Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA—The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) reminds customers to continue to always carry your physical driver’s license with you, it’s the law. The newly-launched Georgia Digital Driver’s License and ID is only accepted at select Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/when-will-phased-digital-id-rollout-start-which-airportsstates). If stopped by law enforcement, motorists will be required to display their physical driver’s licenses (hard card or paper temporary). Law enforcement officials do not accept Digital Driver’s Licenses at this time. “With the busy holiday weekend upon us, please continue to carry the hard copy of your Georgia driver’s license or ID. It will be necessary…

DECATUR, GA — Today, ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced he is working with the Wounded Warrior Program by opening an application process for a veteran to work in his district office in Decatur. The two-year, fulltime paid position – which is part of the Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program established by the House of Representatives to provide employment opportunities for veterans within member offices – entails working with the military and veteran constituents to handle veterans-related casework and act as a facilitator between constituents and federal, state, and local agencies. The salary range…

DECATUR, GA— Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp recently allocated $10.3 million in grants for six parks in DeKalb County. A total of $6.1 million dollars will be awarded to DeKalb County District 3 for park improvement to three parks. Those parks are as follows: • Gresham Park—$1.7 million for the installation of an LED system on eight athletic fields, replacement of the outdated football fieldhouse and batting cages. • N.H. Scott Park—$2.2 million for the reconstruction of the pool and bathhouse. • Truelove Park—$2.1 million for the renovation of athletic fields and concession building. “I would like to thank Gov. Kemp…

DECATUR, Ga.—The DeKalb County Police Department will host Virtual Mental Health Forum to discuss: • Available free mental health resources • The roles of 988, a new mental health program • The role of our Mobile Crisis Unit. • When to call 988 vs 911 This forum will take place on May 31, 2023, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. The goal of the mental health forum is to educate our community on resources available to them and how their police department is supporting mental health awareness. The link to the forum is https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/81906897619. Participants will learn about…

DECATUR, Ga. – DeKalb County’s pools will open Memorial Day weekend starting on Saturday, May 27. The official season runs May 27th through August 6th. Select pools will remain open on weekends through Labor Day, September 4th.Residents can splash into summer by visiting a neighborhood pool. The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will also offer various programs including swim lessons, water aerobics and more. For more information contact (770) 414-2119.   Pool locations and hours of operation *Exchange Splash Pad, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30034 Hours: Monday, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday…

DECATUR, GA—Due to the limited amount of remaining funds and the large number of pending applications, DeKalb County announced today that it is suspending the acceptance of new applications for financial help through the DeKalb Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition (TLAC) program. The last day to apply for the program will be Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Since reopening on April 3, 2023, the TLAC program has received approximately 1,100 applications for rental assistance. Those tenants and landlords who already have in-person appointments scheduled and/or submitted completed applications will still be considered for the remaining TLAC funds. With the support of the Board…

ATLANTA _ The MARTA Police Department (MPD) is partnering with car manufacturers Kia and Hyundai to provide steering wheel locks to car owners after an increase in incidents involving these vehicles while parked at rail stations. Police nationwide noticed a spike in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles after a post on social media showed how to start these cars without a key. The car manufacturers are providing 640 steering wheel locks, at no cost to MARTA, to help deter and prevent these thefts. “MARTA has experienced a significant decrease in crime over the past few years, so when we…

DECATUR, GA –– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit has arrested a suspect in the murder of a Decatur man. Authorities arrested Tommie Lee Salad, 36, of Decatur, Georgia without incident on May 24 at a Woodfern Drive residence in Decatur. The arrest warrant charges him with Malice Murder in connection with the shooting death of Lewis Harmon, 39, of Decatur on April 22, 2023. According to the warrant, Harmon was found deceased at a Hooper Street residence in Decatur following an alleged domestic dispute. Salad was transported to the DeKalb County Jail, where he is being held without…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–All Gwinnett County government offices, with the exception of those operations required for the safety of residents, will be closed Monday, May 29 for the Memorial Day holiday. A Magistrate Court judge will be available at the Gwinnett County Detention Center during the holiday. Monday, May 29, is a holiday in unincorporated Gwinnett County, and the Gwinnett County Solid Waste Management Call Center will be closed. Trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day. Residents who live within city limits should contact their trash and recycling provider to find out if collection will be delayed due…

WASHINGTON, D.C.— On May 25 – ahead of the Memorial Day weekend – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Congressman Drew Ferguson (GA-03) introduced the bipartisan resolution, which designates November 9th each year as “Gold Star Father’s Day,” nationally. “There is currently no federal or national recognition for Gold Star Father’s Day,” said Congressman Johnson. “My friend and colleague Congressman Ferguson and I agree that needs to change. Just like mothers, who have had this designation since 1936, we want to honor fathers who have lost children in service to the United States of America and recognize their unimaginable loss.” “We…