Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, 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 runs Oct. 16—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, and polls will be open from 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 during…

Atlanta, GA – From Oct. 15 to Dec.r 7, anyone eligible for Medicare can join, switch, or drop a Medicare health plan or prescription drug coverage to better meet their needs in 2024. This period is called open enrollment, and Georgia’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – administered through the Georgia Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Aging Services – can help eligible Georgians choose a Medicare plan that meets their budget and health needs. Georgia SHIP offers free, unbiased counseling via a toll-free help line, 1-866-552-4464 (option 4). This help line is available any time Monday through Friday…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The owner of a Dunwoody home daycare center has been sentenced to 35 years in connection with the death of a 4-month-old baby and other allegations of abuse related to children in her care. Amanda Hickey, 48, pleaded guilty on Sept. 22 to seven counts of Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, seven counts of Reckless Conduct, one count of Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree and three counts of Simple Battery. Hickey entered guilty pleas pursuit to Alford to Murder in the Second Degree and Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree. On Friday, DeKalb…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs will host a series of free fall festivals Oct. 26 – 31 at recreation centers throughout DeKalb County. This year’s festivals will include face painting, hikes, music, games, contests, hayrides, food and more. All members of the community are invited to attend, and children are encouraged to wear costumes. The 2023 Fall festivals include: Thursday, Oct. 26 Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 593 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27 East Central DeKalb Community and Senior Center, 4885 Elam Road, 7 – 10 p.m. Exchange Recreation and Intergenerational…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Senior running back Devin Ingram scored four touchdowns to spark the Stephenson Jaguars to a 49-24 victory over the Miller Grove Wolverines in a Region 6-4A matchup at Hallford Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 12. The Wolverines (5-3, 1-2) grabbed an early 6-0 lead on the opening drive of the game on a Ta’Jon Corbitt two-yard run up the middle with 9:46 to play in the first quarter. The touchdown was set up by a 42-yard pass from Amonte Harden to Keshawn Weathers. Ingram (15 carries, 255 yards, 3 TDs) struck on the first play from scrimmage following the…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) will present a community engagement panel to discuss advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) for manufacturing sectors on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 6– 8 p.m. at the Hairston Crossing Library, 4911 Redan Road, Stone Mountain. The purpose of the panel discussion is to help demystify advanced technologies, such as AI, by providing access and exposure to the Georgia-Artificial Intelligence Manufacturing (GA-AIM) Project and technology modules. The discussion will include information on educational pathways in the manufacturing industry, and how learning this technology will give job seekers an advantage in this evolving industry.…

STONECREST, GA—About 100 people attended the City of Stonecrest Candidates Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 10. Voters had a chance to hear from some of the candidates who are running for City Council seats and the office of  mayor. The forum was hosted  by  the Stonecrest Citizens Coalition, Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment(CHASE) and  First Afrikan  Church. DeKalb County activist Lance Hammonds served as moderator for the forum.  Hammonds himself has declared that he will be running for the DeKalb County Board of Commission in 2024. https://www.facebook.com/firstafrikan/videos/310416608295524/?mibextid=YxdKMJ