Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – Today, State Representatives Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Sandra Scott (D-Rex) issued a condemnation of the state’s abortion law in response to the case of Adriana Smith – a young Black woman declared brain dead and being kept on life support because of her pregnancy: “This is not healthcare. This is sanctioned cruelty,” said Rep. Schofield. “Adriana’s family is being forced to endure months of emotional torture. Our state has turned a woman into an incubator against her will and stripped her family of the right to say goodbye. This is barbaric, and it must…

ATLANTA – Gov. Brian Kemp has signed House Bill 208 into law, legislation creating several specialty license plates, including a license plate honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. This specialty license plate seeks to honor the historically African-American  sorority and support community-based programs and initiatives throughout the state of Georgia. “This achievement is a celebration of our shared legacy of service,” said State Rep. Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain). “It took teamwork, advocacy and the power of Delta sisterhood to bring this legislation to the finish line. I’m proud to stand with my Sorors in the House and fellow colleagues who helped…

Summer camps and other exciting immersion programs are just around the corner, kicking off in June! Some of the programs are free or offer free registration or free meals. If you haven’t registered your child yet, now’s the time.   Don’t miss out on a summer full of learning, fun, and new experiences. Here’s a look at some community camps in DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties that may still have openings available:

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…