Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement after  hundreds of employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) were abruptly fired by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was confirmed on Thursday(Feb. 12) as the new secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services under the Trump Administration.  The CDC Chamblee campus is located in Johnson’s district, while the CDC headquarters, just outside his district, employs many of his constituents.  The Trump Administration is slashing about 1,300 employees (about 10% of the workforce) at the CDC. President Trump’s cuts at the CDC, aimed at new hires and long-time staff members…

  By Mark Brock DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Valentine’s Day brought a sweet victory for the Tucker High Tigers. The Tigers quickly jumped out to a 16-4 lead and held off the Southwest DeKalb Panthers 51-47 to win the Region 5-4A boys’ basketball title in a battle of Class 4A Top 10 ranked teams at Tucker on Friday, Feb. 14. Southwest DeKalb (25-3), ranked No. 3, trailed the No. 7 ranked Tigers (22-6) by as many as 17 in the second quarter but began to chip away as the game moved into the fourth quarter with Tucker holding a 40-31 advantage. The…

CONYERS, GA- The Rockdale Board of Education has elected Sandra Jackson-Lett as the new Chairwoman and Janie Jones as the Vice Chairwoman for the 2025-2027 term. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to their new roles, ensuring continued excellence in governance and education for the community. Board members elected Jackson-Lett Jones at the Jan. 9 Board of Education meeting. “I am honored to serve as the Chairwoman of the Rockdale County Board of Education,” said Jackson-Lett. “As a governance team, our Board is committed to providing the best educational opportunities for our students. I look forward to working with…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Join the Urban League of Greater Atlanta ULGA and homeownership partners for an empowering workshop, featuring resources and services to assist individuals and families on their path to homeownership.  The workshop will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library, DeKalb County Public Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur.  In this free, expert-led session, you will:  ✔ Learn how to navigate the homebuying process.  ✔ Understand mortgages, credit, and budgeting for homeownership. ✔ Get a certificate for down payment assistance (must attend the full session). To register for the free…

ATLANTA – Mary Mac’s Tea Room, a beloved Midtown Atlanta institution known for its classic Southern cuisine, has officially reopened its beloved Skyline Room and Ms. Ellen’s Room after extensive renovations. The restaurant had been closed since March 2024, following a partial roof collapse caused by heavy rains. The popular Skyline Room and Ms. Ellen’s Room, named for Ellen Fraley, who worked at Mary Mac’s Tea Room for over 35 years, are now ready to welcome locals and visitors alike. To celebrate the reopening, the restaurant is offering complimentary Georgia peach cobbler to all guests from Feb.17–23. During the closure, the owners took the opportunity to renovate the entire restaurant. Guests can…

UPDATE:  Due to 75 percent chance of rain on Feb. 19, the cleanup date has changed to Feb. 18,  10 to 11 a.m.  Meet and park in the gravel lot by Rockdale County High School Tennis Courts. From Pine Log Road, turn into Bulldog Circle and immediately turn right into the gravel lot. Bring water and a folding chair. Supplies will be provided for the cleanup. CONYERS, GA– Voices for Rockdale has joined the City of Conyers’ Adopt-A-Mile program and is seeking volunteers to help the group clean the Pine Log/Rowland Road area throughout this year. Corliss Turner, founder of…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA— Carolyn Biggers Frey, the mother of Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman JaNice Van Ness, has passed away.  Her celebration services will be held this weekend. Van Ness  announced in her newsletter that visitation will be held today, Valentine’s Day, from 4-7 p.m. at Scot Ward’s Funeral Services, 699 Legion Road, N.E., Conyers.   The homegoing celebration will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15, at noon,  Rockdale Baptist Church, 1295 Smyrna Road, Conyers.  More information is provided below:  

GWINNETT COUNTY—The Georgia Department of Education has recognized Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) as the top district in the state for world language proficiency with 377 students earning the 2024 Seal of Biliteracy—more than any other school district in Georgia.  The Georgia Seal of Biliteracy honors high school graduates who demonstrate advanced proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages beyond English. To earn the seal, students must achieve  a minimum “B” average in all required English Language Arts courses and achieve a high proficiency in  a second world language through a state-approved assessment, such as Advanced Placement(AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.  Virin…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to forecasted cold weather, DeKalb County has extended the operation of four warming centers for residents to include Sunday and Monday, Feb. 16 and 17. The four centers will be open starting at 8 p.m.: Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road, Atlanta North DeKalb Senior/Community Center, 3393 Malone Drive, Chamblee, 30341 (See pickup schedule below for transportation to Frontline.)  Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur (See pickup schedule below for transportation to Frontline.)  Exchange Park Intergeneration Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur During warming center activation, transportation pickups will be available to Frontline International according…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent Terry Oatts announced his plan to retire, effective Friday, Feb. 14, after the board went into a lengthy executive session on Thursday night (Feb. 13).  Rockdale County Board of Education accepted  Oatts’ retirement and appointed Shirley Chesser, currently Chief Academic Officer, as Acting Superintendent, effective immediately. Oatts will remain a consultant for the district through March 31, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition, district officials announced. The board passed the resignation unanimously 7-0.     Oatts’ retirement announcement follows a battle with the Rockdale Board of Education over changes he requested in December 2024…