Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson reminds homeowners to apply online for homestead exemptions before the April 1 deadline. Homestead exemptions provide a reduction in annual property taxes and are available to individuals who own and occupy the home in the county, including the City of Atlanta portion in DeKalb. Special exemptions are also available for eligible seniors ages 62 and older, disabled residents, and disabled veterans. “Homestead exemptions provide significant savings for property owners who own and live at their primary residence,” says DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson. “Homeowners who do not have an…

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is warning the public of driver licensing telephone scams that have resurfaced targeting our more senior customers.  Drivers are being contacted by individuals asking for money to keep their driver’s license from being suspended or cancelled. Common Department of Motor Vehicle  scams also utilize social media, email and texting. “DDS has seen an increase in common scams involving driver licenses that are designed to steal personal information and money from recipients. DDS employees do not contact customers by social media, phone or email unless the customer has initiated an inquiry,” said DDS Commissioner…

CONYERS, GA—The Conyers St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans will step off on Friday, March 17, at 5 p.m. with the World’s Fastest-Growing St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Olde Town Conyers. The parade, a Conyers tradition since 1980, will be led by Grand Marshal Mayor Vince Evans and accompanied by bagpiper Henry Frantz playing classic Irish tunes. Local businesses, organizations and school groups also will participate. Dancers from the Drake Irish School of Dance in Norcross will perform during the parade and at the Olde Town Pavilion in Randal S. Mills City Center Park following the parade. Anyone who wishes to participate…

Rescheduled march 15, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, March 7, approved a recommendation by County Administrator Glenn Stephens to appoint Fred Cephas as Gwinnett County Fire Chief. Cephas’ promotion is effective April 1. Russell Knick, who has served as chief since 2018, will move into a leadership position within the County Administrator’s Office. “As a county employee, I fondly remember Chief Cephas’ work ethic and his ability to connect with colleagues and residents in our community,” said Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “He is truly a servant leader, and that is a trait we value when training successors for key…

ATLANTA – The IRS will open the Atlanta Taxpayer Assistance Center on Saturday, March 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 401 W. Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta. The special opening is part of its efforts to improve service this tax season. During the special Saturday opening, taxpayers can receive face-to-face help from IRS employees without an appointment. Normally, these centers are open during the week and people should have appointments to receive services. But during these Saturday hours, walk-ins will be accepted for all services routinely offered at an office, except for making cash payments. Tax return preparation is not a service provided at IRS Taxpayer…

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners(BOC) is seeking 18 volunteers to serve on a steering committee that will provide input and oversight of the Rockdale Comprehensive Land Use Plan update. The Steering Committee will work with the BOC through the county’s Department of Planning and Development in partnership with the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) to update the plan. To  view the Rockdale County Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update website, click here: https://publicinput.com/rockdalecountyga The Steering Committee is comprised of citizens, a member of the governing authority and a member of the economic development community. Furthermore, the Steering Committee acts as a stakeholder…

ATLANTA – Members of the DeKalb House Legislative Delegation, chaired by State Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), will host three public meetings with local officials this month. The meeting schedule is as follows: Monday, March 13, 12 p.m. (or upon adjournment of the House of Representatives if later) in room 510 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building in Atlanta; Monday, March 20, 12 p.m. (or upon adjournment of the House of Representatives if later) in room 510 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building in Atlanta; Monday, March 27, 12 p.m. (or upon adjournment of the House of Representatives if later)…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD)Cedar Grove Saints face another Region 5-3A team for the fourth time this season as they take on the Sandy Creek Patriots in the Class 3A Boys’ Basketball State Championship game at on Friday, March 10, 3 p.m.  in the Macon Coliseum. Cedar Grove (20-9) defeated Region 5-3A foe Douglass (16-14) 61-45 in the semifinals in the two teams’ fourth meeting of the season. Region 5-3A had three of its four teams reach the Final Four in both basketball and football this school year. Friday a state title is on…