Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA – On Wednesday, Aug. 9, 6-7 PM, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is holding a webinar to discuss the PACT Act, a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Rep. Johnson and his special guests from the Veterans Administration will discuss what the new law means for veterans and survivors and provide details on how to get the care and benefits available to veterans and their families. WHO: Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA); Lauren Ruchin, PACT Act Coordinator & Toxic Exposure Screening Navigator; benefits representative…

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has approved the architectural and engineering (A&E) services contract for the replacement of Brookhaven Library. After a competitive bidding process, Cas Architecture emerged as the highest scoring proposer. The firm was chosen based on its expertise and experience designing innovative, modern libraries in Georgia. “We are excited to reach this significant milestone in the process for replacing Brookhaven Library,” said Alison Weissinger, director, DeKalb County Public Library. “The new library will feature the latest technology, provide a welcoming space for readers and serve as a destination for lifelong learning. As we move forward…

ATLANTA – The Joint Study Committee on Dual Enrollment for Highly Skilled Talent at Younger Ages will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at the 4C Academy in Albany. The committee is co-chaired by State Rep. Matt Dubnik (R-Gainesville) and State Sen. Matt Brass (R-Newnan). Created by Senate Resolution 175, the joint study committee will examine Georgia’s existing dual enrollment opportunities to develop highly skilled talent at younger ages. Members will identify potential solutions that could yield more dual enrollment for highly skilled talent at younger ages at the request of students, families,…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a Gateway to Fishing to Program, Saturday, Aug. 12. The event will be held  8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Park, 3985 LeHigh Blvd., Decatur . The event will take place at the fishing pond.   The free event will enhance fishing in metro and suburban parks and other public waters that are easily accessible to home for Georgians. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources strives to partner and host youth fishing classes and improve accessibility for communities to…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–On Thursday, July 20, a host of Georgia’s elected officials, community leaders and sheriffs gathered for a bridge dedication in honor of Thomas E. Brown, the longest-serving elected sheriff in the county’s history. Brown also holds the distinction as U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Georgia. He was appointed as marshal by President Joe Biden on Oct.17, 2022. State Rep. Angela Moore (D-Decatur), who served as mistress of ceremony for the bridge ceremony, sponsored House Resolution 349 to dedicate the bridge on State Route 10 over I-285 in DeKalb County in honor of Brown. The resolution was…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County is making recreation centers and libraries throughout the county available as cooling centers due to a heat advisory by the National Weather Service. As defined by the National Weather Service’s Peachtree City Forecast Office, a heat advisory is issued when it “feels like” temperatures are expected to reach or be greater than 103 degrees, or when the actual air temperature is expected to be at 105 degrees or greater. DeKalb County libraries and recreation centers will be available as cooling centers, during the locations’ normal business hours. For a list of DeKalb County recreation centers,…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The premiere screening of “Driving Force,” produced by Antoine Allen Films, will be presented on Friday, July 21, 7 p.m., at the Church of New Beginnings, 3150 GA Highway in Conyers. The church’s pastor, the Rev. Al Sadler, Sr. and his wife, Jean, lifelong residents of Conyers, have roles in the movie, which is being televised on tubi. Additionally, several scenes of the movie were filmed at their church, Rev. Sadler said. The family movie is about a man who struggles with faith and forgiveness after a drunk driving accident takes the life of his young daughter. Rev.…

LITHONIA, GA–Members at the East DeKalb Senior Center are mourning the loss of Joseph Randall Lewis, the man who made them smile and kept them busy. Mr. Lewis, who was the center’s events coordinator, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 17. Members said another employee found Mr. Lewis in his office. Mr. Lewis was 36. Several members of the senior center will bid Mr. Lewis farewell farewell at homegoing services planned this weekend. They will be wearing their gold Bruce Street Senior Center T-shirts, a member of the center said. A brand new center replaced the Bruce Street center in…

ATLANTA – The City of Atlanta opened a cooling center today (July 21) to provide vulnerable populations a place of respite from the scorching heat. The center, located at the MLK Natatorium, 90 Boulevard, NE Atlanta, will open again on Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Water will be provided to help anyone who comes to the center to stay hydrated. Temperatures in metro Atlanta have climbed into the 90s all week with meteorologists paying close attention to the heat wave. Strong thunderstorms affected several counties in Georgia with winds at 40 mph causing damage tree limbs and unsecured objects,…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Tristyn Derrium Mays, 17, and Nyerrius Carter,19, both of Lawrenceville, are facing murder charges in the fatal shooting that occurred on July 17 in the parking lot of an Applebee’s restaurant, Gwinnett County police said. Police have identified the victim who was fatally shot as Harris Bayassie, 21, of Lilburn. Authorities said Mays and Carter have been booked into the Gwinnett County Jail. Mays has been charged with Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault. Carter has been charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Tampering with Evidence. Investigators said they worked around the clock to follow up on leads…