Sunday, January 26, 2014
Joyful Noise
American Reunion
Prisoners
Vampire Diaries
Fast & Furious 5
Young Americans Christian School
Young Americans Christian School is the largest private K4-12 grade Christian school in Rockdale and Newton counties. The school was founded in 1998 and has provided educational excellence, within a Christian worldview, for 25 years. YACS is accredited by ACSI & AdvancEd and offers both college preparatory and college preparatory with distinction diplomas.
CHALLENGING CURRICULUM TAUGHT FROM A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW ACCEL COLLEGE CLASSES • AP CLASSES • HONORS CLASSES • FINE ARTS MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS • ANNUAL OVERSEAS MISSION TRIPS FOOTBALL • BASEBALL • BASKETBALL • BAND • GOLF • CROSS COUNTRY CHEERLEADING • VOLLEYBALL • SOCCER ELEMENTARY FOOTBALL AND CHEER
www.yacs.us • 770-760-7902 1701 Honey Creek Rd. SE • Conyers, GA 30013 169764-2
2 • SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014
The Citizen
“Rockdale Medical Center is the first healthcare facility in the metro Atlanta area to acquire and implement Air Strip ONETM OB and Air Strip ONETM CARDIOLOGY.” -Deborah Armstrong, CEO
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The Citizen
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014 • 3
community profile
Conyers has mayor, council form of government From Staff Reports The city of Conyers, which was incorporated in 1854, was initially established as a watering post along the Georgia Railroad line. Conyers is the sole municipality in Rockdale County, with a population of approximately 15,300. The city is governed by a mayor and five-member City Council who are elected to four-year terms. Re-elected in 2013 were: Mayor Randy Mills, who has been in office since 1998; Councilman Chris Bowen, who has been in office since 1991; and Councilman Cleveland Stroud, who has held office since 1994. The city is managed by an appointed city manager. Conyers City Hall is located at 1184 Scott St., 770-483-4411. The Conyers Welcome
Mayor Randy Mills
Center is located in the Olde Town Railroad Depot at 901 Railroad St., 770-602-2606. The city website can be accessed at www.conyersga. com.
4 • SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014
Departments: City Manager Tony Lucas, 770-929-4226, email: tony. lucas@conyersga.gov. Chief of Police: Gene Wilson, 770-483-6600, email: gene.wilson@conyersga.gov. Chief Financial Officer, Isabel Rogers, 770-483-4411, email: isabel.rogers@conyersga.gov. Director of Public Relations and Tourism, Jennifer Edwards, 770-929-4299, email: jennifer.edwards@ conyersga.gov. Director of Public Works and Transportation, Brad Sutton, 770-785-5043, email: brad.sutton@conyersga.gov. Director of Planning and Inspection Services, Marvin Flanigan, 770-929-4280, email: marvin.flanigan@ conyersga.gov.
The Citizen
Director of the Georgia International Horse Park, Jennifer Bexley, 770-860-4190, email: jennifer.bexley@ conyersga.gov. City operated security service: Conyers Security Alert, 770-929-4294. Mayor and City Council: All elected officials may be reached through City Hall via email to the city public relations office at jennifer. edwards@conyersga.gov. Mayor Randy Mills Councilman John Fountain, District 4 Councilman Cleveland Stroud, District 1 Councilman Chris Bowen, District 2, Post 1 Councilman Vince Evans, District 2, Post 1 Councilman Gerald Hinesley, District 3
bbey Hospice Care of a loved one in their final days is hard enough.
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“I think it’s time for hospice…” Those words spoken by your healthcare provider may instill fear in some people, but, just because they recommend hospice doesn’t mean it’s an immediate death sentence. Many people do not understand what hospice is or what services it provides. The following are some questions I have heard many times regarding hospice.
