Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County Government is partnering with local faith leaders and community groups to distribute 5,000 boxes of Georgia-grown fruits, vegetables and chicken hindquarters on Saturday, Nov. 4. “Food insecurity is a countywide issue, and our faith leaders and community partners are helping us provide relief to struggling families throughout DeKalb,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said. Additionally, residents will receive cookies, fruit juice boxes and cereal. On Saturday, Nov. 4, beginning at 9 a.m., food distributions will be held at the following locations: Plaza Fiesta, 4166 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta Saint Phillip AME, 240 Candler Rd. SE, Atlanta…

GWINNETT COUTY, GA–Gwinnett County Courts will hold a Halloween-themed mass wedding and vow renewal ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 10:30 a.m., at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. Gwinnett County Chief Magistrate Judge Kristina Hammer Blum and Probate Judge Christopher A. Ballar will officiate the “Hallowedding” event. The ceremony will welcome couples who have  signed up. The doors will open for the event at 9 a.m.

STONECREST, GA – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced today (Oct. 30) that three municipalities in Georgia’s Fourth District are receiving a total of more than $1.6 million to create Comprehensive Safety Action Plans to help pedestrians safely navigate our roadways. Clarkston is receiving $1 million, Newton County $400,000 and Chamblee $240,000. Pedestrian deaths are on the rise in Georgia and across the nation as transportation systems have emphasized fast-moving traffic over slower speeds that better protect pedestrians. Combined with larger cars and trucks and a lack of lighting and sidewalks, it has become a lethal mix for people who walk to…

ATLANTA –MARTA Police Department is hosting its inaugural Fall Festival at the Inman Park Station on Friday, Nov. 3, 3 to 6 p.m., at the north parking lot.   The event will include free food, music, games, and activities for the entire family to enjoy. Attendees can also receive free health screenings, safety information, and giveaways from vendors in attendance. Additional vendors include the MARTA Market, HOPE Atlanta, AIDS Atlanta, and Piedmont Hospital.   Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with MPD Officers as well as representatives from the College Park Police Department, Atlanta Police Department, Georgia State University…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to forecasted cold weather, DeKalb County will open three warming centers for residents on Tuesday – Thursday, Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, starting at 8 p.m. each night to use at the following locations: Fire Station 3, 100 N. Clarendon Avenue, Avondale Estates Fire Station 4, 4540 Flakes Mill Road, Ellenwood Fire Station 6, 2342 Flat Shoals Road, Atlanta 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 check. For more information about centers offered…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against Dwayne Brewer, 28, accused in the murder of a man whom he and his roommate, Carlos Ivey, 27, lured into a fake drug deal with the intention of robbing him. The two men beat the 29-year-old victim with a hammer and suffocated him to death. Jurors returned guilty verdicts on Thursday, Oct. 26, against Brewer on charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Robbery by Force, False Imprisonment, three counts of Tampering with Evidence, Concealing the Death of Another, and Burglary…

DeKalb County, GA—Transforming Faith Church is doing church very differently this Sunday, Oct. 29. Instead of the traditional worship service inside the church facility, members and friends will Worship Through Service at 9 a.m. “Most people would simply call this a community service project; however, we are called to do more than just check the box for a few hours of credit. We are called to show our love for God by how we show our love for our brothers and sisters in very tangible ways,” said Pastor Lee May. Transforming Faith Church has built service to community into its…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Police Department Community Policing Unit is hosting its 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat on Halloween, Oct.31. The free event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Kroger parking lot, 2385 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. Families are invited to bring their children out for an evening of music, face painting, games, costume contests and candy that will be handed out by DeKalb County Police officers. “We want to create a safe environment for our citizens to participate in the Halloween tradition of trick or treating and are encouraging all residents to stop…

ATLANTA, GA – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced today that MARTA is one of 24 transit authorities nationwide receiving a Regional Innovative Accelerator program (RIA) grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. MARTA’s $1.75 million grant is part of $24 million in transit grants awarded to local and city governments, and state agencies throughout the county. Administered by the Build America Bureau, the RIA program accelerates project delivery and clears barriers for credit-worthy projects by funding and encouraging best practices in project planning, studies and analysis, preliminary engineering, and design. Rep. Johnson said he was pleased to provide a letter of support for…