Author: On Common Ground News

Pictured: Barber Ivan Takes care of a customer at FlawlessCuts in Stonecrest on March 27. By Nate Hill STONECREST—As people are forced to stay at home, many businesses are forced to deal with circumstances that are now considered to be “the new normal.” A recent visit to my local barber at Flawless Cuts at 2928 Evans Mill Road in the city of Stonecrest revealed a scene that did not exist just two weeks ago: The plaza’s vast parking lot was nearly empty (where one of the anchor tenants is the South DeKalb YMCA Academy Learning Center); a nail salon was closed,…

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will conduct four of its committee meetings via teleconference (Zoom) on Monday, March 30. The public can access the committee meetings by phone: USA 602-333-0032 USA 888-270-9936 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 217687 followed by the #. County Operations Committee March 30, 10 a.m. Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee March 30, 1 p.m. Public Works and Infrastructure Committee March 30, 2 p.m. Finance Audit and Budget (FAB) Committee March 30, 3:30 p.m. The regular Board of Commissioners meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 9 a.m. The agenda is still being prepared…

If you’re confined to your home and want to find out what’s going on with DeKalb County, Georgia government, you can attend virtually. DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will have a special-called meeting on Tuesday, March 31, 9 a.m. The board’s meeting will be conducted via teleconference. Simultaneous public access to the meeting will be available via: Live stream on DCTV’s webpage(dekalbcountyga.gov) Go to the bottom of the home page DCTVChannel23.TV on Comcast Cable Dial-in (888) 270-9936 (US Toll Free), using access code 217687 followed by the # sign. 03312020 SpecialCalled BOC Agenda  

Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) applauded passage of historic Families and Workers-First legislation, which will now go to the President’s desk for his signature. The Congressman was in the Chamber and voted in support of the bill. “I am proud to support this historic piece of legislation, which will bring urgently needed relief to families and small businesses all across this country, including Georgia,” said Rep. Johnson.  “During this time of stress and uncertainty, every American needs to know that their government is there to support them without hesitation. This latest piece of legislation is an important step in our…

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Superintendent Terry Oatts announced, following the executive order issued by Gov. Brian Kemp today to close Georgia schools through April 24, that RCPS schools and offices will remain closed and are scheduled to reopen April 27. Independent Learning Day (ILD) protocols and Be Bright Eat Right Rockdale (BBERR) meal delivery routes will continue through April 3, will close for Spring Break, April 6-10, and will continue April 13-24. For all the latest details, please visit www.rockdaleschools.org/COVID19 . Oatts said in a message for staff, parents, students, and the community: “I hope that you and…

STONECREST—Atlanta’s Inspiration Station Praise 102.5 is partnering with New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to share words of hope, faith and encouragement during the global coronavirus pandemic. Beginning March 29, at 10 a.m. Praise 102.5 will broadcast New Birth’s full Sunday service to its listeners. “In these trying times, Sunday worship is more important than ever,” said Praise 102.5 Program Director Derek Harper. “Praise 102.5 is pleased to partner with Dr. Bryant and New Birth to give Atlanta area listeners the ability to access Bible-based scripture and still be able to practice the measures put in place to combat the COVID-19…

“We recently directed health insurers not to cancel health policies for non-payment until further notice… During a global pandemic, no one should be denied treatment for financial reasons – and people shouldn’t lose their health coverage due to the economic instability fostered by the coronavirus.” By John F. King Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner While the COVID-19 outbreak started as an international story that felt distant to many of us, this global pandemic has clearly become an issue impacting Georgians in every corner of our state. On Wednesday evening, we eclipsed 1,387 confirmed cases of…

ATLANTA—Today, Fair Count, in partnership with the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), launched the “Sisters for the Census” national campaign. The initiative focuses on getting black women and their families to participate in the 2020 Census. Fair Count Founder Stacey Abrams, Fair Count Vice President Jeanine Abrams McLean and NCNW President Johnnetta B. Cole launched the initiative during a virtual roundtable discussion on Facebook Live. “We know that Black women get things done,” Abrams said. “Sisters for the Census is for the women who make sure their families are taken care of and their communities are advocated for. Making…

$2M prize won online; $1M in Alpharetta; $10K in Macon ATLANTA – Georgia Lottery players won large prizes on back-to-back nights this week. One lucky player won $2 million in Wednesday’s Powerball drawing with a ticket purchased on the Georgia Lottery’s website. In Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing, a $1 million prize was won in Alpharetta along with a $10,000 prize in Macon. Winning numbers from Wednesday’s Powerball drawing were: 5-9-27-39-42 and the Powerball was 16. The online ticket matched the first five winning numbers and doubled its prize—from $1 million to $2 million—with the PowerPlay option. Winning numbers from Tuesday’s…

ATLANTA—With so many people staying home to slow the spread of COVID-19, access to telecommunication has become more crucial than ever. Georgia Relay and the Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GCDHH) remind Georgia residents who have difficulty using a telephone – including those who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or have difficultly speaking – to take advantage of free resources that remain available to make conversing by phone easier. Georgia Relay is the free public service that enables people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or have difficulty speaking to…