Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Class of 2024 graduates, unlike the state and nation, saw an increase in composite SAT scores over the previous year. The 2024 mean composite score for RCPS is 980, up from 969. The mean composite score for Georgia public schools is 1030, and the mean composite score for U.S. public schools is 995, both decreasing from 2023. “We are pleased to see an increase in our scores even as the state and nation experienced decreases,” said RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts. “Of particular note, I commend our students for exceeding the nation’s score on…

ATLANTA – In a pivotal decision made Wednesday evening (Sept. 25), Congress extended Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) replacement benefits until Dec. 20, 2024, as part of the latest federal stopgap legislation. The original provision for SNAP replacement benefits was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, which aimed to assist thousands of families affected by stolen benefits due to scamming activities. Initially set to expire on Sept. 30, 2024, the Act’s extension ensures continued support for those impacted by fraud. Across the U.S., scammers have been targeting SNAP recipients, using skimming devices and other fraudulent methods to steal…

DECATUR, GA– Due to the impending effects of Hurricane Helene, DeKalb County is opening four severe weather shelters for unhoused persons  today through Saturday, Sept. 28. The following locations will be open as severe weather shelters: Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road, Atlanta. This shelter will remain open 24 hours a day during the event. Center for Pan Asian Community Services Inc., 3510 Shallowford Road NE, Atlanta. This shelter opens today at 4 p.m. New Life Community Alliance’s auditorium, 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur. This shelter opens today at 5 p.m. and will remain open 24 hours a day during…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Spurred by the recent series of assaults, the murder of a man at a service station and blight plaguing Columbia Drive, a collective of neighborhood groups in unincorporated South DeKalb will hold a community meeting on Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the community room at The Friends School of Atlanta, 862 Columbia Drive, Decatur. The group, South DeKalb Neighbors, is calling for violence interventions, an evolution of public safety approaches, and the revitalization of unincorporated South DeKalb — with immediate action steps and more accountability from county agencies and elected officials. The meeting will take the form…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—In a unanimous decision, the Rockdale County Board of Elections voted on Wednesday, Sept. 26, during a special meeting to disqualify Kathy Harvey as a write-in candidate for probate judge in the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election. The 3-member board, chaired by Al Saddler, stated that Harvey neither meets the statutory qualifications to hold the office of probate judge nor did she meet the Sept. 3 deadline in publishing her Notice of Intent to run as a write-n candidate in the Rockdale Citizen newspaper, the county’s legal organ. Supervisor of Elections Cynthia Willingham said at the board meeting that Harvey’s notice…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— In response to projected severe weather conditions caused by Hurricane Helene, Superintendent Devon Q. Horton announced that all schools within the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27. The closure includes all school-based, district-wide, extracurricular, and athletic events. Horton stated in a news release that the safety and well-being of the students, staff, and families remain the district’s top priority. He said he made his decision to close schools after carefully considering weather forecasts that predicted dangerous conditions such as high winds, power outages, downed trees, and hazardous…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—As a result of the pending Hurricane Helene, DeKalb County government offices, senior centers, libraries, recreation centers, the Sanitation Division’s customer service desk and the Planning Department’s One Stop Shop will be closed on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, the Board of Commissioners zoning meeting scheduled for Thursday has been canceled. Public safety and other county employees who are required to maintain critical operations during the severe weather event should check with their supervisors for instructions. County employees who are not required to deal with the emergency conditions in person will work remotely. County residents are encouraged to sign…

DECATUR, GA—Due to the forecasted impacts from Hurricane Helene in metro Atlanta, all DeKalb Public Health regional health centers and services will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27. Clients with health center appointments will be contacted. For more updates, please visit dekalbpubliche

ATLANTA– Attorney General Chris Carr is warning Georgians to be on the lookout for possible storm-related scams in anticipation of Hurricane Helene. “As we continue to prepare for Hurricane Helene and hope that any damage it causes is minimal, we want to ensure that Georgians are protected from home repair fraud and other scams,” said Carr. “Unfortunately, criminals will often try to take advantage of those impacted by severe weather. Make sure you know how to spot and report a scam before turning over your hard-earned dollars, and contact our Consumer Protection Division if you’re in need of assistance.” Storm…

ATLANTA – As Hurricane Helene approaches Georgia, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King is urging residents to take several precautions before the storm. “Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast as a major hurricane and continue into Georgia with devastating wind speeds,” said Commissioner King. “Because these damaging winds can affect areas hundreds of miles away from the expected trajectory, all Georgians should begin preparing for the storm.” Before the storm, make a list of all your covered items (furniture, electronics, appliances, valuables, etc). Make sure to keep an electronic copy of this list, which should…