Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) announces the kick-off meeting regarding the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update (HMP). The public meeting will take place on Nov. 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers. The public meeting is required for the planning committee and will be open to the public to provide input for our Hazard and Mitigation solutions. The Rockdale County HMP update is prepared to address the risk to life and property resulting from a wide range of natural and technological hazards. This plan update will provide…

ATLANTA –Georgia Department of Transportation announced today (Sept. 30) the reopening of the Sidney Lanier Bridge after Hurricane Ian skirted the coast but left no major damage. Individuals who evacuated from the storm are encouraged to drive safely and be mindful of current conditions as they start their journey home. All lane closure restrictions put in place on Interstates 75, 16, and 95 will be lifted today and construction partners will be allowed to return to work beginning tomorrow, Saturday, October 1. All rest areas and Welcome Centers that were converted to 24/7 operations in South and Coastal Georgia will resume…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett County officials have announced nine hiring events that will take place across the county in October. The county is recruiting nearly 2,500 election workers to help at the polls for the upcoming general election. With the potential to earn up to a $390 stipend, poll officials will fill needed positions and gain valuable work experience. Those who qualify and are interested may apply online at GwinnettCounty.com/PollOfficialHiring or in-person at one of the hiring events scheduled next month, the county stated. Applicants are required to be at least 16 years of age, a U.S. citizen and able to…

STONECREST, GA—Stonecrest Resorts has announced 12 new tenants coming this fall to Phase II of Priví, which is being re-developed in the former Sears building at The Mall at Stonecrest.. The list of new tenants include: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Baldwin’s Literary Social Bookstore & Coffee Bar 3 Degrees Infrared Sauna Suites The Lions Cage MMA Fight & Fitness Gym Garden Life Juice Bar & Café The Original Hot Dog Factory Picasso’s Splat Room Naturally Gifted Treasures & Finds Bricks 4 Kidz In addition to the businesses, Phase II will include 6,000 square feet of event space,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Jurors returned guilty verdicts against 26-year-old rapper Qamar “Q Money” Williams in connection with the shooting death of Calvin “Scotty” Chappell, 24, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced this week.    Williams was convicted of Malice Murder, Felony Murder (two counts), Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm   The fatal shooting occurred on April 15, 2019 at a home in the 3500 block of Lehigh Way in Decatur. Police responded to the scene on a ‘person shot’ call and discovered the victim deceased with several gunshot wounds…

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced Sept. 29 that Maisha Harris, 45, of Atlanta, has been charged with insurance fraud and forgery. In January 2021, Harris applied for and maintained an auto insurance policy with Mercury Insurance Company. Ms. Harris failed to report all accidents occurring within 5 years of the insurance application, including an incident from 2017 wherein she was the at-fault party. Additionally, Mercury Insurance Company alerted our office to a suspected fraudulent claim stemming from a traffic accident involving Ms. Harris. “In September of 2021, Ms. Harris submitted two repair documents and multiple…

ATLANTA- The Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young Debate Series will host General Election debates for U.S. Senate, Governor, Secretary of State, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Agriculture Commissioner, Insurance Commissioner, Labor Commissioner, State School Superintendent and U.S. Congressional Districts One, Two, Six, Seven, Ten, Thirteen and Fourteen. The debate series will take place at Georgia Public Broadcasting (260 14th Street, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30318) on Sunday, Oct. 16; Monday, Oct. 17; and Tuesday, Oct. 18. All debates will be available for viewers to watch live on GPB.org and The Atlanta Press Club Facebook page www.fb.com/TheAtlantaPressClub. Logistics: To ensure everyone’s health and safety, media will not be…

LAWRENCEVILLE– The County’s Public Safety Fall Festival, previously scheduled for this Saturday, Oct. 1 has been postponed due to the possibility of inclement weather from Hurricane Ivan. The annual event is a collaboration between Gwinnett Police and Fire and Emergency Services. It celebrates the relationship between public safety and the community. A new date and time will be announced in the coming weeks.  

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a Fall Break Camp Oct. 7-10, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost of camp is $10 for a day of activities for children ages 5-15. Participants must provide their own breakfast, lunch and snack. To access online registration, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click the “Register Online” button on the department’s homepage. Residents can also register in person at any of the locations listed below: Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30034 Gresham Recreation Center, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta, GA 30316 Hamilton Recreation Center, 3263 Chapel Street, Scottdale, GA 30079…