Author: On Common Ground News

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

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) announced today that it stopped more than 100 vehicles at an attempted street racing meet-up last weekend at Wade Walker Park on Rockbridge Road. East Precinct officers quickly responded to a call about the meet-up on Saturday, May 10, around 1:15 a.m. After blocking the drivers from exiting the park and calling in support from North Central, Tucker and South Precincts, as well as Stone Mountain Police and Lithonia Police, investigators issued 100 citations for being at the park after dark. One suspect was also arrested for an outstanding warrant from another agency. Additionally, video…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) will host its monthly evening town hall meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 6 p.m., at J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers.  This month’s topic is Transportation. Key points of discussion will include Georgia Department of Transportation active and maintenance projects, Rockdale County ‘s Department of Transportation  rojects, Rockdale County Comprehensive Transportation Plan, and road conditions. The BOC hosts the monthly event to provide an informational platform and opportunity for members of the community to engage directly with department leaders, industry experts, and the Board of Commissioners. Officials said the…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – The Community Alliance United to Support  Equality is hosting a community forum on Saturday, May 17, to discuss the rising property tax assessments in Rockdale County and how to appealthe assessments.   Carl Morgan has organized the community meeting, which will be held at 10 a.m. at the Nancy GuinnLibrary, 864 Green St. S.W., Conyers. 

DECATUR, GA – On Saturday, May 17, 12:30p.m., Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) will host the 2025 Pinnacle Awards, an annual celebration recognizing small businesses in Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District.  The event, which will be held at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia, will be livestreamed: @RepHankJohnson on X, Facebook and YouTube. The event will feature remarks from Congressman Johnson, performances, presentations of awards, and a special video tribute to the honorees.   This year’s theme: “Where Business Meets Purpose,” highlights the critical role local entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth, innovation, and community impact.  HONOREES: David Holt, daVIDO’s…

ATLANTA – State Representative Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) calls for a thorough investigation into duplicative Medicaid payments, particularly those involving Centene Corporation, following a recent Wall Street Journal analysis. The analysis reported that Centene received approximately $620 million in duplicative payments nationwide between 2019 and 2021. The report also highlighted Georgia as a state with a significant rate of duplicate payments, with the state incurring $92 million in payments for individuals enrolled and receiving care elsewhere. In a letter to Georgia Department of Community Health Commissioner Russel Carlson, Rep. Carter expressed her concerns about what she calls “unacceptable mismanagement of taxpayer dollars”…