Author: On Common Ground News

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – The Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner’s Office announces that all tag offices and the call center will close at noon on Friday, Dec. 5, to allow for critical system updates. Normal operations will resume on Monday, Dec. 8. Residents are encouraged to plan and take advantage of the county’s self-service kiosks and online services during the temporary closure. Tax Commissioner Denise R. Mitchell also announced an upcoming change in operating hours for all tag offices. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, tag office hours will shift to 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The call center hours will remain unchanged. This adjustment supports operational continuity and…

Update: (Peachtree Corners, Ga., Nov. 25, 2025) – Ellis Wright has been located safe. PEACHTREE CORNERS, GA– Gwinnett County Police detectives are seeking the public’s help in locating a 59-year-old man from Roswell. Ellis Wright was seen near 3330 Peachtree Corners Circle in Peachtree Corners on Nov. 24 around 2 p.m.  He is 5 foot 9 inches tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds.  He was last seen wearing black pants, a blue and black striped shirt, blue cotton jacket, black hat, and red and white shoes.  Anyone who has seen Ellis Wright is asked to call 911 immediately or contact GCPD detectives…

ATLANTA–Georgia’s Community Action Agencies has announced that the start of the 2025–2026 Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) season will be delayed, as agencies await final funding and guidance from the Georgia Department of Human Services.  Officials say the recent federal shutdown and temporary federal budget have prompted the delays and LIHEAP appointments will not open as planned on Dec. 1.  “Across the state, agencies are aligned on one message: We do not want to promise services before funding and clear direction are firmly in place,” the agencies stated. The Partnership for Community Action programs will begin accepting LIHEAP appointments on…

DECATUR, GA – Due to infrastructure upgrades on Columbia Woods/Toney Drive, motorists are advised that there will be  road closures Dec. 1- 31.  Bend Creek Road will be closed at the intersections of Bend Creek Way and Dunwoody Club Drive. Detour signage will be installed to direct traffic around the affected areas. These dates are subject to change based on weather conditions. Normal construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. An increase in construction-related noise and traffic during work hours should be expected.  For more Information, call the DeKalb Department of Watershed Management Project Information Line…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct a Special Called Meeting on Tuesday, Nov.25, 2025, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/87248468361 Join by phone at 602-333-0032 or 888-270-9936 and use conference code 740877  Agenda  Callto Order Adoptionof Agenda   III. Executive Session to Discuss Pending Litigation and Personnel Issues Motion to Convene an Executive Session Motion to Adjourn an Executive Session Motion to Approve the Executive Session Affidavit Administrative Item Motion or Action to Vote on Pending Litigation and/or Personnel Issues Public Comment Announcement of Next Regular Meeting Date of Thursday, December 18, 2025  VII. Adjournment 

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County on Dec. 13 will host its 3rd Annual Spirit of DeKalb Awards, an evening dedicated to celebrating outstanding leaders, innovators, and changemakers in the DeKalb community.  The gala will be held at Perimeter Crowne Plaza Ravinia, bringing together distinguished guests, community partners, and supporters for a night of recognition and inspiration. The event will be hosted by Ryan Cameron, award winning radio personality, comedian and philanthropist, and co-sponsored by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce . “The Spirit of DeKalb Awards is our opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary work being done across our community,” said DeKalb…

CONYERS, GA—Mayor-elect Connie Alsobrook held her first “My Mayor Listens” community forum on Thursday, Nov. 20, at Star Vision International Event Center in Olde Town, drawing a diverse audience of black, brown, and white participants to the intimate gathering. Alsobrook spent the evening fielding questions and giving attendees the opportunity to speak openly about the issues that mattered most to them. Together, they covered a broad range of topics—from zoning and economic development, to voter apathy, rapid tree loss due to aggressive tree cutting and the need for stronger preservation polices with unchecked new development. Residents also sought clarity on…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church will welcome rap artist Big Boi as he gives away turkeys and trimmings on Saturday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m., at the church’s Annual Thanksgiving Boxes Giveaway.  “We’re honored to welcome Big Boi of OutKast, newly inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as he blesses the community with 200 turkeys and joins us in person to hand them out,” said the Rev. William Flippin, Sr., senior pastor of Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church.  Adding to the celebration, Greg Street & V-103 will be on site, making this year’s Thanksgiving at The…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Excel Church Worldwide will host its Thanksgiving Turkey & Free Groceries Giveaway and a Thanksgiving Community Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 22. The turkey box and free groceries giveaway will be held at 10 a.m. and will last until supplies run out. No registration is required. The free Thanksgiving Community Dinner will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. and is open to families, seniors, individuals, and anyone in need of a warm holiday experience.  “Thanksgiving is all about gratitude and giving back. At Excel Church, we believe love looks like service. This outreach is our way of ensuring no family in…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A man accused of killing the woman working for him was found guilty of murder and sentenced to a life in prison without the possibility of parole. Edward Rodley Smith, Jr., 39, was convicted of malice murder for the shooting death of 33-year-old Breana Marie Rogers in October 2022. “This defendant took advantage of Breana Rogers and killed when she tried to escape from him,” Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “This verdict and sentence, we hope serve as justice for her loved ones and provides them with closure and healing. Rogers was staying with Smith at a…