Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — Mark your calendars! The DeKalb County Police Department’s Spring 2025 Safety Fair is just around the corner — happening Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,  at the Sunshine Shopping Center, 2732 Candler Road, Decatur. This free, family-friendly event will feature: VIN Etching: Have your Vehicle Identification Number etched into your car, truck, or SUV — a smart way to deter thieves and protect your vehicle. Key Fob Cloning Protection Tips: Learn how to safeguard your vehicle against high-tech thieves who clone keyless entry systems. Child Car Seat Checks: Ensure your child’s car seat is installed correctly with help from trained…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—This summer, four rising 10th, 11th and 12thgrade Rockdale students will have the opportunity to attend a weeklong agri-business and natural resources program.   The Rockdale Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD) has approved funding to fully sponsor four students from Rockdale County Public Schools, private institutions, or home schools. Selected students will attend the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW) hosted at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in Tifton, Georgia, from June 8–13. As part of a statewide initiative, Conservation Districts across Georgia are covering the $375 registration fee, allowing students to attend this educational experience at no cost. The NRCW is a program with a 64-year history that offers…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct its Regular Public Meeting on Thursday, April 17, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at 178 Sams Street,Room A1201 – A & B, Decatur, GA.  Agenda  Callto Order Adoptionof Agenda   III.  Administrative Items Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of March 20, 2025 Ethics Officer’s Monthly Report Informal Opinion(s) Preliminary Case Sammy Gilstrap v. Naomi Verelien Public Comments Comments from the Board of Ethics VII.         Executive Session to Discuss Pending Litigation and Personnel Issues Motion to Convene an Executive Session Motion to Adjourn an Executive Session Motion…

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announced on Wednesday, April 9, that the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded $4 million in federal funding to support two key transportation projects aimed at easing congestion and enhancing traffic flow along North Druid Hills Road. The funding will be used for intersection improvements at North Druid Hills Road and Lavista Road, and at North Druid Hills Road and Clairmont Road. These projects were prioritized in the North Druid Hills Road Corridor Study, which was jointly funded by DeKalb County and ARC. Planned upgrades include enhancements designed to reduce congestion and queuing, improve…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Rockdale Board of Commissioners (BOC) will host its first 2025 virtual evening town hall on Tuesday, April 15, 6 to 8 p.m. Constituents will have the opportunity to learn about key updates and voice their concerns about  other matters.  Attendees may register for the virtual town hall at: https://form.jotform.com/250896392276066 The BOC had announced in February that it planned to introduce evening town hall meetings as a new addition to its regular schedule to provide an opportunity for constituents to speak directly with board members.  The town halls, the board said, reflect its commitment to transparency, ensuring that…

Good Friday Service features Grammy Award-Winning Artist Hezekiah Walker STONECREST, GA– New Birth Missionary Baptist Church invites the community to The Great Awakening, a powerful Easter weekend celebration set April 18-20. This three-day experience will commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ through vibrant worship, meaningful community engagement, family-focused activities and transformative economic empowerment while inspiring faith, renewal, and unity. All events are taking place on the New Birth campus, located at 6400 Woodrow Rd., in the city of  Stonecrest.  “As we commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we embrace a season of spiritual awakening and renewal,” said Dr. Jamal Bryant, senior pastor of…

ATLANTA — With the May 7 federal mandatory REAL ID deadline fast approaching, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is reminding residents to check their driver’s license or state ID card now, especially if they are planning to travel by plane. If you see a gold or black star in the upper right corner, you’re already REAL ID compliant — no need to visit a DDS center for a new driver’s license or state ID. Beginning May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act—a security measure enacted after 9/11—will take full effect, requiring travelers flying within the U.S. to present REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a state identification card.  While…

DECATUR, GA—Georgia Rep. Hank Johnson, who represents parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, announced that the 2025 Congressional Art Competition is now open to high school students residing or attending school in Georgia’s 4th Congressional District.  This annual competition celebrates student creativity, with the first-place winner having their artwork professionally framed and displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside winners from across the country. The winners  also are invited to a national reception in Washington, D.C., where they will meet fellow winners, view their work in the Capitol, and be recognized by members of Congress.  The Congressional Institute sponsors the nationwide visual art…