Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has proposed to the Board of Commissioners a $500 DeKalb Employee Vaccinations incentive. “These $500 in incentives would help promote a healthier, safer county workforce as we face the looming possibility of a COVID-19 and flu ‘twindemic,’” Thurmond said Thurmond proposed a $300 incentive for county employees who provide documentation by Jan. 31, 2022, that they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 Additionally, Thurmond proposed a $200 incentive for employees who provide documentation that they have received Fall 2021 flu vaccination. DeKalb County has approximately 6,000 employees. If approved by the DeKalb County…

Gov. Kemp: American Peanut Growers Group to Open New Processing Facility, Expand Shelling Plant ATLANTA—Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced Nov. 9  Georgia-based American Peanut Growers Group (APGG) will invest $85 million in expanding operations in the state, creating 90 jobs. In addition to expanding its current Donalsonville shelling plant, APGG will open a new food processing facility on its 45-acre campus in Seminole County. “It’s truly exciting to see American Peanut Growers Group create jobs across rural south Georgia and celebrate the hardworking Georgians of Seminole County who put Georgia-grown food on the table for countless families in our…

DeKalb County Board of Ethics has cancelled its regularly scheduled meeting of November 18, 2021, at 6 p.m.  The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will hold a Special Called Meeting on November 17, 2021, at 6 p.m.    

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA— The Redan Lady Raiders basketball program was recognized for its work on the court and in the classroom with a pair of donations from the Support Her Sole Foundation and as a Sole School. Hibbet Sports District Sales Manager Troy Williams represented Hibbett and Nike in presenting the team with a $10,000 donation from the Support Her Sole Foundation. Redan was recognized as one of 10 women’s basketball programs across the country for their hard work, both academically and on the court. “We believe in…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Gwinnett County will offer new tag office hours that will standardize the schedule for all locations. Saturday hours will no longer be offered. As of Jan. 3, all tag offices will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays, with Wednesdays extended to 6 p.m. “As promised, I extended tag office hours to accommodate later visits,” said Gwinett County Tax Commissioner Tiffany P. Porter. “However, I saw that there was a greater need for more accommodation from 8:30-5:30 weekdays. I’m also expanding the window for appointments from 9:30 to 4:30. Appointments are optional, but making…

By Terri Denison SBA Georgia District Office Director Since the start of the pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered more than $1.1 trillion in COVID-related relief to millions of entrepreneurs. The COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is the remaining SBA relief program open to small business owners who still need assistance. The COVID EIDL program, which runs through Dec. 31, offers 30-year loans with fixed interest rates of 3.75 percent for small businesses, including sole proprietors and independent contractors, and 2.75 percent for nonprofits. Many businesses have been able to keep their doors open and retain…

STONECREST, GA—The City of Stonecrest will host its Second Annual Soulful Christmas Tree Lighting event on Dec. 11, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the parking lot of the former Sam’s Club, 2994 Turner Hill Road. Parks and Recreation Director Brandon Riley told the City Council during its work session meeting on Nov. 8 that there will be free entertainment, music, holiday treats and the lighting of the city’s tree.  He said the Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring the event and plans to present performances by Step  Stewart’s Chocoletts who will be performing Motown Records’ greatest holiday…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA — Amazon and DeKalb County School District (DCSD) officials today announced that Amazon is funding computer science education and teacher professional development for 30 elementary schools in the district. The funding will impact more than 10,000 students from underserved communities and groups currently underrepresented in technology. DeKalb County School District is part of Amazon Future Engineer’s expansion to more than 6,000 schools, 1,000 of which are elementary schools. Amazon is working with BootUp PD, a nonprofit professional development provider specializing in elementary school education, to bring computer science to each school. BootUp PD’s professional development sessions adapt well to a virtual model and provide teachers with the tools they need to bring engaging…

DECATUR, GA—Antonio Taylor, 56, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for murdering his girlfriend Aisha Dixon, 37, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced today (Nov. 8). Taylor was convicted by a jury on two counts of Felony Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault and Aggravated Battery. The incident occurred on the evening of April 28, 2019 at the Spring Valley Apartment complex on Misty Waters Drive in Decatur, where Taylor and the victim lived. Taylor returned from spending the weekend away and discovered that Dixon had another man over while he was gone. He…