Author: On Common Ground News

Georgia will have more pumps in Fayette, Cobb and Clayton counties ATHENS, GA– Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced Aug. 19  that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $26 million to build infrastructure to expand the availability of higher-blend renewable biofuels by 822 million gallons annually in 23 states including Georgia The USDA is making the awards under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. The funding will help significantly increase the use of biofuels derived from U.S. agricultural products and prioritize climate-smart solutions that will help rural America build back better. “Investments like these increase opportunities for American consumers to make…

ATLANTA– Advanced Modular Structures LLC., a modular building enterprise affiliated with Atlanta-based real estate developer The Integral Group, LLC., will create 200 jobs and invest more than $14 million in a new manufacturing facility in unincorporated Fulton County. “It’s great to see the Peach State serving as the backdrop for this new joint venture,” said  Gov. Brian Kemp. “Georgia’s support for the manufacturing industry sector is unwavering as we seek to create new jobs and investment opportunities for hardworking Georgians. Our award-winning workforce training program, Georgia Quick Start, is an incredible asset to companies that locate here, and I’m thrilled that…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Former Stone Mountain High School girls’ wrestler Daisy Gilleylen continues to help move girls’ wrestling forward in DeKalb County as she became the first DCSD female to earn a wrestling scholarship. Gilleylen is headed to Brewton-Parker College in Mountain Vernon, GA to continue her academic and athletic career under the direction of Women’s Head Coach Devane Dodgens, who led Brewton-Parker to a 22nd overall finish in the NAIA Nationals in 2021. “It is an honor to be…

STONECREST—The election is heating up in the city of Stonecrest with two incumbents now facing challengers. Councilwoman Tammy Grimes qualified today to run for re-election for a full four-year term to represent Distrist 5. Grimes now faces two challengers: Ryan Gallagher, who also qualified today, and Dr. Barbara Hall, who qualified on Monday. Grimes was elected in 2019 to fill the unexpired term of Diane Adoma, who resigned from the seat to run unsuccessfully for mayor of the city. Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble, who is seeking re-election to the District 3 seat, also faces two challengers. Three seats are…

Rep. Johnson Welcomes Students Who Live or Attend High School in Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District to Apply for Military Academy Nominations, Appointment STONECREST, GA — Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) today announced that he is accepting applications from students seeking nominations and appointments to a U.S. Military Service Academy – Army, Air Force, Navy or Merchant Marines. “Putting forward nominations of Fourth District students for admission to the U.S. Military Academies is one of the most important jobs we do each year,” said Rep. Johnson. “The nomination process is not easy. It’s a long road, but it’s rewarding. All of…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County School District has cancelled the McNair vs. Forest Park football game scheduled Friday at Godfrey Stadium due to a positive COVID-19 case, officials said today(Aug. 18). The district issued the following statement: “The safety and well-being of our students and staff remains a top priority. Out of abundance of caution, the football game between McNair High School and Forest Park High School scheduled for Aug. 20 has been canceled due to a positive COVID-19 case within McNair’s program.”

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – Rockdale County Probate Judge Gary Washington has tested positive for COVID-19, the county said in a news release today (Aug. 18). Washington told On Common Ground News that he contracted COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated since March 28, 2021. “Initially, I tested negative. But I wasn’t feeling well and took another test a couple of days later and that test came back positive,” said Washington.g The Probate Court is now working with judges in nearby jurisdictions to assist with the caseload and backlog, the county said in a news release. The Probate…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Registration is now open for the nine-week “Chess for Success” program offered by Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, founder of Be Someone. The training will will be held every Saturday from Sept. 4 to Oct.30, with a chess tournament planned for Oct. 30. There will be $500 in prizes awarded to winners who are DeKalb County residents. Classes will start at 11 a.m. and conclude an hour later at 12 p.m. The training is designed for ages 6 – 18 and, thanks to DeKalb County government, is free. More information, including registration details, is available by visiting www.dekalboys.org. Scroll down the list until you find “Chess…

STONECREST—District 3 Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble is facing two challengers so far in the upcoming General Election scheduled Nov. 2, 2021.  District 5 Councilwoman Tammy Grimes, who has not yet qualified but has announced she plans to run, is facing one challenger now. There are three seats on the City Council that are up for election: District 1, District 3, and District 5.  The seats are for four-year terms. The General Election is set for Nov. 2, 2021. Here’s a snapshot of the races since qualifying began on Monday: District 1: Councilman Jimmy Clanton, Jr., who qualified on Aug. 16.…

MARIETTA, GA—Republican Gubernatorial candidate Vernon Jones will be in Cobb County on Wednesday, Aug. 17, to support Wellstar Corporation employees and others at the Stop the Mandate protest in Marietta. The demonstration will be held at11 a.m. at Wellstar Corporate Office, 793 Sawyer Road. “This decision from Wellstar Corporation and others to mandate vaccines for their employees is not based on science, it’s political,” said Jones. “Americans cannot go back to surrendering their livelihood for a virus that is not a threat to our survival. Every person should be allowed to decide whether or not they get the vaccine and…