the Thomas P. Hughes Ballroom inside the Gas South Convention Center. The Cotillion-Beautillion Program is a transformative initiative designed to introduceteens to the principles of poise, leadership, and social responsibility. Through structured instruction and mentorship, participants receive comprehensive training in social etiquette, ballroom dancing, dining protocol, and respectful, face-to-face communication. The program places a…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Allyssa Amos, wanted on aggravated assault charges in connection with a drive-by shooting on a restaurant in October 2025, is in custody at the Gwinnett County Jail.   The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive and K-9 Units arrested Amoson on Feb.  20 in Duluth, GA. According to police reports, Amos,36, drove the getaway car. Leamon Carter, 48, opened fire with a MAC-11 submachine gun on Harold’s Chicken & Ice Bar restaurant after a dispute over paying his bill.   Police said Carter shot several rounds through the glass door and windows of the restaurant after the restaurant closed around 2:30 a.m.…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–   Rockdale County Public School’ (RCPS) brightest young scientific minds and the research they conducted in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields were in the spotlight at the 2026 Rockdale Regional Science and Engineering Fair (RRSEF).  There are 47 Grand Champion RCPS students advancing to the state level, the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair (GSEF). Four students are advancing internationally as finalists at the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and more are advancing to national competitions. A total of 169 students entered this 17th annual RRSEF competition in 21 different categories and were evaluated by more than 70 accomplished professionals as…

CONYERS, GA– Jesus Lopez, a recent graduate of the Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology and lifelong Rockdale County resident, announced today that he is running for the Rockdale County Board of Education, Post 1. As the qualifying period approaches, Lopez says he is running on a platform centered on reducing central-office bureaucracy, improving student outcomes, supporting teachers, and restoring transparency and accountability in district leadership. Lopez says his decision to run is deeply personal. As a child with a speech impediment and an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Lopez faced numerous obstacles, from prejudice to excessive red tape. He credits his…

DECATUR, GA – Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 25, Thompson Road between Dresden Drive and Grant Drive will close to through traffic for approximately four weeks, barring any weather delays. The project will require a road closure to replace water lines as a part of the Grant Drive Water Main Replacement Project. During this closure, detour signage will be installed to guide traffic along an alternate route.  Motorists should expect delays stemming from the road closure. Precautionary signs and traffic flaggers will assist local traffic in moving safely around the road closure. Our construction crews will work diligently to minimize the length of…