How is hospice paid for and what does it philosophy promotes allowing the illness to provide? follow its normal progression while providing management of all symptoms. Morphine Hospice is paid by several different sources: is recommended in hospice to promote Medicare, Medicaid, Private insurance and self comfort when a patient is experiencing pain pay. However, Abbey Hospice will never turn and/or shortness of breath. It is usually started in very small doses by mouth or by IV. There a patient away due to inability to pay. The hospice team including the physician are several different pain medications available will oversee and coordinate the care provided and each individual must be evaluated to by the hospice team. The hospice benefit determine the most appropriate medication Why hospice & how do I sign myself or my provides any medically necessary medical for the pain they are experiencing. loved one on hospice? equipment and medications needed to control the symptoms related to the hospice diagnosis. Why shouldn’t we call 911? Hospice is generally discussed when there are no more curative treatment options and Who can come on hospice? The Hospice philosophy promotes a the life expectancy is six (6) months or less. comfortable, peaceful and dignified end of life However, healthcare providers do not have Hospice isn’t just for patients with cancer. experience. This is most often accomplished a crystal ball and patients may exceed the six Patients with many different diseases such by letting the patient remain in their home months’ time frame. An important reason to as end-stage lung disease, heart disease, liver setting. However, if a situation arises that you consider hospice is the staff (MD, RNs, LPNs, disease, Alzheimer’s, dementia, & ALS (Lou feel requires calling 911 please contact your social workers, CNAs, chaplains & volunteers) Gehrig’s disease) may qualify for hospice Hospice first so all options available may be are specifically trained in end of life issues services. Again, feel free to contact Abbey offered. Hospice will provide guidance and including pain management. Hospice and a representative will be able to education and recommend options that are You can ask your physician to give the discuss the criteria needed to enroll in a hospice appropriate for you and your loved one. hospice of your choice an order or you can call program. the hospice directly and ask them to contact I hope the above has cleared up some the doctor. Once the hospice has the order a Why does hospice use Morphine? misconceptions about hospice. Please feel free representative will call you to set up a time to to contact the staff at Abbey Hospice for any meet and discuss in detail the services available. Contrary to popular myth, hospice does further information. not use morphine to hasten death. The hospice
Abbey Hospice and its 13-bed inpatient unit located in the heart of Walton County, provides home hospice services to the surrounding 17 counties including Newton, Rockdale, Morgan, and Jasper. 169035-1
The Citizen
770-464-5858 www.abbeyhospice.com
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014 • 5
6 • SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014
The Citizen
Directory of legislators From Staff Reports Listed below are state representatives in the General Assembly for Rockdale and Newton counties. State Senate District 17: Rick Jeffares (R-Locust Grove) Capitol Phone: 404-656-0503 District Phone: 678-432-7676 Email Address: rick.jeffares@ senate.ga.gov District includes: parts of Putnam, Jasper, Newton, Rockdale, Walton, Henry, Fayette, Spalding, Butts counties State Senate District 43: Ronald Ramsey (D-Lithonia) Capitol Phone: 404-463-2598 District Phone: 404-281-9948 Email Address: ronald. ramsey@senate.ga.gov District includes: parts of Rockdale and DeKalb State House District 92: Pam S. Stephenson (D-Lithonia) Capitol Phone: 404-656-0126 District Phone: 404-243-0200 Email Address: pstephen@
legis.state.ga.us District includes: parts of Rockdale, DeKalb and Henry State House District 93: Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D-Lithonia) Capitol Phone: 404-656-0287 District Phone: 770-987-1491 Email Address: dee.dawkinshaigler@house.ga.gov District includes: Rockdale and DeKalb State House District 110: Andy Welch (R-Locust Grove) Office Phone: 404-656-0213 Email: andy.welch@house. ga.gov Represents part of Butts, part of Henry, and part of Newton counties. State House District 112: Doug Holt (R-Social Circle) Capitol number: 404-6560152 Personal numbers: 770-7863005 (home); 770-596-0781 (cell) Email: doug@dougholt.org Represents part of Morgan and part of Newton counties.
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The Citizen
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014 • 7
CPD serves residents, businesses in city limits Conyers Police Department official page. The city of Conyers Police DeThe Conyers Police Records partment is made up of 62 sworn Division, where accident reports, officers who provide police and alcohol server permits, taxi public safety services to residents permits and incident reports are and businesses in the city limits. issued, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 Gene Wilson has served as p.m., Monday through Friday. Conyers Police chief since April This office is closed on all major 2010. Before then, he was the holidays. The Records Division city’s public safety director. Maj. also does fingerprinting by apMike Waters is second in compointment. They can be reached mand at the Police Department. at 770-929-4207. In 2012 the department Conyers Police also provides received state accreditation and background checks for proachieved the prestigious accredi- spective employees for $10 per tation by the Commission on Ac- request. creditation for Law Enforcement More information on Conyers Agencies Inc. Statewide, there are Police services, including view45 law enforcement agencies and ing incident reports and paying internationally more than 1,000 fines online, can be found on the that are accredited by CALEA. Internet at www.conyerspolice. Conyers Police headquarters com is located adjacent to City Hall • The Explorers Program: at 1194 Scott St. Conyers Police The Conyers Police Department can be contacted by phone at sponsors an Explorers program 770-483-6600, by fax at 770-785- through the Boy Scouts of 5041, email at police@conyersga. America. This program is open to gov, twitter @ConyersPolice or young people between the ages Facebook by liking the city of of 14 and 20. Meetings are highly From Staff Reports
interactive and last one hour. Participants receive training in a number of law enforcement areas, including traffic stops, self defense, handcuffing techniques and Georgia law. Anyone interested in joining the explorers should contact the Conyers Police Department at 770-483-6600. • CPD Citizens Police Academy: The CPD Citizen Police Academy is open to adults ages 18 and above. Citizens and representatives from the Conyers Police Department come together for a 12-week series of classes. In each three-hour session, students learn about the work of police officers and participate in a number of hands-on activities, including processing a crime scene, forensics, patrol, K-9 and others. The department also conducts a Junior Police Academy aimed at teens and young adults ages 1417. Additionally,a special Senior Citizens Police Academy is also hosted by the city of Conyers Police Department at the Olivia Haydel Senior Center.
