Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—In courtrooms and in communities, justice is built one decision at a time, by leaders who show up, stand firm, and never forget who they serve.   Today, Judge Sunny Mullins announced her candidacy for Rockdale County State Court Judge, bringing nearly two decades of legal experience, a record of service, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Rockdale County. “Justice isn’t just a word that we put on buildings. It’s a promise we make to every person who walks through the courthouse doors,” said Judge Mullins. “I’m running because I believe in that promise and I intend…

CONYERS, GA–City of Conyers Mayor and City Council, staff and employees are mourning the loss of former City Manager Tony Lucas, who passed away on Jan. 22, 2026.  Lucas retired from the city in May 2024 after serving nearly 40 years in numerous key roles that were integral to the community’s growth and progress. A native of Conyers and Rockdale County, Lucas began his law enforcement career with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) in 1977. Subsequent to his service with the RCSO, he joined the United State Marshal’s Service as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal at the Federal Courthouse and…

ATLANTA, GA – Vernon Jones, candidate for Georgia Secretary of State, issued the following statement today(Jan. 28) following reports that the FBI executed a search warrant at the Fulton County Elections Hub and Operation Center in Union City to retrieve physical ballots and records from the 2020 General Election. “For years, I have said that there is a ‘dead cat’ on the line in Georgia’s elections, and today’s actions by federal authorities confirm that the concerns of millions of Georgians are not just a theory—they are a matter of criminal investigation. The raid of the Fulton County Elections Office is a…

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…