Author: On Common Ground News

County surpasses federal and state standards   DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) has released the 2020 Drinking Water Quality Report, also referred to as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). DWM continues to surpass all federal and state drinking water quality standards, providing DeKalb County customers with high-quality drinking water. The CCR provides detailed information on monitoring data gathered from water quality testing during 2019. DWM serves more than 700,000 customers and is responsible for treating and distributing drinking water and collecting and treating wastewater throughout DeKalb County. By law, tap water is tested for various water…

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office unveiled its newly- renovated Career Learning Center for DeKalb Jail inmates with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 19. DeKalb Sheriff Melody M. Maddox hosted the event with the agency’s new corporate partners and longtime supporters of the jail’s inmate education programs. “We are grateful for contributions from Delta Air Lines, the Georgia-Pacific Foundation, and the Georgia Power Foundation, Inc. which helped make the new Career Learning Center a reality,” said Sheriff Maddox. “With the updated technology and classrooms made possible by their participation, we can now accommodate…

Virtual event set Saturday, June 26 DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, in partnership with Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson and Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington, will host a virtual Homeowner Association (HOA) Boot camp on June 26,  at 10 a.m. “I look forward to hosting this event each year to ensure our residents are equipped and empowered with the knowledge and tools to help them be successful,” Commissioner Larry Johnson said. “This will be our second year hosting virtually, due to the pandemic, but we need to continue to provide access and service to our constituents. This is a free…

ATLANTA—Amber Jackson, a college graduate and dental hygienist who underwent surgery to repair a broken clavicle after an Atlanta Police Department officer body-slammed her last year, is holding a press conference with her attorney on Friday (June 24). The press conference is set for 1:30 p.m. at the of Davis Bozeman  Law Firm in Decatur. Jackson was reportedly bodyslammed by Officer C.J. Swanger on May 29, 2020 outside of Lenox Mall. The incident happened on the first day of the Atlanta uprisings, which were sparked over the death of George Floyd. Police said Jackson moved a barricade and…

ATLANTA—To help ease congestion, the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) will suspend construction-related closures on interstate highways starting Friday, July 2. Additionally, Georgia DOT will limit lane closures on state routes that directly serve major tourist and recreation centers. The holiday schedule will be in place from noon Friday, July 2, through Tuesday, July 6, 10 p.m. “This particular holiday weekend is considered to be one of Georgia’s heaviest travel times,” said Georgia DOT State Construction Engineer John D. Hancock. “By restricting lane closures, we hope drivers heading to holiday festivities or vacation destinations will encounter fewer delays and less…

DECATUR, GA– On July 1, fee increases will be implemented for Abandoned Motor Vehicle filings in Magistrate Court. The filing fee will be increased to $44 for each action. The increase brings fees into compliance with civil filing fee collection for Georgia Magistrate Courts. The efileGA efiling fee will become a one-time $14 per party, per case fee for Magistrate Court. For more information regarding the new fees, contact the DeKalb State and Magistrate Court Clerk’s Office at 404-371-2261.

Grassroots event part of  President Biden’s national “Month of Action” STONECREST, GA – On Saturday, June 26, 10 a.m. to noon, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is hosting a free vaccination event in conjunction with the White House and DeKalb Board of Health at the First-Class Barbershop located at the Centre at Panola, 3051 Panola Road, Stonecrest. The event, which will provide free Pfizer, Moderna and J&J COVID-19 vaccines, is part of President Biden’s national “Month of Action.” President Biden kicked off the “Month of Action” on June 4 to reach millions of Americans who still have not received protection from COVID-1. The national…

PUBLIC NOTICE On June 28, 2021, at 6 pm the Stonecrest City Council will hold a public hearing on a real estate transaction between the City of Stonecrest and TC Stonecrest Venture, LLC. The improved land for purchase is real property located in the City of Stonecrest, DeKalb County, Georgia otherwise known as Stonecrest Industrial Way. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the public hearings will be virtual and broadcasted live on the City’s YouTube Channel on. Citizens may submit comments via e-mail to the City Clerk in advance of the hearings (CityClerk@stonecrestga.gov). The link to the City’s YouTube…

ATLANTA–Are you planning to stay in a hotel soon? Keep your personal information protected since tourist and business travelers are often considered the easiest targets. Hotels provide scammers an easy path towards their goal of trying to separate a traveler from their cash. Here are five common hotel scams to be aware of: Fake Website When making online hotel reservations, make sure the website is legitimate. Scammers are famous for creating look-alike web pages to lure consumers into providing credit card information. The American Hotel and Lodging Association is a BBB National Partner. They provided some tips to follow before booking…