Press Releases

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announced the launch of the $28.9 million Candler Crossing development, a transformative project set to restore vitality to the Candler Road corridor, deliver essential services, and spark new opportunities for the community. The project will feature a full-service Publix grocery store, multi-tenant retail space, and public amenities designed to create a walkable, family-friendly destination. It was unanimously approved by the Board of Commissioners. The development will be in District 3 represented by Nicole Massiah, and Super District 7, represented by Dr. Ladena Bolton.

The DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host a free paper shredding event on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, from 8 a.m. - noon, at the DeKalb County Sanitation Division’s Central Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. Event participants will have an opportunity to responsibly dispose of all types of documents, including sensitive personal documents such as old tax records and legal documents. All documents will be shredded on-site, and each participant will be limited to ten standard-size boxes of paper. Shredding services will be provided by A1 Shredding & Recycling.

Efforts to improve the watershed system throughout DeKalb County continue Monday, Oct. 13, with the launch of the Cliff Valley Sewer Improvement Project. In total, crews will replace approximately 4,684 linear feet of ductile iron sewer pipe in the vicinity of Cliff Valley Way. This project will be separated into Phase IA, Phase IB and Phase II, beginning with Phase IA. To learn more about the Cliff Valley Sewer Improvement Project, join the virtual community meeting on Thursday, Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m., via Zoom.

DeKalb County is mourning the tragic loss of Master Firefighter Preston Fant, a 21-year veteran of DeKalb County Fire Rescue, who died in the line of duty on September 8, 2025, while battling a commercial warehouse fire in Stone Mountain. Fant, age 53, was stationed at Fire Station 24 and was a member of an elite unit trained in swift water rescues, high-rise operations, and trench rescues. Known as a mentor and father figure to many in the department, Fant was deeply respected for his professionalism, courage, and compassion. He is the first DeKalb firefighter to die while actively battling a fire.

DeKalb County is mourning the tragic loss of Firefighter Preston Fant, a 21-year veteran of DeKalb County Fire Rescue, who died in the line of duty on Monday while battling a commercial structure fire. The fire occurred at 2569 South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road. During the incident, Firefighter Fant became trapped while attempting to rescue a fellow firefighter. He was removed from the structure and transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.