Author: On Common Ground News

CONYERS, GA—Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) employees will see a range of salary increases in the 2024-2025 school year with the recently approved FY25 budget that focused on addressing student needs and remaining competitive with recruitment and retention of teachers and support staff. The Rockdale County Board of Education approved the FY25 budget of $221,929,321 at its June 27 meeting. In the state budget, the governor provided teachers with a $2,500 raise which RCPS extended to all certified staff. In addition, all certified staff will receive a step increase. This equates to a salary increase between 5% – 7% for…

ATLANTA—The Georgia Department of Transportation is reminding the public to plan travel to the July 4th fireworks shows accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday celebration. Motorists are encouraged to plan, as traffic and road closures are expected near fireworks displays. Be aware of alternative routes to avoid getting stuck in traffic. Many cities and towns throughout Georgia will host fireworks shows in the evening. The Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Peachtree Road Race on July 4 also could cause delays.For detailed information on road closures for the Peachtree Road Race, please refer to the official race website. Plan your travels accordingly to ensure a…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is suspending lane closures on Georgia interstates and state routes for the upcoming July 4th holiday weekend. The suspension will begin at 12 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, July 3, and continue until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 7. During this period, construction-related lane closures will be on hold to facilitate smoother travel. However, Georgia DOT urges travelers to remain cautious, as crews may still be working near highways, and some long-term lane closures may still be in place due to safety considerations. Additionally, lane closures for incident management or emergency maintenance may occur…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Cooperative Extension 4-H has opened registration for its exciting summer Ag Camp, which will be held July 8-12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the E.M.B.A.R.C. Youth Farm, 1185 Rock Chapel Road, in unincorporated Lithonia. E.M.B.A.R.C. is the acronym for Education, Market, Botanicals, Agriculture and Recreational Center and is the former site of the Bransby Outdoor Y. The free camp is open to students in grades 4 – 12 and will offer an array of outdoor activities including arts and crafts, pollinator activities, hikes, gardening, seed dispersal contests, and Solar S’mores. Space is limited. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/DeKalbCounty4-HEMBARC2024.…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department has secured 54 warrants for two suspects who shoplifted from nine Mall of Georgia stores and is seeking the public’s help in locating the women. On June 22, officers assigned to the North precinct responded to the Dick’s Sporting Goods store located at 3333 Buford Drive inside the Mall of Georgia. A store representative called 911 and reported observing two female suspects shoplifting large quantities of merchandise. The suspects left the store on foot and headed towards a white passenger vehicle parked just outside the store. When confronted by the store representative,…

All offices closed July 4 in observance of Independence Day DEKALB COUNTY, GA– In observance of Independence Day, the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office will be closed for the holiday on Thursday, July 4 and will resume regular business hours on Friday, July 5. As residents prepare to travel this holiday, vehicle owners are reminded to plan ahead and renew their registration early to avoid delays. “Ensuring your vehicle registration is current should be on your travel checklist before any road trip, whether it’s local or long distance,” said Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson. “Driving with an expired car tag,…

ATLANTA—Pay raises for teachers and law enforcement officers, increased child tax emptions, lower state income tax and basic standards for rental homes are among Georgia’s new laws to take effect today, July 1. On Common Ground News has included a link in this story to all of the new laws that you can search by county, municipality or subject. Speaker of the House Jon Burns highlighted pieces of legislation passed in the 2024 session that he says will have a significant positive impact on Georgia. “The House had an incredibly successful legislative session this year prioritizing policies that make our state…

STONECREST, GA—Tributes continue to pour in for New Black Wall Street Market Founder Lecester “Bill” Allen. Today, June 29, marks one week since Mr. Allen’s passing. Mr. Allen, 80, died after a long illness. The family of Mr. Allen has not released any information concerning funeral arrangements. Meanwhile, dozens of people have stopped by the New Black Wall Street Market to pay their respects, writing messages in a memorial book where a portrait of Mr. Allen is now erected at the entrance of the market. Additionally, top dignitaries who knew Mr. Allen have issued statements reflecting on his contributions…

100 Black Men of DeKalb, Privi, City of Stonecrest, DeKalb CEO-Elect Lorraine Cochran-Johnson unite  as sponsors  STONECREST, GA —The 100 Back Men of DeKalb County will kick off its “Summer of Peace” at the newly-opened Privi at the Mall at Stonecrest.  The organization was joined by community leaders at a press conference on Friday to announce the program for youths ages 10 to 19 that will span five weeks, starting July 5 and continuing every Friday through Aug. 2, 2024. Held at the newly opened Priví at Stonecrest Mall, program will feature workshops, classes, and violence prevention training followed by a…