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8 • SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014
The Citizen
Additionally, The Conyers Police Department has a volunteer force called VIPS which stands for Volunteers in Police Service. This program involves civilian volunteers, many of whom are graduates of the police department Citizen Police Academy, who help the police department with various non-law enforcement tasks. The VIPS participants help the department with traffic control during special events, surveillance and community outreach events. • Personalized Crime Prevention Programs: The CPD can help residents establish a Neighborhood Watch to help in the detection and prevention of crime. The Business Watch program is geared toward businesses located in close proximity to one another. If you’re interested in learning more about the Citizen Police Academy, VIPS or other crime prevention programs, please contact Sergeant Peggy Dunn at 678-374-5603 or by email at peggy.dunn@conyersga.gov
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Conyers School of Ballet
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Dream Of Dancing! 931 Center Street • Conyers, GA 30012 770-483-5280 • www.conyersschoolofballet.org
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The Citizen
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014 • 9
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10 • SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014
The Citizen
community profile
Three commissioners govern Rockdale From Staff Reports
Ness (term expires in 2014) Phone: 770-278-7008; email: janice.vanness@ rockdalecounty.org County Departments Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Websites for each department are available at www.rockdalecounty.org. Richard Oden Oz Nesbitt JaNice Email addresses for county employees Van Ness and officials follow this pattern: (first of every month in the Assembly Hall name).(last name)@rockdalecounty.org, located at 901 Main St. for example richard.oden@rockdaleZoning Public Hearings are held on the county.org. fourth Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. in • Board of Assessors: 770-278-7676; the Assembly Hall located ay 901 Main office at 981 Milstead Ave. Street. • Board of Commissioners (Chairman • Chairman Richard Oden (re-elected Richard Oden, Chief of Staff Gregory to a four-year term in November 2011) Pridgeon): 770-278-7001; office at 962 Phone: 770-278-4001; email: richard. Milstead Ave. oden@rockdalecounty.org • Department of Community Relations: • Post 1 Commissioner Oz Nesbitt Sr. 770-278-7056; office at 958 Milstead (re-elected to a four-year term in Novem- Ave. ber 2011) Phone: 770-278-7011; email: • Cooperative Extension Service: oz.nesbitt@rockdalecounty.org • Post 2 Commissioner JaNice Van See BOC, Page 12
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Rockdale County is governed by a board of two part-time elected commissioners and a full-time elected chairman. All three of the commissioners are elected at-large. Rockdale County is the second-smallest county in Georgia in terms of land area. The county’s population at the last census was listed at 85,765. Conyers is the county seat and the only municipality in Rockdale County. The Board of Commissioners office is located at 962 Milstead Ave. On the first Tuesday of each month, the commissioners hold a work session at 6 p.m. in the community room of the J.P. Carr Community Center, located at 981 Taylor St. The commissioners also hold a work session in the Assembly Hall located at 901 Main St. on the third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. Regular public meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays,
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BOC •From Page 11 770-278-7373; office at 1400 Parker Road, Lobby A • Board of Elections and Voter Registration: 770-278-7333; office at 1400 Parker Road, Lobby C • Department of Fire Rescue: 770-278-8401; headquarters at 1496 Rockbridge Road. • Emergency 911 Communications — Administration: 770278-8400, Dispatch (nonemergency): 770483-4200 • Department of Finance: 770-278-7555; office at 958 Milstead Ave. • Department of Planning and Development: 770-278-7100 office at 958 Milstead Ave.
