Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb to distribute 2,500 boxes of produce + chicken Oct. 31   DeKalb County Government is hosting another food distribution this weekend to assist families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The county has been distributing free food monthly to help families in need. “Food insecurity is a growing crisis in DeKalb County,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “We hope that our monthly distributions will help struggling families keep food on their tables.” On Saturday, Oct. 31, 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…

Georgia Gov. Kemp extends public health emergency,  renews COVID-19 order through Nov. 15  Today (Oct. 30), Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp signed Executive Order 10.30.20.01 and Executive Order 10.30.20.02, extending the public health state of emergency through Dec. 9 and renewing current COVID-19 restrictions with minimal changes to the sections on Healthcare and Governments. The order extending the public health state of emergency (1o.30.20.01) is effective immediately. Executive Order 10.30.20.02 takes effect on Nov. 1 at 12 A.M. and runs through Nov. 15 at 11:59 P.M. The Governor’s executive orders are available to be read here.

Damage assessment from Hurricane Zeta continues as teams see extensive damage across the state Electric service to nearly 490,000 Georgia Power customers has been restored following Hurricane Zeta. As of 8 p.m. Thursday(Oct. 29), approximately 280,000 customers are without power across Georgia. The company expects power to be restored to 95% of customers impacted by Hurricane Zeta by Sunday night. While the company continues to assess damage, customers in the hardest hit areas should plan ahead for the potential of extended outages, possibly days, due to the vast damage from the storm. Based on the impact of Hurricane Zeta across…

Rockdale County is refinancing debt related to the water and sewerage system to create savings for the county. Rockdale County’s Water and Sewerage Revenue Bonds Series 2020 was assigned the Aa2 rating by the Moody’s Rating Agency, the county announced today (Oct. 29). This is a favorable rating for a first-time water and sewerage bond presented by the County. The Moody’s Agency Report states: Rockdale County’s Water and Sewerage (Aa2) credit profile incorporates the strong financial and operating trends such as a healthy liquidity position and adequate debt service coverage ratios, which are supported by regular rate increases and long-range…

Due to outages from inclement weather, the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) will close all offices on Friday, Oct. 30. Only 12-month essential employees, including maintenance and custodial staff ,should report by 11 a.m. All students and staff are to report for a normal remote learning school day. DCSD acknowledges that staff, students, and families may be impacted by power outages resulting from remnants of Hurricane Zeta. Students will not be negatively impacted if they are not able to participate in online learning. Additionally, all feeding sites will be closed tomorrow. For more information, please visit: https://acfb.org. DCSD…

ATLANTA—Electric service to more than 280,000 Georgia Power customers has been restored following Hurricane Zeta. As of 1:30 p.m. Thursday(Oct. 29), approximately 417,000 customers were without power across Georgia. Damage assessment following widespread impacts from Hurricane Zeta is in progress throughout Georgia and must be completed as an essential step to efficiently and effectively allocate resources. Teams must first remove trees to access some of the hardest hit areas. Once accessible, an assessment of damage is taken before crews can begin making repairs. All of Georgia Power’s teams are in the field working to assess damage and restore power. In…

DeKalb County Government continues to fight food insecurity during a monthly food distribution event scheduled for this weekend. On Saturday, Oct. 31, 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 10-pound package of chicken hindquarters. 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 30034 James R. Hallford Stadium, 3789 Memorial College Ave., Clarkston, GA 30021 New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Rd.,…

Some DeKalb County water customers may experience temporary water pressure decreases due to power fluctuations and outages at county pump stations.   Strong winds from Tropical Storm Zeta have knocked down dozens of trees around the county, and more trees are expected to fall throughout the day. Many of these trees damage power lines causing temporary outages until generators at pump stations kick on.  Any customer experiencing brown water should run their faucets until the water is clear.   Customers experiencing issues should contact 770-270-6243.

The following roads in DeKalb currently have fallen trees affecting traffic as of Oct. 29 at 11:30 a.m.: Wesley Chapel @ Covington Hwy. Redan Rd @ Avonridge Dr. Lehigh Blvd @ Flakes Mill Rd. Glenhaven Dr. Kelly Lake @ Whites Mill Rd. Keystone Drive 2048 McAfee Rd. 1638 Cobbs Creek Lane Bouldercrest Rd @ Ward Lake Rd. Wyndham Park Circle 4338 Lake Breeze Dr. 1646 Hollyhock Terrace 4229 Wyndham Park Cir. 4338 Lake Breeze Dr. (wires) 5931 Shadow Rock Dr. Wellington Chase Ct. 3559 Evans Mill Rd. 1153 Villiage Main St. 427 Pinebur Lane 3311 Flowers Rd.…