Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA- Today, Aug. 27, DeKalb County announced a program to assist seniors (aged 62 years and over) with a no-cost removal of dangerous trees that threaten the safety and well-being of DeKalb County residents. The DeKalb Senior Tree Removal Program was approved by the Board of Commissioners in January 2025 and will be administered by the Department of Community Development. To qualify for funding, eligibility requirements are: Homeowner must be a DeKalb County senior citizen aged 62 years or older. Property for tree removal must be the homeowner’s principal residence. Homeowner’s total household income must be at of below 60 percent of…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) will host its annual National Preparedness Day event on Saturday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers. The free, family-friendly event aims to educate the community on the importance of being proactive and prepared for all types of emergencies—including natural, man-made, and technological disasters. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore information booths, watch live demonstrations, and participate in interactive presentations throughout the day. Partnering organizations include Rockdale County Fire Rescue, Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, Conyers Police Department, Animal Services, the Community Emergency…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA— The City of Lilburn has hired an unusual cleanup crew to tackle a growing problem. A herd of 91 goats from Fritz Family Farms of Monticello, GA, has been deployed to chomp away the invasive kudzu growing along the creek at Lilburn City Park.   For approximately 10 days, these “eco-friendly landscapers will be on the job, clearing invasive vegetation the natural way. While the goats are not available for petting, visitors can catch them in action from a safe distance behind a temporary fence line along the creek.  “The goats provide a sustainable and effective solution for controlling…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Rockdale County officials announced that nearly $2.6 million in federal funding has been included in the FY26 appropriations bills to support three critical local projects. These investments, championed by Congressman David Scott and Senator Jon Ossoff, represent significant steps forward in transportation access, trail improvements, and senior services for Rockdale residents. The House Appropriations Committee bill includes two projects submitted by  Congressman Scott:  Rockdale Veterans Transportation Program Vehicle Acquisition– $165,200 Rockdale River Trail Improvements– $500,000 Separately, the Senate Appropriations Committee included $1,900,000 submitted by U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff for its Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill:  Senior Center Satellite Project “These…

All offices closed Sept. 1 in observance of Labor Day DEKALB COUNTY, GA– In observance of Labor Day, the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office will be closed for the holiday on Monday, Sept. 1 and will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 2.  To avoid delays, motor vehicle customers may go online to renew their vehicle registration, pay insurance fines, check their vehicle title and insurance status, change their vehicle registration address, and more at eservices.drives.ga.gov. Self-service tag renewal kiosks are also available at participating Kroger stores in DeKalb. Customers may renew and print decals on the spot instead of…

ATLANTA–ATLANTA – DeKalb County honored the life and legacy of Officer David Rose on Friday, Aug. 22. More than 1,500 community members, relatives, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries gathered at First Baptist Church of Atlanta for a public memorial. Law enforcement officers from across the nation attended, underscoring the deep respect and gratitude for Officer Rose’s service. Distinguished guests at the memorial included Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp; U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia Theodore Hertzberg; elected officials from across DeKalb County and metro Atlanta; leadership at Emory University, including President Gregory L. Fenves; and leadership at the CDC,…

Jamon Coggins threw for two touchdowns and ran for another to lead the Lithonia Bulldogs to a 36-0 win over the Redan Raiders in rain-delayed high school football game at Cobb Stadium on Friday night, Aug. 22. The Bulldog defense was also key in helping Lithonia move to 2-0 on the season with seven tackles for a loss or no gain in the first half, while limiting the Raiders to minus three yards rushing and just 37 yards of offense. The defense added two interceptions, and special teams got a safety and a blocked punt in the 36-0 first half.…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – DeKalb District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson announced on Monday, Aug. 25, the development of a new Lucious Sanders Recreation Center in the city of Lithonia.  The county is investing $17 million to transform the outdated center, which has served the community for more than 40 years.  “The citizens of District 5 and the City of Lithonia deserve this new facility, and that is why I am proud to have allocated over $2 million in District 5 funding toward the total $17 million investment,” said Commissioner Davis Johnson. Super District 7 Commissioner LaDena Bolton, who also supported…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced convictions by guilty pleas in the cases against a Decatur man accused of two separate assaults of women inside their own homes.  On Monday, August 25, Nathan Mullins, 36, pleaded guilty to charges of Aggravated Sodomy, Rape, Armed Robbery, Home Invasion in the First Degree, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in connection with an incident in Lithonia on June 4, 2019.  Mullins also pleaded guilty to charges of Aggravated Sodomy, Rape, Armed Robbery, Home Invasion…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural will hold a community meeting to discuss future plans for the Alice White Bussey Intergenerational Center on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 6– 7:30 p.m., at the Ellenwood Library, 4331 River Road, Ellenwood, GA The community is invited to attend and provide input regarding the center. The meeting will give an opportunity for the community to learn more about the proposed amenities and share ideas For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, public relations specialist,at 404-710-6331 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.