Author: On Common Ground News

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…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA- On Friday, March 14, S. Columbia Place will be closed to through traffic 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. between McAfee and Rosewood Roads to facilitate tree removal work at 1990 S Columbia Place, 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.  Questions regarding this road closure should be addressed to Whitney Anderson for Boutte Tree, Inc. at 404-799-5472

ATLANTA—U.S. Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock(D-GA) is inviting Georgians to join a virtual town hall on Tuesday, March 11, at 6 p.m. EST. The event will be streamed live on X/Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram, allowing constituents to engage directly with the senator.    In a statement, Warnock emphasized the importance of hearing from those he represents, saying he wants to hear “directly from you about the challenges you and your community are facing.”   ATLANTA—U.S. Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock(D-GA) is inviting Georgians to join a virtual town hall on Tuesday, March 11, at 6 p.m. EST. The event will be streamed live on X/Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram, allowing constituents…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) will hold a one-stop hiring event on Saturday, March 15, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 593 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale.  Recruit and certified officer positions are available. Candidates will have the opportunity to complete a large portion of the hiring process and walk away with a conditional offer. DKPD offers a starting salary of up to $64,050 for non-certified recruits, along with a $3,000 hiring incentive. Certified new officers can make a starting salary of up to $73,500 plus a $5,000 hiring incentive if they have…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is joining in a statewide celebration this week to salute the efforts of local school board members. The week of March 10 – 14, 2025, has been proclaimed School Board Appreciation Week in Georgia. The weeklong observance calls attention to the contributions of local boards of education. “During this week of appreciation, we pause to honor and show our gratitude to each of our Board members,” said Acting Superintendent Shirley Chesser. “Collectively, this Board has maintained Exemplary status for each eligible year, a total of eight times. They are focused on continuous improvement…