Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) honored the district’s outstanding custodians at its 37th Annual Custodial Awards Ceremony. This event intentionally and formally thanks all GCPS head custodians and their respective custodial teams for their diligent and dedicated service during the school year. Custodians play a crucial role in creating and maintaining clean and safe school environments – in classrooms, hallways, restrooms, and all the hard-to-reach spaces of our buildings, which is essential for creating a positive and welcoming learning environment for students.  GCPS Interim Superintendent Al Taylor says custodians are essential members of Team GCPS. “Custodians are unsung heroes of…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has vetoed Senate Bill 238, legislation that would have paved the way for Rockdale County voters  to decide whether to change Rockdale’s form of government.  Kemp vetoed the bill today–the final day for him to take action–at  the  request of the three-member Rockdale Board of Commissioners–newly-elected Chairwoman JaNice VanNess, newly-elected Tuwanye Smith and veteran board member Doreen Williams, who sent a letter to the governor requesting the veto.  The board’s request–without any notification or input f rom the public— sparked outrage from proponents who had worked several years to expand the 3-member board  to…

STONECREST, GA –Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) said that millions of Americans are facing peril as the Trump administration makes drastic cuts to services for needy children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities.  Johnson held a community meeting on last Friday, May 9,  with local nonprofits, parents and experts in the field of providing critical services to children in need, including the YMCA, Head Start, Easter Seals, Sheltering Arms and others to discuss the impact of drastic cuts to programs that keep children safe and healthy.  “I’m seeing firsthand what Republican program cuts could jeopardize – it’s a very serious dilemma our…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved multiple items during its May 6 meeting to enhance public safety, support youth, and improve transportation infrastructure. Highlights include traffic signal upgrades, gang prevention technology, school zone enforcement renewals and support for the County’s Summer Meals program.  Traffic signal upgrades Gwinnett will receive a $9.6 million Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation to replace and upgrade at least 22 aging traffic signals across the County. The intersections were selected based on their condition and will be brought up to modern safety standards. The project is fully…

CONYERS, GA– Rebecca Hill has been appointed director of the Georgia International Horse Park (GIHP)Conyers City Manager Kameron Kelley announced today.  Hill was named deputy director of the GIHP in July 2024 and her appointment as director follows the retirement of 24-year employee and former GIHP director Jennifer Bexley in April.  Hill began her career with the city of Conyers in 2003. She holds degrees from Young Harris College and the University of Georgia. Most recently, Hill was responsible for assisting with all GIHP business operations, venue management, employee engagement and budget planning. In her new role, she will oversee the…

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will participate in a joint retreat with the Board of Education(BOE) on Thursday, May 15, at 11:30 a.m., at the BOE office, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, GA. The tentative agenda follows: Welcome & Introductions Purpose and Objectives of Joint Meeting Key Topics of Mutual Concern Next Steps and Action Items Closing Remarks Adjourn

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) announced today that it stopped more than 100 vehicles at an attempted street racing meet-up last weekend at Wade Walker Park on Rockbridge Road. East Precinct officers quickly responded to a call about the meet-up on Saturday, May 10, around 1:15 a.m. After blocking the drivers from exiting the park and calling in support from North Central, Tucker and South Precincts, as well as Stone Mountain Police and Lithonia Police, investigators issued 100 citations for being at the park after dark. One suspect was also arrested for an outstanding warrant from another agency. Additionally, video…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) will host its monthly evening town hall meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 6 p.m., at J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers.  This month’s topic is Transportation. Key points of discussion will include Georgia Department of Transportation active and maintenance projects, Rockdale County ‘s Department of Transportation  rojects, Rockdale County Comprehensive Transportation Plan, and road conditions. The BOC hosts the monthly event to provide an informational platform and opportunity for members of the community to engage directly with department leaders, industry experts, and the Board of Commissioners. Officials said the…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – The Community Alliance United to Support  Equality is hosting a community forum on Saturday, May 17, to discuss the rising property tax assessments in Rockdale County and how to appealthe assessments.   Carl Morgan has organized the community meeting, which will be held at 10 a.m. at the Nancy GuinnLibrary, 864 Green St. S.W., Conyers.