Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Neighborhoods across DeKalb County’s Super District 7 are encouraged to apply for a new beautification program offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to enhance shared community spaces. Super D-7 Commissioner LaDena Bolton, in partnership with the DeKalb County Community Development Department, announced the launch of the Super District 7 Beautification Grant Program on Aug. 6.  Bolton said the initiative is designed to provide funding to HOAs, civic organizations, and residents who represent their communities to enhance the visual appeal and livability of communities across DeKalb County’s Super District 7. Bolton emphasized that the program reflects her commitment…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is proud to recognize National Emergency Management Awareness Month throughout August. The campaign is designed to increase public awareness of the emergency management profession and recognize the dedicated professionals who work every day to help communities, businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, and government agencies prepare for emergencies and disasters.  “Emergency managers are the professionals who help communities and organizations prepare for the unexpected long before disaster strikes,” said Josh Morton, MPA, CEM, SCCEM, President of the IAEM-USA Council. “National Emergency Management Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize their contributions and increase…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– William “Buck” Godfrey, the winningest high school football coach in DeKalb County passed away this past weekend, Godfrey’s family announced on Saturday, Aug. 1. Godfrey was 83. Godfrey’s daughter, Rashan Ali Smith, thanked the community for its outpouring of love, stating that the family would release details of the celebration of life service for her father once plans are solidified. “…Our family is extremely grateful for the outpouring of love we have received since the ascension of our hero, William “Buck” Godfrey. The indelible impact he made on our lives will forever be guarded and revered. We…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Rockdale County Water System has issued a Boil Water Advisory effective 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026.  A water main break in Rockdale County on Tuesday has nearly half of the county under a boil water advisory. The water main break, which was caused by a private  contractor working in the area,  led to an outage in the Sigman Road and Rockbridge Road areas. The contractor accidentally damaged a 12-inch water main near the intersection, resulting in low water pressure for customers in the affected areas. Rockdale Water Resources crews responded and repaired the damaged water main,…

DECATUR, GA – Following the successful submission and approval of the county’s 2026 tax digest by the Georgia Department of Revenue on Wednesday, July 29, the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office will mail nearly 260,000 tax bills to property owners beginning Friday, Aug. 14.  Bills for City of Atlanta properties in DeKalb will be mailed later. “The preparation of the County’s annual tax digest is a collective effort. In conjunction with the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, CEO, Tax Assessor’s Office (Property Appraisal), GIS, Boards of Education, city governments, and county administration, my office works diligently to ensure taxes are calculated accurately.…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A 52-year-old child mental health therapist has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a teen girl over the course of two years. He  is now awaiting sentence, the Gwinnett County District Attorney said.  A Gwinnett County jury found Gregory Leon Frazier guilty on two counts of rape, two counts of aggravated child molestation, statutory rape, and aggravated sexual battery.  “Sexual abuse is a crime and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson. “This defendant was a child mental health practitioner, and it is egregious that he took advantage of a child’s vulnerability.”…

CONYERS, GA –  The Rockdale County Board of Education officially announced on Thursday, July 30, the appointment of Dr. Stephanie Johnson as  Superintendent of Rockdale County Public Schools. Following a comprehensive search process that included extensive stakeholder input, candidate screening, interviews, and deliberation, the Board voted at its meeting on Thursday, July 16,  to identify Johnson as the sole finalist. After the required 14-day waiting period, the Board voted unanimously to appoint  Johnson as the new Superintendent of Rockdale County Public Schools effective Monday, Aug. 3. “We are excited to have Dr. Johnson begin on our first day of school,” said…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police Department will host mid-year town hall meetings in August to update neighbors on crimefighting efforts throughout the community. Police Chief Greg Padrick and other DKPD leaders will discuss strategies the department has used in the first half of 2026 to solve and prevent crime across DeKalb. They will also discuss key investigations that have made a major impact on public safety. Residents are invited to either town hall, but they are encouraged to attend the meeting specific to their local precinct.  The Town Hall for North Central and Tucker Precincts will be held Aug.…