Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— A dead bat has tested positive for rabies in the Echo Cliff Court area of Atlanta. DeKalb County officials said the bat was tested on Oct. 15. Officials are urging  those  who live in the area to make sure their pets are vaccinated and to avoid contact with wild animals.  Officials say if an animal bites or scratches them, they should seek medical attention immediately. Georgia is a rabies endemic state, and the virus is present all year long. It is not unusual for the county to report several rabies cases each year. Vaccinations are effective in…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to inclement weather and Georgia’s state of emergency, DeKalb County’s free residential bulky item collection scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, was suspended.  DeKalb County’s Department of Solid Waste Management has revised collection for residential customers as follows:  Friday, Oct. 16 – Tuesday customers (Affected due to inclement weather) will be serviced.  Eligible items must be placed at the curb on Thursday, Oct. 15. Saturday, Oct. 17 or Friday, Oct. 23 – Wednesday customers will be serviced.  Eligible items must be placed at the curb on Friday, Oct. 16. Saturday, Oct. 24 or Friday, Oct. 30 – Thursday customers will be serviced.  Eligible items must be placed at the…

Voter turnout has more than doubled in Rockdale County since Early Voting began this week but still has a long way to go with nearly 60,00 people who have not yet voted. Cynthia Willingham, director of Rockdale County’s Board of Elections, reported that as of  5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, Rockdale’s voter turnout climbed to 6,622. Rockdale ended the first day of Early Voting, Oct. 13, with a voter turnout of 3,050.  However, across Georgia, voters came to the polls in record numbers on the first day of early voting, with more than 188,600 ballots cast, an increase of more than 53,000 voters over the 2022…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Nicole M. Golden is reminding residents that motor vehicle and property tax services are available at satellite office locations in DeKalb County. “With advance voting taking place at the Memorial Drive office park, customers doing business at the tag office can expect increased foot traffic and parking volume now through October 30th. We’re reminding taxpayers that the same in-person services are also available at the Clairmont Road and South DeKalb Mall satellite office locations,” said Tax Commissioner Nicole Golden. All tax offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., at…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson announced on Wednesday, Oct. 14, that she is allocating $5,000 to each of the five high school bands located within District 5 to support student musicians and strengthen band programs across the district. High school bands play an important role in the lives of students and their communities, Davis Johnson said. From band programs that instill discipline and build character to performances at football games, school events, and countywide celebrations, these students devote countless hours to honing their talents and proudly representing DeKalb County through competitions, parades, and community engagements,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Efforts to improve the watershed system throughout DeKalb County continue Monday, Nov. 30, with the launch of the Shoal Creek Trunk Sewer Relief Projects Section 3A.  Crews will replace aging pipelines in three separate locations (Melanie Court, Miriam Lane, and Thrasher Circle) expected to be completed by December 2027. The approximate construction dates are:  ·     Melanie Court – December 2026 to October 2027  ·     Miriam Lane – April 2027 to December 2027  ·     Thrasher Circle – May 2027 to December 2027, barring any weather or unexpected delays. Construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays.  An increase…

CONYERS, GA–Springfield Baptist Church, Conyers will host two October Drive-Thru Food Pantries, providing free groceries to individuals and families in need throughout the community. This outreach is open to all. No registration is required. Event Details: Springfield Baptist Church, Conyers. Drive-Thru Food Pantry Saturday, Oct.10 & Oct. 24 9 a.m. – 12 noon 1877 Iris Drive SE, Conyers, GA

SNELLVILLE, GA—Gwinnett County Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Tuesday, Oct. 13, on Rockbridge Road near Stone Drive after the officers’ patrol vehicle was rammed from behind.  Two officers were traveling northbound on Rockbridge Road in a marked patrol vehicle when the driver of an older-model beige Kia Sorento struck their vehicle from behind. The driver continued to ram and push the patrol vehicle until it came to rest along the curb. During the incident, one of the officers managed to exit the patrol vehicle while it was still being struck. The Kia Sorento nearly struck the…