Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson kicked off the District 3 Concert Series: Thriving Thursdays at the Rainbow Park Amphitheater, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The June 1 event was dedicated to celebrating DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, and DeKalb County employees. The electric evening event welcomed an intergenerational crowd of more than 1,400 people. Hosted by Christopher Cornell, also known as “Cocktails,” the community gathered to hear live music from Atlanta saxophonist Ryan Kilgore and friends. Kilgore is a fourth-generation saxophone player, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and a graduate of a District 3 High School (Southwest DeKalb). Ryan…

The DeKalb County Board of Education will hold a public budget presentation and millage rate hearing to solicit feedback from the public regarding the 2023-2024 school system’s budget on Monday, June 12, 2023. The public presentation and hearing is in-person and will be held in the J. David Williamson Board Room, Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083. 10:30 am 1st PUBLIC BUDGET PRESENTATION 1st MILLAGE RATE HEARING COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION The meeting agenda is attached and can be accessed online by going to: www.dekalbschoolsga.org, click on Leadership, go to Simbli (formally known as…

Special Musical Guests include James Fortune, Pastor Mike Jr. and Travis Greene STONECREST, GA—New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant will convene some of the globe’s most prolific ministry leaders for a three-day conference on June 27-29. Bishop Noel Jones, Pastor YPS and Dr. Dharius Daniels join a world class lineup at this year’s NOV8 (Innovate) Conference at New Birth’s Stonecrest campus, 6400 Woodrow Road. Award-winning artists James Fortune, Pastor Mike Jr. and Travis Greene will serve as special musical guests during the event. “We are living in an incredibly defining moment in history when we are…

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County Tax Commissioner reminds property owners that annual assessment notices are not a tax bill. For questions and concerns, please call the county’s Property Appraisal & Assessment Department at 404-371-0841. “In an effort to guide taxpayers to the appropriate office, it is important to understand that the tax office works collaboratively with the Property Appraisal & Assessment Department to provide a seamless billing and collection process for ad valorem taxes in DeKalb,” said Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson. “Homeowners are encouraged to carefully review their assessment notices as soon as possible. While these notices serve as…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) recently received an honorary Doctorate in Christian Business Management from the School of the Great Commission Bible College and Seminary. “I am deeply humbled and honored to receive an honorary Doctorate in Christian Business Management from the School of the Great Commission Bible College and Seminary,” said Rep. Carter. “This recognition is a testament to my commitment to lifelong learning and my dedication to integrating Christian principles into business practices. I am grateful for the education and training I have received and look forward to continuing to serve my community with integrity and…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) crews are working to repair an 8-inch-diameter water main leak. This work is part of the Barbashela Creek Sewer Improvement Project. DeKalb County will provide updates about the progress of the repairs. Road closure and detour signs have been placed on Rockbridge Road near the construction area of South Hairston and Stone Mountain Lithonia roads during the repair advising motorists of construction work in the area and of local traffic restrictions. For more information, contact the DeKalb County Watershed Department at 770-270-6243.

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Public Library, in collaboration with Inclusivv, is holding a special event to address the evolving concept of belonging in workplaces, schools and communities in the post-pandemic era. Titled “Culture & Community: Let’s Talk About Belonging,” this event aims to create a safe space for meaningful and open dialogue. “Culture & Community: Let’s Talk About Belonging” will take place on June 8, 6 p.m., at the Clarkston Community Center, 3701 College Ave. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for registration and light refreshments. The gathering is open to the public and free of charge. Registration is…

ATLANTA—The City of Atlanta announced the launch of its annual Summer Food Program. The food program kicks off today, June 5, 3 and ends July 29. The Atlanta-based project serves breakfast and lunch onsite to school-aged children up to age 18. The initiative is a partnership between the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning’s Bright from the Start program which provides nutritious meals to children in low-income areas during the summer months. Meals are provided at participating City recreation centers through Camp Best Friends as well as other partner locations. “For more…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Police Department will host a “Lock Out Event” to distribute Kia steering wheel locks to DeKalb County residents who meet criteria and gun locks to all residents. The Lock Out Event will take place on Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of 1950 W. Exchange Place in Tucker, Ga. The purpose of this event is to issue Kia steering wheel locks to help prevent auto thefts and gun locks to keep the community safe. There are no criteria to receive a gunlock. The criterion for receiving a Kia…

STONECREST, GA—Registration is now open for a summer camp designed to fuse recreation, creativity and science in one location. New Birth Missionary Baptist Church will host Catapult Summer Academy June 19—Aug. 4 at its Stonecrest campus located at 6400 Woodrow Rd., Stonecrest. Campers ages 5 to 12 years old will experience a summer filled with exploratory learning, STEM activities and performing arts sessions. Catapult Summer Academy runs Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. From organized sporting activities to personal development sessions, Catapult Summer Academy is designed to provide a well-rounded and exciting camp experience that creates a space…