Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA — The DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office, in partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine, has welcomed the inaugural fellow of its newly established Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program, marking a historic milestone in forensic medicine and medical education.  The fellowship, ACGME-accredited on April 24, 2025, is the first forensic pathology fellowship in the nation sponsored by a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). The program reflects a shared commitment by DeKalb County and Morehouse School of Medicine to expand access to specialized medical training while increasing diversity within the forensic pathology profession.  On…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) is launching its first-ever online real estate surplus auctions.  The initiative marks a significant step in expanding public access to surplus property opportunities by making auctions available to qualified bidders across Georgia and beyond through a transparent, easy-to-access online platform. Currently, the department has approximately 200 parcels available for sale. The current inventory features varied parcel sizes ranging from 0.05 to 17 acres, including suitable development sites, irregular remnant tracts, and wetland mitigated sites. Additional surplus real estate opportunities can be found on an ongoing basis.  “Moving our surplus real estate auctions online helps us reach a much…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Neighborhoods across DeKalb County’s Super District 7 are encouraged to apply for a new beautification program offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to enhance shared community spaces. Super D-7 Commissioner LaDena Bolton, in partnership with the DeKalb County Community Development Department, announced the launch of the Super District 7 Beautification Grant Program on Aug. 6.  Bolton said the initiative is designed to provide funding to HOAs, civic organizations, and residents who represent their communities to enhance the visual appeal and livability of communities across DeKalb County’s Super District 7. Bolton emphasized that the program reflects her commitment…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is proud to recognize National Emergency Management Awareness Month throughout August. The campaign is designed to increase public awareness of the emergency management profession and recognize the dedicated professionals who work every day to help communities, businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, and government agencies prepare for emergencies and disasters.  “Emergency managers are the professionals who help communities and organizations prepare for the unexpected long before disaster strikes,” said Josh Morton, MPA, CEM, SCCEM, President of the IAEM-USA Council. “National Emergency Management Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize their contributions and increase…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– William “Buck” Godfrey, the winningest high school football coach in DeKalb County passed away this past weekend, Godfrey’s family announced on Saturday, Aug. 1. Godfrey was 83. Godfrey’s daughter, Rashan Ali Smith, thanked the community for its outpouring of love, stating that the family would release details of the celebration of life service for her father once plans are solidified. “…Our family is extremely grateful for the outpouring of love we have received since the ascension of our hero, William “Buck” Godfrey. The indelible impact he made on our lives will forever be guarded and revered. We…

DECATUR, GA – Following the successful submission and approval of the county’s 2026 tax digest by the Georgia Department of Revenue on Wednesday, July 29, the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office will mail nearly 260,000 tax bills to property owners beginning Friday, Aug. 14.  Bills for City of Atlanta properties in DeKalb will be mailed later. “The preparation of the County’s annual tax digest is a collective effort. In conjunction with the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, CEO, Tax Assessor’s Office (Property Appraisal), GIS, Boards of Education, city governments, and county administration, my office works diligently to ensure taxes are calculated accurately.…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A 52-year-old child mental health therapist has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a teen girl over the course of two years. He  is now awaiting sentence, the Gwinnett County District Attorney said.  A Gwinnett County jury found Gregory Leon Frazier guilty on two counts of rape, two counts of aggravated child molestation, statutory rape, and aggravated sexual battery.  “Sexual abuse is a crime and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson. “This defendant was a child mental health practitioner, and it is egregious that he took advantage of a child’s vulnerability.”…

CONYERS, GA –  The Rockdale County Board of Education officially announced on Thursday, July 30, the appointment of Dr. Stephanie Johnson as  Superintendent of Rockdale County Public Schools. Following a comprehensive search process that included extensive stakeholder input, candidate screening, interviews, and deliberation, the Board voted at its meeting on Thursday, July 16,  to identify Johnson as the sole finalist. After the required 14-day waiting period, the Board voted unanimously to appoint  Johnson as the new Superintendent of Rockdale County Public Schools effective Monday, Aug. 3. “We are excited to have Dr. Johnson begin on our first day of school,” said…