Author: On Common Ground News

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – Construction on the first themed library in the Southeast is now underway. Gwinnett officials, in partnership with the city of Lawrenceville, the Hooper-Renwick Legacy Preservation Committee and the Gwinnett County Public Library Board of Trustees, broke ground on the new Hooper-Renwick Themed Library today, Oct. 26, at 56 Neal Blvd., Lawrenceville. The finished 25,000-square-foot facility will include library amenities, community space and exhibits, which will showcase stories, accomplishments and memorabilia related to the school and highlight the Black experience in Gwinnett The themed library will revive and expand the existing 11,400-square-foot Hooper-Renwick School building, which once served…

CONYERS, GA– The Conyers Police Department K9 Wick and K9 Briscoe need your vote. The The Police Department is asking for your help to earn the 2022 Aftermath K9 Grant. This opportunity will award a total of $15,000 in grants to the top eight agencies to create or maintain a K9 unit, purchase safety equipment, or support officer training. Winners are selected by local communities by popular vote. Voting is open now through Monday, Oct. 31. Visit www.aftermath.com/k9-grant to vote for Conyers Police K9s Wick and Briscoe. You may also vote on Facebook @AftermathCares or Instagram @AftermathK9Grant by following the…

https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/uzaijk3US3/fi-79c7f4eb-b7ff-405f-b5a5-4e9792d95b05/fv-60e4c4b9-3ff7-48d1-a153-976a8e9fc529/CommLarryJohnson-20YearsService.mp4 DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson continues to be honored as a trailblazer and committed public servant. It was announced on today, Oct. 24, that Johnson, in his role as immediate past president of the National Association of Counties (NACo), was recognized by his local government counterparts from the UK and Australia for his leadership role in the American Rescue Plan’s implementation and NACo’s THRIVE initiative. Johnson was the only U.S. local leader selected by the Local Government Information Unit, a nonprofit, nonpartisan association, to be featured in its Global Local Showcase. The award recognizes local government leaders…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb Legislative Community Cabinet will host a community breakfast meeting on Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 to 11 a.m., and conduct a bottled water drive to assist residents in Fort Myers, FL at the meeting. The DeKalb community is urged to bring bottled water donations with them to the free breakfast, which will be held in the auditorium at Southwest DeKalb High School, 2863 Kelley Chapel Rd., Decatur. Fort Myers, located in southwest Florida, is rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, which reportedly hit landfall as a Category 4 storm packing 150 mph winds and water surges…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County School District Police have placed Stephenson High School on a level one lockdown as they investigate a possible social media threat at the school, officials said in a statement. Reports of a weapon or active shooter on campus are inaccurate.         Several DeKalb County School District police officers have been on campus and will stay on campus for the remainder of the afternoon to ensure that the school continues to operate normally.        Out of an abundance of caution, the school will remain locked down until dismissal. Trustees Chair Wandy Taylor.

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Springfield Baptist Church’s Harvest of Blessings is back. The community event will take place on Monday, Oct. 31, 6:30– 8:30 p.m.m on the campus of Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive SE, Conyers. The event will feature one of the largest trunk of treats in the area as well as games, food and fun for the entire family. Hay rides also will be available throughout the event. “This is a great alternative to keep our children safe on October 31,” Springfield Baptist Church stated in a news release. For more information, visit www.sbcgrowth.church.

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– On Tuesday, Oct.25, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will resume in-person meetings at 9 a.m. Both regular business and committee meetings will be held at the Manuel J. Maloof Auditorium Center, located at 1300 Commerce Dr., Decatur. Board of Commissioners’ Presiding OfficerRobert Patrick made the announcement at last week’s Committee of the Whole meeting. “As we transition back to in-person meetings, this is a wonderful opportunity to increase our face-to-face engagement with county residents,” Commissioner Patrick said. Seating capacity in the auditorium will be limited to 60-70 people. Similar to pre-pandemic rules, members of the public…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson reminds DeKalb property owners, including City of Atlanta in DeKalb property owners, of the Nov. 15 deadline. Taxpayers paying the second installment must be paid by Nov. 15; City of Atlanta-DeKalb bills are also due Nov. 15. Payments can be made online at DeKalbTax.org, or by drop box, mail or by phone. “Each year, we see an influx of walk-in customers as the payment deadline approaches. Many are unaware of the automated payment systems we have in place to save time and resources,” said Johnson. “I highly encourage taxpayers to review their…

ATLANTA—Georgia voters are encouraged to meet the candidates vying to become statewide elected officials. On Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6 to 8 p.m.  the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, Urban League of Greater Atlanta Young Professionals, and National Urban League will host a town hall candidate meet and greet at Atlantucky Brewery, 170 Northside Drive SW, Atlanta, GA. All 22 candidates running for statewide races have been invited to attend.