Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY , GA—The DeKalb County tax commissioner’s office has announced its operating schedule for the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays. Customers are reminded that online and kiosk service options, including holidays and weekends, are available daily. Holiday schedule: Nov. 27, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., closed Nov. 28-29 Dec. 24, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., closed Dec. 25-26 Dec. 31, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., closed Jan. 1 “With the holiday season upon us, we are reminding customers that most property tax and motor vehicle services can be handled online or at a kiosk daily,” said Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson.…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) is hosting its 5th Annual Winter Clothing Drive on Nov. 26, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., outside of the DeKalb Police Headquarters at 1960 W. Exchange Pl. Tucker.  DKPD is asking the community to aid in keeping those in need warm by donating gently-used shoes, coats, and new socks. Donations will be accepted for all sizes and genders. For more information,contact Public Information Officer E. Wells at 404-333-9293.

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County Police Department is urging the public to share any information they may have about an 80-year-old South DeKalb woman who has been missing since Nov. 13.  Rosa Mae Dawson, who has dementia and diabetes, wandered away from her home around 6 a.m. that day and was last seen leaving the 2400 block of Jenay Court in Decatur, police said. Police had issued a Mattie’s Call alert on the day she went missing. They reissued another alert to the public today, Nov. 18, in hopes of finding Dawson.   Dawson was wearing long-sleeved, pink pajamas and a…

DECATUR – On Sunday, Nov. 17, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) honored 15 residents at his Sixth Annual Unsung Heroes awards program for their positive contributions to the community.  Johnson said he believes it is important to honor those who give back to the community to be an inspiration, and beacons of light.  “…When people see others, that serves as a model for them to do the same thing,” Johnson said.   Since 2019, Johnson has recognized nearly 100 constituents who go above and beyond to volunteer their time in DeKalb, Rockdale, and Newton counties. The program was held at the Legacy Park…

ATLANTA – MARTA’s Brookhaven rail station reopened on Saturday, Nov. 16, after a six-week construction project to replace aging pavers on the train platform.   The platform paver work, which began on Oct. 7 and was completed on Nov. 15, is one part of the overall rehabilitation project at Brookhaven Station.  The following work was completed at Brookhaven Station: ·       Demolition of existing flooring ·       Installation of new tile flooring ·       Installation of new tactile warning strips on platform edges ·       Installation of new expansion joint benches and trash cans ·       Concrete pressure washed, sealed, and a graffiti-resistant coating applied  During the work, Gold Line trains bypassed Brookhaven Station, allowing crews to work faster and more…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) announced that Rockdale County High School (RCHS) and Heritage High School (HHS) were recognized with the College Success Award from the GreatSchools information nonprofit. This national recognition honors schools that excel at preparing students to enroll and succeed in college, as determined by available data in each state. “This recognition both affirms and validates our district’s commitment to punctuating our students’ college and career readiness and viability,” said Superintendent Terry Oatts. “RCPS has consistently exceeded the state on both our Four-Year Cohort Graduation Rate and our CTAE Graduation Rate which further demonstrates our…

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court Debra DeBerry will host Adoption Day in DeKalb on Friday, Nov. 22, as part of National Adoption Month.  The DeKalb Adoption Day Ceremony finalizing forever family adoptions will be in person at 556 North McDonough Street, Decatur, Judicial Tower in Court Room 5D beginning at 1 p.m.  November is recognized as National Adoption Month. The purpose of National Adoption Month is to focus attention on children in the Child Welfare system waiting to be adopted. National Adoption Day is Saturday, Nov. 23,  Judge Gregory A. Adams, Judge Tangela Barrie, H Judge Shondeana Morris, Judge Yolanda Parker-Smith,…