Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—This week, DeKalb County Government launched a redesigned website with one goal in mind: making it easier for every resident, business, and employee to connect with their county.  The new dekalbcountyga.gov reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accessibility, and a government that truly works for the people it serves. What’s New From the moment you land on the page, the difference is clear. The redesigned site features a clean, modern look with consistent layouts across every page, making information easier to read, find, and act on. A fully responsive design ensures a smooth experience whether you’re browsing on your…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA— Rockdale County will host its “College & Career Readiness Fair” on Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Johnson Park Recreation Center, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers.  Teens, ages 15-18 and their families, will have the  chance to meet with representatives from various colleges, universities, and career pathways as they plan for life after high school.  This year marks the county’s first time hosting the event, said Rockdale County Parks and Recreation Director Christine Carney.  “With so many families utilizing our Parks and Recreation Department and inquiring about various services and programs, we saw a need…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—On April 15, the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) will host a Community Listening Session on proposed updates to the county’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).  The UDO focuses on regulating residential and commercial development, design and aesthetics standards, zoning, signage, and parking, and protecting natural resources within the county. Basically, the UDO guides how land can be developed and used in the county. The proposed updates would address such issues as the saturation of certain businesses and  residential developments, among other concerns that have been raised by residents.    Why is the Community Listening Session critical? Rockdale is in the…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Hooper-Renwick Themed Library in Lawrenceville will close to the public for several weeks beginning April 14 while repairs are made to underground plumbing at the facility. The library is expected to reopen in early May.  The repairs will be completed under the one-year warranty provided by the contractor at no cost to Gwinnett County. While the building is closed, the contractor also will complete additional warranty-related work. The closure will not affect the library’s exhibit space and associated artifacts. The Gwinnett County Public Library System’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge program also will not be impacted by the plumbing work, county officials…

ATLANTA – A three-week fugitive apprehension operation led by the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and Clayton County law enforcement agencies has resulted in 78 criminal arrests, the recovery of 46 illegal firearms, 57 pounds of illegal narcotics, and the seizure of $18,000 in U.S. currency. Other local agencies that participated in the operation include DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, City of South Fulton Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Fulton County Marshals Department, Atlanta Police Department, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Police Department and Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Department of Corrections. From March 16 through April 3, the…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — A DeKalb County police officer is recovering after being shot during a multi-agency operation and the suspected gunman has been captured after a four-hour manhunt, authorities said on Thursday night, April 9. The suspect, Tremagne McCluskey, has been charged with Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, in addition to prior charges of Armed Robbery and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) officers were assisting Cobb County authorities in South DeKalb near Glenwood Road and Shamrock Drive seeking to arrest the wanted fugitive on armed robbery charges when when he opened fire on the…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– A Lawrenceville man has pled guilty to selling Fentanyl as part of a criminal enterprise that led to two fatal overdoses. David “Capone” Shane Lancaster, 47, was linked to the  deaths of Eldin Mehmedovic, 25, on May 23, 2023, and Sean Robert Wignall, 21, on Jan. 6, 2024.  Lancaster pled guilty to Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (R.I.C.O.), four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of sale of fentanyl, three counts of possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance. Lancaster was sentenced to 30 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation.   “People are dying from…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct its Regular Public Meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at 178 Sams Street, Room A1201 – A & B, Decatur, GA 30030. The meeting agenda follows below: Agenda Callto Order Adoptionof Agenda III.           Administrative Items Approval of theMinutes Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting of February 19, 2026 and March 19, 2026 Reportof Committees EthicsOfficer’s Monthly Report ProbableCause Hearing DianneC. Moore v. Johnny Mitchell, Case No. 2025-8 DianneC. Moore v. Kimberly K. Washington, Case No. 2025-16 PublicComments Commentsfrom the Board of Ethics VII.         Executive Session to Discuss Pending Litigation and Personnel Issues Motion toConvene an Executive Session Motionto Adjourn an Executive Session Motionto Approve the Executive Session Affidavit VIII.       Announcement: Next Regular Board Meeting Date is May 21, 2026 Adjournment

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a community meeting to discuss future plans for the Longdale Park Master Plan on Thursday, April 23, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., at the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Station 6, 2342 Flat Shoals Road SE, Atlanta. The community is invited to attend and provide input regarding the master plan. The meeting will provide guidance for future county park improvements and program development. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, public relations specialist, at 404-710-6331 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.

updated: 4/9/2026