Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Biffle Park’s playground is getting a major upgrade, thanks to a $50,000 grant from ParkPride, a nonprofit dedicated to improving parks in DeKalb County and Atlanta. With this funding, Friends of Biffle Park will be able to supplement the new playground that DeKalb County is building. The new enhancements will provide engaging and inclusive play structures for toddlers and elementary school-aged children, encouraging physical activity and imaginative play. Planned additions include a mini puppet theater, lemonade stand, and interactive panels featuring tic-tac-toe, movable gears and animal matching games. In addition, the grant will fund shaded coverings for six…

ATLANTA— With Valentine’s Day approaching, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) want consumers to be aware they may be targeted for romance scams, a deceptive form of fraud that preys on individuals seeking companionship.  These scams often start online but frequently escalate to requests for money or valuables sent through the mail, leading to devasting financial and emotional losses for victims.  “Protecting the sanctity and integrity of the mail is our top priority,” said USPIS Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. “This includes protecting customers from mail-related crimes, including fraudulent schemes like romance scams. Public…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Want to learn more about AI (Artificial Intelligence) and how the movement will impact Black and Brown communities?  South DeKalb Improvement Association Education (SDIAE) and New Life Community Alliance will present “AI 101 Listening Session: Bridging the Digital Divide—The Role of AI Empowering Black & Brown Communities” on Saturday, Feb. 22.  The forum will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon at New Life Church, 3592Flat Shoals Road, Decatur(Rooms 105-107).  “Together, let’s explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can transform and empower Black and Brown communities in overcoming the digital divide,” said Donna Priest-Brown, who is coordinating the event.  For more…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), Georgia’s largest school district serving more than 180,000 students, has secured the highest possible bond rating from Moody’s Investors Service, the most recent data shows. Moody’s has affirmed the district’s Aaa rating on its outstanding general obligation unlimited tax (GOULT) debt, reflecting the district’s exceptional financial health and prudent fiscal management. Moody’s cited GCPS’ conservative budgeting, strong reserve levels, and commitment to responsible fiscal management as key factors in affirming the Aaa rating,  the county stated in a Feb. 10 press release. The district has strategically leveraged voter-approved sales tax collections to fund capital…

ATLANTA – State Representatives Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) recently introduced House Bill 25, the Dignity is Essential Act, which seeks to address hygiene inequity. HB25 would allow recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to purchase certain hygiene products, specifically diapers and menstrual hygiene items, should a federal waiver become available. HB 25 would mandate that if the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) permits states to allocate SNAP and WIC benefits for the purchase of these items, Georgia’s…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Registration is underway for the How Big Is Your Dream?!™ Spring Break M.A.D.E. Academy of the Arts. The week-long program, open to students ages 10-18, is designed for those who want to explore their creative potential and develop foundational skills in music and arts entertainment. The program will be held April 7-11, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., at Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.  Space is limited. No prior music experience is necessary.  The academy will include interactive sessions focused on:  Music Theory – Building a strong understanding of the fundamentals of music.  Voice – Developing vocal…

By Mark Brock DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Pilar King accomplished a first for Southwest DeKalb High School by becoming the first swimmer in the school’s history to bring home a gold medal from the GHSA Class 4A State Swimming and Diving Championships. on Thursday afternoon. King stepped onto the starting block at the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center on Feb. 6 knowing she was 100 yards from completing her trek into the school record books as she waited for the start of her 100-yard backstroke state finals. “My coaches told me I had the opportunity to win the school’s first gold medal,…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—A Snellville man is now in custody after firing at Gwinnett County Sheriff’s deputies while they were executing a warrant.  Denzel James Thompson is currently being held at the Gwinnett County Jail on multiple charges. The incident occurred on Feb. 6 as the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Unit was executing a warrant at a residence in Snellville. During the operation, Thompson opened fire on deputies. No law enforcement personnel were injured.  The Gwinnett Police Uniform Division, Gwinnett Police SWAT Team, and other local agencies responded to assist with the incident. Thompson was taken into custody. Thompson faces…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is hosting a job fair on Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at DeKalb County Fire Rescue headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, Room 111, Tucker, GA . The county is currently recruiting for ground maintenance workers. At the job fair, attendees will be able to meet with park management hiring staff, interview for current openings and learn about salary and benefits. The job fair is free and open to the public. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations specialist, at 404-710-6331 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.