Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) is strengthening its community-centered policing by partnering with apartment communities that are investing in technology to help create safer neighborhoods, officials announced this week.  Several apartment communities, including Highlands at East Atlanta, recently invested in security robots provided by Atlanta-based Undaunted Robotic Security to enhance safety for its residents. Working collaboratively with DKPD, these privately-owned security resources have been integrated into the department’s broader public safety strategy to improve situational awareness and support emergency response. When a qualifying call for service or critical incident occurs, authorized personnel in DKPD’s Real-Time Crime Center…

ATLANTA – State Representative Karen Lupton (D-Chamblee), in partnership with We Love Buford Highway (WLBH), today announces the launch of “Lupton Lifts Community,” a community initiative aimed at helping families across the Buford Highway corridor who are experiencing sudden financial hardship.  Lupton said the campaign seeks to support the We Love Buford Highway Emergency Community Stabilization Fund, which provides short-term assistance to families facing certain needs such as groceries, transportation, temporary rent assistance, utility payments, childcare and other expenses. “One of the greatest privileges of serving this community is seeing neighbors continually step forward to help neighbors,” said Lupton. “Lupton…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Springfield Baptist Church will host its twice monthly drive-thru food pantry in August, providing free groceries to individuals and families in need throughout the community.  This outreach is open to all. No registration is required.   Event Details: Springfield Baptist Church  1877 Iris Drive SE, Conyers, GA Drive-Thru Food Pantry Saturday, August 8 and 22 9 a.m. –12 p.m.  

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A Gainesville man is returning to prison on drug charges after serving time on federal charges, the Gwinnett District Attorney’s Office said today, July 27.  Irvin Lamar Simpson, 57, pled guilty on Monday to three counts of trafficking fentanyl, one count of trafficking methamphetamine, one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, obstruction, and possession of a drug-related object. Simpson was sentenced to 45 years with 40 to serve in prison without the possibility of parole “This defendant had a chance to change with his release from…

STONECREST, GA— Congressman Hank Johnson’s Office is hosting a popup Passport Day for constituents of the Fourth Congressional District on Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Stonecrest City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Blvd. If you’ve been meaning to apply for a passport but haven’t gotten around to it, this is a great opportunity to get it done with help every step of the way. “Our office is making the process as easy and convenient as possible, thanks to the Atlanta Passport Agency, but appointments are filling up quickly, so be sure to register in advance…And by the way, you…

ATLANTA–The widow of Rockdale County official Kenny Johnson has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, as BioLab says it expects to face “dozens, and soon hundreds,” of related cases. Georgia Public Broadcasting’s (GBP) Pamela Kirkland reports. The first wrongful death lawsuit stemming from the 2024 BioLab fire has been filed against BioLab and its parent company, KIK Consumer Products. Shamita Johnson filed the lawsuit, alleging that exposure to toxic chemicals released from the company’s Conyers facility caused respiratory injuries that led to the death of her husband, Kenny Johnson.  Johnson collapsed after testifying during a meeting held by state lawmakers on…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– A Dacula man has been convicted of sharing sexual videos and photographs of toddlers through social media, the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office announced on July 24.  Patrick Joseph Abedamowo, 29, pled guilty to 10 counts of sexual exploitation of children for distributing the child pornography online from his home. A judge sentenced the defendant to 30 years with 10 to serve in prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender. “The defendant’s actions are unconscionable,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “We are steadfast in our determination to protect the most vulnerable of our population.”…

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…