Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– Due to the impending effects of Hurricane Helene, DeKalb County is opening four severe weather shelters for unhoused persons  today through Saturday, Sept. 28. The following locations will be open as severe weather shelters: Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road, Atlanta. This shelter will remain open 24 hours a day during the event. Center for Pan Asian Community Services Inc., 3510 Shallowford Road NE, Atlanta. This shelter opens today at 4 p.m. New Life Community Alliance’s auditorium, 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur. This shelter opens today at 5 p.m. and will remain open 24 hours a day during…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Spurred by the recent series of assaults, the murder of a man at a service station and blight plaguing Columbia Drive, a collective of neighborhood groups in unincorporated South DeKalb will hold a community meeting on Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the community room at The Friends School of Atlanta, 862 Columbia Drive, Decatur. The group, South DeKalb Neighbors, is calling for violence interventions, an evolution of public safety approaches, and the revitalization of unincorporated South DeKalb — with immediate action steps and more accountability from county agencies and elected officials. The meeting will take the form…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—In a unanimous decision, the Rockdale County Board of Elections voted on Wednesday, Sept. 26, during a special meeting to disqualify Kathy Harvey as a write-in candidate for probate judge in the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election. The 3-member board, chaired by Al Saddler, stated that Harvey neither meets the statutory qualifications to hold the office of probate judge nor did she meet the Sept. 3 deadline in publishing her Notice of Intent to run as a write-n candidate in the Rockdale Citizen newspaper, the county’s legal organ. Supervisor of Elections Cynthia Willingham said at the board meeting that Harvey’s notice…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— In response to projected severe weather conditions caused by Hurricane Helene, Superintendent Devon Q. Horton announced that all schools within the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27. The closure includes all school-based, district-wide, extracurricular, and athletic events. Horton stated in a news release that the safety and well-being of the students, staff, and families remain the district’s top priority. He said he made his decision to close schools after carefully considering weather forecasts that predicted dangerous conditions such as high winds, power outages, downed trees, and hazardous…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—As a result of the pending Hurricane Helene, DeKalb County government offices, senior centers, libraries, recreation centers, the Sanitation Division’s customer service desk and the Planning Department’s One Stop Shop will be closed on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, the Board of Commissioners zoning meeting scheduled for Thursday has been canceled. Public safety and other county employees who are required to maintain critical operations during the severe weather event should check with their supervisors for instructions. County employees who are not required to deal with the emergency conditions in person will work remotely. County residents are encouraged to sign…

DECATUR, GA—Due to the forecasted impacts from Hurricane Helene in metro Atlanta, all DeKalb Public Health regional health centers and services will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27. Clients with health center appointments will be contacted. For more updates, please visit dekalbpubliche

ATLANTA– Attorney General Chris Carr is warning Georgians to be on the lookout for possible storm-related scams in anticipation of Hurricane Helene. “As we continue to prepare for Hurricane Helene and hope that any damage it causes is minimal, we want to ensure that Georgians are protected from home repair fraud and other scams,” said Carr. “Unfortunately, criminals will often try to take advantage of those impacted by severe weather. Make sure you know how to spot and report a scam before turning over your hard-earned dollars, and contact our Consumer Protection Division if you’re in need of assistance.” Storm…

ATLANTA – As Hurricane Helene approaches Georgia, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King is urging residents to take several precautions before the storm. “Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast as a major hurricane and continue into Georgia with devastating wind speeds,” said Commissioner King. “Because these damaging winds can affect areas hundreds of miles away from the expected trajectory, all Georgians should begin preparing for the storm.” Before the storm, make a list of all your covered items (furniture, electronics, appliances, valuables, etc). Make sure to keep an electronic copy of this list, which should…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale officials have announced closures due to severe weather forecast due to Hurricane Helene.  The National Weather Service has predicted heavy winds, torrential rains and possible flooding in metro-Atanta as a result of Helene. All Rockdale County Government Offices and Courthouse will be closed Thursday and Friday, Sept. 26-27. Additionally, Rockdale County Public Schools will be closed both days. Superintendent Terry Oatts said  in notifications sent to parents on Wednesday that Thursday will be considered an Independent Learning Day for students. The district, he said, will close on Friday, Sept. 27, and Sept. 30 – Octo. 4 for Fall Intercession.   For updates…

Tropical Storm Helene The Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency urged Georgia residents to prepare for Tropical Storm Helene during a press conference held on Sept. 24. To see the  press conference, click on the link below starting at 07:02: https://www.gpb.org/events/news/2024/09/24/gema-presser Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a State of Emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Helene, which is expected to bring damaging winds, heavy rain and possible flooding in coastal areas as the storm moves inland from Florida. “I have declared a State of Emergency enabling emergency management teams to prepare for and direct resources well in advance of…