Author: On Common Ground News

Guest speaker Aundria Richmond DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson will host T.H.R.I.V.E. in Biz virtual fireside chat on Thursday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m.  The Technology, Health, Readiness, Infrastructure, Vulnerable Populations and Economic Opportunities (T.H.R.I.V.E.) in Biz will focus on encouraging people to keep going in business, how to go from surviving to thriving, creative ways to be uniquely you and prosper, and business tips and tools for everyday use. “We must continue to arm our business owners with the necessary tools to be equipped for everyday success,” Johnson said. “This is one of the many ways we…

DECATUR, GA—After many months of uncertainty due to the ongoing pandemic, the Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival returns on Aug. 14. The festival, presented by the Moore Team of Fairway Independent Mortgage, will be held at Legacy Park in Decatur. “I am both excited and relieved to be able to continue the festivals mission of raising critical funds for Decatur based charities” said Festival Director Michael Vajda. “The live event industry has been hit particularly hard due to COVID and seeing events and venues re-opening is a welcome sign for all parties – event operators,…

Free backpacks will be provided at the July 31 event      DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County residents will have another chance to get the COVID vaccination—and receive a $50 pre-paid debit card for doing so. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond is offering the incentives for the second time this month on Saturday, July 31,   8 a.m. to 1 p.m.,  during a drive-through event at the Gallery at South DeKalb mall, 2891 Candler Road, Decatur. “We are focused on helping DeKalb residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said. DeKalb County…

CONYERS, GA–Rockdale County Post 2 Commissioner Doreen Williams is joining Helping Hands Outreach Clinic for the Healthy By Choice event to provide vaccines, blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and mental health screenings on Saturday, Aug. 14, 10 a.m.  to 3 pm.   The event will take place at the Wheeler Park Pavilion, 1350 Parker Road.

The Rockdale County Tax Commissioner’s Office is re-opening today after it was shut down this week following a report of an employee’s possible exposure to COVID during the week of July 19. Tax Commissioner Tisa Smart Washington said the office, which has been closed since Monday, July 26, underwent a thorough scrub and  will resume normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Staff will begin responding to calls and text messages left at the office today. In addition to the main office, automobile registration renewals can be completed at any MVD Self-Service Kiosk location around the state,…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA—The Stone Mountain-Sue Kellogg Library, 952 Leon St.,  is preparing to reopen its doors, again after being closed for two years to undergo renovations. An open house is scheduled Thursday, Aug. 5, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. to give patrons a sneak peek at the new look and new furnishings. Completed by C.T. Darnell Construction, renovations include an updated floor plan, HVAC upgrade, all new furnishings and new restrooms. DeKalb County allocated $1.5 million for the project. “I am pleased that the beloved Stone Mountain-Sue Kellogg Library has gotten the much-needed remodel and technology enhancements for constituents…

CONYERS, GA—Conyers Police Department (CPD) is preparing to again to offer a Citizens Police Academy this fall. The 10-week academy will be held on Tuesdays beginning Sept. 14.Each session will be held 6 to 8 p.m and most sessions will take place in the Conyers Police Department training room at 1194 Scott Street. “The Citizens Police Academy is one of our most popular community outreach programs,” said Chief of Police Gene Wilson. “This behind-the-scenes glimpse into law enforcement is a favorite with citizens because it is so hands-on and interactive.” Academy participants will learn about the various…

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced today that four venues in his district will receive more than $542,000 in Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG). The four venues receiving funds are: A.R.T. Station in Stone Mountain: $61,609 Onstage Atlanta in Scottdale: $84,521 J.D. Entertainment, LLC in Covington: $391,798 Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts in Conyers: $4,291. “The American Rescue Plan created the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program to provide critical funding to our struggling businesses and they deserve to be able to access those funds,” said Johnson. “I am glad the Small Business Administration heeded…

ATLANTA—Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued an executive order requiring all persons in a public place, including private businesses and establishments, to wear a mask or a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth when indoors. The Order is in response to the rising number of COVID-19 infections, the impact of the Delta variant and new CDC guidance. “Public health experts overwhelmingly agree, and data has proved, that wearing a face covering helps slow the spread of this deadly virus,” said Mayor Bottoms. “As COVID-19 rates increase, we must remain vigilant, wear a mask,…