Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s office has relaunched its redesigned website to enhance and improve online experiences for over half a million users each year. With a fresh new look and feel, the site, relaunched in October,   is better organized, easier to navigate, and user-friendly, Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson said. “As we continue to focus on delivering quality customer service, I encourage taxpayers to explore the redesigned website at DeKalbTax.org,” said Johnson. “The updated site serves to help taxpayers find answers quickly, efficiently and accurately before visiting the office. It’s a great tool to learn about the tax office and the…

 LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A Norcross man will serve 25 years in prison for molesting a 9-year-old girl. A Gwinnett County jury found Feliciano Albarran Real, 61, guilty of aggravated child molestation for the January 2021 attack. He was sentenced to life with 25 years to serve in prison. Real also must register for life as a child sex offender. “This is despicable behavior, and we are grateful that the jury found this defendant guilty,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “We pray that this victim and her family find justice and solace in this outcome, as we continue to work with them…

Updated: Oct. 29, 2025 And Updated: Oct. 30, 2025

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – Two brothers were convicted murdering a Gainesville man after a verbal altercation inside a nightclub and have been sentenced to life in prison plus five years. Deavian Jasiri-Teeir Netters, 25, was convicted last Friday(Oct. 24) of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for the April 2021 shooting death of 37-year-old Shaquon Anthony McKensey. Julian Patrick Netters, Jr., 24, Deavian’s brother, was found guilty on felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the shooting.  “We hope that…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police continue to search for the best and brightest officers at a one-stop hiring event. The department is hosting a job hiring event on Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 593 Parkdale Road, Scottdale.  Job candidates will start by running the physical agility test. They’ll want a change of clothes, because if they’re successful in the physical test, they’ll sit down for interviews and psychological evaluation. New recruits can earn a starting salary up to $64,050 with a $3,000 signing bonus. Sworn officers can earn up to $73,500 with a…

STONECREST, GA—The Stonecrest Business Alliance will host its Fall Membership and Community Breakfast on Nov. 19, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Privi Stonecrest, 8020 Mall Parkway, parking Lot 1C, Stonecrest.  The event offers an opportunity for fellow business owners, civic leaders and community members to connect.  Guest speakers for the event include Katrina Young, business and expansion manager for Decide DeKalb, and Sunny Anderson, Decide DeKalb director of Economic Development. The speakers will share updates on the DeKalb Strategic Economic Development Plan. Learn about new developments and find out how to position your business for success.    Young formerly…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—An Atlanta man accused of multiple sexual assaults nearly 40 years ago will spend the rest of his life in prison, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced on today, Oct. 24. Jeffrey Briney, now 61, was found guilty of two counts of Rape, five counts of Kidnapping, five counts of Criminal Attempt to Commit Armed Robbery, five counts of Aggravated Assault and two counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony in connection with an incident on March 28, 1986.  Jeffrey Briney’s brother, David Briney, also has been found guilty in connection with…

Wednesday, October 29, 2025  9:00 am Called Meeting & Executive Session  Cabinet Room 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard  Stone Mountain, GA 30083  The called meeting & executive session agenda is attached and can be accessed online by going to: www.dekalbschoolsga.org, click on Board of Education, go to Meeting Agendas and click on the date for the meeting agenda/information. The meeting can be viewed at the following link on DeKalb Schools TV (DSTV) by going to: www.dekalbschoolsga.org/communications/dstv. Click on the DSTV icon and scroll down to the BOE Meetings section. 

ATLANTA— The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued an advisory concerning the construction the SR 400 Express Lanes Project.  Beginning Oct. 27, motorists should expect delays, exercise caution, and reduce their speed while traveling S.R. 400 as construction gets underway for the Express Lanes Project. Motorists should check the SR 400 Express Lanes website for the latest updates before heading out. Additionally, get real-time information on work status and traffic conditions by calling “ 511,” visiting 511ga.org, or downloading the “Georgia 511” app. The project will construct new express lanes in both directions along an approximately 16-mile section of State Route (SR)…