Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA—Unofficial and incomplete runoff election results were announced by DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) following the Dec. 3 contest for DeKalb County Commissioner District 3, DeKalb County Commissioner Super District 7, Atlanta City Council Post 3 (At-Large) and Doraville City Council District 1 – Post 2. Current unofficial and incomplete election results are posted at www.DeKalbVotes.com under the elections results tab.  Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UACAVA) ballots postmarked by the runoff election day must arrive by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 and will be tabulated prior to the runoff election’s certification. The DeKalb Board…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–The installation ceremony for 11 public officials will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m., at the Rockdale County Auditorium, 903 Main Street, Conyers. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in Rockdale County’s history as Chairwoman-Elect JaNice VanNess and Post 1 Commissioner-Elect Tuwanya Smith join sitting Post 2 Commissioner Doreen Williams to form the first all-female Board of Commissioners. The ceremony will recognize three officials taking on new roles – Chairwoman of the Board of Commissioners, Post 1 County Commissioner, and Superior Court Judge – six re-elected officials, and two newly-appointed judges. Over the past…

ATLANTA — Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman announced the 2025 committee chairpersons and appointments during Monday’s Council meeting. “We will continue to appoint committee chairs and members who truly represent the values, ambitions, and rich diversity of Atlanta. The upcoming year may present significant challenges and opportunities for our city, and I have full confidence that these committees will provide thoughtful and impactful leadership in their roles,” said President Shipman.  2025 Committee Chairpersons and Appointments: City Utilities Committee: Antonio Lewis – Chair Michael Julian Bond Andrea L. Boone Howard Shook Alex Wan Matt Westmoreland  Post 3 At-Large Council member Elect  City Utilities…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County has partnered with Conyers Methodist Church, 921 Main Street, Conyers, to open a warming shelter tonight, Dec. 3.  The church will be open for those who need a warm place to stay from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Dec. 4.

 DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County voters are headed to the polls today, Dec. 3, to decide two key Board of Commissioners runoff races and two City Council races. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Cold weather is expected, so bundle up. The runoff elections include: DeKalb County Commission District 3, DeKalb County Super District 7, Doraville City Council District 1 – Post 2 (At-Large), and Atlanta City Council Post 3 (At-Large). Only DeKalb voters who are registered in the runoff districts are eligible to cast ballots during the runoff. To avoid going to the wrong precinct, voters…

ATLANTA–– The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) announced the application period for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program opened on Monday, Dec. 2, for individuals ages 65 years and older, and medically homebound households.  All other eligible Georgians who wish to apply can schedule an appointment beginning Jan. 2, 2025. This program assists Georgians, whether homeowners or renters, with heating bills through direct payments to home energy suppliers Funds are administered through local Community Action Agencies (CAA) on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted.  To qualify, a family’s income must be less than or equal to 60%…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA –The Urban Redevelopment Agency of Gwinnett County has finalized the $16.5 million purchase of the 23-acre Macy’s department and furniture store properties at Gwinnett Place Mall, marking a key advancement in the redevelopment of the site. The purchase was finalized on Monday, Dec. 2.  Officials said the eventual redevelopment will transform the mall site into a bustling, mixed-use complex and is projected to bring both catalytic change and new opportunities to Gwinnett residents and businesses.  With this acquisition, the Urban Redevelopment Agency and Gwinnett County own a combined total of 76 acres on the Gwinnett Place Mall site.…

ATLANTA—Democratic Caucus Chair Sen. Elena Parent (D–Atlanta), State Reps. Mary Margaret Oliver (D–Decatur) and Omari Crawford (D–Decatur) will host a legislative town hall on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The public is invited to attend in person or virtually and share their concerns and questions.  The legislators will provide updates on key issues for the 2025 Legislative Session.  Town Hall Details:                       Date: Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 Time: 7– 8 p.m. Location: Winnona Park Elementary School, 510 Avery St., Decatur This event is open to the public. You can also register to attend the town hall via Zoom using the link here. The public may submit questions in…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond announced the launch of a $13 million program aimed at reducing homelessness and preventing evictions. The DeKalb County Integrated Community Care Initiative will distribute funding to nine nonprofit organizations to provide housing for unhoused persons and rental and utility assistance for those facing eviction. The program kicks off Dec. 4. “By providing housing for the unhoused and rental assistance for the housing insecure, this program’s two-pronged approach continues DeKalb’s commitment to counter the housing affordability crisis in our county,” said Thurmond. “DeKalb County is investing millions to get and keep families in…

By Mark Brock   The No. 8 ranked DeKalb County Stephenson Jaguars go on the road for the first time in the 2024 Class 3A high school football playoffs as they travel to take on the No. 7 ranked Calhoun Yellow Jackets  in Gordon County on Friday(Dec. 6) at 7:30 p.m. Both teams enter the game at 10-3 as they face off for the third time in a series tied at 1-1. Stephenson won the first meeting 29-0 in 1996 and Calhoun took the 1997 meeting 17-9. Stephenson won its 240th victory in program history last week with a 36-3 win over Southeast…