Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA—To celebrate 404 Day, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens collaborated with Pandora to curate his own personalized playlist and 404 Mode on The ATL: Atlanta Hip Hop station. The annual celebration of Atlanta is observed on April 4—a reference to the city’s 404 area code. 404 Day highlights Atlanta’s music, arts, food and sports scene. “404 Day is for Atlanta’s shared culture,” said Mayor Dickens. “Thank you to Pandora for the opportunity to remind the world that Atlanta influences everything. I hope you all enjoy the amazing artists in this playlist as much as I do.” Dickens’ Pandora playlist and Mode include songs from Atlanta…

WASHINGTON, D.C.– The U.S. Small Business Administration issued four final rules to modify revenues-based small business size standards in 16 North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) sectors that will increase small business eligibility for SBA’s federal contracting and loan programs for approximately 59,000 additional firms. The final rules are part of the second five-year review of size standards, as required under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. As part of the review process, the SBA received more than 1,100 public comments during the proposed rule stage of the four rules.  As a result, the SBA will increase 229 size standards across…

DECATUR, GA – Registered voters in DeKalb County looking to cast an absentee ballot for the Tuesday, May 24, primary election are encouraged to begin the process now by visiting www.dekalbvotes.com. The application is the first step in obtaining an absentee ballot and voters who plan to vote absentee are highly encouraged to apply right away. An application for an absentee ballot can be submitted in several ways: Print and fill out the application online at www.dekalbvotes.com, sign the application, take a photo or scan and email to voterreg@dekalbcountyga.gov. Remember to include ID information. Print out the application from…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb History Center will present a Lunch & Learn entitled “Restoration of the Smith-Benning House” on Tuesday, April 26, noon to 1 p.m., at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court St., Decatur. In this presentation, author Robert M. Craig, reviews the 21st century restoration of the Smith-Benning House with an emphasis on the competing preservation philosophies determining the “proper” way to restore a historic home. In the restoration process, is it preferable to introduce obviously non-historic elements or install similar historic elements in order to preserve visual compatibility? How can we preserve the context and compatibility…

ATLANTA, – Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that Robin Folsom, the former director of external affairs for the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), has pleaded guilty to one count of Identity Fraud and three counts of False Statements. The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Office of the State Inspector General (OIG) following a request from the GVRA regarding Folsom’s use of Family Medical Leave. “Those who work for the taxpayers of Georgia are expected to uphold high ethical standards and to fulfill their roles in an honest and transparent manner,” said Carr. “State employees who break this…

ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has appointed MARTA Police Chief Scott Kreher to the recently expanded Atlanta Public Safety Commission. The 21-person commission will develop a comprehensive public safety plan to deter crime and lawlessness and enhance safety throughout the City of Atlanta.   The commission also will be comprised of five working groups designed to focus on crime deterrence and the enforcement and application of existing laws within specific geographic areas of Atlanta aligned with the boundaries of the six Atlanta Police Zones. In addition to Chief Kreher serving on the commission, MARTA will appoint…

DECATUR, GA –DeKalb County Government is being recognized as a recipient of the 2022 Good Trouble Honor for its “Get Vaxxed” COVID-19 vaccination efforts. The Innovation in Government honor, awarded by the Center for Civic Innovation, recognizes “a local government agency, elected official, or civil servant who has broken through the status quo to lead a policy, program, project, or partnership to make our government more effective, equitable, responsive, and/or participatory.” The award was established in honor of the late, legendary iCongressman John Lewis, who dedicated his life to fighting for civil rights and getting into ”good trouble.” “DeKalb County is…

STONECREST, GA—Freedom Plasma is hosting a ribbon cutting and open house to give people in the Stonecrest area the chance to tour the state-of-the-art facility and learn more about the need for plasma donations. The ribbon cutting ceremony and tour will be held on Monday, April 4, 10 a.m., 3140 Turner Hill Road, Stonecrest. Donated plasma is used to create many life-saving medicines and plasma-based treatments, and there is a tremendous demand for plasma worldwide. The need for plasma increases between 6% and 8% every year. The United States provides 2/3 of the world’s plasma. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA—Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson is inviting the community to attend his free event on Sunday, April 3, 3 to 6 p.m., at his Be Someone Training Facility, 949 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain. In celebration of International Good Deeds Day, Hudson has planned several leadership activities, which will include allowing kids to play on his giant chess board. During the event, there will be music, free food, free T-shirts and giveaways, while supplies last. “I’m encouraging parents to bring their kids out for the event. I will be showing them how to make the right moves toward success through…