Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Government is partnering with local faith leaders and community groups to celebrate Black History Month by distributing 5,000 boxes of Georgia-grown fruits, vegetables and chicken hindquarters on Saturday, Feb. 3, beginning at 9 a.m.. “Because food insecurity affects one in nine Georgians, DeKalb County continues to partner with local faith and community leaders to provide relief for struggling families,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said. The food distributions will be held at the following locations: Plaza Fiesta, 4166 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta Saint Phillip AME, 240 Candler Rd. SE, Atlanta New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office recently mailed homeowners information regarding senior homestead exemptions for the 2024 tax year. Seniors ages 62 and older are encouraged to check their exemption status online at DeKalbTax.org or call 404-298-4000 for assistance. “Changes to income limits that were passed in the legislature last year now allow more seniors to meet eligibility requirements for special exemptions. This was made possible by the collaborative efforts of this Office, the Board of Commissioners, the DeKalb Delegation of Legislators, and DeKalb voters,” said DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson. A homestead exemption significantly reduces the amount of…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) will host a series of events to celebrate the ninth annual “Go Red for Women” events during the first week of February. The event schedule is as follows: Blood pressure checks on Thursday, Feb. 1, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Georgia State Capitol\ Annual Go Red for Women luncheon on Friday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m.  – 1 p.m., at Piedmont Rockdale Hospital, Conyers; Go Red for Women breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 3,  9 – 11 a.m., Chapel Hill Middle School, Decatur. During the event at the State Capitol, the American Heart…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—In commemoration of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston will present a community forum to raise awareness of labor trafficking on Wednesday, Jan. 31.  The forum will feature two separate sessions focused on the dangers of labor trafficking and will take place at 6 p.m. the Latin American Association – Atlanta Outreach Center, 2750 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta.    The community is invited to join the district attorney for Labor Trafficking: Hiding in Plain Sight, a conversation about the warning signs of labor trafficking, how to protect your community, and resources for victims. Attendees…

SNELLVILLE, GA—The Gwinnett County Police Department said three people were fatally shot during a double murder and suicide early today (Jan. 30) at an apartment complex at 2300 Country Walk in Snellville. The victims were identified as Corey Jones, 52, and his wife, Dana Farmer, 56, who both lived in the Snellville apartment where the shooting took place. The shooter was identified as Frank Wilburn, Jr., 27, of Loganville. When police arrived on the scene around 1 a.m., they found two men and two women with gunshot wounds. Both women were transported by paramedics, and one of them—Dana Farmer—passed away…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to forecasted cold weather, DeKalb County will open five warming centers for residents on Wednesday, Jan. 31, and Thursday, Feb. 1, starting at 8 p.m. to use at the following locations: Fire Station 3, 100 N. Clarendon Avenue, Avondale Estates Fire Station 4, 4540 Flakes Mill Road, Ellenwood Fire Station 6, 2342 Flat Shoals Road, Atlanta North DeKalb Senior Center, 3393 Malone Drive, Chamblee Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road, Atlanta Anyone staying in the warming centers must follow the county’s COVID-19 protocols that include wearing a mask, social distancing and undergoing a temperature check. For…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against three defendants accused of setting up and then robbing a man in Stone Mountain. Jurors returned guilty verdicts on Monday, Jan. 29, against Darnell Reed, 30, of Stone Mountain, on charges of Armed Robbery, False Imprisonment, Aggravated Assault and two counts of Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony.  Jurors found his twin brother Donnell Reed, 30, also of Stone Mountain, guilty on charges of Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, False Imprisonment and Possession of a Firearm by a First…

DECATUR, GA– Due to an agency-wide staff meeting, all DeKalb County Board of Health offices and regional health centers will be closed to the public on Friday, Feb. 2. Normal hours of operation will resume on Monday, Feb. 5, at 8:15 a.m. For more information regarding the Board of Health’s programs and services, visit dekalbhealth.net or call 404-294-3700.

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County Public Schools(RCPS)  will host its Parent Academy on Saturday, Feb., 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Salem High School, 3551 Underwood Road, Conyers. The half-day event offers free workshops and to help families and their students find success this school year. This year’s theme is “Be More in 2024!” with classes and workshops focusing on wellness – physically, mentally, financially – and literacy. The event also features student performances, local community vendors and student entrepreneurs and free door prizes. RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts will open the day as the keynote speaker with the “State of the School System” overview. Afterwards,…

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host Father-Daughter Dance on Feb. 8, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive.  Registration will be open now until Feb. 7. The Father-Daughter Dance is for all ages and costs $15 per couple and $5 for each additional child. The event will include music, refreshments and dancing. To register, visit any recreation center or visit  www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click the yellow banner to register online on the department’s homepage. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations…