Author: On Common Ground News

New federal initiative offers eligible households up to $50 discount on high-speed internet bills Atlanta—AARP Georgia today encouraged residents who are without access to high-speed internet, or struggling to afford it, to investigate the recently launched Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. The EBB is a $3.2 billion Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help Americans access the affordable, high-speed internet they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic has shown our reliance on high-speed internet,” said Debra Tyler-Horton, AARP Georgia State Director. “But too many Georgians are being left behind. Patients navigating telehealth, students learning remotely, and loved ones…

ATLANTA—The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) has some good news for families who receive CAPS scholarship assistance in paying for childcare. Through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental   Appropriations Act (CRRSA), DECAL has received funds to help eligible Georgia families negatively impacted by the pandemic pay for childcare. DECAL will use this investment in early learning to support families through a special initiative called ACCESS – Awarding Child Care Education Scholarship Supplements. ACCESS is intended to temporarily alleviate the financial burden of childcare for families in the CAPS program. “As part of this funding, CAPS family fees…the portion of…

CONYERS, GA—The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting deaths of two people whose bodies were found inside a vehicle on a rural road in Conyers on Thursday (May 20) afternoon. Deputies responded to a person shot call at 1:40 p.m. near the 1400 block of Bruce Road, Conyers, and found the bodies of a black male and a black female who had been shot multiple times. The Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that this is an active investigation, and updates will be provided when they become available. Meanwhile, authorities are asking for anyone who may have…

Photo provided: Shontae Barber ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today(May 20) that warrants have been issued for the arrest of Shontae Barber, 40, for one count of Insurance Fraud and one count of Forgery in the 1st Degree. Barber is wanted in connection with a Clayton County case. “Our Criminal Investigations Division discovered that Ms. Barber initiated a disability claim for the amount of $656.86,” said King. “The accused submitted documents to American Health and Life Insurance Company claiming she was partially disabled due to a knee surgery. Upon investigation, it was discovered that…

ATLANTA—Uninsured women who have not had a mammogram in a year or more can get one at no cost, if they meet certain criteria. Eligible women must be 40 to 60 years old and meet income requirements. The YWCA of Greater Atlanta Health and Wellness program is offering the screenings along with partners Sisters By Choice Mobile Mammography, Grady Cancer Center of Excellence, and Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital. The free mammograms are made possible by a grant received from Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation.To determine eligibility or to register…

DECATUR, GA– Briarcliff Way NE, between Clifton Road NE and Old Briarcliff Road NE, will be closed to through-traffic from midnight to 4 a.m., Saturday, May 22, to facilitate the filming of “Emergency” in Decatur. Road closure and detour signs will be placed in the area during the road closure period advising motorists of construction work in the area and of local traffic restrictions. Questions regarding this road closure should be addressed to Seth Zimmerman, location manager, Big Indie Emergency Inc., at 404-667-9964.

The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs has opened registration for the “Camp Superstars” program. Camp Superstars, a summer day camp for ages 5-15, runs June 14 to July 30, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The camp fee is $66 per week, and breakfast and lunch are provided. Park staff will meet campers outside all recreation centers for curbside drop-off and pickup. Parents will not be allowed to enter the facility during operating hours. All campers are required to be screened for temperature checks and must wear a mask while indoors. Children who…

DeKalb County Extension announces the seventh season of Fresh on DeK, DeKalb County’s Mobile Farmers Market, travelling throughout the county to offer nutrition education and fresh-grown fruits and vegetables. Session A will be from June 7-July 30, and Session B will be from Aug. 2 – Sept. 24. Fresh on DeK’s purpose is to improve the health of the community, the viability of local produce and to preserve the environment for future generations by providing access to fresh produce and nutritional education programming throughout DeKalb County.