Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) invites the community to its inaugural Registered and Ready Block Party on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, Ga. 30032. As the November 2024 General Election approaches, this interactive and family-friendly event offers DeKalb residents a unique opportunity to get election-ready in a fun, community-driven atmosphere. “We are excited to host our very first community block party, offering a fun and engaging way to ensure every eligible voter in DeKalb is prepared for the upcoming election,” said Keisha Smith, executive director of…

ATLANTA—The Georgia Council for the Arts has announced emergency resources available to individual artists and arts organizations impacted by Hurricane Helene. The safetynet includes housing, pro bono medical care, financial assistance, resources for emergency planning purposes and response, and on-site experts in salvage and preservation for documents and other artifacts, just to name a few resources. Following is the Georgia Council for the Arts announcement with more details and telephone numbers for assistance:

ATLANTA– Georgia Power’s response to Hurricane Helene continued through the day Friday with teams working to restore power to more than 250,000 customers since the beginning of the storm. As of 7 p.m. on Friday, approximately 620,000 customers remain impacted due to the storm. The company continues to bring more resources from outside of its system and currently has 14,000+ personnel engaged in response, including support from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and dozens of other companies. The response force currently engaged is larger than the company’s response to other major hurricanes including Michael, Irma and Zeta. Georgia Power teams have worked…

Dr. Jamal H. Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, and his family announce the transition of Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant. Dr. Jamal Bryant’s mother was a noted minister, author, organizer, feminist, and visionary global prophet. She passed away on Sept. 26 at the age of 77. Affectionately known as “Rev. C,” Cecelia Williams Bryant served in ministry for over 40 years. Her work began in New England and spread throughout the United States, Canada, England, The Netherlands, Israel, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Guyana, Haiti and Nigeria. She established women’s resource and development centers and schools for children in both the…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit has made an arrest in a fatal shooting that occurred at a rooming house July 29, 2024. Lithonia resident Jeremiah Curtis, 20, who was wanted by authorities, was taken into custody on Wednesday, Sept. 25. According to the arrest warrant, an altercation between Curtis, Bryson Adeola and other unnamed persons at a rooming house on Post Road Pass in Stone Mountain, GA led to the shooting in which Curtis allegedly open fire and shot Adeola multiple times. Investigators located and arrested Curtis this week without incident in Decatur and transported him…

DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County continues to receive reports of fallen trees and downed power lines throughout the county. DeKalb County has 21 crews actively responding to these various road hazards. From midnight to 10 a.m., 179 road hazards were reported to E911, downed trees, flooded roads and fallen trees. Of those, there were about 80 downed trees with at least 34 containing wires. Residents should avoid these areas to allow crews to clear the roads when weather conditions allow them to do so. Residents should also exercise caution when traveling or outside because continuing winds can still cause trees and…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County officials have issued road closure notice for several roads due to downed trees and power lines. Crews are working to clear the roads and motorists are advised to stay off of the roads while work is underway. Motorists may check Rockdale County’s FB page for updates.  The following notice was posted on the government’s web site:

DECATUR, GA–Efforts to improve the watershed system throughout DeKalb County continues with the design of Shoal Creek Trunk Sewer. The county will host a public information open house event about this project on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 5 to 7 p.m., at Cherry Ridge Clubhouse, 3571 Cherry Ridge Blvd., Decatur.                                                                                                                                            The Shoal Creek Trunk Sewer Replacement Project will address repeat sanitary sewer overflow areas and help meet future sewer demands for the next 50 years. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and last approximately three years (2026 to 2029), barring any unforeseen circumstances and weather delays. Atkins, working on behalf of DeKalb County,…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Gwinnett County officials are advising residents to be alert for animals displaying odd behavior in the Lilburn area, after a raccoon bit a resident on Sept. 23. The raccoon that bit the resident near Catamount Way tested positive for rabies.  The victim received immediate medical attention, authorities said. Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement and GNR Public Health are warning residents to be aware of not only wildlife but pets that may be acting oddly or aggressively. Diseases such as rabies can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites or scratches from wild animals such as foxes…

ATLANTA – Millions of travelers passing through the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International, now have the chance to experience a new mosaic painting created by local artist Michael Jones. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) unveiled art installation by at Airport Station on Tuesday, Sept. 24, highlighting the ongoing rehabilitation efforts to modernize this vital transit hub. The captivating large-scale mosaic, inspired by the Atlanta skyline, features vivid colors and intricate patterns that reflect the city’s energy, cultural growth, and architectural beauty.  “MARTA is committed to revitalizing our transit stations, and public art is a key component of that effort,” said MARTA General Manager…