Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) is reminding voters that Election Day for the General and Special Elections is Tuesday, Nov. 3.  Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters who are in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast their ballots. As Election Day approaches, voters are encouraged to confirm their polling location, review their sample ballot and bring an acceptable form of photo identification.  Voters should note that two Dekalb precincts will vote at locations that differ from their permanent polling places. “Making a plan before Election Day…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The community meeting concerning the Claratel residential project was abruptly cancelled on Thursday, Oct. 29.  DeKalb County’s Super District 7 Commissioner LaDena Bolton, on behalf of the Board of Commissioners representing Districts, 3, 5 and 7, had announced the urgent community meeting to get answers for residents about the planned Wesley Chapel Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities residential program after residents expressed they never received any notification concerning the project build in their community. Residents also  expressed concerns about the community’s safety and its proximity to Southwest DeKalb High School.    Claratel Behavioral Health’s (formerly the DeKalb Community Service…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– A Gwinnett County woman was found guilty of orchestrating a scam to cheat seniors across the country out of money with the promise of computer virus protection software. A jury found Fataoumata Keita, 48, of Buford, GA guilty of violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act – for getting money from individuals who believed they were purchasing services that block computer malware. She will be sentenced in December. “Taking advantage of citizens using fake computer services is unconscionable and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “But…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office is collecting food items to support the Atlanta Community Food Bank this holiday season. Customers visiting any tax office location now through Nov. 20 may participate in the food drive by donating canned or non-perishable food items during office hours. “Each year, this office hosts a holiday food drive to collect food for the Atlanta Community Food Bank and local pantries in DeKalb County. Donations are greatly needed to help support families in DeKalb County and surrounding areas,” said Tax Commissioner Nicole Golden. “Compassionate service that sustains our communities is an…

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the NAACP DeKalb County Branch, Unit 5192, will hold its regular election of officers and at-large members of the Executive Committee for the 2027–2028 term. Election Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 Voting Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Voting Method: Electronic Voting via Election Buddy Election Administration: NAACP National Office Voter Eligibility In accordance with NAACP election procedures, members must be in good standing and have maintained active membership for at least thirty (30) calendar days before the election to be eligible to vote. Election Administration and Voting Procedures The election will be conducted and administered by…

CONYERS GA—Conyers City Council will hold a Work Session on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 4 p.m. in Council Chambers at Conyers City Hall, 901 O’Kelly Street.   Following the Work Session, the Conyers City Council will hold a council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Conyers City Hall, 901 O’Kelly Street.   The meetings are open to the public. City council meetings stream live on the city website: Council Meeting Stream. Agendas Access Conyers City Council meeting agendas here: Council Agendas If you need immediate assistance with a specific meeting agenda, please contact the City at…

 DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The community is mourning the loss of Antioch Lithonia Baptist Church’s First Lady Idell Ward, who passed away on Oct. 26. Her  services are set for Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026 with visitation at 10 a.m. and the Celebration of Life service will be at 11 a.m. at Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church, where her husband, Pastor James C. Ward is senior pastor.   Pastor Ward and the former Idel Clark of Laurel Mississippi were married in 1975. They were blessed with three children. Pastor Ward, a noted choral composer and Morehouse College graduate, has led Antioch-Lithonia Baptist since 1995,…

 DeKalb County’s Super District 7 Commissioner LaDena Bolton today issued an urgent call to the community urging residents to attend a meeting concerning a proposed housing development proposed by Claratel Behavioral Health.  The meeting will be held today, Oct. 29, at 6:30 p.m., at Southwest DeKalb High School. Commissioner Bolton also has provided a letter on behalf of the Board of Commissioners to Claratel’s CEO,  Fabio Van Der Merwe. Letter from Commissioner Bolton: I’m reaching out with an important update and an invitation for every member of our community to come together this Thursday, October 29th at 6:30 PM at Southwest…

ATLANTA— Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta (BBBSMA) has received a $5 million, three-year investment from The Marcus Foundation to expand Level Up, its school-based mentoring program serving middle school students across metro Atlanta. The investment will help BBBSMA double Level Up’s annual reach from approximately 1,250 students today to 2,500 students by the 2028–29 school year. Funding will support expansion into added middle schools, the hiring of more mentors and the continued delivery of consistent, relationship-based support for students during a critical stage of their development. Level Up provides trained, full-time mentors, known as Lead Mentors, directly in…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Efforts to improve the watershed system throughout DeKalb County continue with the design of the McLendon Water Transmission Main Replacement Project. The county is hosting a public information open house about this project on Monday, Nov. 2, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the DeKalb County Tobi Grant Recreation Center, 593 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale.   The McLendon Water Transmission Main Replacement Project will address the aging transmission and distribution mains throughout the system by replacing these water mains, improving transmission-system reliability and enhancing water system resilience.  Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2028 and last until Summer 2030, barring any…