Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— On March 11, 2025, a dead raccoon that had been killed in the area of Redfield Drive, Dunwoody, was collected by DeKalb County Animal Services and tested positive for rabies.  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.  Residents should make sure pets are up to date for preventative vaccination and should eliminate outdoor feeding stations and access to garbage cans. Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal should seek medical attention immediately.   Additionally,…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Rockdale County Board of Commissioners has approved a 180-day moratorium on residential development as it reviews and updates the County’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).   The board approved the moratorium on March 11 at its regular meeting with an effective date f March 14. The moratorium includes exceptions for permits, plan approvals, and rezonings for applications submitted to the County by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 14. Additionally, permits will continue to be issued for already approved plans and subdivisions.  Final plats will be considered for approval if the preliminary plat was submitted and/or approved before the moratorium’s effective date.…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering the father of his ex-wife’s first child more than a decade ago and destroying the man’s remains. Gwinnett County jurors on Tuesday found Jeffry Emerson Moulder of Cumming, GA  guilty of malice murder and two counts of felony murder for the January 2015 strangulation death of Samuel Waters, who was 21 at the time. A judge sentenced Moulder to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The jury deliberated for less than two hours before reaching a guilty verdict on all charges. “Samuel Waters’ family is…

DECATUR, GA– Efforts to improve water service capacity throughout DeKalb County  will continue on Monday, Mar.17, with the launch of the Salem Road Water Main Replacement Project. Crews will replace 1,350 linear feet of water lines with new 12-inch ductile iron pipe (DIP). This project is expected to last six weeks ending in April, barring 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 expected.  To learn more about the Salem Road Water Main Replacement Project,  call the DWM Project Information Line at 1-800-986-1108…

DECATUR, GA. – The DeKalb County Long Range Planning Division invites the Columbia neighborhood to its inaugural “Community 101” public meeting on Wednesday, March 26, 6 p.m., at Exchange Park, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur. The Planning and Sustainability Department will discuss local planning needs specific to the Columbia Drive area and explore educational resources.  Community members are encouraged to share their thoughts about the neighborhood: Survey Link. RSVP for the event is also available at the end of the survey.  To stay in the loop about project updates and take the survey:  Columbia Community Academy | Engage DeKalb

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–A Loganville, GA man charged with raping a Stone Mountain woman and killing both, her and her brother, nearly 35 years ago, has been convicted by a jury trial, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced on Tuesday (March 11).  The 1990 cold case was solved using a DNA grant secured by Boston’s office and a national database that linked the perpetrator to the crimes in DeKalb County.  Jurors found Kenneth Perry, 56, guilty on two counts of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Rape, four counts of Aggravated Assault, two counts of Aggravated Battery, two counts of…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County homestead exemption applications are due by April 1 for the current tax year. Letters were recently mailed to homeowners who may be eligible for a senior exemption, a property assessment freeze, or a basic homestead exemption for the current tax year. “We’re encouraging homeowners, especially seniors ages 62 and older, to check their exemption status,” said Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson. “Changes to income limits that were passed in the legislature went into effect in 2024, allowing more seniors to meet eligibility requirements for special exemptions.” Exemptions provide a reduction in annual property taxes and are…

CONYERS, GA—The 44th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival presented by Robins Financial Credit Union takes place on Saturday and Sunday, March 22 and 23, at the Georgia International Horse Park. “Spring it on!” –the 2025 them—encourages festival-goers to embrace the fun and excitement of the international festival that heralds the start of spring. Attendees are encouraged to wear cherry blossom colors of pink and green during the festival. Those with the best outfits, decorated strollers and wagons, and other creative displays of the cherry blossom colors will have a chance to “get pinked” and be awarded a prize by judges roaming…

ATLANTA – State Representative Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) was recently named vice chair of the Law, Justice and Ethics Committee for the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL). “Thank you to NBCSL President Rep. Harold Love, Jr. (TN) for the appointment,” said Rep. Kendrick. “I look forward to serving in this role with Chair Representative Stanley Wright (AK) to focus on fairness, integrity and accountability within the legal and judicial systems within our nation.” The Law, Justice, and Ethics Committee works to promote fairness, integrity and accountability within legal and judicial systems while upholding ethical standards across all sectors. This…