Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA – Authorities are investigating a threat against the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority’s IT system, officials said in a press release.  The  Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority received information from the FBI regarding a credible and imminent threat against its IT systems.  Out of an abundance of caution, the Authority initiated its attack defense protocol and has taken its system down to protect the Authority’s data and the data of all users statewide, which includes the DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk’s Office.  The Rockdale County Clerk of Courts Office stated in a pop-up announcements on its web site: “Due…

Georgia residents can now use their digital driver’s license as a valid proof of their age to buy alcohol and tobacco products. From retailers.  The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) said the Digital Driver’s Licenses, also known as mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) issued by the department is a major step forward in modernizing identification for Georgians.   “By embracing the Georgia Digital License and ID, we’re providing Georgians with a secure, convenient new option to prove their age, one that keeps pace with 21st-century technology while still prioritizing accuracy and safety,” said DDS Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon The Georgia Department of…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– A Snellville man who went on a violent shooting spree attacking several former high-school classmates was convicted on multiple charges for the homicide attempts. Jet Horne, 20, was found guilty of criminal attempt to commit a felony, six counts of aggravated assault, eight counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, three counts of first-degree criminal damage to property, and one count of hijacking a motor vehicle for three different shooting attacks between December 2024 and May 2025. He was sentenced to 30 years with 25 to serve in prison. “We continue to…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – Rockdale County announces significant changes to the Recycling Center’s fee structure, transitioning from a pay-per-item model to an annual hangtag system beginning Dec. 1, 2025. Starting February 1, 2026, all visitors to the Rockdale County Recycling Center will be required to display a valid annual hangtag for access as well. The new system offers hangtags at $150 per year for county residents, with a discounted rate of $100 per year for citizens ages 60 and older. “This transition will eliminate the long lines that often back up onto Sigman Road and streamline the entire drop-off process,”…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – The Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner’s Office announces that all tag offices and the call center will close at noon on Friday, Dec. 5, to allow for critical system updates. Normal operations will resume on Monday, Dec. 8. Residents are encouraged to plan and take advantage of the county’s self-service kiosks and online services during the temporary closure. Tax Commissioner Denise R. Mitchell also announced an upcoming change in operating hours for all tag offices. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, tag office hours will shift to 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The call center hours will remain unchanged. This adjustment supports operational continuity and…

PEACHTREE CORNERS, GA– Gwinnett County Police detectives are seeking the public’s help in locating a 59-year-old man from Roswell. Ellis Wright was seen near 3330 Peachtree Corners Circle in Peachtree Corners on Nov. 24 around 2 p.m.  He is 5 foot 9 inches tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds.  He was last seen wearing black pants, a blue and black striped shirt, blue cotton jacket, black hat, and red and white shoes.  Anyone who has seen Ellis Wright is asked to call 911 immediately or contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  PEACHTREE CORNERS, GA– Gwinnett County Police detectives are seeking the public’s help…

ATLANTA–Georgia’s Community Action Agencies has announced that the start of the 2025–2026 Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) season will be delayed, as agencies await final funding and guidance from the Georgia Department of Human Services.  Officials say the recent federal shutdown and temporary federal budget have prompted the delays and LIHEAP appointments will not open as planned on Dec. 1.  “Across the state, agencies are aligned on one message: We do not want to promise services before funding and clear direction are firmly in place,” the agencies stated. The Partnership for Community Action programs will begin accepting LIHEAP appointments on…

DECATUR, GA – Due to infrastructure upgrades on Columbia Woods/Toney Drive, motorists are advised that there will be  road closures Dec. 1- 31.  Bend Creek Road will be closed at the intersections of Bend Creek Way and Dunwoody Club Drive. Detour signage will be installed to direct traffic around the affected areas. These dates are subject to change based on weather conditions. Normal construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. An increase in construction-related noise and traffic during work hours should be expected.  For more Information, call the DeKalb Department of Watershed Management Project Information Line…