Author: On Common Ground News

CONYERS, GA–All enrolled students in Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) again will be eligible again this year for free meals under the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), automatically eliminating the need for families to submit a Free/Reduced Meals application.  RCPS qualified for  the CEP national lunch program and School Breakfast Program  for the 2024-2025 school year and is providing the programs for the 2025-2026 school year all of its students.  “Through the CEP program, we are proud to once again offer free breakfast and lunch to all students this school year. By continuing to provide free meals, we are removing barriers…

Families across DeKalb and Rockdale counties are invited to free back-to-school events on Saturday, July 26. The events are aimed at equipping students with school supplies, health resources and fun-filled activities to help kick off the 2025-26 school year as students prepare to return to classes on Aug. 4.     MedCura Health, located at 5582 Memorial Drive in DeKalb County, will present a Back-to-School Health Fair and Family Fun Day offering free bookbags, school supplies, snacks, immunizations, haircuts, pony and amusement rides, live entertainment and more.  DeKalb County School District (DCSD) will host its annual Back-to-School Rally from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Administrative…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners has adopted six small area plans as amendments to the County’s 2045 Unified Plan. Approved during the board’s July 22 meeting, the plans focus on Bethesda, Centerville, Killian Hill, Northbrook Parkway, Oakbrook Parkway and Venture Drive. Each was developed in partnership with community input and includes recommendations for land use, housing, economic development, mobility and open space tailored to reflect the unique needs and vision of the communities. “These plans reflect what we heard directly from the people who live, work, and do business in these communities,” said Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “They help us take a proactive approach to…

DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson issued a statement today in response to Moody’s Investors Service affirming to the County’s strong  Aa2 credit rating while revising the outlook for the Water and Sewer Enterprise from stable to negative. The County’s Aa3 rating for the enterprise was maintained, signaling continued credit strength despite increased pressure from long-term capital investments.   The County anticipated this revision in response to its aggressive but necessary capital investment plan. DeKalb is actively implementing a multi-year strategy to rebuild its water and sewer system and comply with the federally mandated consent decree. “While the outlook has changed, our…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA—The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is hosting its annual Back-to-School Rally for the 2025-26 school year from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free event will be held at the District’s Administrative and Instructional Complex (AIC) at 1701 Mountain Industrial in Stone Mountain. This year’s rally theme is “Level Up for Success,” and will feature live entertainment, a Fun Zone for children, school supplies, family resources, health screenings, testing, vaccinations, and much more. All supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. DCSD’s Saving Our Students (S.O.S.) will also host a march to support students’ well-being.…

ATLANTA –Family-owned and Hawaii-inspired food company, King’s Hawaiian®, will invest approximately $54 million in expanding its Oakwood facility, creating more than 135 new jobs.  “For nearly 15 years, King’s Hawaiian has proven to be an incredible partner in creating quality jobs in northeast Georgia, and we look forward to even more years of great success for them in Hall County,” said Gov. Brian Kemp. “Expansions like these are an important part of our economic development work, helping create further opportunities in growing communities.” The expansion will add a new production line at the 150,000-square-foot King’s Hawaiian facility located in the Oakwood South Industrial…

Stonecrest, GA — The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, in partnership with DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Priví Stonecrest, the City of Stonecrest. Office of the Mayor, Peace Baptist Church, and a coalition of local partners, will host the 2025 Summer of Peace Weekend Aug.1–3.  The three-day, back-to-school celebration is designed to promote peace, inspire learning, and unite families through meaningful programming, cultural engagement, and community-building. The 2025 Summer of Peace theme, “Keeping it 100 for Peace, Unity, and Empowerment,” reflects a renewed commitment to reducing violence and investing in the next generation. “This back-to-school weekend, Summer of Peace…

ATLANTA, GA – Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest black church in Atlanta, has appointed Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine as its new senior pastor.  A nationally recognized pastor, civil rights attorney and scholar,  Augustine brings a dynamic blend of theological depth, legal expertise, and a lifelong commitment to community empowerment to this legendary pulpit on Auburn Avenue. With its roots as the “City Hall of Sweet Auburn,” Big Bethel has stood as a beacon of faith, education, and activism in Atlanta and beyond.  In his new role, Augustine plans to honor and revive this trajectory by leaning into the church’s historic commitment to community…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Arabia Mountain High School is mourning the death of one of its football team members, Mikah King. The rising sophomore reportedly became ill during football practice on Tuesday and was rushed to the hospital, according to sources. King reportedly passed away around midnight.   EMT arrived at the scene on Tuesday around 9:30 a.m. as the football team was going through practice drills on the field. King, an offensive lineman for the Rams, was sidelined after expressing some level of stress or illness. He reportedly was placed on an IV and transported by ambulance to the hospital.  The DeKalb…