Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA –MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) will suspend its Red Line rail service south of Dunwoody station Feb. 18-24 to replace heavy rail between Buckhead and Medical Center stations.  MARTA is investing approximately $225 million to replace heavy rail lines, which will enhance safety, reduce train delays, and improve the customer experience. Red Line service south of Dunwoody station will be suspended beginning Friday, Feb. 18 at 9 p.m. and concluding Thursday, Feb. 24 at 4 a.m. The Track Replacement Project is a multi-year effort that involves replacing track and switches throughout the rail system. The work on the…

CONYERS, GA – Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) will host aTeacher Job Fair on Saturday, March 5, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the RCPS Board Room, 960 Pine Street NE, Conyers. Participants must pre-register by visiting www.rockdaleschools.org/jobfair or by downloading the Career Fair Plus app on their smart phone. RCPS is seeking outstanding candidates for teaching positions in the 2022-2023 school year. All 22 RCPS schools will be represented and interviews will be held during the Teacher Job Fair. To pre-register and schedule an interview, please visit www.rockdaleschools.org/jobfair . RCPS has 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, three traditional high schools, a…

ATLANTA — According to the National Retail Federation projections, this Valentine’s Day is shaping up to be big, which suggests that consumer spending will reach nearly $24 billion. As consumers prepare to celebrate, there are a few common scams that consumers need to know. Whether they’re hoping to spark a new relationship or buying gifts for loved ones, beware of these three scams regularly reported to BBB. Impostor websites From fake jewelry sellers to online dating sites, consumers should always be on the alert for impostor websites. Scammers can easily lift official photos, sale promotions, and logos directly from the website for a…

STONECREST, GA- Following pop-up soft openings held this past December and January, the Stonecrest Fresh Farmers Market (SFFM) will have its Grand Opening of the regular season on Sunday, Feb. 13, 1-5 p.m. in the food court area of The Mall at Stonecrest . The market is held through a collaboration between North America Food & Farm PBC Inc (NAF2) and Sass-A-Frass Events Company with a goal of providing access to produce and proteins sold directly by farmers and gardeners as well as to create a vibrant civic space for community engagement. The theme of the grand opening event…

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that a warrant has been issued for Zack Bradford Jr, 39, of Hampton, Virginia, for one count of Insurance Fraud. Bradford is wanted in connection with a Dekalb County case. “The suspect submitted duplicate claims for a set of wheels and tires to USAA stating they were stolen from his residence,” said Commissioner King. “Investigators discovered Mr. Bradford submitted the first claim in 2019, and subsequently submitted the same invoice and photograph in 2021 to receive a second payment for a total of $7,775.” The warrant was…

Deadline to file basic, special tax exemption applications is April 1   DECATUR, GA– Homeowners in DeKalb County are encouraged to apply online for basic homestead exemptions before the April 1 deadline. Homestead exemptions provide a reduction in annual property taxes and are available to individuals who own and occupy the home in the county, including the City of Atlanta portion in DeKalb. “Homestead exemptions provide significant savings for property owners who own and live at their primary residence,” said DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson. “I encourage homeowners who do not have an existing homestead exemption to contact…

DECATUR, GA –Career opportunities in law enforcement are available now at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, 4415 Memorial Drive in Decatur. An in-person hiring event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the Sheriff’s Office, located 4415 Memorial Drive, Decatur. DeKalb Sheriff Melody Maddox and the command staff will be present to meet applicants and answer questions. Competitive starting salaries include $51,000 for Deputy Sheriffs and from $44,818 to $47,060 (with a four-year degree) for Detention Officers. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or…

New club will donate $1,000 to East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club LITHONIA, GA—Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S. and home of the Judgement Free Zone®, will hold a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of its Lithonia club.  The celebration will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 4 to 5:30 p.m., 6152 Covington Highway. Officials say all are welcome for tours and giveaways, which includes a one-year Planet Fitness membership. Planet Fitness will also present a $1,000 donation to the East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club…

BROOKHAVEN, GA— Located 19 miles northeast of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and just 10 miles from downtown Atlanta, Brookhaven offers a community-focused vibe that enchants visitors and locals alike. Comprised of distinct neighborhoods, Brookhaven is reminiscent of a laid-back smaller town with all the perks and benefits of a big city. From locally-owned restaurants and walkable neighborhoods to well-preserved parks and beloved annual festival and events, there’s no shortage of entertainment for the whole family all year long. Cherry Blossom Festival, March 26-27, 2022 Brookhaven’s unique small-town feel with big city proximity, coupled with its popular festivals and…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond presented a $1.2 billion FY2022 budget proposal to the Board of Commissioners on Feb. 8 that includes $14.1 million to improve retention, recruitment and training for police, fire, and other public safety personnel. “Our men and women who protect and serve the citizens of DeKalb are the most critical components of our workforce,” said Thurmond. In addition to increasing the size of DeKalb Police department by 100 officers, the FY22 budget includes: Making the pandemic front line pay permanent with a 6.25 percent increase in compensation for eligible sworn public safety personnel…