Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – Gov. Brian P. Kemp today announced plans to return over $1 billion to Georgia taxpayers via a third special tax rebate. The proposed one-time, special refund would mirror previous rebates, returning $250 to single tax filers, $375 to head-of-household filers, and $500 to married couples filing jointly.  The latest measure, along with the previous tax rebates, multiple state gas tax suspensions, homeowner tax relief grant have saved Georgia taxpayers over $6.6 billion, officials said.   “Inflation may have fallen, but high prices are still here and weighing down hardworking Georgians every time they go to the grocery store, the gas pump, and so many…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County Police detectives have arrested Aaron Guillen, 26, of Norcross, on murder charges in connection with the death of Marianna Guillen, 24, a mother of four children. Aaron Guillen had been on the run since Monday, Oct. 21.  The suspect was arrested in Newton County today, Oct. 22, police said Guillen was charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was booked into the Newton County Jail, awaiting extradition to Gwinnett County. Investigators have not released details about the relationship between Aaron Guillen and Marianna Guillen,…

 ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – The Rockdale County Board of Education (BOE) was recently honored as a 2024 Exemplary Board, the highest status in the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) Board Recognition Program. “We congratulate the Rockdale County Board of Education once again for being awarded the Exemplary Board designation from the Georgia School Boards Association,” said Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts. “Our board has been presented this highest level of distinction each of the nine years of eligibility. This designation represents the commitment of our board members to excellence in governance and to the children and families they serve.” GSBA Board Recognition, a…

LITHONIA, GA—-Join the Georgia Black Home Educators Network (GBHEN) and the Stonecrest Citizens Coalition (SCC) for an evening of engaging discussion on “School Choice & the Black Community,” networking, and desser bar on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6 to 8 p.m., at Black Dot Cultural Center, 6984 Main St., Lithonia. Organizers say this free event is all about bringing together community-minded individuals to share ideas, stories, and experiences. Come ready to connect, learn, and inspire. Coffee & dessert bar with light refreshments will be provided Use the link below to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-confab-fabulous-community-conversations-tickets-1036954969227?aff=oddtdtcreator

CONYERS, GA – Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) will hold important Open House nights during October and November 2024 for the 2025-2026 School Specialty and Choice programs. Students and families interested in applying to a program are strongly encouraged to attend that program’s Open House night.  The application window for School Specialty and Choice programs is Nov. 8, 2024, through Dec.13, 2024. The application will be online at www.rockdaleschools.org/specialtyandchoice. Students may apply for specialty programs outside of their assigned neighborhood school zone.  Please note: Non-traditional programs such as Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, Rockdale Career Academy, Rockdale Open Campus and…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA Gwinnett County officials, in collaboration with View Point Health and GNR Public Health, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion of the OneStop Centerville facility. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m., at OneStop Centerville, 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the $25 million project includes a 33,000-square-foot, two-story building, where services such as public health, behavioral health, childcare and dental care will be provided, along with an 11,000-square-foot playground. Tina Fleming, Gwinnett County Community Services director, will serve as emcee. Speakers include Gwinnett Board of…

ATLANTA – Georgia residents who live in the Valdosta area and are unable to visit one of FEMA’s eight Disaster Recovery Centers throughoutthe state can apply for assistance in person at a temporary location. This center is only open Tuesday, Oct. 22 to Saturday, Oct. 26,  8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following address:  Temporary FEMA Center 2108 E. Hill Ave. Building D Valdosta, GA Valdosta homeowners and renters who had home or property damage due to Tropical Storm Debby damage Aug. 4-22, and/or Hurricane Helene can visit this center to apply for FEMA assistance, update their cases and ask questions.  Those who require additional services are encouraged to visit the Disaster…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Post 1 Commissioner Sherri Washington and Post 2 Commissioner Doreen Williams announced today the county’s plans to file a federal lawsuit this week against BioLab and its parent company, KIK.   “BioLab has had at least four instances of negligence in the 20 years that it has operated in this community,” said Washington.  “At his point, their risk to our community far outweighs any benefit that we could possibly glean from their operation in this county. “…Today, we stand for the people. We stand for environmental justice. We stand for the future. By filing this lawsuit, we will prove that…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Citizens and groups from Rockdale, DeKalb, Newton, Gwinnett, and Fulton counties gathered on Saturday, Oct. 19, calling for the shutdown of the BioLab plant in Conyers.  The 3 p.m. protest was held outside of the Rockdale Auditorium at 901 Main St. Just two days earlier, Rockdale government officials announced the county was lifting the shelter-in-place order for the entire county and transitioning the remainder of the cleanup to BioLab and the company’s contractors.  Students are scheduled to return to classes on Monday, Oct. 21.  At the rally, protestors shared how the Sept. 29 BioLab chemical explosion has impacted their health and…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) is urging voters to double-check Advance Voting locations before heading to cast their ballots.  “While we are seeing tremendous voter excitement and engagement during the Advance Voting period, it’s important for voters to double check our current Advance Voting locations being used this election cycle,” said DeKalb VRE Executive Director Keisha Smith. “There may be changes to some familiar Advance Voting locations that are no longer available, so be sure to check before heading out to vote.”  Advance Voting is currently underway and continues through Friday, Nov. 1, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday voting is available Oct. 19 and Oct.…