Author: On Common Ground News

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…

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson and Atlanta Executive Director Stephanie Cho DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson credited with helping to expand language access   DeKalb County is the first county in Georgia to offer an officially translated ballot in an Asian language, going beyond the federal Voting Rights Act to expand meaningful language access to voters, Advancing Justice-Atlanta(AJA) officials announced today(Oct. 29). AJA officials thanked DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson for his leadership on the initiatives in working with the Dear Georgia It’s Time campaign, which was led by Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta and supported by more than 30 voting rights groups.…

DeKalb County District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson has appropriated $1 million in federal funding to assist families impacted by the COVID – 19 pandemic. Allocations have been made to 21 community-based organizations in District 5 to provide food, rental, mortgage, and utility assistance to individuals who have lost wages or employment or financially impacted by the virus. Residents are encouraged to contact any of the agencies for help. A vetting process is in place to determine which individuals have been helped to avoid duplication of services, Davis Johnson’s office said. “People are worrying about…

DeKalb Clerk of State and Magistrate Courts will begin accepting customers on an appointment-only basis beginning Monday, Nov.  2. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, essential matters have been facilitated virtually since the initial statewide emergency order issued on March 13. Provisions in the Oct. 9 local emergency order allow reopening under specific guidelines to protect the health and safety of the public and court personnel. Before scheduling an appointment and visiting the office of the Clerk of State and Magistrate Courts you should know the following: Customers are encouraged to submit filings electronically at https://georgia.tylerhost.net/ofsweb/ and to seek remote assistance…