Author: On Common Ground News

CONYERS—Excel Church will provide free groceries-to-go to those in need on Saturday, Nov. 21, noon to 2 p.m., 1151 Flat Shoals Road SE, Conyers, GA 30013.  Those who would like to receive food should pull up and remain in their vehicles in front of the church in the parking lot.. Volunteers will bring the box of food to place in the trunk of your vehicle. The event is set up to adhere to social distancing protocols. If you have any questions or need further information, please email info@excelchurch.tv.

“Takeout Tech” services expected to expand to more library branches DeKalb County Public Library has launched a new service for patrons in which select branches now have Google Chromebooks to check out for up to six hours at a time. Clarkston, Salem-Panola, Scott Candler, Stonecrest and Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown branches have Chromebooks available on a first-come first-served basis. Patrons can call one of the select branches to schedule pickup at the contact-free table, then connect to the library’s WiFi in the library parking lot or anywhere else with WiFi access. The Chromebook should be turned in later…

DECATUR–Winnona Drive, between Avery Street and Hilldale Drive, will be closed to through-traffic Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6 a.m. through Tuesday, Nov. 24, 9 p.m., to facilitate the installation of 100 linear feet of sewer line at 356 Winnina Drive, 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 Dennis Heriford Jr., project manager at Inland Pipe Rehabilitation Southeast at 832-791-6123.  

New phone number (770) 572-2026 City of Conyers Councilwoman Valyncia Smith invites residents of the city and Rockdale County to join her in working to make it a warmer winter for those in need. Smith has joined forces with Lowe’s and Rockdale Women United to collect and distribute new or gently-used winter coats during the months of November and December. “This coat drive is not only a way for the community to help others in need of a coat, but it is to also show that we are still united—no matter the times we live in,” Smith said.  “I challenge…

DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) completed the state-mandated audit on Sunday evening. The final data transmission to the Secretary of State will be completed on Monday morning, Nov. 15. More than 370,000 ballots were hand-counted by 300 DeKalb VRE personnel over two eight-hour shifts per day that began on Saturday, Nov. 14. “This audit was essentially seamless and I’m grateful for the hard work and collaboration of all involved,” said DeKalb VRE Director Erica Hamilton. “Our team worked tirelessly, while under a spotlight, and we’re proud of our collaborative efforts across the county and with the City of…

Nancy Guinn Memorial Library has begun repairs to the failed drainage system located on the park side of the property. The site under renovation is where several library events have been held including the Summer Reading Program.  Library officials say this section of the grounds has long been plagued with widening sinkholes jeopardizing the safety of patrons and posing potential liability exposure. Despite numerous mitigation efforts, the century old drainage pipes are in dire need of replacement. The rectification project is being funded in part with State Grant funds through the Georgia Public Library Services (GPLS). While COVID-19 has adversely…

As the year winds down, the fight against food insecurity continues as DeKalb County Government hosts its monthly food distribution event ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Since May 2020, DeKalb County has provided fruit, vegetables, and protein to over 20,000 DeKalb County families. On Saturday, Nov. 21, the county will host three drive-through food distribution events during which 2,500 DeKalb residents will receive one 20-pound box of fruit and vegetables and a ham or turkey. Beginning at 10 a.m., COVID-19 Care Baskets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, at three locations: Buck Godfrey Stadium, 2817 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur, GA…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) will host the “Strong Communities, Stronger Families” virtual education roundtable event on Monday, November 16, 2020, 6 p.m. via Zoom. To register for Zoom access, please click here to watch a live stream via Facebook, please contact doreen.carter@house.ga.gov. “Educating our children should be our highest priority,” said Rep. Carter. “Georgia allocates 38.9 percent of its annual budget to K-12 education. I believe that education is the number one defense against poverty. There are so many unknowns in our society today. Educating our children should not be one of them. Our new normal is causing us to…

ATLANTA – The House Democratic Caucus elected State Representative Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain) as the House Minority Caucus Chairman during caucus elections on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. “I do consider it an honor to be elected by my peers – some of whom are among the best public servants this state has ever known – to chair the House Minority Caucus,” said Chairman Mitchell. “Even during these pandemic times and on the horizon of reapportionment and other legislative challenges, I look forward to working with every member of the House of Representatives in fashioning policy that…