• Zoning and Permits Office: 770-278-7100 office at 958 Milstead Ave. • Capital and Community Improvements: 770-278-7100 office at 958 Milstead Ave. • Code Enforcement: 770-278-7100 office at 958 Milstead Ave.; Email: codeviolation@ rockdalecounty.org. • Erosion and Sediment Control: 770278-7100 office at 958 Milstead Ave. • Forestry: 770-2787100 office at 958 Milstead Ave. • Animal Care and Control: 770-278-8403; office at 1506 Rockbridge Road. • Sheriff’s Office: 770-278-8001; office at 911 Chambers Drive • Stormwater Man-
agement Division: 770278-7100 office at 958 Milstead Ave. • Tax Commissioner: 770-278-7600; office at 969 Pine St. • Department of Transportation: 770278-7100; office at 2570 Old Covington Highway, N.W. • Department of Recreation and Maintenance: 770-278-7200; office at 2570 Old Covington Highway • Parks, Recreation and Senior Services: 770-278-7230; office at Olivia Haydel Senior Center, 1240 Dogwood Drive. • Public Works: 770278-7200; office at 2570 Old Covington Highway Recycling Center; 770-785-6883; 1200 Sigman Road
• Water Resources: 770-278-7450; office at 958 Milstead Ave. Taxes and fees • Property taxes Most of Rockdale County’s operating revenue comes from the taxation of private property. County commissioners, the county Board of Education, and the Conyers City Council set millage rates against property values assigned by the county Board of Assessors. The county currently has a Homestead Option Sales Tax in place that exempts homeowners from a portion, if not all, of the county maintenance and operations taxes. Tax bills are usually mailed out in August and due in November to the Tax
Commissioner’s Office, 969 Pine St., 770-2787600. • Sales taxes In addition to the state’s 4 percent sales tax, Rockdale County has three 1 percent sales taxes used for a variety of purposes: 1. Special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST): applied to all sales in the county; funds building and transportation projects throughout the county and the city of Conyers 2. School SPLOST: applied to all sales; funds building projects and improvements for the county’s schools 3. Homestead Option Sales Tax (HOST): groceries not included; funds property tax relief for county residents.
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2014-15
The Citizen
The Citizen
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014 • 13
Parks, organizations provide recreation From Staff Reports Rockdale County Division of Parks and Recreation provides recreational facilities and programs for the residents of the county. The department operates an indoor swimming pool and outdoor parks with playgrounds, a tennis facility, a 650-acre lake for boating and fishing, trails, recreation center and ball fields as well as providing recreational programming. The county also offers biking, running and walking opportunities through multi-use trails. Sections of the trail already completed are Alexander Lake to Daniels Bridge Road and from Daniels Bridge Road to South Rockdale Park, along with the Lorraine Trail Head, located at Ga. Highway 138 and the South River. Parks and Recreation offers many recreational activities for residents of all ages and with
varied interests, including basketball, gymnastics, aquatic classes, exercise classes, adult softball, tennis, youth basketball, swimming and various other programs. The Johnson Park Recreation Center offers after-school care and a day camp in the summer. The South Rockdale Community Park at 3909 E. Fairview Road offers a modern playground and trail head for a paved trail connecting to the trail head at Daniels Bridge Road. The park also has three Adirondack camping shelters along its hiking trails. Hours of Operation: The Parks and Recreation Administrative Office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Johnson Park Recreation Center, located at 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers, is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The mailing address is Rockdale County Department of Parks
and Recreation, P. O. Box 224, Conyers, GA 30012. Telephone Numbers: • Administrative Office: 770278-7529 • Administrative Fax: 770-7611617 • Johnson Park Recreation Center: 770-278-7529 • Rockdale Tennis Center: www.conyerstennis.com and 678-871-8946 • Pine Log Tennis Center: 770761-3058 • Pine Log pavilion reservations: 770-278-7529 Related organizations: • Database of Parks and Recreation Facilities www.activeparks.org This site is a national database of parks and recreation facilities throughout the country. It lists facilities and activities offered, directions, contact phone numbers and other related information. Rockdale County Youth Organizations:
• Rockdale Girls Softball Association, www.rockdalegirlssoftball.org, P.O. Box 187 Conyers, GA 30012, 770-929-1604 • Rockdale Youth Baseball Association, www.ryba.org P.O. Box 81933, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-633-5028. • Rockdale Youth Football and Cheerleading Association, www. eteamz.com/ryfa, Earl O’Neal Sports Complex, 2711 Old Covington Road, N.E., Conyers, GA 30013. • Rockdale Youth Soccer Association, www.rysa.net, P.O. Box 51, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-0284. The city of Conyers owns and operates The Georgia International Horse Park, the former equestrian events venue of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Along with world class equestrian facilities, the horse park offers hiking, mountain bike trails,
