Author: On Common Ground News

Update: DeKalb County extends opening warming centers through Jan. 19 due to continued cold weather expected. DECATUR,GA– Due to forecasted freezing temperatures and hazardous wind chills, DeKalb County will activate warming centers beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14, continuing through Friday, Jan. 16, 2026:  The following sites will be open for those in need: Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta St. Vincent de Paul, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Road, Chamblee Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur The following locations will be open on January 15 – January 16 (Thursday and  Friday) for the 24-hour activation: Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham…

ATLANTA – State Representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale), Sheila Jones (D-Atlanta), Edna Jackson (D-Savannah), Mekyah McQueen (D-Smyrna) and Terry Cummings (D-Mableton)  celebrate d113 years of service, leadership and sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc with a House Resolution. To commemorate the milestone, the legislators introduced a House Resolution, LC 129 0529, on the second day of the 2026 session, recognizing Jan.13, 2026, as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Founders’ Day. Founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has grown into a global organization of more than 300,000 members…

ATHENS, GA–Georgia Rivers is offering kayak anglers and aspiring anglers multiple opportunities in 2026 to land some lunkers while learning from kayak fishing experts through the organization’s Fish Georgia Rivers program. “Kayak angling is one of the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities,” said Kendon Townsel, Georgia Rivers Fish Georgia Coordinator. “Our goal is to connect anglers with Georgia rivers and givethem the tools and training they need to enjoy safe and successful kayak fishing trips.” Each class will be led by certified American Canoe Association kayak angling instructors.This year’s schedule includes trips for a variety of experience levels from novice to expert kayak anglers and are open…

DECATUR GA— A positive rabies case was reported in the South-Gresham Park Area  area involving a deceased racoon. The racoon tested positive for rabies on Jan. 13  Georgia is a rabies endemic state and the virus is present all year long. It is not unusual for the county to report several rabies cases each year.  Residents should make sure pets are up to date for preventative vaccination and should eliminate outdoor feeding stations and access to garbage cans. Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal should seek medical attention immediately.  Additionally residents are advised to watch pets…

DECATUR,GA– In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19, garbage, recyclable materials, and yard trimmings collection for residential customers will be based on a revised collection schedule as follows: Monday, Jan. 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day observed. No sanitation service. Tuesday, Jan. 20 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Monday, Jan. 19, will be serviced on Tuesday, Jan. 20.  Wednesday, Jan. 21 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Tuesday, Jan. 20, will be serviced on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Thursday, Jan. 22 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, Jan. 21, will be serviced on…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – The community is invited to celebrate the grand opening of Johnson Park’s new inclusive playground during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 4:30 p.m.,1781 Ebenezer Road in Conyers. The state-of-the-art playground has been designed with accessibility and inclusivity at its core, ensuring that children of all abilities can play together in a welcoming and engaging environment. The new facility features accessible equipment, sensory-rich play elements, and barrier-free pathways that accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices. “This playground represents our commitment to creating spaces where every child in our community can experience the joy of…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain), chair of the Georgia Martin Luther King, Jr. Advisory Council, announces a Celebration of Service honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Friday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m. at the North Wing Steps of the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. The event’s keynote speaker will be John Hope Bryant, financial literacy entrepreneur and businessman. Bryant is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of the nonprofit, Operation HOPE, chief executive officer of Bryant Group Ventures and the Promise Homes Company. He is also the co-founder of Global Dignity, an advisor to business and…

CONYERS, GA—Thunderous applause filled the room as Connie Alsobrook was sworn in on Wednesday evening, Jan. 7, as the first woman–and the first black mayor —to lead the City of Conyers. The milestone makes Alsobrook only the 33rd mayor in the city’s 172-year history. Rockdale County Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten performed the historic ceremony, which drew a standing-room-only crowd that included several elected officials and community leaders who attended at the Cherokee Run Golf Club in Conyers. Alsobrook was joined by her daughter, Miranda, as she took the oath of office. Guest speakers at the inauguration included the Rev. Aldren Sadler…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Looking to make a difference in your community? Attend the DKPD Hiring Event on Jan. 24, 8 a.m. to noon, at 2484 Bruce Street, Lithonia and learn how you can serve DeKalb County with pride.