Author: On Common Ground News

New telemedicine equipment, portable X-ray machines, PPEs and COVID-19 testing kits purchased   DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has allocated $250,000 in District 7 Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to the Clarkston Community Health Center (CCHC). The center will use the funding to provide healthcare to individuals and families in DeKalb County who have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The appropriation will be used to assist CCHC in the purchase of new telemedicine equipment, portable X-ray machines, personal protective equipment and COVID-19 testing kits. The funds will also be used to provide in-person screenings…

DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson has added a new effort designed to save customers time. This process is designed to enhance the customer experience by allowing them to select a designated appointment time and avoid waiting in line. The “Click2Skip” process allows motor vehicle customers to use their phone or computer to schedule an appointment online and save time. “Providing a better customer service experience remains a top priority as we leverage technology to enhance our business model,” Johnson said. The pilot program, launched at the Memorial Drive location in Decatur, has since expanded to the office’s two…

Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Chairman Oz Nesbitt will host a conference call to urge clergy to help spread the message of safety during the holidays. A massive campaign is under way throughout Georgia to practice safety measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The conference call will be held on Friday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. Participants should call (605) 472-5416. Once dialed in, participants should enter in the Access Code: 616392. After announcing their first and last name, participants should mute their phone to prevent feedback and background noise. For more information, contact Jeannettia Owens at jeannettia.owens@rockdalecountyga.gov.…

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…