See REC, Page 15
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The Citizen
REC
•From Page 14
teractive learning center, picnic areas and elevated horse trails, golf and the boardwalk through the Big Haynes Creek Nature wetlands. Center. The annual Big Haynes For information, Creek Wildlife Festival, inquiries, event schedules held in August, showcases or to take a tour, contact the beauty of the outdoors the horse park’s events and the natural habitat that planning department at surrounds the Horse Park’s 888-860-4224 or 770equine facilities. 860-4190, or go to www. • Mountain biking: The georgiahorsepark.com. horse park features the first • Big Haynes Creek Olympic mountain biking Nature Center: the city course in the world. With of Conyers established 1,032 feet of elevation 173 acres of the Georchange, this unique course gia International Horse will give park visitors Park as a nature preserve more than 8 miles of a devoted to the preservatruly exhilarating ride. The tion and study of native trails are open for public plants and wildlife. The riding daily without charge Nature Center has a from dawn to dusk. canoe launch, observation • Horseback riding: platform and a .4 mile More than 15 miles of walking trail. Future plans horse trails at the horse for the Nature Center park offer scenic views include additional trails, of the former Olympic a native plant garden, in- Endurance Course, and
wind through wooded areas blended with open pastureland and streams. Varied trail lengths and links between trails allow you to choose your route and tailor your ride. The course is open for public riding and organized group trail rides. • Cherokee Run Golf Course: The 7,000-yard, par-72 public golf course features scenic play over wetlands and granite outcroppings. Designed by Arnold Palmer, the course plays like a mountain course and is open daily, year-round. Guests will also find a clubhouse with a fully stocked pro shop and full-service restaurant. The city of Conyers Public Works and Transportation Department maintains several public parks and facilities
throughout the city: • Bonner Park, Rowland Road: Amenities: pavilion, picnic tables and grill, playground, basketball and tennis courts. • Eastview Park, Eastview Road: Amenities: playground, basketball court, green space, picnic table, grill. • Pleasant Circle Park: Amenities: basketball court, swings, merry-goround, grill, picnic table. • South Hicks Circle Park: Amenities: swings, basketball court, playground, picnic table, grill. • Veal Street Park: Amenities: basketball court, swings, merry-go-round, nature walk, picnic table, grill, green space. • Center Point Park, Center and Green streets, Olde Town Conyers: Center Point Park is home of the 1905 Rogers steam
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locomotive known as “The Dinky.” The Dinky is one of only three locomotives of its kind in the world. It was once used to transport cotton from the Depot in Conyers to the mills in neighboring Milstead. It is now permanently parked on the siderails across from the Depot in Center Point Park. • Lewis-Vaughn Botanical Garden, Commercial Street, Olde Town Conyers: The garden is located adjacent to the Pavilion in Olde Town Conyers. This unique park features a wide variety of native and indigenous plants, a fountain and stream with goldfish and pond bloomers. The stream is fed by the original Conyers water tower. Restroom facilities and an open-air pavilion round out the amenities at this location.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014 • 15
Corner Market is an upscale mixed use village in Conyers, Georgia. Its design is an appealing traditional style where visitors are drawn to get out and explore. With approximately 68,000
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16 • SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014
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community profile Seven officials oversee Rockdale schools From Staff Reports
The Rockdale County Board of Education is comprised of a chair, a vice-chair and five board members. Each board member serves a fouryear term. Board meetings generally are held on the second and third Thursdays of each month. Rockdale County voters approved in November 2013 a continuation of the 1-percent special purpose local option sales tax for education. The tax is expected to generate $83.6 million and fund safety and security upgrades at schools; technology upgrades for students and schools; land acquisition for future construction of replacements for Pine Street and J.H. House elementary schools; renovation of the current Pine Street as a new Central Office to replace the current offices; consolidation of offices and classes that are now in rented space on West Avenue at the current Central Office; renova-
