Author: On Common Ground News

TUCKER, GA—The Tucker Pepsico bottling plant, located at 1644 Rock Mountain Boulevard, is planning a massive $260 million expansion that will create 136 new jobs. The plant currently employs 464 people. The new positions will include roles in digitized manufacturing tools, artificial intelligence and augmented reality tools as well as real-time analytics for machine operators and mechanics and raise the average wage for employees from $49,000 to $60,000. The facility, which is expected to be complete by 2024, will expand by more than 260,000 square feet, making it one of Pepsi’s largest manufacturing plants. By 2025, Pepsi estimates the Tucker…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) has announced three virtual listening sessions with newly hired Executive Director Keisha Smith to hear from voters on ways to enhance the voter experience in DeKalb. The virtual meetings are scheduled March 26 at 11 a.m., March 28 at 6:30 p.m. and March 29 at noon. All virtual community listening sessions are open to the public. During the online meetings, Smith will share her key priorities for the 2022 election cycle, discuss the impact of recent redistricting, and provide background and perspective on her office and its function. “In…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the heels of a strong jobs report, workers and jobseekers are taking advantage of opportunities to acquire new skills and explore better opportunities. Many of those workers will seek help from the public workforce system – a network of federal, state and local government-funded programs that provide services to workers, jobseekers and employers that lead to economic growth and improved skills for workers. To continue its support of the public workforce system, the U.S. Department of Labor announced March 10 the award of $3.5 million to Safal Partners LLC to establish a Workforce System Technical Assistance Collaborative that will facilitate peer learning…

By Dele Lowman Smith DeKalb Board of Registration and Elections Board Chair DEKALB COUNTY, GA— At a time when too many Americans are enthralled with misinformation and conspiracy theories that erode public confidence in our elections, those of us who have chosen to be stewards of this sacred franchise have no such luxury. Elections officials are compelled to make decisions based on facts, within the bounds of the law, and to the benefit of every eligible voter, regardless of political affiliation. Likewise, we have a duty to ensure electoral operations are administered with excellence because incompetence has…

Photos L-R: State Sen. Nan Orrock  State Rep. Becky Evans ATLANTA – State Sen. Nan Orrock (D-Atlanta) and State Rep. Becky Evans (D-Atlanta) have introduced the “Ratepayer Surcharge Relief Act” in both the House and Senate. House Bill 1503 and Senate Bill 607 seek to end the Plant Vogtle monthly surcharge for approximately 2.5 million Georgia Power customers. “This surcharge is especially unfair to our senior citizens,” said Sen. Orrock. “They have been paying for power for 12 years that they may never use. I voted against the surcharge legislation in 2009 because it is an unfair…

CONYERS, GA – Jesse Smith, a manufacturing and computer science teacher at Rockdale Career Academy, was named a top ten finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year. “We are elated to have Mr. Smith recognized by the state as a Teacher of the Year finalist,” said Rockdale County Public Schools(RCPS) SuperintendentTerry Oatts. “His earnest passion for teaching students and building foundational relationships in order to equip students for life-long success is truly exemplary. We wish him well as the selection process continues for the Georgia Teacher of the Year.” Smith, a product of RCPS and a graduate of Rockdale Magnet…

  WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor announced on March 7 the availability of $55 million in “Pathway Home 3” grants to provide job training to incarcerated individuals before their release from state correctional facilities and county or local jails.   Each year, state prisons release approximately 573,000 people who need the resources and support to re-enter and find stable employment in their communities successfully. Pre-release services have proven to help reduce the likelihood that formerly incarcerated people will return to prison and help these individuals fully reintegrate into their communities.   Funds will also support continued comprehensive services post-release.    Authorized…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— On Monday, March 7, an enthusiastic crowd of supporters accompanied Democratic County Commissioner Larry Johnson as he qualified to run to continue his service to DeKalb County’s District 3. “I’m running because District 3 needs innovative, experienced leaders who are willing to work with others to develop solutions to move our community forward,” said Johnson. “If we link people to the resources they need, leverage public and private partnerships and empower each other through education, we can build an even brighter future for our county.” Johnson has served on the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners since January…

MABLETON, GA – The Mableton Improvement Coalition (MIC) will host the inaugural “Taste of Mableton: One Mableton-Stronger Together” on Saturday, April 2. The event will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road. Admission is free. A parade will kick off the festival, starting at 9 a.m. at Mableton Walk on Floyd Road, traveling southbound to the Mable House Complex. The festival will include a variety of food, live music, crafts, exhibits, and an opportunity to hear from Cobb County representatives and elected officials. Kids Fun Town will feature activities for children of all…