Author: On Common Ground News

CONYERS, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) will celebrate the 19th semester of its Parent Academy on Saturday, March 27 with free courses in a virtual format. The half-day event offers classes from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on a wide variety of topics to help parents in assisting their students find success in these unprecedented times. To register, please visit www.rockdaleschools.org/parentacademy Class topics this year were chosen based on parent feedback, officials said. Some of the highlights include achieving and maintaining mental wellness, applying for financial aid, navigating online classroom platforms and programs for virtual learning, transitioning from elementary to…

STONECREST, GA—New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and World Vision will mark the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic declaration on Saturday, March 13, at 10 a.m. during their weekly food distribution at 6400 Woodrow Rd. in Stonecrest. With 560,000 individuals fed through this program, the collaborative effort marks a sobering milestone for the ongoing pandemic’s impact to local families and those now facing food insecurities. Early last year, New Birth’s  ministry program, The King’s Table mobilized to help address local food insecurity faced by families in DeKalb County and surrounding areas. The effort began in January 2020 with 300 families…

LITHONIA, GA – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) joined U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson and Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary for a site visit of Emory Hillandale Hospital in South DeKalb. Emory Hospital officials and medical professionals, including Hospital Group President Bryce Gartland and Emory Hillandale CEO Jim Forstner, briefed the delegation on their COVID-19 response and how the hospital system is dealing with the pandemic. The group held a roundtable discussion with senior Emory leadership on the challenges of operating an academic health center during the pandemic and the importance of partnerships with…

Notice is given that the Rockdale Board of Elections will meet on Monday, March 15, 2021, 4:30 p.m., for the purpose of certifying the 90TH House District Special Democratic Primary Election Runoff, which was  held March 9, 2021.  This election involved only the Lorraine Precinct in Rockdale County and portions of Henry and DeKalb counties.   The agenda and unofficial and complete election results are attached.      Meeting is scheduled as follows: WHEN:            Monday, March 15, 2021 TIME:               4:30 p.m. WHERE:          In-Person: Rockdale Board of Elections Office 1261 Commercial Drive, SW, Suite B Conyers, GA 30094 (770)…

Federal grant to expand HIV care in Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties ATLANTA – The Fulton County Department of HIV Elimination is one of the recipients of Fiscal Year 2021 “Ending the HIV Epidemic” funding from the United States Department of Health & Human Services. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The Department for HIV Elimination has been awarded $3,313,122, a 40 percent increase over the 2020 award of $1,987,476. The funds will be used to combat the HIV epidemic in Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett Counties. “Ending the HIV Epidemic will require flexibility and innovation and by awarding…

ATLANTA – Many Georgians are starting to think about summer travel plans. While some will opt for traditional hotel stays, many will look online in hopes of finding less expensive or more unique accommodations. Unfortunately, ads for online vacation rentals are not always what they seem. Our office is encouraging Georgians to exercise caution if choosing to book accommodations from an online platform. “As Georgia begins to resume normal operations safely and appropriately, we support Georgians and out-of-town visitors who want to travel to our world-class tourism destinations,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “When making plans, know that paying for a…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Tax Commissioner Tiffany P. Porter is remining Gwinnett County homeowners that the deadline to apply for a homestead exemption for 2021 is April 1. “Everyone who owns and occupies a home in Gwinnett County is very likely eligible for some type of homestead exemption,” Porter said. “It’s the best way to reduce property taxes, but homeowners must apply by April 1.” Applications are accepted year roun , but must be received by April 1 to take effect this year. Applications received after April 1 will take effect in 2022. Applications can be completed online at www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com/apply,…

   Virtual roundtable, scavenger hunt and outdoor events set DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will participate virtually in the Atlanta Science Festival on March 13-27. DeKalb Park Rangers will offer a virtual ranger roundtable and two self-guided programs. The Atlanta Festival is dedicated to bringing people together through the wonder of science and participants will experience over 80 virtual, self-guided and outdoor events to enjoy. DeKalb Park Rangers from the Mason Mill Park and the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve will conduct a virtual roundtable to discuss opportunities for COVID-safe recreation at…

DECATUR GA. – The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct a board meeting on Thursday, March 18, 2021, 6 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/88137432677 Join by phone at 602-333-0032 or 888-270-9936 and use conference code 171493. Agenda       I.         Adoption of Agenda     II.         Administrative Items A. Approval of Minutes February 11, 2021B. Discussion of Role of Alternate Board MembersC. Discussion of Ethics Administrator PositionD. Discussion of Draft Amended RulesE. Executive Session to Receive Sutton Litigation Status    III.         Ethics CasesA. Recommendations for Dismissal 1. Joel Finegold v. Zachary Williams [Case No. 2019-1]2. George…