Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– Efforts to improve sewer service throughout DeKalb County continue Monday, Oct. 4, with the launch of the Tilly Mill Sewer Realignment Project. The Tilly Mill Sewer Realignment Project will include installation of new, larger sewer lines. Contractors have begun assessing and preparing the impacted areas. More than 4,500 feet of sewer lines will be upgraded. The Tilly Mill Sewer Alignment Project is part of DeKalb County’s $1.345 billion capital improvement program. More information about the Tilly Mill Sewer Realignment Project is available on the “Capital Improvement Projects” section of the DWM website at www.dekalbwatershed.com. Residents may also…

STONECREST, GA—Hundreds of cars again have gathered today at Stonecrest Mall for a COVID-19 vaccination event sponsored by DeKalb County Government. The vaccination event is featuring guest appearances by actor/comedian Chris Tucker and renowned gospel singer Dottie Peoples. Today until 1 p.m., DeKalb County Board of Health, Emory Healthcare and DeKalb County Fire Rescue will administer voluntary COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone 12 years of age and older at The Mall at Stonecrest, 2929 Turner Hill Rd., Stonecrest, GA 30038. All persons receiving a vaccination also will receive a $100 prepaid debit card. MedCura Health  will offer free COVID-19 tests. Persons…

CONYERS, GA – Excel Church, 1151 Flat Shoals Road SE, will be giving away hundreds of boxes of free groceries to the community on Saturday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m to 12 p.m. Worldwide Pandemic Solutions, LLC also will be on sight administering free vaccinations.

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced today (Oct. 1) that a conviction by jury trial in the murder case against Randy Haynes, a 39-year-old Stone Mountain man accused of fatally stabbing Caritha Blanks, 43. Haynes was convicted on two counts of Felony Murder, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Knife and sentenced to life in prison. A surveillance video aided in the identification of Haynes, officials said. The incident occurred on the evening of June 3, 2019 in the 5000 block of Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain. Haynes and the victim had arranged a…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County’s Exchange Intergenerational Recreation Center is partnering with the Georgia Spartans to host the Annual Striding for a Cure Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run/Walk and a Family Fun Day on Saturday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur. The run/walk and family fun day will provide an opportunity for DeKalb residents to come together to spread awareness about the impact of breast cancer and rally around survivors or those going through treatment. Runners of all ages are welcome to participate and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is $25 per adult and…

STONECREST—DeKalb County will give a $100 prepaid debit card to everyone who receives a COVID-19 vaccination on Saturday, Oct. 2, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Mall at Stonecrest’s former Sears building parking lot. The drive-up, walk-up vaccination event will feature guest appearances by actor/comedian Chris Tucker and renowned gospel singer Dottie Peoples. “COVID-19 has impacted lives globally and The Chris Tucker Foundation is proud to partner with DeKalb County and DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond in driving awareness and increasing access to vaccinations and information to combat this pandemic,” said actor, comedian and humanitarian Chris Tucker. “Being…

ATLANTA–At a grand-opening event in Columbia County for Amazon’s newest robotics facility in the Peach State, Gove. Brian P. Kemp today announced that Georgia has earned the “Top State for Doing Business” title for the eighth year in a row from Area Development. “We’re proud to accept the title of Top State for Doing Business from Area Development for the eighth year in a row,” said Kemp. “Thanks to our nation-leading workforce development efforts, resilient job creators, and strong pro-business environment, Georgia is emerging from the global pandemic with unprecedented economic momentum. My administration will remain focused on building on this…

STONECREST, GA –Stonecrest Parks and Recreation and District 3 Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble have planned a day of family fun at Fairington Park from 4– 9 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 2, that also showcases a variety of local entrepreneurs. This event was rescheduled from September due to the forecast of inclement weather. The headlining attraction is the Screen on the Green showing of Toy Story 4 (PG) at dusk. An Entrepreneur Expo will surround the green and feature food trucks, pop-up food carts and tables, plus local artisans, and other vendors. It’s an opportunity for the community to learn…

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson and The Heart of South hosted the District # Block Party on Sept. 18 at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur. Residents brought their lawn chairs to enjoy the free event, which was sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.  Photographer Kelly Jordan captured the event, which showcased an array of local vendors, music, entertainment, prize  and agencies and county departments that provide a variety of community resources.

DECATUR, GA —DeKalb County government is ramping up a new public outreach campaign to increase COVID-19 vaccinations in the county to 60 percent. DeKalb recently hit its initial goal of 50 percent and is pushing for a new goal, officials announced today (Sept. 30). “We have surpassed our initial goal of 50 percent,” DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond said. “Now our new goal is to get 60 percent of our eligible population vaccinated by Dec. 1 of this year.”   Officials  rolled out the  “Get Vaxxed DeKalb campaign with Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid  . Transit  Authority(MARTA). A bus wrapped with special artwork promoting…