Author: On Common Ground News

Personnel working around the clock to support restoration efforts   As of 5:30 p.m. today (Nov. 1), Georgia Power has restored power to more than 97% of customers—approximately 798,000—impacted by Hurricane Zeta. In addition to Georgia Power crews, the company has secured personnel resources from utilities in 14 states with a total of more than 4,000 personnel to support the restoration efforts. Approximately 10,000 customers were without power as of 5:30 p.m. Sunday, officials said. Damage from Hurricane Zeta is widespread and covering the northern half of the state and is similar to the damage seen after Hurricane Michael…

Keep Conyers Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) will host the first Green Town Hall meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, 6 to 8 p.m. via Zoom. Residents can submit a question for panelists from around the county and state to be answered. Topics include but are not limited to: recycling resources, litter prevention, community impact, sustainability efforts, and beautification. The public can view the meeting at https://zoom.us/j/92646459864 For more information or to submit questions, contact KCRB via email at KCRB@RockdaleCountyGA.Gov or by phone 770-278-7052.

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners will convene a virtual meeting of the Rockdale Coalition of Homeowners and Civic Associations (RCHCA) on Thursday, Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.  The meeting will be available via the Rockdale County Official Facebook Page at facebook.com/rockdalegov. This will be the group’s first meeting since the COVID 19 pandemic shut down in-person governmental meetings in March. Homeowners will receive updates during the virtual meeting from the Rockdale County Board of Assessors, Rockdale Emergency Management Agency and the Rockdale Recycling Center. Participants can submit questions ahead of the meeting to jeannettia.owens@rockdalecountyga.gov with the subject…

DeKalb Elections Director Erica Hamilton Voters urged to drop off absentee ballots at one of 35 DeKalb dropbox locations   In preparation for the record number of voters expected for the Nov. 3 election, DeKalb County officials announced today (Nov. 1) that the county has added nine new dropbox locations. The expanded number of dropbox locations will increase from 26 to 35 currently positioned throughout DeKalb to assist voters in making their final decisions on ways to cast their ballots. “We know there are a number of outstanding absentee ballots still…

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners(BOC) has approved a water and sewer rate resolution that sets rates for the next decade with planned gradual increases. Officials said the rate resolution, which was approved on Oct. 27, will ensure funding to make needed investments in improvements, as well as for responsible maintenance and operation of the water and sewer system. Last week, the Board of Commissioners approved the Gwinnett County Water and Sewerage Authority to issue bonds to finance the investment projects. The new rate structure will support the repayment of the bonds. Economic development and service demand growth have…

Shaunieka Taylor has been appointed to head Gwinnett County’s Community Outreach Program, County Administrator Glenn Stephens announced. Taylor has served Gwinnett County for 13 years in the Communications Division, recently as the division’s public relations manager. “For more than a decade, Shaunieka has gained a wealth of knowledge about this organization and understands the role our many functions play in serving the people who live and work in Gwinnett County,” said Stephens, who made the appointment.  “In addition, she possesses the heart of a servant, with a keen ability to connect with people of all backgrounds and experiences.” Taylor will…

CONYERS—Autumn made a perfect entrance with sunshine and moderate temperatures, welcoming families to a community Fall festival today (Oct. 31) in Conyers. The free celebration, hosted by Vision of the Minds, Inc., Rockdale County Think Tank and Children of Excellence, provided outdoor activities, games, a bounce house, trampolines, a petting zoo, food and buckets of candy and treats. The festival was held at 1465 Johnson Road, S.W., Conyers as an alternative to the traditional door-to-door trick or treating. Organizers restricted capacity requiring attendees to RSVP online. Attendees also were required to wear masks and temperature checks were…

Pastor Jamal Bryant STONE CREST—NEW Birth Missionary Baptist Church is not just one of the state’s largest Election Day voting sites but is also a weekly location where more than a thousand people impacted by the global pandemic gather to receive food, supplies and support. On Saturday, Oct. 31, beginning at 10 a.m., the Stonecrest ministry will make its final push to encourage people to get to the polls for the Nov. 3 election. “No matter your political affiliation, we are using this opportunity to encourage our community to get…

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary led a “Rally the Vote” event on Oct. 30 with several elected officials and special guests including former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and singer Crissy Collins, background vocalist for Beyonce and Tyler Perry Entertainment. The afternoon rally marked the final day of Early Voting at the former Sam’s Club, the future home of Stonecrest City Hall. In addition to Abrams, an array of Democrats united, urging voters to cast their ballots for the historic Nov. 3 election: Congressman Hank Johnson State Rep. Billy Mitchell State Rep. Doreen Carter State Rep. Karen BennettDeKalb Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-JohnsonDeKalb…