Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA, GA – Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that eight former state employees have been indicted in Fulton County. The defendants are alleged to have submitted false claims and weekly certifications to the Georgia Department of Labor (DOL) to receive unemployment insurance benefits when they were employed by the State of Georgia. All of the alleged conduct occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Government employees are entrusted to operate honesty and ethically, and those who do not will be held accountable,” said Carr. “We will not hesitate to pursue any individual who works for our state and seeks to illegally…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs announces after school program registration is open at all recreation centers.  The fee is $37 per week and the program is available for children ages 5-13. The program will begin Aug. 7 – May 22, 2024, Monday through Friday, 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. The program will provide homework assistance, physical activity, snacks and social and emotional development. To register, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click the “Register Now” button, or register in person at a recreation center.  DeKalb County Recreation Centers: East Central DeKalb Community and Senior Center: 4885…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Clarine Adujar-White fought back tears as she made a passionate plea to the public  today to help her and authorities  locate her 29-year-old daughter, Imani Roberson, who vanished on July 16. Roberson’s car was found in Atlanta completely burned, investigators said.  Adujar-White spoke briefly at the Aug. 2  press conference,  which was held by Rockdale County Sheriff Eric J. Levett. The sheriff  gave a timeline leading up to Roberson’s disappearance but declined to answer reporters questions for more details to protect the investigation. Sheriff Levett vowed to find the young mother. Roberson has four children, including a 1-month-old…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County will extend the Summer Meals Program to include free grab-and-go meals on Friday nights, from Aug. 4 until Sept. 1. The meals are for families with children ages 18 and younger or adults 19 and older with a physical or mental impairment. “So far this summer, more than 200,000 meals have been given to Gwinnett families,” said Parks and Recreation Director Chris Minor. “There is a strong need in the community and I’m grateful the Summer Meals Program is able to help fill that void and serve those in need.” Meals can be picked up…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – This month, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is holding a four-part grants workshop series to help teach constituents, non-profits, and government stakeholders how to write, apply for, and learn about the federal grants and Community Project Funding process. Aug. 14 at 1 p.m.: Grant Writing 101: How to Write a Grant Proposal Aug.15 at 1 p.m.: Tips for Submitting a Successful Application Aug. 16 at 1 p.m.: Sharing Grant Opportunities Aug. 17 at 1 p.m.: Understanding the Community Project Funding Process Participants can register, by clicking HERE. Registration allows participants to attend any or all of the workshops.…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County government is partnering with local faith leaders to distribute 5,000 bookbags filled with school supplies, along with 5,000 boxes of fresh produce, chicken and lunch box snacks on Saturday, Aug. 5. DeKalb County and its partners will distribute: 5,000 clear bookbags filled with a pack of 12 pencils, a pack of 12 pens, a ruler, a pack of 24 crayons, a composition notebook, a three-subject notebook, notebook filler paper, a pack of three erasers, a flash drive and a calculator. 5,000 boxes of Georgia-grown fruits and vegetables, eggs, and chicken hindquarters. Lunch box snacks of cereal,…

DECATUR, GA– On Saturday, Aug. 5, District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson will sponsor an End-of-Summer Health, Wellness, and Back-to-School Community event for DeKalb County families. There also will be resources for for those seeking employment opportunities and other services. The event is free, open to the public and will be hosted by Sasha the Diva. The event will take place at Redan Recreation Center,1839 Phillips Road, Lithonia, GA from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. The event will offer attendees an opportunity to join a yoga or line dancing class at 10 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring mats, towels, or blankets…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– NACo  has appointed Commissioner Sherri L. Washington as vice chair for the Rockdale sector of the  International Economic Development Task Force. The task force serves as a resource for sharing crucial information, innovative ideas, and essential resources. Its primary objective is to provide comprehensive guidance to NACo programming, which is closely related to county-level involvement in various international economic development activities. The task force is committed to facilitating effective collaboration and promoting sustainable growth while ensuring that county-level interests are well-represented. “I am proud of my appointment as a Vice Chair to the International Economic Development Task Force. International…