tions and upgrades to middle and • Jim McBrayer Phone: 770-715-0285 high school theaters; purchase of Cell: 404-625-3423 sharon.pharr@rockdale.k12.ga.us band uniforms and instruments; jim.mcbrayer@rockdale.k12. • Brad Smith improvements at high school tracks; ga.us Phone: 404-202-7516 bleacher improvements at Rockdale • Mandy North brad.smith@rockdale.k12.ga.us County High School; and instalPhone: 678-300-9542 • Katrina Young lation of artificial turf at all high mandy.north@rockdale.k12. Phone: 770-860-4201 school football fields. ga.us katrina.young@rockdale.k12. The Rockdale County Public • Sharon Pharr ga.us Schools’ Central Office is located at 954 N. Main St. Its office hours are Elly Dalton, AAMS 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The school system can be Financial Advisor reached at 770-483-4713. 863 Flat Shoals Road The school system website is Suite 300 www.rockdale.k12.ga.us. • Superintendent Richard Autry Conyers, GA 30094 Office: 770-860-4211 770-918-0725 When it comes to financial services you really rautry@rockdale.k12.ga.us only need to see one person. Call or stop by • Wales Barksdale my office for more information or to schedule For all your financial services Office: 770-483-1407 a complimentary portfolio review. needs and exceptional, wales.barksdale@rockdale.k12. personalized attention, ga.us count on Elly Dalton at • Tony Dowdy EdwardJones®. Phone: 770-860-4205 www.edwardjones.com | Member SIPC 170658-1 tony.dowdy@rockdale.k12.ga.us
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community profile
Directory of Rockdale County Public Schools • Rockdale County Public Schools 954 N. Main St. Conyers, GA 30012 770-483-4713 Superintendent: Richard Autry www.rockdale.k12.ga.us ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS • M.G. Barksdale Elementary 596 Oglesby Bridge Road Conyers, GA 30094 770-483-9514 Principal: Jana O’Kelley • C.J. Hicks Elementary 1300 Pine Log Road Conyers, GA 30012 770-483-4410 Principal: Dr. Nadine Campbell • Flat Shoals Elementary 1455 Flat Shoals Road Conyers, GA 30013 770-483-5136 Principal: Dr. Tammy High-
tower • Hightower Trail Elementary 2510 Ga. Highway 138 N.E. Conyers, GA 30013 770-388-0751 Principal: Laura Bates • Honey Creek Elementary 700 Honey Creek Road Conyers, GA 30094 770-483-5706 Principal: Kay Symons • J.H. House Elementary 2930 Ga. Highway 20 N. Conyers, GA 30012 770-483-9504 Principal: Tammy Smith • Lorraine Elementary 3343 E. Fairview Road S.W. Stockbridge, GA 30281 770-483-0657 Principal: Dr. David Ray • Peek’s Chapel Elementary 2800 Avalon Parkway Conyers, GA 30013
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770-761-1842 Principal: John Martin • Pine Street Elementary 960 Pine St. Conyers, GA 30012 770-483-8713 Principal: Kim Vier • Shoal Creek Elementary 1300 McWilliams Road Conyers, GA 30094 770-929-1430 Principal: Tiwon Toney • D.L. Sims Elementary 1821 Walker Road Conyers, GA 30094 770-922-0666 Principal: Allison Barbour MIDDLE SCHOOLS • Conyers Middle 400 Sigman Road Conyers, GA 30012 770-483-3371 Principal: Torian White • Edwards Middle 2633 Stanton Road Conyers, GA 30094 770-483-3255 Principal: Fred Middleton • General Ray Davis Middle 3375 East Fairview Road Stockbridge, GA 30281 770-388-5675 Principal: Mike Mauriello • Memorial Middle 3205 Underwood Road Conyers, GA 30013 770-922-0139 Principal: Andrea McMahan HIGH SCHOOLS • Heritage High 2400 Granade Road Conyers, GA 30094
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770-483-5428 Principal: Greg Fowler • Rockdale County High 1174 Bulldog Circle Conyers, GA 30012 770-483-8754 Principal: Georgi Nour • Salem High 3551 Underwood Road Conyers. GA 30013 770-929-0176 Principal: Tonya Bloodworth OTHER PROGRAMS • Alpha Academy 1115 West Ave. Conyers, GA 30012 770-922-8636 Principal: Gregory Brown • Open Campus School 1115 West Ave. Conyers, Georgia 30012 770-860-4272 Principal: Frank Daniels • Rockdale Career Academy 1064 Culpepper Drive Conyers, GA 30094 770-388-5677 CEO: Dr. Miki Edwards • Rockdale Magnet School for Science & Technology at Rockdale County High School Annex 930 Rowland Road Conyers, GA 30012 770-483-8737 Director: Mary Ann Suddeth • Rockdale Virtual Campus 1064 Culpepper Drive, Room 1263-B Conyers, GA 30094 770-388-5677, ext. 31176
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014 • 19
community profile Agencies at work to keep Rockdale safe in the past in search sweeps and in assisting visitors at the county Rockdale County jail. Sheriff’s Office Anyone interested in becomThe Rockdale County Shering a part of the CSAAA, must iff’s Office is under the combe a graduate of the Rockdale mand of Sheriff Eric Levett and County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Chief Deputy Scott Freeman. Sheriff’s Academy. Contact the The RCSO provides law Sheriff’s Office to obtain an apenforcement to all of uninplication. corporated Rockdale County • The Explorer Program: The and operates RCSO sponsors an Explorers the Rockdale program through the Boy Scouts County Jail, a of America. This program is 684-bed facility. open to young people between The jail and the ages of 14 and 20. RCSO adminMembers learn about the field istration offices of law enforcement and what are located at career opportunities are avail911 Chambers able. They also participate in Eric Levett Drive, less than annual law enforcement compea mile north