Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA—Congressman Hank Johnson’s Office is offering a convenient way for constituents of the Fourth Congressional District to renew or apply for a passport directly with the Department of State. The “Congressman Hank Johnson’s District Passport Day” event will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Latin American Association, 2750 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA. Register for the event HERE. All appointments must be confirmed. No walk-in appointments will be permitted. There will be no same-day books printed at this event. All applications will be processed in accordance with the national processing times for Passport Services. For information…

STONECREST, GA—New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is remembering Lecester “Bill” Allen, founder of the New Black Wall Street Market, as “a powerful catalyst for progress.” Mr. Allen passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024. “It is with heavy hearts that New Birth Missionary Baptist Church announces the transition from labor to award of Mr. Lecester “Bill” Allen, a member of the New Birth Board of Directors. Founder of the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute, Mr. Allen blazed trails as a successful educator and entrepreneur for the past 50+ years. A self-made man from rural Arkansas, Mr. Allen leaves an amazing legacy of…

CONYERS, GA— Made to Order Holdings LLC officially opened the doors to Whataburger’s first restaurant in Conyers on Monday, June 24, at 11 a.m., following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. with the Rockdale-Conyers Chamber of Commerce. “We’re thrilled to be open in Conyers and have more locations planned for the Peach State,” MTOH Vice President of Operations Scott Jordan-Wheeler said. “Georgians have shown they are hungry for the bold flavors that Whataburger is known for, and we’re just as eager to serve them those flavors.” The restaurant at 431 Sigman Road NW is MTOH’s third in the state and the…

 Millage rate unchanged for eighth straight year DECATUR, GA– Today, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond announced the county’s Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST) credit for 2024 will provide $162 million in property tax relief for property owners with homestead exemptions. Qualified homeowners receive an EHOST credit that reduces or offsets property tax liability. The amount of property tax relief received by a qualified homeowner is based on the assessed value of the homesteaded property and sales tax revenue generated by EHOST. On average, the EHOST credit will generate a tax reduction of approximately $1,500 for qualified homes valued at $425,000. “DeKalb…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Starting July 2, the DeKalb County Police Department is hosting four town halls inJuly for its Mid-Year Check-In series.  The forums will allow community members to discuss important issues, ask questions, and learn about Police Department’s challenges and successes so far in 2024. Residents are encouraged to find their local town hall from the list below and join the conversation: South                                                                                     Tucker July 2, 2024, at 6p.m.                                              July 9, 2024, at 6p.m. Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library            Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library 2861 Wesley Chapel Road                                    5234 Lavista Road Decatur, GA 30034                                                  Tucker, GA 30084 North-Central                                                                      East July 23, 2024, at 6p.m.                                           July 30, 2024,…

STONECREST, GA—Lecester “Bill” Allen, developer and founder of the New Black Wall Street Market, has passed away. Mr. Allen transitioned on Saturday, June 22, after a long illness, sources close to the family said today(June 24). Mr. Allen was 80, having marked his birthday in February. A phenomenal trailblazer, business educator and philanthropist, Mr. Allen was the city of Stonecrest’s single-largest commercial landowner with 300 acres in the city. Together, the Allen Family Investments, LLC purchased the former Target department store to develop the New Black Wall Street Market as well as the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute and the mansion where…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners are partnering with Christal Jordan-Jennings, founder of Enchanted Branding and PR, to celebrate African American Music Appreciation Month by honoring the musical legacy of Thomas Calloway, professionally known as CeeLo. The tribute will take place during the Board of Commissioners Regular Business Meeting on Tuesday, June 25, beginning at 9 a.m., at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030. During the meeting, CEO Thurmond will present the entertainer with DeKalb County’s highest civilian award, the W.W. King Bridge Builder Award. Additionally, Commissioner Robert Patrick will present CeeLo…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale Clerk of Courts Janice Morris is inviting the community to the upcoming Law Speaker Series Q&A forum on “Wills and Estate Planning.”  The free forum will be held on Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m. until noon, at a new location: Rockdale Auditorium, 903 Main St., Conyers. The guest speaker will be Attorney Tamika Johnson of the T.M. Johnson Law Firm, which specializes in wills and estate planning. Morris said she is offering the series for constituents to get their questions answered about various law topics. “Those who attend are able to get their questions answered on the spot…