Author: On Common Ground News

CONYERS, GA—Registration to be entered in the lottery for Georgia Pre-K in Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) for the 2024-2025 school year is open online Feb. 1-29, 2024. No paperwork is required to register for the RCPS Pre-K lottery. The link for Pre-K lottery registration and more information is available at www.rockdaleschools.org/prek. For Georgia Pre-K, children must be 4 years old by Sept. 1.  Pre-K lottery registration takes place online atwww.rockdaleschools.org/prek. Parents will be notified by March 4, 2024 if their child was selected and of the next steps after selection. Students will be selected for Pre-K programs via a random lottery…

DECATUR, Ga. – DeKalb County has four warming centers open for residents to use in the following locations 24 hours a day beginning 8 a.m. Sat., Jan 20, through 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at the following warming center locations: Exchange Park Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur Tobie Grant, 593 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road, Atlanta In addition, DeKalb County will continue to make available four overnight warming centers for residents on Thursday, Jan.18, through Monday, Jan. 22, starting at 8 p.m. to use at…

DECATUR, GA—In a heartfelt demonstration of community support and unity, Judge Yolanda C. Parker-Smith and Judge Shondeana C. Morris of DeKalb County Superior Court are extending a offer to couples this Valentine’s Day. As fervent advocates for love and commitment, they will provide complimentary marriage ceremonies, relieving couples of financial constraints often associated with this life changing event. “On this day of love, we’re thrilled to offer couples a chance to celebrate their commitment without the added burden of financial considerations. Love should be celebrated freely, and we’re honored to facilitate that experience for our community” expressed Judge Parker- Smith.…

ATLANTA— On Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur) presented Bernice A. King with the 2024 Laureate in the field of Humanitarianism from the Sino Phil Asia International Peace Awards Foundation. In his remarks, Jones praised King’s significant achievements, including her receipt of the 2009 Trumpet Award for Advancing Racial Understanding, the 2012 Salute of Greatness Award from The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change and the 2018 Women of Power Legacy Award. “I am immensely honored to present this well-deserved award to Dr. Bernice A. King for her contributions to humanitarianism,” Sen. Jones stated.…

ATLANTA— On Friday, Jan. 19, and Tuesday, Jan. 23, Sen. Elena Parent (D-Atlanta), Democratic Caucus Chair, will host two virtual constituent meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss the significant issues anticipated to be addressed by the Georgia Senate during the 2024 Legislative Session. Friday Session     Date: Friday, Jan. 19 Time: 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Location: Online Open to the Public: The event is open to the public. Register for the meeting here: Friday, Jan. 19: https://bit.ly/SenParentChatJan19 Tuesday Session: Date: Tuesday, Jan. 2 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Location: Online Open to the Public: The event is open to the public.…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County Police Department is warning residents of an unusual type of real estate fraud. In these types of real estate fraud, suspects are forging signatures, using false identifications, and faking notary stamps to obtain forged property titles and filing for quit claim deeds without the consent of the property owner. Quit claim deeds are legally used to transfer ownership between trusted individuals, usually when no money is changing hands.  They offer no warranty that the seller owns or has any rights to the property. When a suspect obtains a quit claim deed to a property, they will often…

ATLANTA—The City of Atlanta will open a warming center ahead of colder temperatures. The center is open tonight, Jan. 16, and will remain open through Thursday, Jan.18, and will extend or adjust opening based on weather forecasts. The warming center is located at the Central Park Recreation Center at 400 Merritts Ave. NE, Atlanta.  Transportation will be provided beginning at 80 p.m. from the Gateway Center, located at 275 Pryor St. SW, Atlanta, with return transportation upon deactivation. Activation times are subject to change based on the updated National Weather Service forecast.

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– On Tuesday, July 16, the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners took a significant step toward improving mobility by unanimously approving a notice of intent to call for a referendum. As outlined in Georgia law, this action is required before the Board can officially call for a transit referendum to be placed on the 2024 November ballot.  “This is a necessary step in our transit planning process that sets the stage for us to place the power in the hands of our residents to determine the future of transit in Gwinnett,” said Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “Over 18 months, we received input…

Online, self-service kiosk options available for most services DECATUR, GA– Due to potential adverse weather conditions including icy road conditions, all tax office locations and the call center will have a delayed opening on Wednesday, Jan. 17, until 10 a.m. Please monitor local media for weather updates before traveling. Property tax information is available online at publicaccess.dekalbtax.org. Motor vehicle e-services are available at eservices.drives.ga.gov. To find a tag kiosk, visit dekalbtax.org/kiosks. For walk-in service, customers should expect delays. Appointments can be scheduled ahead of time or customers may join the virtual waitlist for same-day service. Follow the Tax Commissioner’s Office…