Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Human Services Department Office of Youth Services is accepting applications for the 2022-2023 DeKalb County Youth Commission.  The Youth Commission is a leadership program for DeKalb County students in grades 10-12. Program participants learn the roles of county government, take part in civic and community activities, and serve as a voice for DeKalb youths regarding current issues. The DeKalb Youth Commission program is held annually from September to April. Selection for the program includes a competitive process that requires students to submit a completed application along with an essay and a referral from a community…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Gwinnett County again is being recognized nationally for its innovative services — several times over. The County won a record-breaking 11 National Association of Counties Achievement Awards for various programs implemented last year. This is the highest award count the County has received since the award program’s 1970 inception. “This is an amazing example of not just the hard work County employees put in daily, but the heart and passion that goes into their work,” said Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson. “I’m so proud that we’ve been able to maintain the stellar services our residents are accustomed to…

DECATUR, GA— Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson will host an informational town hall to help DeKalb County residents gain a better understanding of the millage rate, as well as how their annual property tax liability is assessed. The DeKalb County Property Tax & Millage Rate Town Hall will be held on Aug. 11, at 6 p.m. and will take place virtually on Zoom. County programs including the Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST) collects sales taxes throughout the year and use the revenue to offset property tax increases for eligible homeowners. Despite the cushion EHOST provides, many residents are…

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 43-year-old Ellenwood, Georgia man on charges of shooting another man during an altercation at his residence on July 24, 2022. According to arrest warrants, Tomeaco Staples was shot in the chest and arm as he allegedly attempted to diffuse an argument between Fabain Leon Gaither and other unnamed persons. Warrants say that Gaither, an acquaintance, pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and fired several times, injuring Staples. No motive was given for the shooting. Gaither is charged with Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, both felonies. He…

DECATUR, GA– In collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health, the DeKalb County Board of Health has received more monkeypox vaccines to offer appointments for an additional vaccination event. The  vaccination event will be held on Friday, Aug. 5,  9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the North DeKalb Health Center, located at 3807 Clairmont Rd., NE, in Chamblee. A total of 240 appointments will be available for this date only. Appointments are required due to limited vaccine availability and can be obtained by visiting the Board of Health website. Individuals may experience issues with the appointment link: your internet connection, the volume…

DECATUR, GA– Efforts to improve water service capacity throughout DeKalb County will continue on Thursday, Aug. 18, with the launch of the North Shore Road Water Main Replacement Project. Crews will replace 11,200 linear feet of crumbling water lines with new 8-inch-diameter, ductile-iron water lines along North Shore Road. This line repair project is expected to last approximately 4 months (Aug. 2022 to Dec.2022), barring any weather delays. Normal construction hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. An increase in construction-related noise and traffic during work hours should be expected.

STONECREST, GA– The City of Stonecrest is reviewing the results from a community survey to help determine the best use of funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA is an economic stimulus bill passed by Congress and signed into law on March 11, 2021. The Act provides approximately $1.9 trillion in assistance to help the country recover from the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Stonecrest has been allocated $9.7 million in ARPA funding. In total, Stonecrest garnered 840 responses to the survey. The city has a population of more tan 50,000…