Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 7, and will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Online and kiosk services are available daily, including weekends and holidays when the office is closed. “Our central office on Memorial Drive is busier than usual the week before and the week after a holiday. To avoid delays, I encourage taxpayers to consider kiosk and online services,” said Tax Commissioner Nicole Golden. “For walk-in service, appointments can be made ahead of time, or join the virtual waitlist for same-day service for any of the three…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A Loganville man will serve a life sentence for sexually assaulting a teen. A jury found Johnel Elisse Welch, 43, guilty of aggravated sexual battery for the 2021 incident involving a 17-year-old. He was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years, with the possibility of parole. “We will always hold those who commit crimes like these accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. According to the investigation,  on Dec. 27, 2021, the defendant had unwelcomed sexual intercourse with the teen. In court, the teen testified that the defendant threw up after…

COUNTY, GA – DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has appointed Terry G. Phillips as DeKalb County Attorney. His appointment has been confirmed by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners. As County Attorney, Phillips will lead the Law Department in representing DeKalb County and provide legal advice and counsel to the County’s governing authority, other elected and appointed officials, departments, boards and employees. “Terry Phillips brings more than three decades of legal experience, institutional knowledge and an unwavering commitment to public service,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated sound judgment, integrity and a deep understanding of the complex…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County Public Schools reported that an investigation is underway concerning a fight over the weekend that that took place during the pre-game warmups at the  Heritage High School vs. Rockdale County High football game. The Aug. 28 game was cancelled after the  altercation occurred on the field. Rockdale County Public Schools issued the following statement from Superintendent Stephanie Johnson:  “Rockdale County Public Schools is committed to providing safe, positive, and respectful environments for our students, staff, families, and community members. Unfortunately, due to an altercation that occurred on the field during pregame warmups, the decision was made…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is asking families and community members to share their perspectives on student screen time during the instructional day.  As technology continues to play an important role in teaching and learning, DCSD is committed to ensuring that district-issued devices are used in ways that are balanced, purposeful, and developmentally appropriate for students. For this survey, screen time refers specifically to the amount of time students spend using district-issued electronic devices—including Chromebooks, laptops, and tablets—for instructional purposes during the school day. This can include accessing digital instructional resources, completing assignments, practicing skills, conducting research,…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A pair of Minnesota gunmen pled guilty to gang charges for their roles in the Somalian Outlawz’s gang hit in Snellville Salih Ahmad Abdi, 24, and Abdulrahman Munye Haji-Sufi, 24, pled guilty to two counts of Violation of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for the January 2022 Snellville shooting that killed 28-year-old Tewodros “Teddy” Haile and seriously injured 36-year-old Fahmi Omer Ahmed. Haji-Sufi and Abdi, who were both 19 at the time of the shooting, were sentenced to 40 years…

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host youth and adults to experience the art and science of beekeeping during a special Honey Harvest and Beekeeping Program from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 29, at the E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm, 1185 Rock Chapel Rd., Lithonia. Founded in 2021, the E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm continues to provide innovative, hands-on opportunities that connect youth and community with agriculture, food production and the natural environment. This year’s beekeeping program will highlight one of the farm’s growing successes: more than 400 pounds of honey have been harvested from the farm’s hives this year.…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The Redan Raiders rallied from a 12-0 second quarter deficit to upend their rivals, the Stone Mountain Pirates, 34-12 at Adams Stadium on Thursday night. Following a 31-yard touchdown pass by Stone Mountain’s Isaiah Samuel to Warren Melvin to fall behind 12-0 with 7:27 to play in the first half, the Raiders began the rally on their next drive. Redan quarterback Treylen Robets connected on a screen to Khyree Jones for a 25-yard gain to get the drive rolling on the very first play from scrimmage. Another pass between the two teammates went for 16 yards and set…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) will hold a Form of Government Review Workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor Street, Conyers. Facilitated by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, the one-day workshop will provide the BOC with an opportunity to review Rockdale County’s current form of government and County Charter, examine alternative forms of government available to Georgia counties and better understand how potential changes may occur through home rule or legislative action. “This workshop gives us an opportunity to take a careful…

CONYERS GA—The Conyers City Council will hold a work session on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 4 p.m., in Council Chambers at Conyers City Hall, 901 O’Kelly Street, Conyers.  The City Council will meet at 6 p.m., following the work session.  Both meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed on the city’s website: conyersga.com. Citizen comments are part of the work session and council meeting agendas, providing  citizens the opportunity to address the council. Agendas are available to citizens prior to the meetings on the city website at https://www.conyersga.com/government/city-government/council-agendas-and-minutes or by requesting them via City Clerk Nicole Holsomback at nicole.holsomback@conyersga.gov.  For…