Author: On Common Ground News

After having to postpone this spring’s Atlanta Dogwood Festival due to the coronavirus (COVID-19)pandemic, festival organizers say the 84th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival is now scheduled to take place in Piedmont Park from Friday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug 9. The festival will be joined by the already-scheduled World Diversity & Inclusion Festival and 5K in the park for the August outdoor celebration. “We are thrilled to have found a new date to continue the annual tradition of the Atlanta Dogwood Festival,” said Brian Hill, festival executive director. “We appreciate the efforts by the City of Atlanta administration, as well…

The coronavirus outbreak has been big business for scammers. First, it was fake masks, then fake government grants, and now it’s a fake COVID-19 tests. In the past few days, BBB Scam Tracker (BBB.org/ScamTracker) has gotten numerous reports of phony text messages claiming to be from a government agency.  How the Scam Works: You get a text message that looks like it comes from the US federal government. Current reports say that scammers are impersonating the US Department of Health and Human Services, but they are unlikely to stop there. The message tells you that you must take a “mandatory online COVID-19…

Based on continuing assessments of guidance from federal, state and local health authorities, the U.S. Census Bureau is suspending 2020 Census field operations for two additional weeks to April 15, 2020. The Census Bureau said it is taking this step to help protect the health and safety of the American public, Census Bureau employees, and everyone who will go through the hiring process for temporary census taker positions. The Census Bureau continues to evaluate all 2020 Census field operations, and will communicate any further updates as soon as possible. The 2020 Census is open for self-response online at 2020Census.gov, over…

To slow the spread of COVID-19 in the City of Chamblee, Mayor Eric Clarkson on Saturday, May 28, issued an executive order that provides for, among several other things, the following emergency actions in the city: All individuals living within the City of Chamblee are directed to stay at their place of residence. All individuals are permitted to leave their places of residence only to provide or receive essential services or engage in certain essential activities and work for essential businesses and essential governmental functions. In keeping with Sections 12 and 13 of DeKalb County Executive Order No. 20-002, the…

By Sarita Mason  Rockdale County Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten is hosting a series, “Online Career Day with Judge Aten,” beginning Monday, March 30, at 1 p.m., for elementary through high school students.  Registered students will have an opportunity to learn more about Judge Aten’s journey to the bench and the importance of the Judicial Branch of Government. Each online session will be 75 minutes and will allow students to ask questions at the end. Students also will receive a certificate of participation via email after the online session.  With all in-person instruction cancelled through April 24 according to Gov. Brian Kemp’s…

ATLANTA—Gov. Brian P. Kemp today announced that President Trump has declared a major disaster for all 159 Georgia counties due to the impacts from the Coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in a statewide Public Health Emergency being declared on March 14. “Georgia is grateful for this designation, as it will enable the state to continue partnering with federal agencies in a coordinated fight against this pandemic,” said Kemp. “The presidential declaration is a critical step in providing additional assistance to our state and local governments as they continue to respond to COVID-19.” The declaration for federal assistance currently covers Emergency Protective…

In a news conference on March 27 outside the DeKalb County Jail, Sheriff Melody M. Maddox said the agency’s evolving plan of action to control Coronavirus (COVID-19) is in full operation, and she is confident it will have a positive impact on the spread of the virus within the facility. “This is unchartered territory for all of us and we cannot predict the ultimate outcome,” said Sheriff Melody Maddox. “What we do know is that our staff and our team of medical professionals are following the protocols set by the Board of Health, the Georgia Department of Public Health and…

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary updates the city’s COVID-19 State of Emergency Plan and orders residents to remain at home, unless engaged in essential services. The mayor’s son, James Lary, a recent graduate of The Georgia Southern University, appeals to Generation Z to abide by government and health officials’ orders. For information on symptoms, and the latest federal government updates, visit www.cdc.gov. Watch the City of Stonecrest’s video:  https://youtu.be/SFbB28HF8XY  

Dora Rice, an 11th grader at Providence Christian Academy of Lilburn, has been nominated Delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Lowell, MA.  June 24-26, 2020. The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. The June 24-26 event will honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country interested in medical careers. Rice’s nomination was signed by Dr. Mario Capecchi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine and the Science Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists.…

ATLANTA—Today, March 29, Gov. Brian P. Kemp joined Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Williams to issue the following joint statement: “Across Georgia, there is a mandatory shelter in place order for medically fragile individuals, and gatherings of more than ten people are banned unless there is at least six feet between each person at all times. This order applies to all 159 counties. “Fortunately, many Georgians are heeding these directives and following the advice of public health officials to stay safe and healthy. However, as we deal with the effects of coronavirus with school and business closures, people are…