Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) has been appointed to serve as vice chair of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators’ (NBCSL) Committee on Telecommunications, Science and Technology. “I look forward to working on this committee and bringing my background and experience to benefit Georgians and Black Americans,” said Rep. Kendrick. “The world is changing fast, and I consider it an honor to be on the cutting edge of what’s happening and developing policy around that.” NBCSL has 15 policy committees. These committees meet to exchange ideas, network and find solutions to issues facing all Americans. The policy…

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for Georgia, with sub-freezing temperatures expected on Wednesday night (Nov. 1). Temperatures are expected to be around 34 in the metro Atlanta area when children head off to school Wednesday morning. The freeze warning will be in effect from 2 a.m. on Wednesday night through Thursday morning. The Northeast Georgia mountains are expected to dip to a low of 23, while other parts of Georgia are expected to experience temperatures as low as 25 and 27. Residents are urged to bring pets indoors and sensitive plants and protect outdoor plumbing. To…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Judge Maureen Wood of the Rockdale County Juvenile Court was honored with the Innovative Leadership Award at the 2023 Georgia Conference on Children and Families (GCCF). The award recognizes Judge Wood’s exceptional leadership in the field and her unwavering dedication to enhancing programs for court-involved youth and families since taking the bench in 2016. Judge Wood’s contributions were celebrated by her peers, who described her as “a leader amongst leaders.” Key accomplishments highlighted at the awards ceremony include: Expanding the Rockdale County Juvenile Court program offerings by implementing two additional Accountability Courts: The Family Treatment Court and Mental…

ATLANTA – You’ll get to snooze a little longer on Sunday, which marks the end of Daylight Saving Time. Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King is urging all Georgians to change their smoke alarm batteries when they move their clocks back one hour on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 2 a.m. “Smoke alarms are an essential part of home fire safety plans; in the event of an emergency, they can save you, your family, and your belongings,” said Commissioner King. “However, a smoke alarm’s life-saving capacity ends with the life of its batteries. Even if your smoke alarm has not started…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA-The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the passing of Major William Miller. Major Miller passed away over the weekend on Oct. 28. Details concerning his death were not available. He was 64. The Rockdale Sheriff’s Office expressed its condolences in the following statement: “It is with great sorrow that the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office announce the passing of Major William Miller. Major Miller served faithfully with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office from May 10, 2021, until his passing on Oct. 28, 2023. “Major Miller affectionately known as the “Rockdale Ranger” will be missed. Please keep the Miller…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – Rockdale County Parks and Recreation Department will introduce the county’s new bike-share program to the community on Nov. 7, 8:30 a.m., at the C.E. Steele Community Center. The 2Wheel Fitness bike-share program will offer a unique mobility solution to both residents and non-residents. This program is designed to promote wellness, exercise, and fun while also introducing the joys of biking to previously underserved demographics in the county. The program’s pedal bike stations will be strategically located at the following community centers, all easily accessible through a user-friendly mobile app: Johnson Park, 1781 Ebenezer Road SW, Conyers Wheeler…

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…