Author: On Common Ground News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, Jan. 6, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) will hold a virtual roundtable discussion titled: “Root Causes of the Insurrection: Securing Democracy For All.” As part of a national day of observances and events, the Congressman’s event will feature Ray of Hope Pastor Rev. Cynthia Hale as moderator with a panel of special guests from the faith and public policy disciplines. Ray of Hope is located in DeKalb County, GA. WHO: Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), who was trapped in the chamber with some of his colleagues when the attack occurred; Moderator: Rev. Cynthia L. Hale,…

CONYERS, GA—After careful consideration and deliberation, Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) announced today that it has extended its remote learning schedule through Friday, Jan. 14, 20with in-person teaching and learning set to resume on Tuesday, Jan. 18, following the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. “In reviewing the new CDC guidelines for isolation and quarantining as well as our local, regional, and statewide public health data, and most importantly in reviewing our internal layered mitigation strategies, I determined that an additional week of remote learning would be prudent as we continue facilitating testing and vaccinations for as many of…

STONE MOUNTAIN—Beverly Jones, a former Stone Mountain City Council member, will make history when she is sworn in today (Jan. 4) as the first black female mayor in the 182-year history of the city, the birthplace of the 20th Century Ku Klux Klan. The private ceremonies for Jones, 62, and three City Council members will be held at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, ahead of the first City Council meeting for 2022. The public will be able to view the ceremonies virtually on the city’s web site: http://www.stonemountaincity.org/     Jones and the others who were elected in November will…

DECATUR, GA —The DeKalb Board of Registration and Elections will hold a special called meeting on Friday, Jan. 7, at 10 a.m. The meeting will be conducted via teleconference (Zoom). Simultaneous public access to the meeting will be available via livestream on DCTV’s UStream channel at https://video.ibm.com/channel/dctv-channel-23. To make a public comment, join via Zoom: https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/97184078303 or dial in via phone toll free at 888-270-9936 and use conference code: 171493. Public comments of two minutes or less may be made live via the teleconference. For those joining the meeting by telephone, be aware that your phone number may be…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Cooperative Extension will host a “Radon Webinar” virtually. The webinar will be held on Jan. 10, noon to 1pm. Webinar attendees will receive a free radon in air test kit. January is national radon action month. Many Georgians spend these cold months huddled inside waiting for a warmer spring. This makes it even more important that we test our homes for radon, a colorless, odorless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer. In DeKalb County, about 18.9% of homes have elevated levels of the naturally radioactive gas radon. Over the course of…

ATLANTA, GA – Attorney General Chris Carr and Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.PH, are warning Georgians to beware of potential scams related to the heightened demand for COVID-19 testing. “We urge all Georgians to be on the lookout for fraudulent COVID-19-related practices, specifically as it pertains to testing,” said Carr. “Unfortunately, scam artists seeking to take advantage of the increase in demand will attempt to con hardworking Georgians into paying for fake tests. Do your research to ensure you are visiting a legitimate operation and receiving results from a valid provider.” “Testing is…

Join artist Rhonda Miller for art making outside the Tubman Museum. Free fun for all ages will be offered at the art cart. Presented by The 567 Center for Renewal at Tubman Museum, 310 Cherry St., Macon, GA 31201 FREE Jan 8, 2022, 3 p.m.

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—iThe DeKalb County School District to begin second semester virtually January 5-7, due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in Georgia.COVID-19 testing will be available for employees at the Administrative & Instructional Complex in Stone ​Mountain on Jan. 3 and Jan. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Students will return to face-to-face instruction on Monday, Jan. 10. For students who did not take laptops and tablets home before winter break, parents and guardians will be permitted to pick up learning devices for students on Jan. 3 and Jan. 4. Principals will provide the distribution times. Breakfast and lunch can be picked up curbside January…

DECATUR, GA- A 5-year-old DeKalb County boy died early today after a massive tree fell on his home, splitting the house into two parts. The tree fell amidst a raging storm system that brought heavy rains and high winds across Georgia in the wee hours of the morning. DeKalb County Fire Department officials said the fatal incident happened around 5 a.m. in the 3500 block of Glenwood Road. The child’s mother was unharmed in the crash, authorities said. Crews arrived on the scene and rescued the mother, who was distraught and screaming, from inside the house. The team found the body of the…

ATLANTA – Georgia Power has restored power to more than 200,000 customers impacted by high winds and saturated ground after storms crossed the state overnight. As of 5:30 p.m. Jan. 3, Georgia Power was working to restore power to approximately 12,000 customers who remain without power due to extensive damage from the storm. Georgia Power has crews in the field tonight working to complete restoration as quickly as safely as possible to all customers who are able to receive power (some customers may have damage to their homes or businesses that prevent reconnection). While gusty conditions continued through…