Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to forecasted freezing temperatures and hazardous wind chills, DeKalb County will activate warming centers through Jan. 30: The following locations will be open on Jan. 26-30 for the 24-hour activation:   Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta St. Vincent de Paul, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Road, Chamblee (Night Only) Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 593 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale  All transportation routes will originate from Frontline Response Headquarters, 2585 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta Routes will begin at 6 p.m., with initial pickups completed by 7:30 p.m. Following the initial pickups, final sweep operations will continue 7:30 –10 p.m., with all routes concluding promptly at 10 p.m. During…

GWINNETTCOUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County has launched an updated GwinnettCounty.com website with an emphasis on connecting residents, businesses and visitors to the County’s programs and services. The updated website offers a new look, streamlines navigation and ensures compliance with federal accessibility requirements. Updates to the new website include a single sign-on with enhanced security standards for residents to access services like water bill pay and business license renewal. Residents will now use their email address to log in instead of a username, and existing accounts may need updated passwords on the initial login. While the web address GwinnettCounty.com remains unchanged, the site’s page URLs have been…

ATLANTA –State Representatives Sandra G. Scott (D-Rex), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) are calling on the Georgia General Assembly to approve a $500 million investment to better support students living in poverty through House Bill 27, the Investing in Every Student Act. The legislation was introduced by Reps. Scott, Davis and Schofield during the 2025 legislative session. “This is not about politics—this is about children,” said Rep. Scott, sponsor of HB 27. “Students living in poverty face challenges that extend far beyond the classroom, yet Georgia’s funding formula has never fully acknowledged that reality. A $500 million investment…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Due to predicted winter weather conditions and the declaration of a State of Emergency, upcoming DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and committee meetings will be conducted via teleconference (Zoom) to ensure public safety and continuity of government operations. Simultaneous public access to all meetings will be available via live stream on DCTV’s webpage at www.DCTVChannel23.TV, via Zoom, or by telephone. Members of the public should note that individuals who join meetings by telephone may have their phone numbers displayed to other meeting participants and viewers. Scheduled Meetings Special Called Finance, Audit, and Budget (FAB) Committee Meeting Date: Monday, Jan. 26…

ATLANTA – Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced a delay in Candidate Qualifying for State House Districts 94 and 130, supporting Gov. Brian Kemp’s declaration of a State of Emergency in anticipation of severe winter weather across the state.  Due to the closure of state offices in Atlanta on Monday, Jan. 26, qualifying for special elections for State House Districts 94 and 130 will now begin on Tuesday, Jan. 27, barring further developments. Adjusted hours for qualifying to State House Districts 94 and 130 special elections are now Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, from…

ATLANTA–Due to inclement weather conditions, all Tax Commissioner’s offices, including all DMV offices, will be closed on Monday, January 26,2026. This closure is in response to guidance from County Emergency Management, which is urging residents to stay off the roads for safety reasons. While in-person services will be unavailable, online services will remain accessible during the closure. Customers are encouraged to utilize online options for transactions and information. Normal operations are expected to resume once conditions improve and it is safe to do so. Updates will be provided as needed. For additional information and online services, please visit gwinnetttaxcommissioner.com  Digital Learning Day for Gwinnett County students on…

DECATUR GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the conviction by jury trial of two men accused in a deadly gas station shootout. A third suspect is still at large. On Nov. 7, 2025, jurors found Jeremy Collins, 29, guilty of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony in connection with the shooting death of Keng Wilson, 20. Jurors also found Joshua Ontario Simpson, 29, guilty of Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by First Offender Probationer, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. DeKalb County Superior Court…

DEKALB COUNTY DeKalb County government closings DEKALB COUNTY GA–All DeKalb County government buildings, events, and county-sponsored programming will be closed this weekend, including recreation centers, libraries, and non-essential in-person services. Closures are being implemented out of an abundance of caution to protect residents and employees. County officials will continue to evaluate conditions and provide updates, including whether closures will be extended into next week. To further support residents, CJ Avery, director of the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), released a public safety video outlining steps individuals and families can take to prepare for winter weather, including guidance on protecting people, pets, plants,…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson has issued a declaration of local emergency in advance of the major winter storm forecasted by the National Weather Service.  Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order on Thursday, Jan. 22, declaring a state of emergency across Georgia due to the storm’s projected impact. The order makes available all resources of the state of Georgia to assist in preparation, response and recovery activities associated with the winter storm across the state.  Similarly, the local declaration activates certain emergency powers under the Gwinnett County Emergency Management Ordinance. The declaration allows for the use of all…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The NAACP DeKalb County Branch is hosting a Community Engagement Forum on Feb. 10. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center.   The forum will provide an opportunity for participants to learn more about the 2026 Mid-Term and upcoming special elections; to hear community engagement strategies; and learn more about the value of community partnerships.  Citizens will be able to share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate on shaping the future of DeKalb County.  “This is an opportunity for everyone to have a voice in the decisions that affect our daily lives,” said NAACP DeKalb County Branch President Edwina Clanton.…