Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) will host a town hall meeting on May 12, 6 p.m., at the Rockdale Auditorium, 903 Main Street, Conyers. The topic will be on data centers. The public is urged to attend to get updates, ask questions, and share their concerns with the board. The Rockdale County government’s upcoming meetings schedule also includes a Planning Commission Public Hearing and a Zoning  Public Hearing.   Save the calendar below with links to the meeting agendas and meeting minutes.  Click the link and look for the brown box(To View Posted Agendas).   The Rockdale BOC…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA—Gwinnett County Police Department is recruiting officers. The Department will host hiring events on Friday, May 15, from 3 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Gwinnett County Police Training Center, 854 Winder Highway, Lawrenceville.  Applicants who do not have an appointment are encouraged to arrive early. The process can take several hours, and applicants should plan accordingly, the Police Department stated.    Applicants must bring a valid driver’s license and should arrive dressed and prepared to complete the physical agility test. Appropriate workout or athletic clothing is recommended. Phase I of this…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Nicole M. Golden today announced the expansion of the office’s mobile tax program, which now serves five senior centers across DeKalb County.  Launched as a pilot program at the Lou Walker Senior Center in January 2023, the initiative has grown to improve access to essential motor vehicle and property tax services for residents, particularly seniors who rely on in-person assistance. “Our mobile tax office program allows us to meet taxpayers where they are and provide essential services in a convenient, community-based setting,” said Golden. “We’re excited to expand our reach to the South…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — Wasim Majeed, 37, is in custody, charged with third-degree arson in connection with at least 15 overnight brush fires that were set between Sunday night and Monday morning, April 26-27, in the Clarkston area. Interim Fire Chief Melvin Carter said police captured Majeed early Monday morning. and he as found with items consistent with starting fires when he was arrested. Investigators used surveillance footage to link Majeed to the fires near Georgia State University ‘s Clarkston campus. Authorities said they do not know if Majeed has any connection to the university and they were still working…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A Lawrenceville man was ordered to serve three life prison sentences for sexually assaulting a young girl dating to when she was 3 years old. A Gwinnett County jury on Tuesday, April 28, found Jorge Nagera Perez, 33, guilty of two counts of rape, three counts of aggravated child molestation, and two counts of child molestation for abusing the young girl from between ages 7 and 11. He was sentenced to three life prison terms plus 89 years. “This is absolutely depraved,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “We will continue to help this young girl and her family…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Voter turnout on Tuesday inched up slightly as 469 voters ignored the April showers to cast their ballots, pushing Rockdale County’s Early Voting total so far to 1,335.  Tuesday’s voter turnout represents 2.07% of the total active number of voters—63,111—remaining to cast their ballots, Cynthia Willingham, director of Rockdale County’s Board of Elections and Registration, shared in a Day 2 Early Voting report. There are 64,446 eligible active voters in Rockdale, she stated.   On Monday, April 27, the first day of Early Voting, Rockdale had a total turnout of 866.  The General Primary and Nonpartisan Election is just…

ROCKDLE COUNTY, GA–Early voting for the May 19 General Primary and Non-partisan elections is now underway and it’s off to a slow start. Cynthia Willingham, director of Rockdale County’s Board of Elections and Registration, reported just over 800 voters turned out on Monday, April 27, the first day of the Early Voting period, which runs April 27- May 15. Willingham reports there are 64,446 eligible active voters in Rockdale.  By precinct, Milstead had 103 to cast ballots on Day 1, followed by Olde Town with 88 and Fieldstone with 83.  Below is a breakdown of ballots cast in-person and mail…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – A 31-year-old woman has been sentenced to life in prison for the death of her mother’s boyfriend after a drunken argument turned violent.  Jurors found Quenisha Poole guilty of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and related charges in connection with the fatal shooting death of Erick Smith, 45, the DeKalb County, District Attorney Sherry Boston announced.    Immediately following the guilty verdict on April 23, DeKalb County Superior Court Chief Judge Shondeana C. Morris, who presided over the trial, sentenced Pool to life with the possibility of parole, plus five years to serve consecutively. According to the investigation, Poole…