Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is continuing to help survivors affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton.  Disaster survivors who have called the FEMA helpline and experienced long wait times or connection issues now have more options to get the information they need or to speak with a FEMA representative. To help streamline the process to apply for assistance, people in certain areas of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia are encouraged to apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by downloading the FEMA App, in person at a Disaster Recovery Center, or face to face with FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) team member working in affected communities.  FEMA…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against a Norcross man accused of shooting and killing a transgender woman. Jurors found Pedro Silva-Renteria, 21, guilty on Oct. 4 on charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, stemming from the shooting death of Sophie Vasquez (legal name Juan Vasquez), 36, on May 4, 2021. During the trial, Defendant Silva-Renteria’s defense team tried to argue that he shot Vasquez out of fear once he learned she was a transgender woman.  However,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) announced that the DeKalb County School Board has earned the 2024 Quality School Board recognition for its dedication to fundamental standards of governance and leadership, laying the groundwork for ongoing district improvement and progress. This prestigious honor highlights the Board’s dedication to upholding crucial governance practices and creating a supportive environment where strong leadership contributes to student success, GSBA stated. “This award reflects the power of collaboration, hard work, and a shared commitment to excellence,” said Board Chair Diijon DaCosta, Sr. “Leadership starts at the top, and as a united Board, we…

CONYERS, GA- Congressman Hank Johnson was honored for outstanding service in Newton and Rockdale counties on Sunday, Oct. 13, at Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers, where the Rev. Eric Wendel Lee, Sr. is pastor.   Former State Rep. Pam Dickerson, who represented House 113, which includes Newton and Rockdale, recognized Congressman Johnson for his unwavering commitment to constituents.  Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District, is serving his ninth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Johnson has distinguished himself as a substantive, effective lawmaker and a leading national progressive voice. As a champion for digital inclusion and an open Internet,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County government will continue its fight against blight with the demotion of two residential properties this week.   DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond and Allen Mitchel, Director of Community Development, will be on hand for demolitions scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m., 3228 Zion St., Scottdale, and on Friday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m., 680 Lauren Parkway, Stone Mountain. Since 2017, DeKalb’s blight eradication efforts have included the demolition and abatement of 725 properties.  Highlights of those efforts include: Identifying all properties subject to abatement or demolition –a first for the county–through a Comprehensive Property Condition Survey of Unincorporated…

STONECREST, GA – High school seniors from across the United States are invited to seize a golden opportunity at the 9th Annual Free College Scholarship Fair, scheduled  this week, Oct. 14-17. The fair is being held daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Samson’s Health & Fitness Center on the campus of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Road, Stonecrest. As the largest event of its kind in the country, the fair offers students the chance to connect with college representatives and explore scholarship opportunities, all at no cost. Courtney L. Dillard, event organizer, promoter, and host, emphasizes…

SNELLVILLE, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Citizens Advisory Board and the Gwinnett County Police Department are inviting members of the community to join them on Oct. 17 for a night of open dialogue and meaningful conversations. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the OneStop Centerville Community Center located at 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville. The meeting is a way for the Police Department to show its commitment to building commitment to building trust while fostering positive relationships with members of the community. Citizens who attend the event will be able to speak with members of the citizens’ advisory…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Community members are holding a candlelight vigil in memory of Kenny A. Johnson, Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor. The 62-year-old collapsed and died this week after testifying before a panel of state lawmakers about the toxic BioLab chemical fire and the impact the Sept. 29 toxic plant explosion has had on the community. The outdoor vigil, which is open to the public, will be held on Oct. 15, 6 p.m., at the home of Rockdale community activist Josie Dean, 1524 Flat Shoals Road, S.W., Conyers. “Kenny died fighting for the community. He knew a lot…

ATLANTA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved a waiver to allow for mass replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to Georgians hardest hit by Hurricane Helene. Georgia SNAP recipients in 58 counties will soon automatically receive reimbursement of 75% of their September 2024 SNAP benefits for the food they lost during power outages caused by the storm. No action is needed by SNAP recipients. The replacement benefits will be automatically uploaded to the SNAP recipient’s EBT card. Timing of issuance will be posted on the Georgia DHS website when available. Households that have already received…

Disaster-area taxpayers, military members+ families may have more time to file  WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers to file their 2023 tax year federal income tax return on or before the upcoming Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, deadline to avoid possible late filing penalties. Convenient electronic filing options, including IRS Free File, are still available. MilTax is a free online service that members of the military and qualifying veterans can use to file their federal income tax returns and up to three state income tax returns. Disaster-area taxpayers, military members, and their families may have extra time to file. Those with an IRS…