Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—As a result of the pending Hurricane Helene, DeKalb County government offices, senior centers, libraries, recreation centers, the Sanitation Division’s customer service desk and the Planning Department’s One Stop Shop will be closed on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, the Board of Commissioners zoning meeting scheduled for Thursday has been canceled. Public safety and other county employees who are required to maintain critical operations during the severe weather event should check with their supervisors for instructions. County employees who are not required to deal with the emergency conditions in person will work remotely. County residents are encouraged to sign…

DECATUR, GA—Due to the forecasted impacts from Hurricane Helene in metro Atlanta, all DeKalb Public Health regional health centers and services will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27. Clients with health center appointments will be contacted. For more updates, please visit dekalbpubliche

ATLANTA– Attorney General Chris Carr is warning Georgians to be on the lookout for possible storm-related scams in anticipation of Hurricane Helene. “As we continue to prepare for Hurricane Helene and hope that any damage it causes is minimal, we want to ensure that Georgians are protected from home repair fraud and other scams,” said Carr. “Unfortunately, criminals will often try to take advantage of those impacted by severe weather. Make sure you know how to spot and report a scam before turning over your hard-earned dollars, and contact our Consumer Protection Division if you’re in need of assistance.” Storm…

ATLANTA – As Hurricane Helene approaches Georgia, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King is urging residents to take several precautions before the storm. “Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast as a major hurricane and continue into Georgia with devastating wind speeds,” said Commissioner King. “Because these damaging winds can affect areas hundreds of miles away from the expected trajectory, all Georgians should begin preparing for the storm.” Before the storm, make a list of all your covered items (furniture, electronics, appliances, valuables, etc). Make sure to keep an electronic copy of this list, which should…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale officials have announced closures due to severe weather forecast due to Hurricane Helene.  The National Weather Service has predicted heavy winds, torrential rains and possible flooding in metro-Atanta as a result of Helene. All Rockdale County Government Offices and Courthouse will be closed Thursday and Friday, Sept. 26-27. Additionally, Rockdale County Public Schools will be closed both days. Superintendent Terry Oatts said  in notifications sent to parents on Wednesday that Thursday will be considered an Independent Learning Day for students. The district, he said, will close on Friday, Sept. 27, and Sept. 30 – Octo. 4 for Fall Intercession.   For updates…

Tropical Storm Helene The Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency urged Georgia residents to prepare for Tropical Storm Helene during a press conference held on Sept. 24. To see the  press conference, click on the link below starting at 07:02: https://www.gpb.org/events/news/2024/09/24/gema-presser Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a State of Emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Helene, which is expected to bring damaging winds, heavy rain and possible flooding in coastal areas as the storm moves inland from Florida. “I have declared a State of Emergency enabling emergency management teams to prepare for and direct resources well in advance of…

ATLANTA – Georgia Power is monitoring the development of an expected tropical system currently developing in the Gulf of Mexico and preparing personnel and resources to respond to potential power outages later this week. While the path of the storm may change in the coming days, it is currently forecast to begin impacting South Georgia as early as Thursday with damaging winds, heavy rain, excessive lightning and hail. The system is very large and may impact communities across the state. Georgia Power is in touch with its response partners, including local and state governments, as well as other regional utilities. Georgia Power…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation proposes to amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 portion of the FY 2024 – 2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP is Georgia’s four-year transportation and capital improvements program. The STIP lists federally funded transportation projects that are located outside Metropolitan Transportation Organization (MPO) boundaries. This amendment is being done to redemonstrate fiscal constraint for FY 2025 and also reflect any project phase changes that have occurred since the current STIP’s joint approval by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on October 20, 2023. Along with seeking input on the FY…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Jay-Lan Shane Broughton, 17, is in custody at the Gwinnett County Jail, arrested in connection with robbing two teens at gunpoint at a pool in the 6000 block of Apple Grove Road in Buford on May 24. Broughton, of Duluth, has been charged with three counts of armed robbery, four counts of aggravated assault, and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies, the Gwinnett County Police Department stated. The two victims reported being approached by a group including Broughton, who allegedly took their jewelry, debit cards AirPods and driver’s licenses at…

DECATUR, GA— The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections meeting for the purpose of conducting its normal monthly business will be held on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. This meeting will be conducted in person at 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur, Georgia 30032 and is open to the public. Public comments may be made in person or submitted by sending an email of one printed page or less at a minimum font of 12 to electionspubliccmnt@dekalbcountyga.gov which must be received between 35 and 5 minutes before the scheduled start of the meeting. The body of your email…