Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to forecasted freezing temperatures, DeKalb County will open four warming centers for residents who need shelter beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, November 26, 27 and 28.  The following shelters will be open:  Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta • St. Vincent de Paul, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Road, Chamblee • Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur • Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia 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 initial routes, final sweeps will continue from 7:30 p.m. until…

Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon recently announced the receipt of a grant award of $130,382.40 to continue traffic data research. The funding is from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) and includes h federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  This award is for the period of Oct.1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2026 and will fund a Traffic Data Analyst position dedicated to analyzing and interpreting population-based statistics to identify problems, recommend solutions and prepare responses for program development and implementation. “I am grateful for GOHS’s continued grant support, which empowers DDS to analyze critical traffic data…

DECATUR, GA – Authorities are investigating a threat against the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority’s IT system, officials said in a press release.  The  Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority received information from the FBI regarding a credible and imminent threat against its IT systems.  Out of an abundance of caution, the Authority initiated its attack defense protocol and has taken its system down to protect the Authority’s data and the data of all users statewide, which includes the DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk’s Office.  The Rockdale County Clerk of Courts Office stated in a pop-up announcements on its web site: “Due…

Georgia residents can now use their digital driver’s license as a valid proof of their age to buy alcohol and tobacco products. From retailers.  The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) said the Digital Driver’s Licenses, also known as mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) issued by the department is a major step forward in modernizing identification for Georgians.   “By embracing the Georgia Digital License and ID, we’re providing Georgians with a secure, convenient new option to prove their age, one that keeps pace with 21st-century technology while still prioritizing accuracy and safety,” said DDS Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon The Georgia Department of…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– A Snellville man who went on a violent shooting spree attacking several former high-school classmates was convicted on multiple charges for the homicide attempts. Jet Horne, 20, was found guilty of criminal attempt to commit a felony, six counts of aggravated assault, eight counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, three counts of first-degree criminal damage to property, and one count of hijacking a motor vehicle for three different shooting attacks between December 2024 and May 2025. He was sentenced to 30 years with 25 to serve in prison. “We continue to…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – Rockdale County announces significant changes to the Recycling Center’s fee structure, transitioning from a pay-per-item model to an annual hangtag system beginning Dec. 1, 2025. Starting February 1, 2026, all visitors to the Rockdale County Recycling Center will be required to display a valid annual hangtag for access as well. The new system offers hangtags at $150 per year for county residents, with a discounted rate of $100 per year for citizens ages 60 and older. “This transition will eliminate the long lines that often back up onto Sigman Road and streamline the entire drop-off process,”…

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…