of titions and practice throughout Interstate 20 off Sigman Road. the year. The Sheriff’s Office employs • School Resource Officers: approximately 300 jailers, The RCSO places School sworn deputies and civilian Resource Officers, or SROs, in employees. all the middle and high schools Levett, who was elected in in the county. The SROs patrol November 2012, is a former the buildings and grounds, deputy with more than 15 years lead classes on Georgia law experience in law enforcement. and law enforcement proHe can be reached at 770cedure, build relationships 278-8000, or by email at eric. with students, faculty and levett@rockdalecounty.org. The administration and coordinate Sheriff’s Office website is www. security for special events. The rockdalesheriff.com. department also rotates SROs Other services offered by among the county’s elementary RCSO include: schools. • Community Policing: The • G.R.E.A.T.: The Gang ReRCSO maintains two precincts sistance Education and Trainin the county. These facilities ing (G.R.E.A.T.) Program is a are not manned 24 hours a day, school-based, life skills combut you may request a deputy petency program that is taught to meet at a precinct by calling by uniformed police officers. the Community Policing office The G.R.E.A.T. Program is a at 770-278-8000. The Lakeview program that teaches life skills precinct is located at 2503 Lake to young people and provides Rockaway Road. The South alternatives to gang memberSide precinct is located at 3552 ship. Ga. Highway 20 S. • C.H.A.M.P.S.: The Choos• The Citizens Sheriff’s ing Healthy Activities and Academy Alumni Association: Methods Promoting Safety is The CSAAA began in 2000 and an anti-drugs and anti-violence supports the Sheriff’s Office by program taught by RCSO depuvolunteering their time to assist ties to fifth graders in Rockdale in the needs of the Sheriff’s Of- County public schools. fice and the community. Rockdale County Graduates of the Citizens Fire Rescue Department Sheriff’s Academy have helped The Rockdale County and the From Staff Reports
20 • SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014
city of Conyers’ Fire departments combined as one department in 1990. The Rockdale County Fire Rescue Department serves the city and county on an equal basis and is headed by Chief Dan Morgan. The Fire Rescue Department strives to provide services to the residents through fire Dan Morgan suppression, hazard control, fire prevention, public education and emergency medical services. The nine county fire stations are staffed with more than 100 personnel using nine engines, two ladder trucks and a rescue/ squad. The department also provides new construction plan review, code enforcement, inspections and investigations. The Fire and Rescue Department headquarters, which includes the chief’s office, administration, fire inspections, and fire safety education is located at 1496 Rockbridge Road, N.W. Offices are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The fire department headquarters can be reached at 770-278-8401. All stations provide blood pressure checks. Stations 2, 3, 4 and 5 provide limited Nancy Guinn Memorial Library services and serve as book drop-off points. All stations are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. • Station 1, 1831 Conyers Station Road. Apparatus: Engine, Aerial Platform, Reserve Ladder. • Station 2, 4089 Troupe Smith Road, S.W. Apparatus: Engine, Ambulance. • Station 3, 2450 Old Salem Road, S.E. Apparatus: Engine, Water Rescue/Dive Team Equipment. • Station 4, 3601 Union Church Road, S.W. Apparatus: Engine. • Station 5, 2100 Hightower Trail, N.W. Apparatus: Engine,
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Brush Truck. • Station 6, 2681 Hurst Road Apparatus: Engine, Brush Truck. • Station 7, 1496 Rockbridge Road, N.W. Apparatus: Engine, HazMat Response Truck, Air Truck. • Station 8, 1164 Scott Street, S.E. Apparatus: Engine, Rescue Squad, HazMat Response Truck. • Station 9, 2009 Walker Road Apparatus: Engine Emergency Communications/911 • Rockdale County: The Rockdale County Department of Communications handles the 911 operation services for Rockdale County. The Rockdale 911 operations dispatches all emergency calls for fire, sheriff and ambulance (EMS) services. It also handles all internal communication needs for the county offices and employees, such as radios, pagers and telephones. The county communications office is open 24 hours per day, every day of the year. For non-emergency and administrative calls the communications office can be reached at 770-278-8400, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All emergency calls should be made by dialing 911. • City of Conyers: Conyers operates its own 911 call center that coordinates emergency calls with the city police and county fire department and Sheriff’s office. The Conyers 911 Center also monitors the Conyers Security Alert, the only municipally owned and operated security system in Georgia. Conyers Security Alert has been recognized by Underwriters Laboratory. All operators are located in the Conyers Police Department, and police officials offer quick response to alarm calls. For more information about Conyers Security Alert, call 770-929-4294.
