Author: On Common Ground News

https://youtu.be/Sk0KgdQb3Xk The Aquatic Center, located at 4929 Browns Mill Road, Stonecrest is now open for play weekends to 7pm. Admission: youth 17 and under is $5, adults 18+ is $7. For more information, call 770-224-0191.

DECATUR, GA-Motorists should expect delays stemming from lane closures beginning Aug. 2 as work crews begin repairing aging sewer pipes along South Columbia Drive . The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is initiating these construction projects to address the repair needs of approximately 100,000 linear feet of sewer pipe as a part of ongoing maintenance to improve sewer service countywide. The following projects will prompt lane closures that will start on Aug. 2: South Columbia Drive, between Derrydown, Way Shadow Moor Drive  A portion of the northbound lane along South Columbia Drive, between Derrydown…

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Curtis D. Spencer PACIFIC OCEAN—Quartermaster Seaman Lyan Martinez-Casiano, who is from Lawrenceville, GA, is assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship, USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). The ship is underway conducting routine operations as part of the U.S. 3rd Fleet. Martinez-Casiano is pictured using a needle gun on the exterior of the ship to remove corrosion.With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor,…

Participants enjoy a South River paddle from earlier this year. Photo by Andrew Kraft    ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– On Aug.14, join the South River Watershed Alliance for a scenic excursion down the South River, from Lorraine Park and Trailhead in Stockbridge to Oglesby Bridge Road in Conyers. “River recreation is powerful. It increases respect for the river and gives us leverage to demand better protection of it. The South River is Atlanta’s hidden gem — the more we discover it, the brighter it will shine,” said Margaret Spalding, South River Watershed Alliance Executive Director. Canoes and kayaks are provided…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Board of Health will hold a special called board meeting via teleconference on July 30, beginning at noon. Public access to the teleconference can be established by calling: 301-715-8592, Conference ID 880-4808-9164, Password: 539830 Agenda items for the meeting include: Executive Session(Closed to the Public) Approval on Personnel Matter Discussed in Executive Session Public Comments Board Comments Anyone who would like to bring an issue before the board can be placed on the agenda by contacting India Dyer at 404-294-3787. Written comments to the board will be accepted at:  Office of the Director, DeKalb County Board of…

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced that the office’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit has indicted eight Albany, GA Bloods gang members on 54 gang and human trafficking charges in which they forced minors and others into sexual servitude. A Dougherty County Grand Jury returned the indictment on July 28. “Gangs are behind the crime wave that is affecting Georgia communities, and members are willing to commit horrific acts to help fuel their illegal activities,” said Carr. “We will continue to vigorously prosecute gang members for their crimes, and we look forward to presenting this case –…

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…