Author: On Common Ground News

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA— Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement and the Gwinnett County Health Department are urging the public to use caution and avoid animals behaving in unusual ways, after a rabid raccoon bit a dog. The incident occurred on Thursday, Feb. 8, near the 1900 block of Stone Forest Drive in Lawrenceville. The raccoon was captured and later tested positive. Rabies can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites or scratches from wild animals such as foxes and raccoons, officials said. All pet owners should ensure that their pets are current on rabies vaccination. According to the National Association…

DECATUR, GA –– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a DeKalb Juvenile Justice Probation Officer who allegedly used his access to the DeKalb County Jail to provide contraband to an inmate. Leonard Addison, 32, a resident of Sugar Hill, Georgia, was taken into custody at the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center on Feb. 14, after warrants were issued charging him with Violation of Oath of Office, Crossing a State/County Guard Line, Possession of Prohibited Item, and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime. All offenses are felonies. According to the warrants and sheriff’s investigators, Addison entered the DeKalb County Jail on…

ATLANTA – DeKalb County House Delegation Chair Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) and Vice Chair Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), along with members of the DeKalb County House Legislative Delegation, will hold a meeting with Steve Henson and the DeKalb County Charter Review Commission on Monday, Feb. 26, 12 p.m., in room 514 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building in Atlanta. Additionally, these legislators will meet with the DeKalb County School Board on Monday, March 4, 12 p.m., in room 502 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building in Atlanta. Inquiries may be sent to long.tran@house.ga.gov. WHO: DeKalb County House Legislative Delegation Chair Karla Drenner (D-Avondale…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to forecasted cold weather, DeKalb County will open five warming centers for residents this weekend on Feb. 17 and 18, starting at 8 p.m. 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 North DeKalb Senior Center, 3393 Malone Drive, Chamblee Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Rd., 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…

STONE MOUNTAIN–White Oak Hills Baptist Church recently celebrated Haroldeen McMullen for 25 years of faithful service in the church ’s Music Ministry. The church held the celebration for McMullen —”A Day of Roses”—on Feb. 10, just ahead of Valentine’s Day.  McMullen received a proclamation and plaque from Congressman Hank Johnson’s office, a letter of congratulations from the City of Stone Mountain, along with other awards and surprises from the White Oak Hills Baptist Church congregation. White Oak Hills Baptist is under the leadership of the Rev. Jeffery Easley, Senior Pastor, and Stuart Brown, Associate Pastor. White Oak Hills is located at 5171 Redan Road, Stone Mountain.

ATLANTA – State Representative Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) recently introduced House Bill 1195, legislation that would allow workforce-ready graduates to be eligible for an income tax credit in the amount of $4,000. “This much-needed tax credit not only rewards hard work and dedication of Georgia’s students but also ensures that our state remains at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness,” said Rep. Kendrick. “HB 1195 sets the stage to incentivize workforce development and bolster economic growth. By supporting our workforce-ready graduates, we’re building a stronger, more prosperous Georgia for generations to come.” HB 1195 would require the Department of Labor to establish…

LITHONIA, GA– New Bethel AME Church, in partnership with Community Organized Relief Effort, will host a vaccine clinic Sunday, Feb. 25 , 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The location of the vaccine clinic is the New Bethel AME Church, 8350 Rockbridge Road, Lithonia.    Vaccines are provided free of charge to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.   Under the leadership of Pastor William E. Thomas, Jr., New Bethel AME has committed to ensuring members of the community at large are afforded the opportunity of securing the COVID-19 vaccine and ensuring that New Bethel is an ongoing partner with the surrounding community.   …

ATLANTA—The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) and Congressman Hank Johnson are excited to announce that applications are now open for the CBCF 2024 Scholarships and Summer Internship programs. If you’re a student, you’re invited to apply. And if you’re a supporter of nurturing future leaders, you’re invited to spread the word to your networks. Additionally, Congressman Johnson’s office will receive $22,000 to award to deserving students in Georgia’s 4th Congressional District. Since 1988, the CBCF has upheld their commitment to nurturing the next generation of Black leaders through academic financial support and professional development opportunities. The CBCF scholarship programs provide vital resources…

DECATUR, GA – In observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 19, sanitation service for residential customers will run one day late as follows: Monday, Feb. 19 – Presidents Day observed. No sanitation service. Tuesday, Feb. 20 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Monday, Feb. 19, will be serviced on Tuesday, Feb. 20.  Wednesday, Feb. 21 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Tuesday, Feb. 20, will be serviced on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Thursday, Feb. 22 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, Feb. 21, will be serviced on Thursday, Feb. 22.…