Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA, GA – In the aftermath of yet another ProPublica report showing billionaire Republican megadonor Harlan Crow showered Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas with even more lavish gifts – this time that he paid private school tuition for a Thomas relative – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), the ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee that oversees the courts, issued the following statement: “Five years after Clarence Thomas became a Supreme Court Justice, he inappropriately accepted a free ride on Harlan Crow’s corporate jet, and thus began a 26-year odyssey of “dear” friendship as Justice Thomas’ judicial opinions came to mirror the social and…

CONYERS, GA–Flowers are blooming, a warm breeze is blowing and spring is in the air. The city of Conyers is ready to host its Taste of Spring Festival on Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Main Street.  Admission is free. Browse and shop among arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment on the Depot Stage and food vendors at the Taste of Spring in Olde Town. The Children’s Business Fair, presented by High Achievers Education Center, will take place at the Randal S. Mills City Center Park (Olde Town Pavilion), 949 S. Main St. Meet Kidpreneurs  ages 5-17 and shop their products .…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb Human Services Department announces the beginning of its 2023-2024 Human Services Grant cycle.  A Virtual Public Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 18, 10 a.m. to provide details regarding the Human Services Grant Application process. The purpose of the Human Services Grant Program is to provide opportunities for community partnership with local organizations that can successfully address identified service needs for the citizens of DeKalb County. Eligible non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to be awarded a grant utilizing County General Fund and Victim Assistance Funds.  Agencies that receive Victim Assistance Grant…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah), chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC), is urging the Georgia General Assembly to increase state funding for the state’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The caucus has expressed concern that the state’s current funding formula for its public higher education institutions has negatively impacted HBCUs, such as Savannah State University. “We are very concerned that decreased enrollment at several institutions will leave HBCUs without the financial support needed to strengthen those universities,” said Rep. Gilliard. “HBCUs are undervalued in the current funding formula. We need to do a better job…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Rockbridge Road, between Barbashela Drive and Shelton Woods Court, will be closed to through-traffic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 15– June 15 to rehabilitate a gravity sewer in front of 285 Shelton Woods Court, Stone Mountain. Road closure and detour signs will be placed in the area during the road closure period advising motorists of construction work in the area and of local traffic restrictions. Questions regarding the road closure should be addressed to Terek Green, assistant project manager, Garney Construction, Inc. at 470-591-9942.

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host two Gateway to Fishing Programs, May 20 and Aug. 11.. The programs will be held 8a.m. ton oon. at Chapel Hill Park, 3985 LeHigh Blvd., Decatur.The event will take place at the fishing pond. The free event is designed to promote fishing in metro and suburban parks and other public waters that are easily accessible to home for Georgians. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources strives to partner and host youth fishing classes and improve accessibility for communities to enjoy. The…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a Parks Citizen Advisory Board Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 23, 6 p.m. at the Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur. For more information, contact Carol Underwood, administrative coordinator, at 404-371-2927 or cjunderw@dekalbcountyga.gov.

ATLANTA — The Atlanta City Council approved legislation on Monday (May 1) to authorize the mayor or his designee to amend a contract related to widening Concourse D at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The amendment would allow the city to increase the contract’s not-to-exceed amount to $365 million and fund the initial construction phase of Concourse D North in the amount of $200 million (23-R-3519). Other items approved during the meeting include: • A resolution urging the representatives of Georgia state government to mandate body-worn cameras for all responding Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Georgia patrol officers (23-R-3427). • An…

ATLANTA, GA–The state of Georgia has begun verifying eligibility for all Medicaid members including PeachCare for Kids. To ensure that your coverage remains active, your contact information should be updated if you have moved, changed phone numbers or e-mails, or if you want to doublecheck your information. Please visit: gateway.GA.gov to verify your information and stay in­formed about your family’s Medicaid status. Learn more at StayCovered.GA.gov.