Author: On Common Ground News

STONECREST, GA—Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner and Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble will host a virtual town hall meeting on Feb 8, 6:30 p.m., to discuss economic development in Stonecrest.  The “Economic Development Checkup: How is Stonecrest business holding up amid COVID19?” forum will be held via Zoom and by telephone. Speakers include Jonathan Bartlett, Economic Development Director; Gia Scruggs, City of Stonecrest CFO; James Tsismanakis, CEO Discover DeKalb; and Shelbia Jackson, DeKalb Film Commission. Join the Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84414449233 Meeting ID: 844 1444 9233 One tap mobile: +16465588656,84414449233# U.S. (New York) +13017158592,84414449233# U.S. (Washington DC)

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The second annual Black Lives Matter at DeKalb Schools Week of Action kicked off today, Jan. 31, and will be held virtually through Feb. 4, in the DeKalb County School District (DCSD). The week-long event features daily Black Lives Matter school-based instructional activities, including a social media celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and a celebration of Black-owned businesses in DeKalb County. An array of dynamic speakers and topics has been curated around this year’s theme, “Celebrating Black Contributions to America.” The virtual symposium will include speakers and topics for individuals to engage in and…

ATLANTA—The City of Atlanta announced the opening of two emergency warming centers in anticipation of frigid temperatures. The centers will open tonight, Monday, Jan at 11 p.m. and will remain open through Tuesday, February 1 at 7 a.m. The warming centers are located at the Grant Park Recreation Center at 537 Park Ave SE, Atlanta, GA, 30312 and the Central Park Recreation Center at 400 Merritts Ave. NE, Atlanta 30308. Transportation will be provided at 11 p.m. from the Gateway Center, located at 275 Pryor St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Additional transport to the centers will be provided as needed.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has a vacancy on its Audit Oversight committe., Commissioner  Mereda Davis Johnson announced the vacancy  in her Jan. 28 online newsletter and encouraged interested DeKalb residents to apply. Candidates should review the qualifications listed  below and email resumes to district5@dekalbcountyga.gov.

DECATUR, GA– The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) announced that Anthony B. Kinnel was named 2022-2023 DJJ Teacher of the Year. Kinnel, a mathematics and science teacher at the Martha K. Glaze Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) in Clayton County, GA was recognized for his achievement during a special presentation at the DJJ Board Meeting on Jan. 27. Additionally, Brandi Blackmon, a Special Education English language arts teacher at the DeKalb RYDC, is the DJJ Teacher of the Year runner-up. Blackmon has been with DJJ for four years and has 13 years of teaching experience in Henry, Fulton, and…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony with county leaders and partners to commemorate the opening of the new tax office located in Chamblee.  Expanding to nearly 5,400 square feet, the newly constructed office is a substantial upgrade from the previous space of 1,200 square feet. Parking capacity has doubled to 60 spaces for customers and employees, and service windows now include 10 stations to better serve property tax and motor vehicle customers. “I am honored to recognize the dedication, support and hard work of everyone involved in the project,” said…

Be sure to sign up for CodeRED, DeKalb’s emergency notification system DECATUR, GA– With temperatures forecast below freezing through the weekend, county officials have shared the following tips for winter weather: Exercise safety and use proper ventilation when operating alternative heat sources, such as fireplaces and electric heaters. Do not use an oven as a heat source. Do not bring grills, generators, kerosene heaters, and other outside heating devices inside to heat a home, as they emit poisonous carbon monoxide. Keep pets inside. If animals must remain outside, ensure their food and water is not frozen. Disconnect and drain…

ATLANTA—Mayor Andre Dickens joined Wells Fargo leadership in announcing a $20 million donation to help Atlanta small business owners own more of their businesses’ assets—including property and equipment—to enable physical upgrades to their facilities. The United Way of Greater Atlanta—in collaboration with Invest Atlanta—will distribute the funding as a mix of grants and loans in the city, with a focus on Black-owned and other diverse-owned businesses. “This Wells Fargo grant program gives small business owners the opportunity to grow and expand by owning more of their own assets—which can be a game changer for the financial health of any…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Freezing temperatures are on the way and Rockdale County is opening a warming center for those who need overnight shelter. The center will  open nightly Friday, Jan. 28,  through Sunday, Jan. 30.  Due to COVID restrictions, the maximum capacity for  the warming center is 16 guests.  Please call ahead at 404-229-6405 to check availability. If guests do not comply with center rules, they will be asked to leave for the night. Rockdale County Fire Rescue will provide a small lunch for guests, as well as pastries and coffee for all police officers and deputies on duty those…

STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. – DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Superintendent Mrs. Cheryl Watson-Harris has her sights on the 2022-2023 school year as she continues to lead the district onward and upward to achieve the vision of a DCSD graduate. Mrs. Watson-Harris delivered her second State of the District address on Jan. 26 and highlighted the vision of the future, as well as the successes the district has achieved over the last year. The district celebrated several accomplishments last year, including its acceptance into the League of Innovative Schools by Digital Promise, winning the Student Support Team Association for Georgia Educators…