Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA— Customers making Commercial Driver’s License road test reservations can now expect a dramatically shorter wait—from six weeks to just a few days, the Georgia Department of Driver Services(DDS) announced this week. Less than two years after Gov. Brian Kemp released recommendations to address Commercial Driver Shortages, DDS has eliminated the backlog of CDL road test reservations, officials said. The reduction in wait time, officials said, reflects DDS’s ongoing commitment to boosting service efficiency and supporting Georgia’s commercial transportation industry.  “One of the drivers of record economic growth Georgia has experienced in recent years is our robust supply chain network, of which…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Gwinnett County Police Department and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) are partnering to host the National Prescription Drug Take Back initiative on Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event encourages people to drop off potentially dangerous prescription medications at collection sites around Gwinnett County. This includes unused or expired prescription medications. The purpose of the event is to combat overdose deaths, accidental poisonings, or abuse.   The proper disposal of drugs can save lives and protect the environment since unused drugs that are flushed down the toilet can contaminate the water supply. Those who have tablets, capsules,…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County 4-H presents “Front Door Produce Fresh from the Farm,” offering 20-pound boxes of produce for $30. Orders can be placed online until Nov.14, 2024. The 20-pound box of produce will be available for pickup from the DeKalb County Extension office at 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 200, Decatur, on the week of Nov.18, just ahead of Thanksgiving. Order online at https://frontdoorproduce.com/products/dekalb-county-4h-fundraiser.  If you are an individual with a disability who may require assistance or accommodation in order to participate in or receive the benefit of a service, program, or activity of UGA, or if you desire more information, please…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) will attend the Defend Black History Summit, where she will receive the Black History Award on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 1 – 5 p.m. at the Loudermilk Conference Center, Atlanta.    Rep. Carter’s nomination for the award came from the National Education Association (NEA) and Color Of Change. The NEA is a professional organization representing public school teachers, support personnel, higher education faculty and staff, retired educators, and students preparing to enter the teaching profession. Color Of Change is a nonprofit organization dedicated to civil rights advocacy, with a focus on utilizing online resources to…

By State Rep. Viola Davis, D-Stone Mountain DEKALB COUNTY, GA—As your state representative for Georgia House District 87, it is my responsibility to address the concerns of constituents, especially when state laws are called into question. Recently, one of my constituents approached me with concerns regarding a proposed crematory development along Memorial Drive, asking whether it would violate Georgia state law. The specific provision in question is O.C.G.A. § 43-18-72, which clearly states that crematories must be located at least 1,000 feet away from any residential subdivision platted and recorded with the superior court. The constituent who reached out wanted…

ATLANTA–Georgia voters surpassed the 2 million mark on Thursday with 2,125,877 check-ins, shattering previous Early Voting performance, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced. In previous years on Day 10 of Early Voting, Georgia had the following number of ballots cast, according to Raffensperger’s office: 730,706    (2018) 1,328,199 (2020) 1,139,770 (2022) “Georgia voters know we’ve made it easy to cast a ballot. It’s really that simple,” said Secretary Raffensperger. “Over the past four years we’ve worked tirelessly to prepare for this election by adding Early Voting days and investing in infrastructure, only to be rewarded with the lies of Jim Crow 2.0 and…

UPDATE:  Chloe Cooper, 20, has been located, the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release today, Oct. 25. Cooper left home and was last seen getting into a white 4-door vehicle on Oct. 21 around 7:30 a.m. When she did not return home that evening, her family reported her missing. Investigators were able to determine that Cooper left her home, of her own will, and her whereabouts were determined on Oct. 24 around 2:15 p.m.  “We are working with the local law enforcement agency to ensure the well-being and safety of Chloe,” Investigator L. Smith stated in a news release.…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners acted on several initiatives during its Oct. 15 meeting. A recap of what was approved follows:   Gateway monuments to welcome visitors The Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Rite Lite Signs Inc. for the construction of two illuminated gateway monuments at key roadways leading into the county. One monument will be situated near the northbound exit ramp of I-85 at Jimmy Carter Boulevard, and the other will be at the northeast corner of Centerville Highway and Riverlake Way. The Board also approved a maintenance agreement with the Georgia Department of…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The closure of Livingstone Place,between East College Avenue and Craigie Avenue in Decatur will be extended through Nov. 30.  Crews will continue construction activities associated with the Scott Boulevard Water Main Replacement Project Phase III. Motorists should expect delays stemming from the road closure.  Precautionary signs and traffic flaggers will assist in moving local traffic safely around the road closure.  For more information, visit the DWM website at www.dekalbwatershed.com, call the DWM Project Information Line at 1-800-986-1108 or email: projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov