Author: On Common Ground News

The DeKalb County Board of Health is now accepting testing appointments for COVID-19 in response to Gov. Brian Kemp’s push for increased testing. The testing is available to anyone who believes he or she may have been exposed to the virus, as well as those who fall into specified groups. The Board of Health’s COVID-19 call center, which provides information related to risks, prevention, symptoms, isolation, community resources and testing; will expand to Saturday operations, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The call center is open during the week from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Testing criteria will expand…

                                                                 Families STONECREST—Local leaders have teamed up to assist 52 families who were displaced as a result of two apartment fires in the city of Stonecrest. New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is partnering with DKalb District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, and Lithonia Mayor Shameka Reynolds to receive donations on behalf of those displaced by the fire. Financial contributions can be dropped off at any…

DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox has authorized the release  of 103 inmates at the DeKalb County Jail on signature bonds (SORs). The inmates were released between March 18 and April 9 in compliance with the “Standing Order Governing Bail During Judicial Emergency” issued on March 18 by State Court of DeKalb County’s Chief and Senior Judge Wayne M. Purdom. Inmates who were released had charges that qualified under the terms specified in the Standing Order:

 Pictured left to right: Pine Lake Mayor Melanie Hammet with Pine Lake Angel Stephanie Morales DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw is honoring Stephanie Morales as an “Angel in Pine Lake” for her humanitarian support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bradshaw also commended the Wade Walker YMCA for its work during the crisis. Bradshaw published the following story about Morales in his April 14 e-newsletter: After being furloughed from her job in the film industry, she received an unexpected check from her union. Rather than using that money for herself, she has decided to use that money to help…

On Thursday, April 16, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is hosting his third telephone town hall on COVID-19. He’s calling more than 50,000 people in Georgia’s Fourth District to answer their questions and listen to their concerns about mental health in the age of coronavirus. A diverse group of experts will be on the call with the Congressman to address participants questions and discuss the best way for callers to maintain positive mental health practices during the pandemic.   WHO:              Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04); Dr. Pierluigi  Mancini: Project Director, The National Latino Behavioral Health Association; Dr. Sherry Blake: Clinical Psychologist &…

Join the Congressional Black Caucus and faith leaders from around the country in a National Black Faith Leaders Telephone Town Hall on Wednesday, April 15, 4 p.m. EDT. Experts will discuss how to access provisions in the CARE Act targeted towards religious organizations and non-profits, as well as information about how to broadcast worship services on digital platforms. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus will also share an update on its efforts in Congress to provide additional resources to Black families, churches and communities. Registration for the telephone town hall is required. Click on the link to register here. Once you have…

In an effort to protect and stimulate the local economy and preserve the public local small businesses health and welfare, Rockdale County is offering applications of hardship waivers for county water usage. This will allow businesses to defer water payments for a year and repay with an installment plan. The Board of Commissioners (BOC) say the instalment plan is just a start. The county is currently strategizing for innovative ways to help local businesses survive. Business owners must request the Rockdale Water Resources (RWR) hardship waiver from the website at rockdalecountyga.gov. To be eligible for the RWR…

A day after burying his 90-year-old mother, Georgia Democratic State Rep. Vernon Jones dropped a bombshell today announcing his support for the re-election of Republican President Donald Trump. Jones, who is on the ballot seeking re-election for House District 91, was immediately denounced by the Democratic Party of Georgia Chairwoman Nikema Williams. In this report, Williams statement follows Jones’ 352-word statement about his support for Trump. Jones issued the following statement: “President Trump is the most action-oriented president of my lifetime. He is the leader our country needed. The results speak for themselves. With his hand on the wheel, the…

Georgia Gov. Kemp prays for tornado victims, provides update on COVID-19 ATLANTA—Today (April 13), Gov. Kemp called on residents to join him in praying for the families of the seven Georgians who lost their lives and 49 others injured by tornadoes that touched down on Sunday. Kemp said he declared a state of emergency this morning for all 159 Georgia counties so that critically-needed resources could be provided to the seven counties where the tornados hit. Kemp also reported there are now 13,315 COVID-19 cases in Georgia and 464 deaths. Kemp said that over the weekend, the state executed a…

On Thursday, April 16, the Health Department for Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale counties will open a drive-through COVID-19 test site at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers. Due to increased testing capacity, up to 300 appointments will be scheduled daily for anyone who thinks they may be ill with COVID-19. While the Health Department requires a scheduled appointment to test individuals, referral from a doctor is not necessary. “We look forward to piloting this large-scale test site,” said Dr. Audrey Arona, district health director and CEO of Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Departments. “This is a fantastic collaboration…