Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the conviction by jury trial of two men accused in a deadly gas station shootout. A third suspect is still at large. On Nov. 7, 2025, jurors found Jeremy Collins, 29, guilty of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony in connection with the shooting death of Keng Wilson, 20. Jurors also found Joshua Ontario Simpson, 29, guilty of Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by First Offender Probationer, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. DeKalb County Superior Court…

DeKalb County  DeKalb County government closings DEKALB COUNTY GA–All DeKalb County government buildings, events, and county-sponsored programming will be closed this weekend, including recreation centers, libraries, and non-essential in-person services. Closures are being implemented out of an abundance of caution to protect residents and employees. County officials will continue to evaluate conditions and provide updates, including whether closures will be extended into next week. To further support residents, CJ Avery, director of the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), released a public safety video outlining steps individuals and families can take to prepare for winter weather, including guidance on protecting people, pets, plants,…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson has issued a declaration of local emergency in advance of the major winter storm forecasted by the National Weather Service.  Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order on Thursday, Jan. 22, declaring a state of emergency across Georgia due to the storm’s projected impact. The order makes available all resources of the state of Georgia to assist in preparation, response and recovery activities associated with the winter storm across the state.  Similarly, the local declaration activates certain emergency powers under the Gwinnett County Emergency Management Ordinance. The declaration allows for the use of all…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The NAACP DeKalb County Branch is hosting a Community Engagement Forum on Feb. 10. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center.   The forum will provide an opportunity for participants to learn more about the 2026 Mid-Term and upcoming special elections; to hear community engagement strategies; and learn more about the value of community partnerships.  Citizens will be able to share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate on shaping the future of DeKalb County.  “This is an opportunity for everyone to have a voice in the decisions that affect our daily lives,” said NAACP DeKalb County Branch President Edwina Clanton.…

ATLANTA –Georgia Power teams are making final preparations to respond to damage and power outages caused by Winter Storm Fern, which is bringing the potential for significant snow and ice this weekend followed by winds and subfreezing temperatures. More than 10,000 personnel including Georgia Power, contracting companies and partner utilities in Florida and other states, are engaged and ready to support the company’s response effort.  The current forecast predicts freezing rain and subfreezing temperatures, which have the potential to cause power outages. Ice adds weight to tree branches, increasing the chances they will snap and fall onto power lines. Small…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police(DKPD) welcome the community to a series of upcoming Town Hall meetings.  DKPD Chief Greg Padrick and other Department leaders will talk about how crimes and crimefighting initiatives in 2025, as well as look ahead to how we plan to keep the people of DeKalb County safe in 2026.  The public is encouraged to attend the Town Hall for the precinct where they live:  ·      East: Jan. 28, 6-8pm, Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road ·      Tucker: Feb. 2, 6-8pm, Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library, 5234 Lavista Road ·      North Central: Feb. 4, 6-8pm, Tobie Grant Rec Center, 593 Parkdale Driv…

ATLANTA – DeKalb County House Delegation Chair Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), Vice Chair Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Secretary Long Tran (D-Dunwoody), along with members of the DeKalb County House Legislative Delegation, will hold a virtual delegation meeting with DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. via Zoom. CEO Cochran Johnson will address the delegation regarding DeKalb County’s priorities for the 2026 legislative session, including intergovernmental coordination, policy needs impacting county operations and opportunities for collaboration between state and local leadership. The meeting will provide legislators with an opportunity to hear directly from the county’s…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to forecasted freezing temperatures and hazardous wind chills weather forecasters are referring to as “Winter Storm Fern,” DeKalb County is activating warming centers for those in need of shelter.  The warming centers will open beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan.24, Sunday, Jan. 25, and Monday, Jan.26.  The following locations will be open on Jan. 24 through Jan. 26 for the 24-hour activation: Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Dr., Decatur Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Rd SE, Atlanta St. Vincent de Paul, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Rd, Chamblee Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 593 Parkdale Dr, Scottdale, GA 30079 All transportation routes originate from Frontline…

ATLANTA – Gov. Brian P. Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency today, Jan. 22,  ahead of Winter Storm Fern’s impact on the state this weekend. The Governor also directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) and mobilize any needed resources to address any potential needs around the state. The State of Emergency will run through January 29, 2026. “As forecasts continue to evolve, Georgians should be prepared for freezing precipitation that causes dangerous conditions and the potential for damage and power loss beginning Saturday,” said Gov.  Kemp. “I have been working closely…