Author: On Common Ground News

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…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office has issued a critical alert for a missing disabled man identified as Brandon Sistrunk.  He has been missing since Feb. 20.   The following alert has been issued:  CRITICAL MISSING NAME: BRANDON SISTRUNK Missing Since: February 20th, 2025 Reported Missing: February 24th, 2025 Sex: Male Race: Black Eyes: Brown Hair: Black Weight: 160 lbs Height: 5’5” Additional Information: The above image(s) are those of a Missing Disabled Person. SISTRUNK was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, gray jeans, black gloves, and an “Eskimo” hat. The picture above resembles what he was last seen…

DECATUR, GA- DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has announced the appointment of Reginald D. Wells as the new Director of Watershed Management, following the retirement of longtime director David Hayes.  With more than 25 years of leadership experience in water resource management and infrastructure operations, Wells will lead the county’s efforts to enhance water services, improve infrastructure, and maintain regulatory compliance. “Reginald Wells brings a wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of water infrastructure management,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “As we transition leadership following David Hayes’ dedicated service, we are confident that Reginald’s vision and strategic approach will help DeKalb County continue providing reliable, high-quality water services to…

ATLANTA – State Representatives Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) will host Honoring Heroes Day on Friday, Feb. 28, at 9:30 a.m. at the Georgia State Capitol. The event will recognize the contributions of school bus drivers and school food service staff in Atlanta, Fulton, Clayton and DeKalb counties public schools who have made an impact on these communities. “I am profoundly grateful for our school bus drivers and food service workers, whose dedication and hard work reflect our core values of safety, care and service,” said Rep. Schofield. “Their commitment ensures the…

ROCKDALE COUNTY –The Rockdale County Public Schools district is under lockdown for the second consecutive day. The action follows Monday’s lockdown after the Rockdale County’s Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation and identified two students responsible for a threat at a local high school. The high school under threat has been identified as Heritage High School in social media posts. The posts on social media were graphic, citing a “shooting plan” that allegedly was to be executed.  The Rockdale Sheriff’s Office stated that precautionary measures to protect students and faculty included additional security implanted at all high and middle schools across Rockdale.…

LITHONIA, GA –Today(Feb. 22), Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is hosting the “Future of the Fourth” event to recognize and celebrate outstanding young leaders in Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District. The program will be held at 1 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia.  The event will be LIVESTREAMED: @RepHankJohnson on X, Facebook and YouTube Honorees include students who have excelled in technology, service, and leadership, including winners of the nominees for the 2024 U.S. Service Academies. Full list, click HERE and the winners of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge: Chamblee High School: Mary Lawton Jones, Nicholas Jovanovich, Ella King and Emma Lane;…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host its Spring Household Hazardous Waste recycling event on Saturday, March 15, 8 a.m. – noon, at the Sanitation Division’s Central Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur.  During the event, DeKalb residents will have an opportunity to properly dispose of dangerous household items that are no longer in use.  Hazardous materials such as aerosols, batteries, adhesives, flammables, lawn care products, fluorescent light bulbs, photo chemicals, paint, paint-related products and artist supplies will be accepted. Paint will be limited to 10 gallons per vehicle. Agricultural waste, ammunition, radioactive materials, pharmaceuticals, biohazardous and biomedical waste…