Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Broken cell windows are being replaced with metal panels in an effort to deter vandalism and illegal contraband smuggling at the DeKalb County Jail.  DeKalb Sheriff Melody Maddox said cells with broken windows throughout the 30-year-old jail are being outfitted with tamper-resistant, impenetrable metal panels, along with energy-efficient lighting to ensure a well-lit environment.  “Deliberate inmate vandalism has left us no choice but to seal all cell windows that have been broken, burned, cracked and/or completely destroyed,” said Maddox. “Not only does this situation represent a serious widespread breach of security but it also presents a threat to…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA.–The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners (BOC) will host a town hall meeting to address the county’s proposed water and sewer rate hike.  The in-person meeting, open to residents and businesses, will be held on Nov. 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at 178 Sams St., Decatur.  The meeting also will be simulcast via Zoom for virtual attendance and will provide critical information and an opportunity for public questions on DeKalb’s proposed water and sewer rate increase.  In June, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond appealed to the Board of Commissioners to increase water and sewer rates to invest in the…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Join the DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability Department, Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry, and 20+ other organizations for a day of education, celebration, and action at the family-friendly World Planning Day featuring the DeKalb Green New Deal Festival. The event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine at  the north parking lot at 178 Sams St., Decatur.  Enjoy music, food trucks, engaging workshops, and inspiring connections centered on community building and environmental justice.  World Planning Day is an annual event that highlights the importance of sustainable urban planning, community involvement, and environmental awareness. For…

Free gunlocks + safes, food, entertainment, and more  DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is hosting its 2nd Annual Department of Family and Community Empowerment Safety Fair on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held at the DCSD Administrative and Instructional Complex,1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain. The fair will feature demonstrations, meet-and-greet opportunities with our community heroes, giveaways, music, food, and fun activities for the whole family. DCSD’s Safety Fair highlights the district’s dedication to the community’s well-being. This free, family-friendly event brings together community members, first responders, safety experts, local agencies, and resources to promote a…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Gwinnett County will recognize those who served in the military during its annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Due to forecasted rain, the ceremony will be held indoors in the auditorium of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. The ceremony will be held in person with an option for residents to tune in live via the County’s Facebook page @GwinnettGov. The ceremony will begin with a Veterans March. All veterans who served honorably are encouraged to participate and be honored for their service and…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Habitat for Humanity DeKalb will hold a Veterans Day event to honor veterans and its commitment to helping them remain safe in their homes. Supported by volunteers from Wells Fargo and Decide DeKalb, the event will be held at a veteran’s home. The Veterans Home Repair Program provides essential modifications and repairs to qualified veteran homeowners.  “It’s not just about providing safe and secure housing,” said Mark Waligore, president of the Habitat for Humanity DeKalb Board. “It’s about honoring their service and sacrifice by ensuring they have the stability they deserve.” Micheal Hawkins, a disabled marine, shared,…

The DeKalb County Board of Education will hold the following meetings on Monday, November 11, 2024. The board meeting is in-person and will be held in the J. David Williamson Board Room, Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083. 11:30 am     BOARD MEETING Executive Session for the purpose of discussing permitted matters. Work Session & Business Meeting 5:45 pm Community Input Session                   The meeting agenda is attached and can be accessed online by going to: www.dekalbschoolsga.org, click on Leadership, go to Simbli (formally known as eBoard) Home Page and click on the date for the meetingagenda/information.  The meeting can…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Democrats Jacqueline Adams and LaDena Bolton are headed for a run-off on Dec. 3 for DeKalb County’s Super District 7 Board of Commissioner’s seat.  Early voting will be held Nov. 25-27. The super district is comprised of 350,000 residents who live in the Southern half of the county. The runoff winner will succeed Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who became the Democratic nominee in the DeKalb County CEO’s race in the May 2024 primary. Facing no Republican challengers, Cochran-Johnson was elected on Tuesday as DeKalb County’s CEO and will take the reigns in January 2025.   Since neither Adams nor Bolton received 50 percent plus one vote…