Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the conviction by jury trial of a man accused of shooting and killing a parking services employee who was dispatched to remove a boot from the defendant’s brother’s car.  On Tuesday, Sept. 29, Otis Blakes, 34, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Kerwin Hinds, 47, an employee of Empire Parking Services. DeKalb County Superior Court Chief Judge Shondeana C. Morris, who presided over the trial, sentenced Blakes to Life in Prison, plus five years to serve.  Blakes was found guilty of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County has selected Georgia-based visual artist Richard Martin to create the County’s signature cow sculpture as part of “The Cows Are Coming,” a public art initiative celebrating DeKalb’s history, culture and community through creative expression. Martin’s winning concept, “DeKalb: Where We Grow,” transforms the cow sculpture into a visual journey through DeKalb County beginning with its agricultural and dairy roots and evolving to reflect community life, culture, diversity, arts, innovation and a forward-looking vision of the county’s future. Martin describes the cow as more than a reference to DeKalb’s history, but as “a canvas illustrating how a community can grow while carrying its…

ATLANTA – Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced that his office is debuting a new “I Voted” sticker available to Georgia voters during the 2026 General Election. Renowned Georgia artist Steve Penley of Penley Art Co. created the exclusive design. “We are excited to debut this one-of-a-kind sticker by renowned artist Steve Penley,” said Secretary Raffensperger. “Voting is one of the easiest ways Georgians can make their voices heard, and this sticker gives voters a fun way to celebrate participating in democracy. I hope Georgians will wear the sticker proudly and encourage their friends and family to do the same.”…

ATLANTA – Gov. Brian P. Kemp on Monday, Sept. 28, declared a state of emergency due to global market volatility and suspended the state’s motor fuel excise tax for a period of 30 days.  The suspension will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 29 and run through Oct. 29.  The governor’s executive order declaring the state of emergency also suspends state weight limits on commercial vehicles, further reducing the cost factored into everyday goods including those bought in grocery stores. Read the governor’s executive order here.  “Over the past several years, with the help of our partners in the General Assembly, we’ve…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Extended hours for the property tax office located at 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur ends Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. Taxpayers are temporarily being rerouted to the UGA Extension entrance at the front of the building to accommodate walk-in taxpayers. Customers with disabilities may still use the main entrance off Northern Avenue. “We’re reminding customers who prefer to make payments in person to consider visiting our satellite office locations at South DeKalb Mall and Clairmont Road,” said Tax Commissioner Nicole Golden. “Lines are typically long at the central property tax office before the first installment deadline.” Walk-in service is…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) highlights the achievements of the Class of 2026, with more than four out of five students graduating on time and more than 90% ultimately earning a high school diploma. The district’s overall 2026 graduation rate is 86.05%. The four-year cohort rate is 84% while the five-year graduation rate climbed to 90.05%, reflecting the perseverance of students and the continued commitment of educators, families, and staff members to student success.  While district leaders recognize the slight decline in the graduation rate over the Class of 2025, they are encouraged by the growth in…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is inviting residents to help shape the future of parks and recreation through series of public meetings to discuss the Comprehensive Parks Master Plan Update. The meetings will give residents, families, park users and community partners an opportunity to share their ideas, priorities and vision for parks, recreation facilities, trails, programs, amenities and open spaces throughout DeKalb County. The public meetings will be held: Thursday, Oct. 1 | 6 to 8 p.m. Tobie Grant Recreation Center 593 Parkdale Drive Scottdale, GA 30079 Saturday, Oct. 10 | 10 a.m. to…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 29, through Wednesday, Sept. 30, Ponderosa Cir will be closed to through traffic from 8 a.m. to 5: p.m. between LaVista Rd. and Cartwright Drive to facilitate sewer external point repairs at 2761 Ponderosa Circle in Decatur.      Road closure and detour signs will be placed in the area during the road closure period advising motorists of construction work in the area and of local traffic restrictions.  For more information regarding this road closure, contact Ashley Oladapo, Field Supervisor, Kemi Construction Company at 404-668-9575.

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) is inviting residents, families, community organizations, businesses, and volunteers of all ages to make a splash for Rockdale County during the 2026 Rivers Alive cleanup season.  Rivers Alive is Georgia’s annual volunteer waterway cleanup program, bringing communities together to remove litter and debris from rivers, streams, lakes, and other waterways. This year, KCRB will host two cleanup opportunities in Rockdale County, giving volunteers the opportunity to help protect local waterways and the natural resources that make our community special. Participants are encouraged to register ahead of the events.  2026 Rivers Alive Cleanup Dates: …

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston on Friday, Sept. 5, announced a conviction by guilty plea in the sexual assault cold case against Moses Robinson, 67, of Decatur. In a hearing on Sept. 22, Robinson pleaded guilty as indicted to a Rape charge in connection with the assault of a 26-year-old woman in her apartment 36 years ago. Following his non-negotiated guilty plea, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson sentenced Robinson to Life in Prison.* The incident occurred on Jan. 13, 1990 at the Misty Waters Apartment complex in unincorporated Decatur. According to the investigation, the victim was…