Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Following the successful review and approval of the county’s 2025 tax digest by the Georgia Department of Revenue on Friday, Aug. 1, the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office will mail more than 250,000 tax bills to property owners beginning Aug. 15. Bills for City of Atlanta properties in DeKalb will be mailed later.  “Each year, this office along with the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, CEO, Tax Assessor’s Office (Property Appraisal), GIS, Boards of Education, city governments, and county administration, work together to prepare the county’s tax digest,” said Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson. “Now my office can…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police are preparing for a countywide gun safe giveaway event on Aug. 9, providing free gun safes.  The event follows the tragic death of a 5-year-old South DeKalb boy who was accidentally shot in the chest on July 23 by his twin brother after the children found a gun in their mother’s purse. Their mother, LaNecia Bennett, 25, is now facing charges that include a count of second-degree murder. Gun safes will be available for free at any DeKalb County Police precinct. But in light of the recent deadly shooting, DKPD plans to hold a giveaway…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A Buford man was convicted of killing his live-in girlfriend and her teen son and leaving their bodies in a locked bedroom while trying to flee to Mexico.   William Jerome Adams, 29, was found guilty of two counts of felony murder and two counts of aggravated assault for the March 2021 shooting deaths of Mary Lindsay, 39, and 15-year-old Atif Muhammad, Jr. Adams was ordered to serve two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office announced on Aug. 1. “The verdict and sentence are fitting for a defendant who…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has appointed William “Bill” Linkous III as County Attorney, bringing seasoned leadership, institutional knowledge, and legal excellence to one of the most critical roles in County government. “Bill Linkous is a respected legal strategist with decades of experience guiding local governments through complex challenges,” said Cochran-Johnson. “As we implement a bold agenda for DeKalb County, we need steady, principled leadership in our legal office, and Bill brings that in abundance. His return is not only a homecoming, but a tremendous asset for our future.” Linkous, a veteran government attorney, previously served…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has appointed Juliana A. Njoku as the new Director of Planning & Sustainability, marking a key step in the County’s agenda to modernize operations, increase community engagement, and drive equitable growth. “Juliana Njoku brings a unique blend of strategic vision, technical expertise, and community-centered leadership,” said Cochran-Johnson. “As we work to streamline development processes and build stronger, more inclusive communities, Juliana’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of DeKalb County.” Njoku brings more than 25 years of experience in urban planning, project management, and community development, with a strong track record in…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale fire crews are at the scene of  an auto body shop at 1636 Iris Drive responding to a fire. Plumes of dark smoke were visible near  I-20 and West Avenue around 6 p.m. today, July 31.  Heavy rain is underway as well as lightning. Motorists advised to take precaution and shelter.  Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office has blocked off a portion of the road directly in front of 1636 Iris Drive. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Photo and Video By Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.com https://youtu.be/h8MUzJbnRZI

DECATUR, GA –The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit has made an arrest in connection with a man found in a burning car last December. On July 22, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals and South Fulton Police Department S.W.A.T., sheriff’s investigators located and arrested Marcus Overstreet, 42, of Atlanta at a Flat Shoals Road apartment in Union City. According to arrest warrants, Overstreet is accused of Malice Murder in the shooting death of 36-year-old Mario Culver of Lithonia, on Dec. 22i n Ellenwood, Georgia. Culver’s body was found in a burning car on Wilson Avenue in Atlanta. Overstreet was also arrested…

ATLANTA –State Representatives Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale) on Tuesday commemorated the 60th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid.  Signed into law on July 30, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Medicare provides health coverage to seniors and people with disabilities, while Medicaid delivers care to low-income families, pregnant women, children and seniors in long-term care. “Medicare and Medicaid are more than government programs—they are lifelines,” said Rep. Schofield. “For 60 years, they’ve helped our families stay healthy, age with dignity and avoid financial ruin in times of illness. In Georgia, Medicaid supports…