Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA, GA – Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has joined a nationwide investigation into TikTok for providing and promoting its social media platform to children and young adults despite the association between usage and physical and mental health harms. Specifically, attorneys general nationwide are examining whether the company put the public at risk by violating state consumer protection laws. “We will always stand up to protect Georgia’s children, and we will not tolerate those who put their health and well-being at risk,” said Carr. “Social media use and its harmful effects on young people is a serious issue that must be…

Summer camp sites urged to apply   DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host the Summer Food Service Program June 1 – July 22. The program, which provides school children nutritious meals during the summer, seeks participating program sites. To qualify as a site, 50 percent of children served must meet the income guidelines for free and reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Children who are members of households that receive food stamp benefits or Aid for Dependent Children (AFDC) assistance automatically qualify. Funding for the Summer Food Service Program is provided by the…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– After two months of meeting virtually to thwart the spread of COVID-19, the Rockdale Board of Commissioners (BOC) will return to in-person meetings beginning with the March 8 voting session. All meetings will be held in the Assembly Hall at 901 Main Street, Conyers. Those wishing to speak during public comment are required to appear in person and complete a red comment card to make their comments to the Board. A list of the upcoming meetings is below: Voting Session: Tuesday, March 8, 10 a.m., Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Work Session: Tuesday, March 15,…

DeKalb County Police seek 4 accomplices still at large      STONECREST, GA– A 16-year-old male has been arrested and charged with murder and burglary in connection with the Feb. 19 shooting death of Henry Ashley, 24, a security guard who was on duty at a car dealership located near The Mall at Stonecrest.     The arrest comes after DeKalb County Police received tips from the community, which led to the identification and arrest of the suspect.The identity of the 16-year-old was withheld due to his age, authorities said.   “I want to thank the community for its assistance during this…

LITHONIA, GA—Lithonia First United Methodist Church, 3099 Stone Mountain Street in downtown Lithonia, is operating a food bank for needy residents living in 30038 and 30058 ZIP codes Weekly, residents can select from a wide range of goods including bread, bakery items, meat, and sundry items every Monday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.  Registered participants can also pick up a bag (or bags, depending on family size) of groceries every 28 days on Mondays or on the second Saturday of each month, also from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Those receiving food are required to wear face masks…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Restaurant patrons in Gwinnett County now will be able to have cocktails delivered to their homes with their restaurant takeout orders under a new county ordinance. The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, March 1, voted to change the current county ordinance to allow deliveries of wine, beer and mixed drinks with takeout orders from restaurants. The board also approved extended alcohol sales on Sunday. The new hours for beer and wine sales on Sunday have been extended two hours. Now, residents can purchase alcohol beginning at 11 a.m. until midnight. The updated ordinance on alcohol…

ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will hold a job fair for bus operators and journeyman bus technicians on Saturday, March 5, 9 a.m. until noon, at MARTA headquarters, 2415 Piedmont Rd., Atlanta. MARTA headquarters is located across from the Lindbergh Center rail station on Piedmont Road in Atlanta. MARTA is offering a $3,000 sign-on bonus and will train all Permit and Class C license holders for their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).  WHAT:           Bus Operator and Journeyman Bus Technician Job Fair Pay starting at $17.74/hr. for operators and $23.91/hr. for technicians MARTA will train all Permit and Class C holders…

ATLANTA—World-renowned cinematic innovator Tyler Perry will deliver the keynote address at Emory University’s 177th Commencement ceremony scheduled for Monday, May 9, on the Emory Quadrangle. Perry will receive an honorary doctor of letters degree.    “Tyler Perry is a visionary creative force — writing, directing, producing and performing in plays, films and TV shows that move, entertain and inspire,” said Emory President Gregory L. Fenves. “Equally impressive are his endeavors as a philanthropist, humanitarian and social justice advocate. Whether funding scholarships for talented students, covering the grocery bills of elderly Atlanta residents, or supporting global disaster relief, he is renowned…

CONYERS, GA— The Conyers Police Department is receiving Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) training to better address how to respond to crisis situations.   The training, provided by the Police Executive Research Forum, is being funded by a $60,000 grant from the State of Georgia Law Enforcement Training Program.   Officials say the program is designed to create an environment for the best possible outcome during situations that can evolve very quickly.      All department personnel including 911 communications operators, police officers, and supervisors are required to participate in the training, the Police Department stated.     The Conyers Police…