Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Police (DKPD) are asking for the public’s help locating a driver involved in a deadly hit & run earlier this month.  DKPD responded to a report of a person hit by a vehicle on I-85 Northbound near Chamblee Tucker Road on Feb. 3 at 7:37 p.m.   Preliminary investigation suggests Karizma Love, 24, was driving a black Chevy Cruze when she struck the wall on the right shoulder. She then walked toward the HOV lane, when multiple vehicles struck her. She died of her injuries at the scene. DKPD is asking for the public’s help as investigators…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Representatives from the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office are available to speak to community groups and help homeowners understand exemptions and property taxes before the April 1 deadline to file online. Since 2016, the Tax Commissioner’s Office has conducted in-person and online community presentations to help taxpayers understand homestead exemptions and their property tax bills. Presentations are delivered to groups such as real estate professionals, homeowner associations and senior centers that are interested in learning more about services at the tax office. Organizations may contact the tax commissioner’s office by completing an online request form at https://dekalbtax.org/request-a-speaker/. “One…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA — Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. has announced his candidacy for Judge of the Superior Court of Rockdale County, pledging a commitment to fairness, integrity, and equal justice under the law for all residents of Rockdale County. The nonpartisan judicial election begins with early voting on April 27, 2026, and Election Day is May 19, 2026. “I am running to serve with integrity, respect for the rule of law, and a deep understanding of the impact our courts have on families, businesses, and public safety,” said Cuthpert. “Our Superior Court must be fair, efficient, and accessible to every person who comes…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett Chamber  on Feb. 17 hosted its “On Topic: State of the Region” luncheon featuring Anna Roach, CEO and executive director of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). The luncheon meeting was held at the 1818 Club in Duluth.    Roach delivered the annual address, presented by Porter Steel, to a broad range of business professionals, community leaders, and elected and appointed officials.  Attendees had an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the transportation, workforce, infrastructure, and community development strategies shaping the future of the 11-county ARC region — including Gwinnett County’s vital role in that growth. As…

CONYERS, GA–Rockdale County Fire Rescue responded to a reported structure fire on Monday, Feb. 16, at 8:21 p.m. 909 Commercial Street in downtown Conyers. The building is currently undergoing renovations to become a future brewery. Upon arrival, crews encountered smoke and fire conditions within the structure and initiated an aggressive interior attack. Firefighters quickly contained the fire and brought the incident under control, preventing further spread throughout the building and protecting adjacent properties in the downtown area, said Fire Chief James Robinson.  The fire caused moderate damage to a utility room and a portion of the roof structure. No civilian…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – The NAACP DeKalb County branch will present its 2026 Black History Month program on Feb. 21, 10 a.m., at Rainbow Park Baptist Church, 2941 Columbia Drive, Decatur.   The program, entitled “From Hidden Roots to 100 Years of Discovery – Remembering the History They Hoped We Would Forget,” marks the 100th anniversary Black History Month recognizing and commemorating the work of Carter G. Woodson, known as the founder of Black History Month.   The keynote speaker for the event is Daniel Black, Ph.D, a professor of African Studies at Clark-Atlanta University and frequent contributor to the Karen Hunter Show on XM-Sirius Radio. …

CONYERS, GA–Rockdale County Fire Rescue is on scene at a fire in downtown Conyers. According to reports, firefighters are responding to a blaze near a brewery and watch store . Developing. 

CONYERS, GA–  Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Superintendent Shirley Chesser has announced her plan to retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The Rockdale County Board of Education will enlist the Georgia School Boards Association to conduct a national superintendent search to fill the vacancy, RCPS said in a news release tonight, Feb. 16.   “I want to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to enter into negotiations for a contract extension,” Chesser said in her notice to the Board. “After thoughtful consideration, I have made the decision to retire at the end of my current contract period. “It has…

Decatur, GA –Authorities are investigating the death of a 57-year-old inmate who died on Sunday at the DeKalb County Jail, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office said on Monday, Feb. 16.  Michael Gafa, who had been in custody since September 2025, was found unresponsive in his cell, authorities said in a news release.  “On-site medical staff and DeKalb EMS responded immediately, however, Mr. Gafa was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “The DeKalb Sheriff’s Office takes any loss of life in our custody very seriously,” said Sheriff Melody M. Maddox. “While there is no indication of foul play or…