Author: On Common Ground News

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…

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…