Author: On Common Ground News

By Rosalyn Ridgeway Chair, Rockdale County Democrats Rockdale County Democrats would like to commend our 4th District Congressional Representative, Hank Johnson, for getting into “GoodTrouble” this past week to defend our free, fair, equal and easy access to the ballot box.  Johnson joined eight others for the Black Votes Matter peaceful protest in Washington, D.C.  He was arrested for demonstrating without a permit along with Reverend Francys Johnson, an affiliate of the New Georgia Project. Johnson said he was following in the footsteps of his friend and mentor, the late Congressman John Lewis.  He and his companions were protesting against…

STONECREST, GA –– The  City of Stonecrest  is re-opening the Browns Mil Aquatic Center on Tuesday, July 27, at noon. The facility has been closed for more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After navigating disruptions to the supply chain for pool equipment and supplies, ensuring that all mechanics are in good working order and thoroughly cleaning all the water features, the Parks and Recreation Department is ready for splash down this week, city officials said. The facility also has added  new chairs and tables. Visitors also may  bring their own  lawn chairs.  Opening the Aquatic Center is a…

Re-opening set for July 29   Rockdale County Tax Commissioner’s Office is closed and undergoing deep cleaning due to possible COVID exposure during the week of July 19. To ensure the safety of the public and employees, the office will reopen on Thursday, July 29 with normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration renewals can be completed at any MVD Self-Service Kiosk location around the state, including at Kroger in Conyers Square, 1745 GA-138 SE. Conyers, GA 30013. Additionally, property tax payments and various motor vehicle transactions, including registration renewals, can be completed online at www.rockdaletaxoffice.org.…

Longtime Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve Ranger reflects on successes, years ahead.    STONECREST, GA– For 10 years, Arabia Mountain  Preserve Manager Robby Astrove (often simply known as Ranger Robby) has worked to conserve the landscapes of Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve and educate the public about this rare and beautiful natural resource right in Atlanta’s backyard. Since his first day on the job at the Nature Preserve on July 20, 2011, Astrove has guided thousands of people on hikes, showcased the striking rare plants found on the area’s rock outcrops, and inspired countless visitors with his wonder for and…

DECATUR, GA—Venick Tanner, a 91-year-old Decatur resident who was reported missing, has been found, the DeKalb County Police Department said today. Tanner, who has dementia, walked away from The Regency House, 341 Winn Way, Decatur, on July 25 at approximately 2 a.m. Police reported around 12:30 p.m. today (July 26) that Tanner had been found unharmed.

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Local students will receive free eye care and eyewear on Saturday, July 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the National Education 20/20 Foundation, Inc., 3030 Business Park Drive, Suite D in Norcross. The event, open to students ages 4 to 21, is co-sponsored by the National Education 20/20 Foundation Inc. and OcuPrep Staffing and Training Entrepreneur Center. It is designed to help students overcome visual impairment, an obstacle that could hinder their successful education. The National Education 20/20 Foundation, Inc. has a history of helping Gwinnett County students. In 2019, the organization…

Incentive increased vaccinations by 48 percent over previous event DeKalb County vaccinated 185 people against the deadly COVID-19 virus and gave each a $50 prepaid debit card during its monthly food distribution July 24 at three locations. That was a 48 percent increase over the previous vaccination event where the debit cards were not passed out as incentives for receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. DeKalb County recently used $50 prepaid debit cards to incentive people receiving COVID-19 vaccinations.In June, 125 people received COVID-19 vaccinations at a county food distribution event at four locations. “The $50…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The Rockdale County Board of Elections and Registration is seeking a new at-large board member who will also serve as its board chair. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 28, 2021.    The board is comprised of three members with two partisan members from each political party who then appoint a third at-large member. The newly-selected at-large board member will serve a two-year term ending June 30, 2023.    Board member responsibilities include the oversight of county elections, discussion of and decisions pertaining to election policies, and ongoing communication with the public.    Board members are not…

The Rockdale County Tax Commissioner’s Office will be closed on Monday, July 26, due to unforeseen circumstances. The office will remain closed until further notice. Registration renewals can be completed at any MVD Self-Service Kiosk location around the state, including at Kroger in Conyers Square, 1745 GA-138 SE. Conyers, GA 30013. Additionally, property tax payments and various motor vehicle transactions, including registration renewals, can be completed online at www.rockdaletaxoffice.org.

Here’s the list of Georgia leaders, professionals who  will serve  ATLANTA—Governor Brian P. Kemp announced appointments to various state boards, authorities, commissions, councils, and other state organizations. Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers Cynthia Trimble has practiced as a professional interior designer for over 37 years. She co-founded the Allied Design Council in Atlanta with professional members from AIA, IIDA, ASID, ASLA, IDSA & AIGA, where she served as the founding president for six years. For nearly a decade, her work became a regular feature page in the Atlanta Business Chronicle. In…