Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Charter Review Commission will hold its first public hearing and in-person meeting on Thursday, Sept. 1, 6 p.m.,  at the Manuel J. Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. Social distancing will be observed and masks are required. Free parking is available at the DeKalb County Courthouse parking lot for this evening event.  The hearing will also be broadcast on DCTV’s UStream channel. Public input is being sought as the Charter Review Commission thoroughly examines the County’s current form of government and delivery of services to all DeKalb citizens. Future public hearings will be held in locations…

STONECREST, GA– The Stonecrest City Council approved recommendations for the initial allocation of $9.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds at its Aug. 22 meeting. City officials said the first phase will distribute $5.7 million aimed at residents and businesses as well as supporting both education and youth programs. The initial allocations approved at Monday’s meeting included the following categories: Small business support, $2 million Educational support, $1.2 million Residential assistance, $1 million Parks’ upgrades, $900,000) New youth programs, $500,000 Stonecrest Citizens Academy, $100,000 “This federal investment provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help restore the lives of individuals,…

STONECREST, GA– The Stonecrest City Council approved an ordinance to reduce the penalty for possession of one ounce of marijuana or less to a maximum fine of $100. The council approved ordinance 2022-07-01 at its Aug. 22 meeting and the ordinance became effective immediately, officials said. Possessions of any quantity of marijuana is still illegal under State law and penalties may include jail time. “The City of Stonecrest remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors,” said Mayor Jazzmin Cobble. “This ordinance does not legalize the possession of marijuana in Stonecrest. It eliminates jail time…

ATLANTA—Officials are working to contain a virus outbreak that has killed more than 700 birds at the Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, located in Henry County, south of Atlanta. The Georgia Department of Agriculture detected the H5N1 virus at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary on Sunday, Aug. 21. Officials said the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was the cause of the birds’ deaths. HPAI poses little threat to humans, but birds infected with the virus should not be handled, officials said. The state Department of Agriculture announced that the virus had been detected in a domestic flock in Toombs County, resulting in the deaths…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia), along with DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and DeKalb County staff, will host a virtual community meeting to provide updates on Walden Pond on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 6 p.m., via Zoom. To register for Zoom access, please click here. Carter and Cochran-Johnson will be joined by Terry Phillips, deputy attorney for DeKalb County; and Tim Hardy, director of code compliance for DeKalb County. These DeKalb County officials will discuss the current and future status of code compliance and county actions regarding numerous issues concerning Walden Pond. “It’s important that residents in Walden Pond and Snapfinger…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–In June, Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) announced its multi-layered approach to enhancing school safety for the 2022-23 school year. One of the measures includes the addition of School Resource Officers (SRO) at each of the traditional high schools. Two designated law enforcement SROs will be on campus every day, officials said on Monday (Aug. 22). “Our Number One priority remains the safety of our students and staff,” RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts said. “We appreciate our law enforcement partners and all that they do to keep our schools safe every day. We are grateful for their willingness to…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Board of Elections is reminding voters of key dates concerning the Nov. 8 General Election and other pertinent information  voting options. Monday, Aug. 22, marked the first day that a voter may request a Mail Absentee Ballot. Voters can make the request online or obtain the request form by visiting: https://securemyabsenteeballot.sos.ga.gov/s/.  Submit the Mail Absentee Ballot request to: absentee@rockdalecountyga.gov. Early in-person voting will take place exclusively at 1115 West Ave. S.W. Election Day in-person voting will take place at the voters’ assigned polling precinct. Some precincts have been relocated. Voters are encouraged to verify their Election Day…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner Denise R. Mitchell announced today that the 2022 property tax bills will be mailed in batches beginning Thursday, Aug. 25, and will have a due date of Nov. 1. As of Aug. 25, taxpayers also will be able to view, print and/or pay their bills online from any Internet-connected device atwww.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com/Pay. “Paying online with an e-check is the best way for Gwinnett citizens to pay their property tax bills,” Mitchell said. “It is safe, secure, easy and free. There’s no worrying about mail delivery and no need to stand in line, use gas, time…

CONYERS, GA—The Conyers City Council approved an agreement with contractor Gametime for $920,959.98 at its Aug. 17 meeting for upgrades to four city “pocket” parks: Bonner Park on Rowland Road, East View Park on East View Road, Veal Street Park and Pleasant Circle Park. The agreement also includes funding to create a dog park, the first in the city limits, adjacent to East View Park. “We are ecstatic to finally move forward with this project to upgrade and enhance the recreational offerings for families in these neighborhoods within the city,” said Mayor Vince Evans. “Parks are natural quality of life amenities…