Author: On Common Ground News

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Gwinnett County government has been nationally recognized for several innovative public service initiatives that demonstrate its commitment to forward-thinking governance and strong community engagement.  The County earned multiple 2025 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo)—spanning  a wide range of departments and service areas, from emergency preparedness to volunteer engagement.  Among Gwinnett’s winning entries: Gwinnett Community Block Party– Organized by the Department of Planning and Development, this first-of-its-kind event brought residents together to learn about County services, participate in hands-on art projects and share input on community priorities, all in a festive, family-friendly environment. Volunteer Events for…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A Stockbridge teen who fatally shot a schoolmate outside a restaurant was sentenced to life in prison DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced on Wednesday, July 9, following the hearing.  Jakari Naki Childs, 18, was found guilty of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Pistol or Revolver by a Person Under 18 Years Old in connection with the fatal shooting of Jacob Johnson, 16, on July 15, 2023.  Childs was 16 at the time of the shooting.   DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Stacey K. Hydrick,…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a 2nd community open house to discuss the Fisher Trail Park Master Plan on Tuesday, July 15, 6 – 7:30 p.m., at the Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur, GA.  The community is invited to attend and encouraged to provide input regarding the Fisher Trail Park Master Plan. The master plan will provide guidance for future park improvements. For more information, contact Caleb Wittenmyer, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs greenspace manager, at 404-904-3028 or ckwittenmyer@dekalbcountyga.gov.

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) Outdoor Advertising Unit is transitioning from paper to online applications and renewals using a new online application system and portal. This includes all sign permits, sign permit changes, transfers, and all other activities associated with applying for and managing those permits. This change will be completed within the next few months. After the change is complete, paper applications will not be accepted.   The new online application and payment system can be accessed here. According to Buddy Sanders, Georgia DOT Outdoor Advertising Manager, having an online portal will expedite the application process by automating much…

Property information website to be offline July 19 – Aug. 4 DECATUR, GA– Public access to the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office online property information website will be unavailable July 19 through Aug. 4. Online property search, e-bills and payment functions will be inaccessible during this time. Property owners may call the office for assistance regarding homestead exemptions, exemption application status, and delinquent tax during business hours. “Each year, this office works diligently to prepare for the annual digest submission and calculate property taxes,” said DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson. “Following the successful approval of the county’s tax digest…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA—The Gwinnett County Police Department(GCPD) is seeking the public’s help in locating Wildy Dardompre.   Dardompre is wanted on charges of rape, child molestation, child molestation by electronic device, aggravated sodomy, sexual battery, and criminal attempt aggravated sodomy, stemming from an incident with an 11-year-old child.  Dardompre may be riding a red and white Honda XR650L dirt bike as a means of transportation.  Details surrounding the criminal investigation are confidential in accordance with   OCGA 49-5-40(b)– sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or caretaker.    Anyone who has any information to share in this case should contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300. …

ATLANTA – The House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Election Procedures, chaired by State Representative Tim Fleming (R-Covington), will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, July 15, at 10 a.m. in room 341 of the Georgia State Capitol.  The Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Election Procedures will study and evaluate Georgia’s current laws, policies and procedures utilized in administering Georgia elections, as well as the statewide and local elected officials and boards that oversee the administration of Georgia’s elections. The committee will compile a report of specific findings or legislative recommendations that will ensure Georgia has a secure and effective electoral system ahead of next November’s elections.…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA- DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case of a Lithonia man accused of shooting and killing the mother of his child in a wooded area behind a daycare center in unincorporated Decatur. Jurors found Taco Nash, Jr., 25, of Lithonia guilty of Malice Murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Mi’ckeya Montgomery, 22,  Nash also was found guilty of four counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault – Family Violence, two counts of Kidnapping, Aggravated Stalking, Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Public Service Commission (PSC) District 3 primary runoff between Democrats Peter Hubbard and Keisha Sean Waites is off to a low turnoff.  Only 72 ballots had been cast in Rockdale County on Monday, July 7, the first day of the early voting period, Rockdale County’s Supervisor Elections Cynthia Willingham reported. There are 65, 451 active voters in Rockdale, Willingham stated.   The Early Voting period runs July 7-11. The final day that voters can cast ballots in the primary runoff is on Tuesday, July 15.  The Democratic winner will then advance to the the Nov. 5, 2025 general primary…