Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Biolab, Inc. announced that it will continue operating its Conyers Distribution Center in Rockdale but will no longer manufacture pool and spa chemicals at the site, On Common Ground News has learned. BioLab stated it plans to use the Conyers Distribution Center for “finished products” that are manufactured at other facilities, which were not identified. The update also does not address how the finished products would eliminate the possibility for another massive toxic fire such as the one that occurred on Sept. 29, 2024 in Conyers.  Debris from the explosion fell on properties in proximity to BioLab including the plaza where On…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson says there is no mass disconnection of water service happening across DeKalb. However, she said, there are over 600 customers who have not paid their water bills, some dating back to 2010. Those delinquent accounts now total over $104 million, the CEO said.   Cochran-Johnson said during  a press conference on May 14, 2025 that it’s time for those customers to pay up.  “As of May 14, 2025, over $104 million in unpaid water bills are owed to the County. This level of delinquency affects our ability to maintain reliable service, invest in infrastructure,…

LAWRENCEVILLE – An Auburn man was sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting a woman after forcing his way into her home, beating her, and holding her against her will, the Gwinnett County District Attorney announced on today, May 15. Christopher Raymond Clamp, 53, was found guilty of aggravated sodomy, kidnapping, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, first-degree burglary, aggravated stalking, felony battery-family violence, misdemeanor terroristic threats, and misdemeanor hindering an emergency telephone call. He was sentenced to life in prison plus 90 years to serve consecutively, the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office said. “We hope this verdict and sentence helps this…

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