Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA – Today, Congressman Johnson sadly announced the sudden, unexpected but peaceful passing away of Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson’s lifelong best friend and his own close friend and District Director Kathy (Gayle) Holt Register.  Kathy Register, 70, served as District Director from the day Congressman Johnson was first sworn in to Congress on Jan. 3, 2007. Kathy oversaw an award-winning constituent services operation that has been largely responsible for Rep. Johnson’s reelection to Congress. “When I first took office in 2007, I promised Georgians that I would take care of home first,” said Congressman Johnson. “Kathy Register made sure that promise was kept.…

ATLANTA—State Rep. Doreen Carter, who represents Georgia House District 93, is urging residents to stay informed and participate in the upcoming Nov. 4 elections.  In her Oct. 26 online newsletter, Carter highlighted the importance of the elections for some residents who live in unincorporated DeKalb County who will decide whether they want to be annexed into the City of Lithonia.   Carter also expressed her concern over the lack of transparency regarding the Conyers City Council’s proposed changes to the city’s governing structure. Carter recently called for a pause on the council moving forward to change the city’s charter, saying…

ATLANTA—As uncertainty looms over federal funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other federal benefits beginning Nov. 1, the city of Atlanta is stepping up to assist those in need. Mayor Andre Dickens on Thursday, Oct. 30, announced the launch of ATL Cares(Community Action & Relief for Emergency Support), a city initiative to help families facing food insecurity and financial hardship. The mayor was joined by Atlanta City Councilmembers Michael Julian Bond, Andrea Boone, and Keisha Sean Waites Overstreet, and leaders from Atlanta Community Food Bank, Goodr and Atlanta Public Schools. “No resident should go hungry or wonder how…

STONECREST, GA– As the federal government shutdown continues and millions of Americans brace for the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning Nov. 1, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is expanding its community food distribution initiative to help local families in need. On Saturday, Nov. 1, beginning at 9 a.m., New Birth and its 501(c)3 nonprofit outreach ministry, The King’s Table (TKT), will provide food to more than 2,000 families on the church’s campus located at 6400 Woodrow Road in Stonecrest. The distribution will serve local residents, furloughed government employees, families directly affected by the halt in federal…

Looking for a safe alternative for the kids to enjoy their costumes and treats on Oct. 31? Check out the trunk or treat events from our community partners in DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties.  The events listed below are free and some include additional activities such as the haunted house that will be held at the Rockdale  County Sheriff’s Office parking lot. Looking for a safe alternative for the kids to enjoy their costumes and treats on Oct. 31? Check out the trunk or treat events from our community partners in DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties.  The events listed below are…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has successfully installed its weather siren system, marking a significant step in public safety and emergency preparedness.  After being on hold for three years, the project is now completed and fully functional. The automated system, which is directly linked to the National Weather Service, allows for real-time activation during tornado warnings. The system delivers faster, more consistent alerts to residents who are outdoors, urging immediate action during life-threatening weather emergencies. Monthly siren tests will occur on every first Saturday at 1 p.m., unless severe weather is present. There are nine operational…

By State Representative Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) Electricity isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Yet, for too many Georgians, what should be a straightforward utility bill has become a source of confusion and frustration. When I began examining my own Georgia Power bills, I discovered troubling inconsistencies between the fixed “budget billing” amount and the actual cost of electricity I used. That prompted me to call for an independent, third-party investigation into Georgia Power’s budget billing program, an issue now under formal review by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). Recently, I was asked by a state regulator to share…

DECATUR, GA– As a result of infrastructure upgrades being completed on Columbia Woods Drive and Toney Drive, road closures will be extended through Dec. 10. Detour signage will be installed to direct traffic around the affected areas. These dates are subject to change based on weather conditions. Road closure and detour signs will be placed during the road closure to advise motorists of construction work in the area and of local traffic restrictions. Normal construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. An increase in construction-related noise and traffic during work hours should be expected. …

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s office has relaunched its redesigned website to enhance and improve online experiences for over half a million users each year. With a fresh new look and feel, the site, relaunched in October,   is better organized, easier to navigate, and user-friendly, Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson said. “As we continue to focus on delivering quality customer service, I encourage taxpayers to explore the redesigned website at DeKalbTax.org,” said Johnson. “The updated site serves to help taxpayers find answers quickly, efficiently and accurately before visiting the office. It’s a great tool to learn about the tax office and the…

 LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A Norcross man will serve 25 years in prison for molesting a 9-year-old girl. A Gwinnett County jury found Feliciano Albarran Real, 61, guilty of aggravated child molestation for the January 2021 attack. He was sentenced to life with 25 years to serve in prison. Real also must register for life as a child sex offender. “This is despicable behavior, and we are grateful that the jury found this defendant guilty,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “We pray that this victim and her family find justice and solace in this outcome, as we continue to work with them…