Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – Rockdale County residents can receive free basic tax preparation assistance during the 2026 tax filing season through the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.  Post 1 Commissioner Tuwanya Smith is hosting a VITA site that will be managed by The Accounting Cure, LLC, a local CPA firm, in partnership with The Tax Cure and Relief Foundation, Inc. and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Eta Lambda Chapter. The program will operate at Johnson Park in Conyers from January 31 through April 16, 2026, offering services on Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit has arrested Brandon Walker, 25, with the statutory rape of a 15-year-old girl.  Walker, who had active warrants issued by the Duluth Police Department, was arrested in Lithonia on Jan. 23 by the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. Walker was charged with  Statutory Rape, Child Molestation by Electronic Device, Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes, and Creating or Possessing a Visual Medium Depicting Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct. According to the arrest warrant, Walker engaged in sex with the teen while recording the act.  Walker was taken into custody without incident and is currently…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County’s Emergency Management Agency is calling on local churches to assist in providing shelter, food and other resources for those who are unhoused, as Georgia faces freezing temperatures over the next few days.  In addition to food, shelter and transportation, Rockdale’s EMA needs volunteers to sit at the JP Carr Community Center, where shelter is being provided through Sunday, Feb. 1. “Over the past few days, the County has been assisting unhoused individuals in the Community during the extreme cold temperatures.  We plan to offer these services from 7a.m. – 7 p.m. until Sunday, February 1st at the…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has announced the appointment of Robert L. Gordon as Director of Public Works, effective immediately. Gordon brings more than four decades of progressive leadership experience in public works and fleet management to this role. He most recently served as Deputy Director of Fleet Management for DeKalb County, where he led countywide fleet procurement, maintenance, and lifecycle management operations, oversaw budget development and financial planning, and directed daily operations supporting critical public safety and infrastructure services. “Robert Gordon is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the complex operations that keep DeKalb County…

CONYERS, GA— Conyers Mayor and City Council are introducing a new means of engagement and collaboration with citizens: Conyers Conversations and Listening Sessions. The first Conyers Conversations will be held on Monday, Feb. 9, from 6 to 7 p.m.,. at Cherokee Run Golf Club and will be hosted by Council members Charlie Bryant and Sherri L. Washington, representing Conyers District 2. All citizens are invited to attend. “The idea to introduce listening sessions to Conyers residents stemmed from discussion at our recent planning retreat,” said Council Member Sherri Washington. “We want to provide an intimate space where we can speak freely with…

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…