Author: On Common Ground News

The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office has suspended all visitation at the Jail.  “At-home” video visitation will be the only type of visit authorized until further notice. Visits can be scheduled at https://securustech.net/. The Sheriff’s Office said in a news release: “As you all know, leaders from across our nation, state, and county are advising us all to act proactively and responsibly in an attempt to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In an effort to prevent possible exposure of the COVID-19 to our staff and inmates we ask that you all adhere to the prescribed public health advisements. We…

In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community, the Rockdale County Tax Commissioner’s Office is limiting lobby access only to customers being serviced at the window. Renewals and property tax payments can be placed in the drop-box for same-day processing. Taxpayers are also encouraged to utilize online services. There are a number of motor-vehicle and tax-related services online, without the need for in-person interactions. Motor vehicle transactions can be completed at any MVD Self-Service Kiosk, including Kroger in Conyers Square, and through the e-services portal online at https://eservices.drives.ga.gov. Property tax transactions can be completed online at www.rockdaletaxoffice.org. For…

County prepared to provide essential services   DECATUR, Ga.—DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has directed all county departments to activate their emergency operations plans to protect the public and employees while ensuring the continuation of essential services. “Our government will continue to serve the people of DeKalb County,” CEO Thurmond said. “We are taking every precaution to limit the spread of the virus in our community.” The following protocols are in place: Water If needed, the Department of Watershed Management has identified a supplemental certified workforce to ensure continued operations of the water treatment facility. The county has reviewed its…

The DeKalb County School District (DCSD)  has increased its feeding sites to a total of 23 locations during the COVID-19 closure. All DeKalb County students can receive a free bagged lunch daily, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to noon ,at the schools listed. In addition, DCSD’s partner, DeKalb County government, will provide snacks to students between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the listed recreation centers. DCSD has also partnered with Atlanta Community Food Bank, which will distribute food once a week beginning March 23, at some of our feeding sites. The District is seeking additional partners.…

Gov. Brian P. Kemp has issued Executive Order 03.14.20.02 authorizing Adjutant General Tom Carden – at the request of Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Homer Bryson – to call up as many as 2,000 Georgia National Guard troops to State Active Duty to address novel coronavirus and COVID-19 in Georgia. “Through extensive emergency preparedness training, the brave men and women in the Georgia National Guard stand ready to serve above and beyond their traditional military duties. In states of emergency, they are equipped to take necessary action to protect the health and safety of Georgia families in every region,” said…

The State of Georgia’s Price Gouging Statutes were activated after Gov.Brian Kemp’s signing  of the State of Emergency declaration today (March 14 “Those who commit price gouging during this pandemic are not only being exploitive, they are interfering with consumers’ ability to obtain products that could help protect them from becoming ill or spreading the virus,” said Attorney General Chris Carr, “Our office will not tolerate this and will hold them accountable.” While the State of Emergency remains in effect, businesses may not charge more for products and services identified by the Governor than they charged before the declaration of the state of emergency, unless the increased prices accurately reflect an increase in the cost of new…

             DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has directed all county departments to activate their emergency operations plans to protect the public and employees while ensuring the continuation of essential services. “Our government will continue to serve the people of DeKalb County,” CEO Thurmond said. “We are taking every precaution to limit the spread of the virus in our community.” The following protocols are in place: Water If needed, the Department of Watershed Management has identified a supplemental certified workforce to ensure continued operations of the water treatment facility. The county has reviewed its mutual aid agreements…

The Executive Committee of the DeKalb County Public Library Board (DCPL) of Trustees voted to close all branch libraries at the end of regular operating hours on Saturday, March 14, until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. DCPL will continue to monitor the situation and update services accordingly. For patrons with physical materials currently checked out, the library system will adjust the due dates so that fines will not be incurred. The hold expiration date of any item not picked up by Saturday will be adjusted to maintain customers’ places in the queue. Outdoor book…

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is hosting a telephone town hall on the coronavirus on Monday, March 16 from 6:15-7:15 p.m.. He’s calling more than 75,000 people in Georgia’s Fourth District to answer their questions and listen to their concerns about the coronavirus. Joining the Congressman will be experts from Emory University, the DeKalb County Board of Health and Oakhurst Medical Center to address participants questions and discuss the best way for callers to protect themselves and their families and help prevent the spread of the disease. Guests include Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford, District Health Director of the DeKalb County Board…

With Independent Learning Days at RCPS and school closures throughout the country related to COVID-19 precaution taking place, nutrition for students who depend on school meals is top of mind. RCPS will begin mobile meal delivery routes in Rockdale on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, for children under the age of 18; more information is at www.rockdaleschools.org/COVID19 . If you would like to talk with our Exec. Director of School Nutrition Peggy Lawrence about this, please contact her at plawrence@rockdale.k12.ga.us.