Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA—Gov. Brian P. Kemp, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), announced today (tSept. 12) hat calendar year 2022 was record-breaking for the state’s tourism industry, welcoming the largest number of visitors the state has ever seen. While attending the Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference on Jekyll Island, Kemp shared that 167.7 million domestic and international visitors in 2022 brought in $39.8 billion in spending, surpassing the previous record set in 2019 by $2 billion. Total economic impact for Georgia travel and tourism reached $73 billion in 2022 – a 13 percent year-over-year increase. Travel demand supported more…

DECATUR, GA.— The DeKalb Board of Registration and Elections (BRE) regular monthly business meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 14, 4:30 p.m. This will be an in-person meeting to be held at the BRE office, 4380 Memorial Drive, #300, in Decatur. Public comments may be made in person or submitted by sending an email of one printed page or less at a minimum font of 12 to electionspubliccmnt@dekalbcountyga.gov and must be received between 35 and 5 minutes before the scheduled start of the meeting. The body of the email must include the first and last name. Abusive, profane, or derogatory language will not be…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett officials on Sunday dedicated the Graves Park dog park to fallen SWAT K9 Blue. K9 Blue was Gwinnett Police’s first canine assigned full-time to the SWAT Unit. He was shot and killed on Sept. 10, 2020, while tracking suspects who fled  a stolen vehicle in Norcross. Upon locating one suspect in the woods, K9 Blue was fatally wounded as officers issued commands and the suspect opened fire. Along with tracking wanted individuals, K9 Blue served high-risk warrants, assisted with apprehending barricaded suspects, conducted building searches and found evidence and lost property. Gwinnett Police Chief J.D. McClure,…

DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County Government is partnering with local faith leaders to distribute 5,000 boxes of 99 percent Georgia-grown fruits, vegetables and chicken hindquarters on Saturday, Sept. 16. “Hardworking families continue to struggle to keep food on the table,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said. “DeKalb County and our faith partners are working hard to provide families relief and lessen the impact of high food prices.” Additionally, residents will receive cookies, fruit juice boxes and cereal. On Saturday, Sept. 16, beginning at 9 a.m., food distributions will be held at the following locations: Saint Phillip AME, 240 Candler Rd. SE,…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist   DeKalb County School District(DCSD) ranks second in the state of Georgia school districts in former players listed on active NFL rosters heading into the 2023 season with 14 total. On list of approximately 150 players from Georgia compiled by Georgia High School Football Daily only Gwinnett County Public Schools had more with 23. The list does not include any players on the practice squads.  Eleven of the current 19 football programs in DeKalb County have at least one player on an NFL roster. Stephenson leads the way with three trailing only Norcross (5),…

DECATUR,GA— DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson will host his annual DeKalb County South Precinct Police Meetups beginning tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 9. The Police Meetups are designed to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community they serve. All members of the respective communities are invited to join in this informative and interactive session aimed at promoting safety, collaboration, and open dialogue. The meetups will be held at 2 p.m. in the following communities: Sept. 9, County Line Ellenwood (3481 Linecrest Rd.) Sept. 16, Towers, Glen Mar, Emerald Estates, Emerald North, & Peachcrest (Glenwood Road and Austin Drive, behind the…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Public Safety Fall Festival returns to Coolray Field Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 p.m. until 2 p.m. Meet the first responders who serve the community during this free event. The family-friendly festival features giveaways, food trucks, touch-a truck experiences with SWAT vehicles, fire trucks and more. “The Public Safety Fall Festival highlights the partnership between public safety in Gwinnett County and those we serve in the community,” said Gwinnett Police Chief J.D. McClure. “We look forward to opening our doors to show you the inner workings of many of our specialized units.” Coolray Field is located at…

Gwinnett County officials will pay tribute to SWAT K9 Blue on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2 p.m., at Graves Park dog park, 1540 Graves Road, Norcross. K9 Blue was shot and killed while tracking a stolen vehicle suspect. All officers made it home safely because of K9 Blue’s sacrifice. The ceremony will unveil a dedicated sign to commemorate K9 Blue’s valor and service. Gwinnett Police Chief J.D. McClure will emcee. Speakers include Gwinnett Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson and District 2 Commissioner Ben Ku, Gwinnett Police Corporal William Webb, and Houston K9 Academy Owner and Trainer Jason Stanze. …