Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office will have a delayed opening at all office locations, including the call center, on Thursday, Aug. 6, until noon for staff training. Online and kiosk services are available daily, including weekends and holidays when the office is closed.  For walk-in service, appointments can be scheduled ahead of time or customers may join the virtual waitlist for same-day service. Self-service tag renewal kiosks are available at participating Kroger stores to renew eligible vehicle tags and pay insurance fines. Limited DDS transactions are also available, including renewing eligible driver’s license and identification cards.  To locate a kiosk near…

CONYERS, GA—The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested Paige Forte, a supervisor at the Conyers Police Department, for misusing the police license plate reader system for personal use, authorities said on today, July 23.  Investigators said Fort accessed the Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader system multiple times to determine the location of the vehicle driven by her domestic partner.  Police Chief Scott Freeman said the department acted immediately after uncovering evidence of the alleged misconduct.  “The integrity of our department depends on the public’s confidence that we use technology responsibly and within the law,” said Freeman. “When we…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson, who represents District 4, is hosting her quarterly breakfast on Saturday, July 25, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Clarkston Library, 951 N. Indian Creek Drive.  The meeting will focus on Johnson’s mid-year progress report and offer a chance for constituents to enjoy breakfast, meet other D-4 neighbors, and hear updates from County department leaders including  code enforcement, law enforcement, and sanitation and roads and drainage. Residents also will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss their concerns and issues.  Johnson announced in her July 23 online newsletter that she is seeking D-4…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County Animal Services and the LifeLine Animal Project are inviting those seeking to o become pet moms or dads to check out animals available for adoption.  You can meet Clyde, the Adoptable Pet of the Month, and others available for adoption.  We can’t hide our love for Clyde. He’s a good boy, about 50 pounds, over a year old and as cute as can be with his short little nose. He’s just plain adorable and a total sweetheart. He may be young but he acts like an old soul. He’s calm, loving and friendly, seems housetrained and…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A Gwinnett County Schools special needs bus driver was convicted of child molestation for indecent behavior on a bus carrying elementary school students. The former bus driver was caught with his pants down while students were on the bus, the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office announced on today, July 22. Steven Edward Wilkins, 67, was found guilty of six counts of child molestation and four counts of public indecency for masturbating on a school bus with special needs students on board in January and February 2023. A judge sentenced Wilkins to 20 years with five years…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—All students in Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) are eligible to receive breakfast and lunch for free during the 2026-2027 school year. The meals will be provided again this year under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), officials announced July 22.  Families no longer need to submit a Free/Reduced Meals application. CEP is a National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) meal service option that allows schools and districts in high poverty areas to offer meals at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications.  Rockdale will not collect free/reduced meal applications. Students will…

UPDATE: The DeKalb County Police Department announced Thursday, July 23, that Steve Chang, 77, has been located and is safe.  DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Police Department has issued a Mattie’s Call for an elderly man who suffers from dementia.  Steve Chang, 77, was last seen on July 22 at 6 p.m., leaving the hospital near 2700 block of N. Decatur Road. Chang is  5’5″, 150 lbs, and was wearing an orange shirt and khaki pants. He may have possibly boarded MARTA, police said. Anyone who sees Chang is urged to call the DeKalb County  Police Department’s Special Victims Unit at   770-724-7710.  For more local news, visit and subscribe for free at ocgnews.com.

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— A dead bat has tested positive for rabies in south DeKalb, near Columbia Drive and York Place, DeKalb County government officials are reporting. The bat was tested on July 21, officials said. Residents in the area are urged to 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 and contact DeKalb County Animal Control if unusual behavior occurs. Wild animal trapping will only…

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) reminds eligible voters that the U.S. Congressional District 13 Special Election will be held on Tuesday, July 28. “We encourage every eligible voter in Congressional District 13 to make a plan and prepare to participate in this important special election,” said DeKalb VRE Executive Director Keisha L. Smith. “Before voting, residents should verify their registration information, review their sample ballot and confirm when and where they plan to cast their ballot.” Important Election Dates Early Voting: Through Friday, July 24 Special Election Day: Tuesday, July 28 Runoff Election, if needed: Tuesday,…