Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR. GA – DeKalb County is opening its doors to job seekers with a countywide job fair on Thursday, July 10, from 9 a.m. to 1,p.m., at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston. DeKalb is recruiting for more than 500 open positions across county departments—including 250 public safety jobs in police, fire, and emergency services. On-site interviews will be held at the event and qualified applicants may receive same-day job offers.  “This job fair is one of the ways we’re re-imagining DeKalb,” said DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “It is one of the ways we are investing in…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Due to the “Red, White and Boom Independence Day Celebration” on Thursday, July 3, several Rockdale County offices in Olde Town Conyers will close early to allow Rockdale employees time to safely exit the premises before set up of the celebration begins. The following offices will close at the following times: 1 p.m. Closures Rockdale County Courthouse, 922 Street, Conyers Rockdale Accountability Court Offices, 945 Bank Street, NE., Conyers Rockdale County Magistrate and Probate Courts, 874 North Main Street, Conyers 4 p.m. Closures Rockdale County Administrative Services Building, 958 Milstead Ave., Conyers Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Building, 962 Milstead…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA –DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson is alerting residents of a scam involving fraudulent vehicle registration renewal letters that appear to be official notices from the motor vehicle division. Johnson said his office recently has received reports from customers about letters appearing to be official notification from the motor vehicle division regarding their vehicle registration. Johnson said that it is important to exercise caution when receiving mail, email, text message or phone call offers that appear to be from the tax office. “We’re aware of fake vehicle renewal letters, and property tax programs, requiring a fee. When…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County is delaying a planned 10% increase in water and sewer rates, originally scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025. County officials announced Monday(June 30) that the delay will allow time to finalize a partnership contract with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, which will serve as the County’s official customer advocate. The County also plans to complete and distribute public education materials before the rate hike begins.  DeKalb County wants to ensure customers are informed about the support and resources available to them before the rate increase begins. Approximately 180,000 DeKalb County residential customers will be impacted…

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County has completed the acquisition of 4380 Memorial Drive, after leasing the 24-acre site for 25 years. The site houses key government operations including the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office and the DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections Office. The $18,095,000 acquisition was financed through a 10-year, tax-exempt bond issued by the DeKalb Urban Redevelopment Authority. “After renting this property for 25 years, DeKalb County now owns it and that’s a major win for our future,” said DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “We’re looking forward to making this site work for the community as part of our long-term commitment to…

CONYERS, GA — Big Haynes Creek Nature Center (BHCNC) has been spotlighted as one of the top hiking destinations near Atlanta in the newly released. Guide, “Hiking Atlanta’s Hidden Forests: Intown and Out,” by outdoor experts Jonah McDonald and Zana Pouncey. To celebrate the honor, the community is invited to the Nature Center’s outdoor classroom for a meet-and-greet and book signing on Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m.,  followed by a walk with the authors designed for all ages and skill levels. This event is part of the authors’ book tour, which features stops at highlighted trails throughout the metro area.  Pouncey, an…

SNELLVILLE, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle that was stolen during hired transport.   On June 6, the owner of a matte gray 2025 Mercedes GLS arranged for it to be transported out of state. A transportation company was hired, and a subcontracted service provider arrived to pick up the vehicle from a residence in the 4000 block of Horder Court in unincorporated Snellville. The vehicle never arrived at its intended destination and is now considered stolen. It is equipped with distinctive 24-inch Forgiato wheels. Anyone who has any information to share in…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A crucial court hearing is scheduled for July 10 concerning a citizen’s lawsuit that could potentially return nearly $1 million in taxpayer money to the county treasury.  Ed Williams, a longtime government accountability advocate who chairs Concerned Citizens for Effective Government, is representing himself in the case that challenges pay raises and allowances granted to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners in 2018. Williams contends the pay raises were approved in violation of Georgia’s Open Meetings Act and are unconstitutional under state law.  “The upcoming hearing is significant. The case was dismissed in May 2021. I appealed that…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is suspending lane closures on Georgia interstates and state routes for the upcoming July 4th holiday travel period.  The suspension of lane closures will begin at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Thursday, July 3, and will continue until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. During this time, construction-related lane closures will be suspended to ease potential congestion, reduce delays, and increase safety for motorists across the state due to the holiday. Georgia DOT is committed to the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and our staff. While on the roads, be mindful that crews may still be…