Author: On Common Ground News

CEO Thurmond: DeKalb has ‘developed a ‘blueprint for success’ DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County, in partnership with the DeKalb County Board of Health and Medcura Health, on Aug. 14 administered 1,158 COVID-19 vaccinations and tested more than 150 adults and children, officials said. Officials shut down the event around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday after a deluge of vehicles packed the drive-through, which was held in the parking lot at the Gallery at South DeKalb on Candler Road.  DeKalb health officials administered all forms of the COVID-19 vaccination, including second doses of the Moderna vaccine, officials said. “DeKalb County…

Hundreds vaccinated during event at South DeKalb Mall   DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County has closed the lines for those getting COVID-19 vaccinations today at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall. Hundreds of people have already been vaccinated during the event. Anyone currently in line will be served. NBA legends Dikembe Mutombo and Dominique Wilkins appeared at the event to encourage people to get COVID-19 vaccinations. Anyone who gets vaccinated will receive a $100 prepaid debit card during the vaccination and testing event today. DeKalb County Board of Health and DeKalb County Fire Rescue are administering voluntary COVID-19 vaccinations to residents 12…

DECATUR, GA—Hundreds of cars and pedestrians have gathered at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall to receive COVID-19 vaccinations during an event sponsored by DeKalb County Government today. NBA legends Dikembe Mutombo and Dominique Wilkins are expected to make an appearance during the event today. Anyone who gets vaccinated will receive a $100 prepaid debit card during the vaccination and testing event on Saturday, Aug. 14. Walk-ups are also welcome. Until 1 p.m. today, DeKalb County Board of Health and DeKalb County Fire Rescue will administer voluntary COVID-19 vaccinations to residents 12 years of age and older at The Gallery…

NORFOLK, VA- Petty Officer 3rd Class Ndi Obioha, a Lawrenceville, GA native, is participating in the Large-Scale Exercise (LSE 2021) aboard USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41).  The U.S. Navy warship transports and launches Marines from sea to shore as part of amphibious assault operations. Obioha, a 2014 Dacula High School graduate, joined the Navy four years ago. “I feel like where I’m from, people get boxed in and I didn’t want to be a part of that,” said Obioha. “I wanted to have different career opportunities.” LSE 2021 demonstrates the Navy’s ability to employ precise,…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– As a sign of Gwinnett County’s deep respect and admiration for THE men and women wounded or killed in defense U.S., the Board of Commissioners proclaimed Gwinnett County as a Purple Heart County. Commissioners unanimously approved the proclamation in July announcing the designation, which was presented to Lou Zayas, commander of Chapter 465 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Zayas was accompanied by veterans with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and volunteers from the Gwinnett County Veterans Memorial Museum. “This distinction means so much for our community,” said Commissioner Jasper Watkins, a retired Army lieutenant…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections (VRE) is reminding voters that absentee ballots can be requested beginning Monday, Aug. 16, for the November General Election. To request an absentee ballot, DeKalb voters must complete an absentee ballot application, which is available online at DeKalbVotes.com under the Absentee Information tab. Since the passage of Georgia State Bill 202, DeKalb VRE has worked to educate voters of key changes that may impact how they cast their ballots, said DeKalb Elections Director Erica Hamilton. “We want to strongly encourage voters to understand the changes this election cycle and be…

DECATUR, GA—NBA Legends Dikembe Mutombo and Dominique Wilkins will be at The Gallery at South DeKalb on Saturday, Aug. 14, to encourage people to get COVID-19 vaccinations.  “The Atlanta Hawks and DeKalb County Government are running a full-court press against the deadly COVID-19 virus,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said. “We are encouraging all eligible residents to take the winning shot to protect themselves and their families.” Atlanta Hawks players Clint Capela and Jon Collins and NBA legend Dominique Wilkins joined CEO Thurmond in a radio ad campaign which began Aug. 10 to urge residents to…

DECATUR, GA—MedCura Health Center (formerly Oakhurst Medical Centers) and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Taylor hosted their open house and ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 11. The new facility is located at 1706 Candler Road in Decatur. Congressman Hank Johnson, State Rep. Becky Evans (District 83), DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, DeKalb Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, and Pastor William Flippen, Sr. of The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church were among the dignitaries who attended the event. Photos by Kelly Jordan To watch the video of the ceremony, click here: https://www.facebook.com/RepHankJohnson/videos/2992928080923503. Video by Joshua Smith    

NORFOLK, VA—Petty Officer 2nd Class Lars Evans, a native of Covington, GA, is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines. Evans, a 2013 East Side High School graduate, joined the Navy over five years ago. “I wanted a change of pace and a change of lifestyle,” said Evans. “I was in college but decided to pursue other career opportunities with the military.” Evans says his family values prepared him to serve. “My family taught me respect and understanding, good morals and values, and these traits helped…

Free COVID-19 testing will be available DECATUR, GA—Eligible residents will receive $100 prepaid debit cards during a COVID-19 vaccination and testing event on Saturday, Aug. 14. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., DeKalb County Board of Health and DeKalb County Fire Rescue will administer COVID-19 vaccinations to residents 12 years of age and older at The Gallery at South DeKalb, 2801 Candler Rd., Decatur. All persons receiving a vaccination also will receive a $100 prepaid debit card. Residents will be able to remain in their vehicles when receiving vaccinations, and walk-ups are welcome. “We are in the midst of…