Author: On Common Ground News

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,…

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…