Author: On Common Ground News

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.   A new DeKalb County Police recruit can earn staring salaries up to $64,050 with a $3,000 signing bonus. Sworn officers can start up to $73,500, and be eligible for a $5,000 signing bonus…

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…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Efforts to improve the watershed system throughout DeKalb County continue Monday, Oct. 5, with the launch of the Sumac Drive Water Main Replacement Project. Crews will replace 4,200 linear feet (LF) of aging 8-inch water main with new 8-inch ductile iron pipe (DIP) and will install approximately 1,500 feet of 1.5-inch copper loop.  The water line repair project is expected to last approximately five months (October 2026 – February 2027), barring any weather delays. Normal construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. An increase in construction-related noise and traffic during work hours should be…

LILBURN, GA—Lilburn Daze returns Saturday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.at Lilburn City Park, bringing families, friends and visitors together for one of Lilburn’s favorite annual traditions. Lilburn Daze offers something for everyone, from unique arts and crafts and food trucks to children’s activities, games, inflatables and entertainment throughout the day. Guests can shop from local vendors, enjoy delicious bites, take a train ride and soak up the festive fall atmosphere at the park. “Lilburn Daze is one of those special days when the entire community comes together,” said Jill Minnoia, City of Lilburn Community Engagement & Events…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) honors its 180 students recently named 2026 Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars – including five AP Capstone Diplomas – for their outstanding performance on the 2025-2026 exams. This is an increase from 168 students the previous year, with all our high schools represented among AP Scholars. The number of AP scores of 3 or higher, earning potential college credit, was the highest ever in district history – 743. Image Credit: AI for illustration purposes(not actual RCPS students) “We are incredibly proud of our students who have earned these prestigious AP Scholar recognitions,” said RCPS Superintendent…

ATLANTA— Members of the Atlanta City Council on Sept. 16 paid tribute to Alvia Alexander Boone, wife of the late John Oscar Boone, Sr. and daughter of the Late” T.M. ” Theodore Martin and Dorothy Hudson Alexander. Mrs. Boone passed away at the age of 90 on Sept. 9. As the devoted wife of a legendary civil rights leader and the daughter of a prominent civic leader and pioneering businessman in Atlanta’s insurance industry, Mrs. Boone supported her husband in uplifting the lives of generations of Atlantans.  A Spelman College alumnae Class of 1957, Mrs. Boone was a longtime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) has expanded Early Voting for the Nov. 3 General Election from 20 to 22 locations, providing voters with additional opportunities to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections previously approved 20 Early Voting locations during its July meeting.  Following continued planning and an August stakeholder engagement meeting focused on Early Voting access and expansion, two additional locations will operate during the final week of Early Voting: Living Grace Lutheran Church, 1812 Cooledge Road, Tucker Wade Walker Park Family YMCA, 5605 Rockbridge…

GWINNWTT COUNTY, GA – A Lawrenceville man will spend more than 30 years in prison for selling fentanyl-laced drugs that led to the overdose death of two Norcross teenas. Drolvin Calix-Rodriguez, 24, pled guilty to violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, two counts of involuntary manslaughter, distribution of fentanyl, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for the 2023 deaths of 17-year-old Rodrigo Floriano-Mayen and 16-year-old Julia Zirangua. Calix-Rodriguez was sentenced to 40 years with 35 to serve…