Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County tax commissioner’s office completed its food drive, collecting 2,318 pounds of food to support the Atlanta Community Food Bank(ACFB) this holiday season.  The donation will help provide 1,932 meals for families in DeKalb and neighboring communities. Customers visiting any tax office location were also invited to drop off donations during the food drive.  “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all who joined us and contributed to the food drive, including the county’s Planning & Sustainability Department,” said Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson. “I especially want to recognize the employees in this office for their…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett County government offices, except for those operations required for the comfort and safety of residents, will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. A Magistrate Court judge will be available at the Gwinnett County Detention Center during the holiday. Thursday, Nov. 28, is a trash and recycling holiday for residents living in unincorporated Gwinnett County. Service will be delayed by one day following the holiday. Residents who live within city limits should contact their solid waste hauler to find out if collection will be delayed due to the holiday. Haulers contact information can be found at GwinnettCounty.com/ResidentialServices. County offices will be…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– In observance of Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 28, sanitation collection service for residential customers will be revised.  Customers are advised as follows: Wednesday, Nov. 27 – Normal collection day.  Thursday, Nov. 28 – Thanksgiving Day observed; no collection service.  Friday, Nov. 29 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Thursday, Nov. 28, will be serviced on Friday, Nov. 29.  The Seminole Road Landfill, and the Central and North Transfer Stations will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28, reopening on Friday, Nov. 29, during normal operating hours.  The Customer Care call center and administration building…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m., at the Darro C. Willey-Administrative Center, 3560 Kensington Rd., Decatur.   The DeKalb Library Foundation board will join the Board of Trustees for this meeting. The meeting also will be livestreamed. To receive a link to the livestream, contact weissingera@dekalblibrary.org no later than Monday, Dec. 2 at noon.   To view the agenda, click here.

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced the results of the ballot image audit conducted in coordination with Enhanced Voting and local officials in each of Georgia’s 159 counties. The audit examined 5,297,262 ballot images from thousands of Dominion Voting System tabulators deployed during the 2024 General Election. The audit utilized the Enhanced Audit software from Enhanced Voting to examine the ballot images and provide county election officials with the ability to review ballots and potential discrepancies.  “The ballot image audit shows again that the votes in Georgia were counted accurately, securely, and quickly,” said Secretary Raffensperger. “I’m…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA — The holiday season is a time for community, care, and connection, and Springfield Baptist Church, in partnership with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, is stepping up to spread that spirit. Together, they will host the Growth of Harvest Holiday Dinner on Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive SW, Conyers. The event aims to provide a warm and festive experience for families and individuals in need, especially those who are unhoused. Guests can enjoy a delicious, traditional holiday meal featuring ham, turkey, and all the classic sides. The best part? It’s completely free and open to the public, while meals last.…

CONYERS, GA—Conyers City Manager Kameron Kelley has appointed two new department directors. Craig Mitchell, formerly deputy director of Public Works and Transportation, was named director of the department effective immediately. Alan Hackett was named director of Information Technology.   Mitchell joined the city of Conyers in 2018 and has served as deputy director since 2023. With more than 25 years of infrastructure construction experience, Mitchell holds numerous soil, water, and wastewater certifications. Mitchell is also certified by the National Association of Sewer Service Companies and by the Pipeline Assessment Certification Program.  Mitchell’s career includes experience in both the private and municipal sectors of…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—A crowd filled Chief Superior Court Judge Robert Mumford’s courtroom on Friday, Nov. 22, to honor him for serving the community for nearly 50 years.  The 2 p.m. celebration brought together colleagues, staff, elected officials, friends, and family members to honor Judge Mumford’s distinguished career. The program included a presentation of a commissioned portrait of the judge, and an official proclamation and other accolades. Attendees snapped selfies, mingled and enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres.  “We appreciate Judge Mumford’s lifelong commitment and unforgettable service, and his retirement marks the end of a remarkable era of service and excellence,” organizers stated in recognition…

 DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond’s final food distribution is scheduled  Saturday, Nov. 23. Thurmond, restricted by term limits,  retires from the office of DeKalb CEO in December, after serving 8 years in the county government’s top position.  Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who served as the DeKalb Board of Commissioners Super District representative, was elected to succeed Thurmond on Nov. 5. Since May 2020—the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic—more than 170,000 boxes of food have been distributed at more than 40 distribution events. “It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the Board of Commissioners, faith leaders, and…