Author: On Common Ground News

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,…

DeKalb County School District will host its Back-to-School DriveThru event on July 31, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at three locations: Buck Godfrey Stadium in Decatur, James R. Hallford Stadium in Clarkson and North DeKalb Stadium in Chamblee. The event will feature DCSD Village, school supplies, food distribution, vendor resources and refreshments. The DeKalb Board of Health will be onsite from 8 a.m. to noon to offer COVID-19 vaccinations. Parents or guardians must provide proof of student registration through Infinite Campus on their mobile device or a registration printout to receive school…

Families cooled off at Browns Mill Family Aquatics Center today(July 27), eager to enjoy the pools and water play structures. The center, which had been closed since 2019 due to the COVID pandemic, reopened at noon today and city officials were glad to welcome the community back. https://youtu.be/0pSCnW5h_eY

Work Session: Tuesday, Aug. 3, 10 a.m., Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Voting Session: Tuesday, Aug. 10, 10 a.m., Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Millage Rate Public Hearing – Tuesday, Aug.17, 6 p.m., Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Work Session: Tuesday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m., Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Millage Rate Public Hearing – Thursday, Aug. 19, 9: a.m. – JP Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor Street, Conyers 2022 Budget Retreat: Wednesday, Aug. 18; Thursday, Aug. 19; and Friday, Aug. 20, JP Carr Community Room, 981 Taylor Street, Conyers Millage Rate Public Hearing –…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County Government is giving away $50 prepaid debit cards as incentives for the first 100 people receiving COVID-19 vaccinations on Saturday, July 31. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., DeKalb County Board of Health, MedCura Health and DeKalb County Fire Rescue will administer voluntary COVID-19 vaccinations to residents 12 years of age and older at The Gallery at South DeKalb, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. Residents will be able to remain in their vehicles when receiving vaccinations. “We are urging residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their families…

Former Finance Director Roselyn Miller Pictured L-R: Post 1 Commissioner Sherri Washington, Chairman Oz Nesbitt, and Post 3 Commissioner Doreen Williams /Photo via FB Live The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners in a 2-1 vote today approved a $345,000 settlement with former County Finance Director Roselyn Miller. Post 1 Commissioner Sherri L. Washington cast the dissenting vote on the three-member board. The vote followed a closed executive session this morning. When the board returned, Chairman Oz Nesbitt made the motion to approve the settlement, which was seconded by  Post 2 Commissioner Doreen Williams. Both…

NACo recognizes innovative COVID-19 response   DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County Government has won national recognition as a leader in the innovative use of technology for the fifth consecutive year, including its response to the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years. The Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties (NACo) ranked DeKalb County second in the nation among counties with a population of 500,000 to 999,999 in the 19th annual Digital Counties Survey. Out of the 88 counties in this category, only three were from Georgia, including Gwinnett and Cobb that ranked eight and tenth, respectively. Since 2017,…