Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA—Gov. Brian P. Kemp today signed House Bill 1302 providing a tax refund to all eligible Georgia taxpayers. “When government takes in more than it needs, I believe those dollars should be returned to the taxpayer, because that is your money – not the government’s,” said Governor Kemp. “In Georgia, we are taking swift action to lessen the impact of the federal administration’s disastrous policies that have driven record-high inflation over the last year by putting taxpayer dollars back in the pockets of hardworking Georgians. I appreciate our Office of Planning and Budget and the members of the Georgia General Assembly who…

DECATUR, GA – On Wednesday, March 23, 6 p.m., Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is presenting nine women in Georgia’s Fourth District with “Trailblazers” awards in recognition of their pioneering careers and service to the greater community. All the honorees in recognition of Women’s History Month were some of first in their fields of endeavor. The virtual event will be held via Zoom. Register here: https://ushr.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_NFjNYZGtSTKuOJXQu2p57Q WHO: Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04); Juanita Baranco, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Baran Company; Jacqueline Hawthorne-Robinson, cofounder of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery; Katrina P. Young, Former Chair of the Rockdale County Board of Education; Kathryn…

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County Police Chief Mirtha V. Ramos will host a virtual women’s roundtable on Wednesday, March 23, 6 p.m., on the department’s Facebook page and DCTV. During the “Candid Conversation with Women in Policing” event, Chief Ramos and other female officers of all ranks will discuss policing from a woman’s perspective. “In honor of Women’s History Month, we want to give the women of the DeKalb County Police Department a voice and the opportunity for the community to peek at the person behind the badge,” said Chief Ramos. Questions or comments submitted on the department’s…

**Zoning Public Hearing: Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. – CANCELLED – NO MEETING** Work Session: Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. – Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers, Georgia 30012 Voting Session: Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. – Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers, Georgia 30012 **Work Session: Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. – SPRING RECESS – NO MEETING**   **Voting Session: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. – SPRING RECESS – NO MEETING** **Zoning Public Hearing: Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. –…

ATLANTA – Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are looking for adults and children showing symptoms of COVID-19 to participate in a study helping to test COVID-19 tests. To be eligible, individuals must have symptoms and not have been tested for the virus during their current course of illness. Those who fit the criteria should come to a new Emory testing site at 59 Executive Park South, Atlanta, GA 30329. As part of the study, all individuals will receive a COVID-19 PCR test at no cost to them and may be asked to provide additional samples (nasal or oral swabs or saliva).…

DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County Commissioner Robert Patrick is offering water bill assistance for residents of District 1 through St. Vincent de Paul’s utility program. The program will assist low-income residents who have past due water bills and may be facing shutoffs. The program is in response to the ongoing pandemic, rising costs of gas and food, which is putting many residents in perilous situations. “Water is a basic human need,” said Patrick. “Residents should not have to decide between paying for food or water.”    In order to apply, applicants must be residents of District 1, meet income requirements, and…

ATLANTA–Gospel legend LaShun Pace, a key member of The Anointed Pace Sisters, passed away today (March 21). LaShun had been on dialysis for five years and died of kidney failure. She was 60 years old. On Common Ground News(OCGNews) Publishers Glenn and Valerie Morgan extend condolences to the Pace Family.  LaShun and her nine siblings have always been much more than just  famous gospel singers to the Morgans. “We are sending up prayers for the family. LaShun has taken her flight to join her oldest sister, Duranice, and their only brother, Murphy,” said Glenn Morgan. “The Pace family will always…