Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — On Dec. 30, DeKalb County was transformed into a place of reflection, reverence, and unity as Buddhist monks traveling on a historic peace pilgrimage journeyed through the county, drawing thousands of residents from all walks of life to witness and participate in a moment of collective calm and purpose. The monks are on a months-long pilgrimage across the United States, traveling by foot from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C., with a mission centered on peace, compassion, forgiveness, and global unity. Their journey through Georgia marked a powerful chapter in that mission. The monks entered…

SAVANAH, GA – Savannah will take center stage in Georgia politics on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, as the Democratic Party of Chatham County hosts the Georgia Democratic Gubernatorial Forum, the first major forum of the election cycle featuring Democratic candidates seeking the state’s highest office. There are eleven declared Democratic candidates vying for Georgia’s top elected office. As of Tuesday, Dec. 30, the Georgia Campaign Finance System lists the following declared Democratic candidates: Akhenaten Hotep Amun Keisha Lance Bottoms Olujimi Wesley Brown Geoff Duncan Jason Esteves Derrick Lamarr Jackson Lucy McBath Justin Dekota Laster Michael Thurmond Benjamin Turner…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — Buddhist monks will be coming to Snellville as part of the International Walk for Peace on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 1:30 p.m., continuing a global journey that promotes peace, reflection, and unity. Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson will formally welcome the monks and recognize the significance of the Walk for Peace during a public event at Wat Lao Buddha Khanti, located at 4052 Ozora Church Road SW. Chairwoman Hendrickson will be joined by state and local officials, along with spiritual leaders, who are expected to offer remarks emphasizing the importance of peace and cross-cultural understanding.…

DECATUR, GA – The City of Decatur invites community members, neighbors, and partners to attend a Peace Gathering on Tuesday, December 30 at 3 p.m. As part of the gathering, the City of Decatur will welcome 19 Buddhist monks who are currently walking more than 2,300 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. Their journey began on October 26 with a shared mission to promote peace, compassion, and connection. Decatur has been selected as a site of the group’s Peace Gathering for the state of Georgia. The event is open to the public and will include remarks, a moment…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) has announced that the DeKalb County Police Department has received a Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) grant for the 2026 grant year with an award total of $120,779.36. The DeKalb County Police Department’s HEAT Unit will use the grant to develop and implement strategies to reduce local traffic crashes due to aggressive and dangerous driving behaviors.  “With the increase in the number of persons killed in traffic crashes in Georgia and across the nation over the last year, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is working with partners like DeKalb…

STONECREST, GA — New Birth Missionary Baptist Church will welcome its congregation and the community to an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Worship Experience on Wednesday, Dec. 31, offering two powerful services—one at noon and the other at 10 p.m.– as the church closes out 2025 with worship, gratitude, and bold expectation for the year ahead. The 10 p.m. Watch Night Celebration will feature a special musical guest appearance by award-winning gospel recording artist Tim Bowman Jr., known for chart-topping worship favorites including “I’m Good” and “Heal.” Designed to meet worshippers where they are, each service will feature dynamic praise and a transformative message from Senior…

DEKALB, GA–– Due to forecasted freezing temperatures and hazardous wind chills, DeKalb County will activate warming centers beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday(Dec. 29-31).  The following locations will be open for those who need to take shelter:   Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Dive, Decatur, 24 hours Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Rd SE, Atlanta, 24 hours St. Vincent de Paul, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Road, Chamblee Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur All transportation routes originate from Frontline Response Headquarters (2585 Gresham Rd SE, Atlanta) and are scheduled for initial pickups to be completed by 7:30 p.m. Following the…

DECATUR, GA. – After serving the citizens of DeKalb County for nearly 26 years, the last 10 years as tax commissioner, Irvin J. Johnson will retire as of Dec. 31, 2025. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead one of DeKalb’s key governmental functions: motor vehicle titling and registration, and tax billing and revenue collections. We achieved the approval of 10 consecutive and timely tax digest submissions, which resulted in the collection of tax revenues for county and school operations. Through pandemic and hybrid workforce challenges, these accomplishments were delivered effectively by a committed and excellent tax office team.…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – The Gwinnett County Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Otis Wright, 82, who was reported missing from his residence in the 1400 block of Silver Charm Lane SW. Mr. Wright was last seen inside the residence at approximately 9:00 a.m. He is described as a black male with gray hair and a clean-shaven face, standing approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 175 pounds. At the time he was last seen, Mr. Wright was wearing a white short-sleeve t-shirt, blue plaid pajama pants, red Gap hooded sweatshirt, and white or beige tennis…

Update: (Dec. 23, 2025) Both Abbott and Slavin have been located and taken into custody. SNELLVILLE, GA. – On September 17, 2025, Gwinnett County Animal Control requested assistance from the Gwinnett County Police Department 1914 Britt Drive, regarding allegations of animal cruelty. Due to the severity and circumstances of the case, detectives were also requested to respond and assist with the investigation. As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was obtained for the residence. During the execution of the warrant, a total of twenty-five dogs were seized. Many of the dogs were confined to small cages containing feces…