Author: On Common Ground News

GEINNETT COUNTY, GA – Two members of the Sureño gang have been sentenced to 40 years in prison on drug charges  after a year-long investigation by the Gwinnett County Metro Police Drug Task force investigators. A Gwinnett County jury found both Melvis Argenis Corrales, 29, of Lawrenceville, and Marcos Junior Sandoval , 35, of Norcross, guilty of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and possession of Methamphetamine with intent to distribute. “The carnage that comes from gang activity is intolerable in Gwinnett County,” said District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson. “I am incredibly proud…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Democrat Tony Brown has been disqualified from the Special Election for Georgia’s 13th Congressional House District because the check he submitted with his qualifying papers bounced, the Secretary of State’s Office said on Friday, July 10.  The spokesperson stated in an e-mail to On Common Ground News that Brown “paid the qualifying fee, but on a later date, the check bounced, which amounts to not paying.”   The qualifying fee for the U.S. House of Representatives is $5,220, according to the Secretary of State’s 2026 published schedule. The base salary for the position is $174,000 annually. The Special Election was scheduled after…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County leaders have announced significant investments in housing, workforce development, healthcare, public safety and community services following the DEKalb Board of Commissioners’ approval of the FY2026 millage rate and budget. DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson highlighted the investments during a press conference held on July 8 at the Manuel J. Maloof Center in Decatur. “A budget is a moral document,” said Cochran-Johnson. “You understand the priorities of those who make decisions by where they place their time and their money. This budget reflects the priorities of our residents and invests in the future of DeKalb County.” A cornerstone…

NORCROSS, GA– Gwinnett County Police are seeking to identify a woman involved in a shoplifting incident. On July 7, the woman was involved in a shoplifting incident at a TJ Maxx located in Gwinnett County. Detectives are asking anyone who recognizes her or has information about her identity to contact police. Anyone who has any information to share in this case, is urged to contact GCPD detectives at 770.513.5300.   To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404.577.TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this…

PEACHTREE CORNERS, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 87-year-old Donald Hively. Hively was reported missing by his family on July 8. He was last seen at his residence in the 4200 block of Thamesgate Close in Peachtree Corners on July 7 at approximately 8 p.m. Hively left the residence on foot.  Hively is described as a White male, 5’8, weighing approximately 150 pounds. He has gray hair and hazel eyes. He was wearing blue jeans, a possible quarter-zip shirt, and black leather lace-up walking shoes. Anyone who has information that could help locate Hively is…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Beginning Monday, July 13, the DeKalb County Department of Solid Waste Management will begin garbage pickups at 6 a.m., one hour earlier than usual.  To enhance employee safety during periods of extreme summer heat, DeKalb is temporarily adjusting its collection routes effective July 13–Sept. 1. The temporary one-hour adjustment is part of the department’s seasonal heat mitigation strategy designed to reduce employees’ exposure to high temperatures while maintaining reliable service to DeKalb County residents. Residents are asked to place garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings at the curb before 6 a.m. on their scheduled collection day during the temporary schedule change. “Protecting…

DECATUR, GA– Public access to the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office online property information website will be unavailable beginning Friday, July 17, at 5 p.m. until Monday, Aug. 3, at 8 a.m. Online property search, e-bills, and payment functions will be inaccessible during this time. Property owners may call the tax office for assistance regarding homestead exemptions, exemption application status, and delinquent taxes during business hours.  “My office works diligently to prepare for the annual digest submission and calculate property taxes for more than 270,000 real and personal properties,” said Tax Commissioner Nicole Golden. “Once the county’s tax digest is successfully…

  July 9, 2026 Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Residents:Stonecrest  As I reflect on where we are today and where we are headed as a city, I am filled with optimism about the future of Stonecrest.  Over the past several months, I have had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated City Council committed to making the difficult decisions necessary to move our city forward. Together, we have addressed significant challenges, focused on strengthening city operations, and worked diligently to restore public confidence while laying the foundation for long-term success.  I am proud to serve with colleagues who have approached…

 ATLANTA- Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced an investigation into Ready to Register and other third-party organizations that have mailed voter registration solicitations to deceased and otherwise ineligible individuals across Georgia. The Secretary of State’s Office said it has received numerous reports of voter registration mailers being sent to deceased Georgians, including one instance in which a deceased family dog received a solicitation. The office is reviewing whether these mailings violate Georgia law or otherwise undermine confidence in the state’s election system. Third-party voter registration groups routinely conduct mass-mailings before major elections. Unlike Georgia’s official voter registration process, these campaigns often…

 DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Beginning Tuesday, July 14 through Thursday, July 30, the intersection of Peachtree Boulevard and Miller Drive in Chamblee will be closed on the northbound side of Peachtree Boulevard, barring any weather delays.  From Peachtree Boulevard, motorists will need to detour to Malone Drive or Pierce Drive to Peachtree Road to access Miller Drive.  During this closure, detour signage will be installed to guide traffic along an alternate route.  Motorists should expect delays stemming from the road closure. Precautionary signs and traffic flaggers will assist local traffic in moving safely around the closed off portion of the road. Our construction crews…