Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with DeKalb’s Stone Mountain Sue-Kellogg Library Branch will host a “Stories and S’mores program on Saturday, Dec.15, 5 to 7 p.m., at E.M.B.A.R.C. Youth Farm, 1185 Rock Chapel Road,Lithonia. The Stories and S’mores program offers a safe, fun environment for the whole family to share an exciting experience together under the stars. This program is free for all ages to participate and we encourage patrons to bring chairs and blankets. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations specialist, at 404-371-3643 or…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) introduced the House version of the Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety Act, which includes and builds upon Congressional Democrats’ strongest gun safety legislation in one bold, comprehensive bill that works to end the epidemic of gun violence in America. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) introduced the Senate version of the bill. “We’re in a gun violence crisis: 2023 is on track to see the most mass shootings in recent history, and gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and young people,” said Senator Warren. “This crisis demands…

STONCREST, GA—Voters said yes to a new leader for the Stonecrest City Council, Post 2 seat. Terry Fye, an alumni of Miller Grove High School and Georgia State University, overwhelmingly defeated incumbent Rob Turner in the Dec. 5 runoff for the Post 2 Stonecrest City Council seat. Fye commanded a strong lead early on as advanced voting ballots were tallied.  Fye received a whopping 74.32 percent (301 votes), while Rob Turner received 25.68(104 votes), according to unofficial results with all 6 precincts reporting by the end of the night. The results will be certified at the DeKalb Board of Registration…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to forecasted cold weather, DeKalb County will open five warming centers for residents on Tuesday, Dec. 5, and Wednesday, Dec. 6, starting at 8 p.m. each day to use at the following locations: Fire Station 3, 100 N. Clarendon Ave., 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…

ATLANTA– Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp, joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, Lieutenant Gov. Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, and members of the General Assembly, announced today their shared priority of introducing and passing legislation in the upcoming regular session of the General Assembly that will accelerate a decrease in the state individual income tax rate.  The legislation will amend HB 1437, which provides for a step down of 10 basis points in the income tax rate, starting in 2025 and for each taxable year thereafter until the rate reaches 4.99 percent. By accelerating the reduction, the rate for Tax Year…

Stray cat captured in the Willow Lake Drive area   DECATUR , GA— On Nov. 28, a stray cat was captured in the Willow Lake Drive area and later tested positive for rabies. A resident was attempting to place a stray cat inside a pet carrier when he was bitten on his chin and finger. Georgia is a rabies endemic state and the virus is present all year long. It is not unusual for the county to report several rabies cases each year. Residents should make sure pets are up to date for preventative vaccination and should eliminate outdoor feeding…

ATLANTA – The December meeting of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors will be held in-person at MARTA headquarters and virtually on YouTube on Thursday, Dec. 7, beginning with a work session at noon and board meeting at 1:30 p.m. WHAT:   December meeting of the MARTA Board of Directors                        Agendas: https://www.itsmarta.com/board-documents.aspx  WHAT:   Thursday, Dec. 7                 Work session – noon                  Board meeting – 1:30 p.m.                     WHERE:  MARTA Headquarters                   2424 Piedmont Rd. NE            …

CONYERS, GA—The Olde Town Christmas Party on Friday, Dec. 1 and the Conyers Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2, have been canceled due to the threat of substantial rain. “We have been watching the changing forecast for the past week and in consultation with Rockdale County’s Emergency Management Agency, have made the difficult decision to cancel both the Olde Town Christmas Party and parade,” said Director of Public Relations and Tourism Jennifer Edwards. “Outdoor events are always a challenge to plan and execute, particularly when the weather doesn’t go our way. Due to so many participants in both events and…

STONECREST, GA—The City of Stonecrest on Saturday, Dec. 9, 4 to 7 p.m., for its 4th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road. The community is invited to come out and hear America’s Got Talent Finalist, saxophone extraordinaire Avery Dixon. Atlanta’s Something For The Soul Band and Stonecrest’s Salem Middle School Chorale also will perform. The evening will also feature the following: Holiday Market Holiday characters Arts & Crafts (snow globes, wreaths, and ornaments) Snowball competition Gingerbread houses Holiday treats and drinks Santa will arrive around 4 p.m. The tree lighting countdown begins at…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—In a recent meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw announced a proposed change to the county’s budgeting process. Bradshaw wants the proposed budget to be submitted to the Board of Commissioners by Sept. 15, instead of Dec. 15 annually to allow more time for the board to review the proposed budget. This proposal had previously been submitted to the chair of the Charter Review Commission for consideration and Bradshaw is now pushing for the Commission to decide on the matter. DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond issued an executive order on March…