Author: On Common Ground News

STONECREST, GA– The City of Stonecrest has been designated as a “City of Civility” by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). The Stonecrest City Council adopted a civility resolution on June 28, 2023. A 2019 poll by Weber Shandwick revealed that over 90% percent of Americans believe that incivility is a problem, with nearly 68% percent identifying it as a major problem. Civility is more than just politeness; it is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, listening past one’s preconceptions, and teaching others to do the same. “We’re committed to respecting each…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist ATLANTA—Tucker High School boys’ head basketball coach James Hartry was inducted into the Clark Atlanta University Athletics Hall of Fame today (Oct. 21) The induction ceremony was held at the Bishop Cornelius Henderson Student Center on the Clark Atlanta campus. The DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) Hartry joins Dennis Roberts (basketball); Gwendolyn Louise Rainey Gillespie (tennis); and Parrish Lamar Preston (tennis) as the Hall of Fame honorees named by the Clark Atlanta Athletics Boosters Association. “I’ve received a lot of honors over the years such region and state Coach-of-the-Year, Teacher of the Year, but…

DEKALB COUNY, GA—DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) announced the location of 13 advance voting locations and changes to the schedule, giving voters expanded opportunities to vote early. Advance voting in DeKalb began Oct. 16 and concludes Nov. 3, weekdays 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; and Sundays, noon–5 p.m. Election Day is Nov. 7.  Polls will be open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. “This year, we’re thrilled to provide 13 advance voting locations strategically placed across the county,” said DeKalb VRE Executive Director Keisha Smith. “Drop boxes are located inside six of the advance voting locations, and they’re accessible…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office recently kicked off its holiday food drive, collecting food items to support the Atlanta Community Food Bank this Thanksgiving. Customers visiting any tax office location may participate in the food drive by donating canned or non-perishable food items, now until Nov. 9, 2023, during office hours. “This food drive serves many families in need within our community and all donated items will go directly to the Atlanta Community Food Bank,” said DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson. “Together, we can make a difference for families and individuals who rely on food…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) scores followed the state and nation in holding steady on the American College Test (ACT), according to results recently released by the Georgia Department of Education for Class of 2023 graduates. RCPS had an overall ACT composite score of 18.3, a less than one point change from last year’s score of 18.8.  The state and nation also had less than one-point decreases in scores: 21.3 and 19.5, respectively. A total of 264 students from RCPS Class of 2023 took the ACT compared to 360 students from the Class of 2022. The decrease…

Today is Glenn Morgan’s birthday. He turned the big 67. Glenn spent part of the day in physical therapy and the rest of the day working to keep you informed. As many of you may know, Glenn is recovering from his third knee replacement surgery. This journey has been a bit more challenging, but his faith remains strong that he soon will be walking on his own with his new titanium knee. He can’t wait to get out and about to see you and maybe even hit the dance floor! You can follow his recovery journey at BestLifeGlenn on Facebook…

CONYERS, GA– Salem High School (SHS) in Rockdale County Public Schools was recently named the school that registered the most student voters out of more than 80 schools statewide in the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement 2023 Be the People Voter Drive. The contest was held to encourage high school students to register to vote. High schools throughout Georgia were encouraged to register all students 17.5 years and older. The competition took place over 30 days in more than 80 high schools. Salem High School won a trip to the Georgia Governor’s Mansion for 50 of its students. This trip will…

ATLANTA – Georgia legislators are reminding voters in the city of Decatur that they will have the opportunity to vote on proposed homestead tax exemptions on Nov. 7 through local ballot referendums. The referendums are the result of a package of property tax relief bills passed and signed into law during the 2023 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly. State Rep. Omari Crawford (D-Decatur) today joined with State Representatives Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), Becky Evans (D-Atlanta), Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) and State Sen. Elena Parent (D-Atlanta) to  the reminder. “We have heard the concerns of the citizens in the City…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Springfield Baptist Church will host its annual Harvest of Blessings featuring its Trunk of Treats Festival, set to take place on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the church’s campus located at1877 Iris Drive, Conyers, GA. The family-friendly event promises an evening of excitement and activities for all ages. Event highlights include hayrides, a Silent Party with a DJ, the ever-popular Trunk of Treats, bounce houses, a Bible cakewalk, refreshments, and a chance to win fantastic prizes. For more information, visit  www.sbcgrowth.church or contact the church at 770-929-1111.

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Police Department’s Police Athletic League will host its Second Annual PAL Pumpkin 5k Run/Walk at 9 a.m. on Oct. 28. On race day, there also will be activities for the whole family. Registration for the race is $35. A signature race T-shirt and participation race medal will be given to each registered participant. Race awards will be given in several age categories. All funds go to the DeKalb County Police Athletic League 501c (3) non-profit organization and 100% of the profits from the event will go to funding PAL’s youth mentoring program aimed at…