Author: On Common Ground News

Expect longer waits Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner Richard Steele announced today the reopening of all tax, tag and title branches on Monday, May 18, having established a number of safety and social distancing measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19. “Our first priority is the safety of customers and associates,” Steele said. “The safest option is for people to skip the trip entirely and just renew online or at a kiosk; next is to skip the line by using our drop box service. For those whose business requires an in-person visit, such as new residents, we’ve made the…

City of Stonecrest to host mask giveaway Friday, May 15 On May 15, the historic City of Stonecrest will mark its third birthday with a special gift to the community: It will commemorate the big day with a drive-through mask giveaway from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “We just want to show our citizens that we are concerned about their health and safety with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Jason Lary. “We’re encouraging anyone who needs a mask to come out and get one on tomorrow.” The city is staging the mask giveaway in the parking lot…

Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced that Rockdale and Gwinnett Counties would receive more than $830,000 from FEMA to aid non-profits who are helping those who are hungry and often homeless during the pandemic crisis. The money allocated from FEMA combines Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) annual funding with funds designated for food and shelter support under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act; or the CARES Act. “We fought for the CARES Act to support our local heroes who are providing support and nourishment during these uncertain times that are filled with hardships for so…

Pictured Top (L-R): Darren Stephens, Iyaunna Cheathem Pictured Bottom(L-R): Elaina Mosely, Juleigh Lynn Eight outstanding students pursuing healthcare careers in Rockdale and Newton County schools are recipients of the 2020 Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation (KCAF) Healthcare Scholarship. The Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation Healthcare Scholarship was established in 2016 to recognize students who plan to pursue a career in healthcare. A scholarship is awarded to a student from each traditional high school and career academy in Rockdale and Newton Counties. Kim Atkins was a beloved and respected teacher in Rockdale County for many years and was recognized as a Teacher of the Year. During…

The City of Conyers  offices will reopen to the public on Monday, May 18, officials have announced. Officials said they made the decision after reviewing information provided by the Georgia Department of Health and seeing a positive trend in the decline of cases of COVID-19 locally. The city has installalled plexiglass shields at all customer service counters. Signage encouraging social distancing when visiting city facilities, as well as disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers are in place throughout city buildings.  Customers may wear masks, if they so choose when interacting with city employees, but masks are not mandatory. “Citizens not comfortable…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced his support of The Heroes Act—strengthened, bold legislation to address the coronavirus health and economic crisis. The House Democrats’ latest legislation would provide a second round of direct payments of up to $6,000 per household; extend weekly $600 federal unemployment compensation until January 2021; provide $10 billion for COVID-19 emergency grants to small businesses and nonprofits; and increase food stamp benefits and other measures to address the pandemic. Johnson said The Heroes Act would mean nearly $1 billion in investment in 2020 and 2021 for the Fourth Congressional District, which includes…

In April, State Sen. Emanuel Jones (D – Decatur) helped facilitate a donation from Cox Automotive to sanitize 140 of DeKalb County’s police vehicles. Cleaning was carried out by RideKleen and took place on a daily, rotating schedule beginning April 27 and concluding on May 8. “I am thankful for Cox Automotive and RideKleen for their generosity and support in ensuring that DeKalb County’s public safety vehicles remain sanitized during the ongoing pandemic,” said Sen. Jones. “Our public safety officers who are continuing to work on the frontlines of this crisis on a daily basis deserve the comfort of clean…

Rockdale County will open one precinct amidst COVIC-18 pandemic     Georgia’s early in-person voting begins on Monday, May 18, for the general primary on June 9, and Rockdale County elections officials say their plan is in place. Early in-person voting in Rockdale will take place at one location: 1400 Parker Road, said Rockdale Supervisor of Elections Cynthia Willingham. The early in-person voting period runs May 18 through June 5 and will include Saturday voting, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through May 30. In DeKalb, there will be 11 precincts open; five in Fulton; and six locations in Gwinnett.…

The Rockdale Board of Elections will host its regular meeting on Thursday, May 14, 4 p.m. via Zoom. Updates concerning the 2020 elections will be discussed. The public is invited to join the meeting at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86826519309 Meeting ID: 868 2651 9309  In the event that the meeting fills up, use the following login: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84059037308 Meeting ID: 840 5903 7308  

STONECREST—New Birth Missionary Baptist Church provided nearly 2,000 people with free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing on Sunday, May 10, during its Mother’s Day event. A product of the church’s partnership with RoweDocs and MAJL Laboratories, the free testing was provided for individuals who do not have insurance or receive Medicaid and Medicare coverage , however, anyone who needs testing was encouraged to show up and get tested. “Almost 2,000 people were tested, making it the largest for Georgia,” said Dr. Jamal Bryant, senior pastor at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.” “[COVID-19] has impacted, disproportionately, the African American community, so I was…