Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announces the conviction by jury trial of a Buffalo, N.Y. man accused of shooting and killing a man inside a Brookhaven tattoo shop.  A jury on Thursday, Sept. 17, found Jonathan Thomas, 35, guilty of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony in connection with the death of Percy Scott, 33, on March 21, 2024.  According to the investigation, officers with the Brookhaven Police Department responded at around 10:20 p.m. to a…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Government announced that the Board of Commissioners, Finance, Human Resources, Public Relations, Tax Assessors, Planning & Development, and Stormwater departments will be operating from the County’s new Administration Building starting effective Monday, Sept. 28. The new Administration Building is located at: 981 Milstead Ave., Conyers. The departments’ main telephone numbers and email addresses will remain unchanged, allowing citizens to continue contacting staff through the same familiar channels.   Department Main Phone Numbers Board of Commissioners: 770-278-7001 Finance: 770-278-7555 Human Resources: 770-278-7575 Public Relations: 770-278-7050 Tax Assessors: 770-278-7676 Planning & Development: 770-278-7100 Stormwater: 770-278-7155 “These relocations mark…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA, – The DeKalb County Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) is launching its Fall 2026 Solid Waste Environmental Enhancement Program (SWEEP) in October, a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance communities, promote responsible waste management, and advance environmental stewardship throughout DeKalb County. The month-long initiative features free residential bulky item collection, a free paper shredding event, and targeted beautification services – providing residents with additional opportunities to responsibly dispose of unwanted materials while supporting cleaner public spaces and healthier communities. “SWEEP represents our continued investment in the communities we serve,” said DSWM Director Eugene McKinnie. “By combining responsible waste management…

ATLANTA – The Joint Election Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee, co-chaired by State Rep. Victor Anderson (R-Cornelia) and State Sen. Max Burns (R-Sylvania), will hold a meeting on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m. in room 307 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building in Atlanta. During the joint meeting, committee members will hear testimony from vendors related to equipment options, availability and pricing. Vendors will have the opportunity to provide the committee with demonstrations of potential equipment. Public comment will be allowed at the discretion of the presiding co-chair. The bipartisan legislative panel was established by Senate Bill 3EX, authored by Sen. Burns,…

DECATUR, GA –The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office led local, state and federal law enforcement agencies on “Operation Safe DeKalb 2026,” a two-day operation conducted Sept. 15–16 to locate and apprehending individuals with outstanding criminal warrants throughout DeKalb County. More than 75 law enforcement officers from 15 agencies conducted more than 400 warrant attempts, resulting in the arrests of 48 individuals wanted on felony and misdemeanor warrants for battery, family violence, cruelty to children, aggravated assault, robbery, probation violations, and other offenses. Among those arrested were individuals wanted on charges of aggravated child molestation and murder. Law enforcement officials also issued 66 citations and…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) will host Rockdale County Paper and Electronic Shredding Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Legion Field, 1260 South Main Street NE, Conyers. The event will be held weather permitting. “This community event gives Rockdale County residents and businesses a convenient opportunity to securely dispose of unwanted paper records and eligible electronic items while supporting responsible recycling and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. Proper disposal of sensitive documents and electronic equipment is an important part of protecting our community and our environment,” said Commissioner Tuwanya…

DEKALB COUNTY,GA— The DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) is recruiting police officers. The department will host a hiring event on Saturday, Sept.19, from 8 a.m. until noon ,at the Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 593 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale.  Applicants will start interview process by running an agility course. Wear comfortable clothes for the agility course and bring a change of clothes for job interviews following the agility course.   Scenes from the DKPD 2025 One-Stop Hiring event agility course. Credit: DKPD  A new DeKalb County Police recruit can earn staring salaries up to $64,050 with a $3,000 signing bonus. Sworn officers can…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed eight human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2026, but that number is expected to increase. DPH has also confirmed one WNV death.  The Rockdale County legislation. Freddie Billingslea  Mosquito traps have tested positive in multiple counties, including Chatham, Fulton, and DeKalb. Mosquito season typically lasts through October, so Georgians are urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. Others may have mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash that typically develop 2-6…

DECATUR, G A– To accommodate walk-in customers paying property taxes at the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s office located at 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur, taxpayers will use the UGA Extension entrance at the front of the building Sept. 17–30 during business hours.  Beginning Monday, Sept. 21, the property tax office will have extended hours until 6 p.m. Customers with disabilities may still use the main entrance off Northern Avenue. “Taxpayers can expect long lines and wait times the week before the September 30 deadline at the central property tax office. We’re reminding owners who prefer to make payments in person to consider…