The Citizen
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014 • 21
community profile
Library serves thousands in the community From Staff Reports The Conyers-Rockdale Library System is located at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green St. Its hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; it is closed on Sunday. The library can be reached at 770-388-5041. The library system website can be accessed at www.rockdale.public.lib.ga.us. The interim library director is Ben Carter. In the past year, the library has met the needs of thousands of Rockdale County residents. For example: • 313,236 — The number of times books, ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music, park and zoo passes, power meters and other items were checked out in the past year. • 5,725 — The number of
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library users who attended more than 139 programs, like the Manifold Greatness exhibit; developmentally centered programs supporting babies, toddlers, preschoolers, schoolage children and young adults; computer classes; and programs on job readiness and job searching. • 115,774 — The number of times that library computers and wireless service were accessed. The library provides computer access for many who cannot afford home computers or Internet access; wireless access for personal mobile devices; and access to online resources like Mango Languages, Reference USA, GALILEO, Tumble Books and Job Accelerator. • 54 — The number of hours the library is open each week. Book and Media Return Boxes are located at three county
22 • SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014
fire stations. Locations are: • Station 2 — 4048 Troupe Smith Road (Honey Creek area) • Station 3 — 2450 Old Salem Road (Fieldstone area) • Station 4 — 3601 Union Church Road (Lorraine area) • Milstead Village Shopping Center — 1573 Ga. Highway 20 Library history The Nancy Guinn Memorial Library is named for Mrs. Nancy Graham Guinn, a founder and first president of the Conyers Civic League. Mrs. Guinn raised funds necessary to establish a public library for Rockdale County in 1920. Today the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library houses more than 100,000 books and audiobooks, and videocassettes, compact discs and other material. The library’s current building opened in 1990. The site upon which the
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library now stands was once the home of Sally Fanny Gleaton, a notable suffragette and one of the first female pilots in Georgia. Gleaton gave this land to the city of Conyers and it served as a city park before being the home for the library’s new facility in 1989. Friends of the Library Friends of the Library are concerned residents who share the belief that a strong public library is a valuable intellectual, cultural, educational and recreational resource in the community. Through their volunteer activities and fund raising efforts, Friends assist the Library in developing programs to meet community needs. To learn more about the Friends of the Library, go to www.rockdale.public.lib.ga.us/ friends.html.
community profile RMC offers variety of health care services From Staff Reports Built in 1954 due to community need, Rockdale Medical Center has grown from its original 10 beds to a 138-bed acute care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. Rockdale Medical Center is the only hospital in Rockdale County, which is the second smallest county in the state of Georgia. The hospital serves approximately 240,000 patients within its primary service area, and over 475,000 patients within its secondary service area. In 2013, Rockdale Medical Center received many awards and designations, including being named by The Joint Commission as a Top Performer in Key Quality Measures in Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pneumonia and Surgical Care.
Emergency Department, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), nationally recognized Inpatient and Outpatient Surgical Services, Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, and Women’s Resource Center. Its services also include Diagnostic Imaging, Diabetes Education, a Wound Healing Center with Hyperbaric Oxygen and numerous Cardiovascular Services. With more than 300 board certified physicians on staff, patients receive high-quality health care close to home. To Rockdale Medical Center was recognized in 2013 as a Top Performer in Key Quality Measures for treatment of heart attacks, heart fail- find a physician, call 1-800-424ure, pneumonia and surgical care. The hospital is located at 1412 DOCS (3627). Rockdale Medical Center is Milstead Ave., Conyers. (Staff Photo) part of LifePoint Hospitals, a As one of only three hospitals achievement shows the hosleading hospital company with in the greater Atlanta area to pital’s commitment to high60 hospitals nationwide fobe recognized in four of the quality health care. cused on making communities performance measure sets, this RMC has a state-of-the-art healthier.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014 • 23
community profile Rockdale is single-county court circuit From Staff Reports The Rockdale Judicial Circuit is comprised of one county. The circuit operates with two Superior Court judges, one State Court judge, a Juvenile Court judge, Chief Magistrate judge, Probate Court judge, district attorney and clerk of courts. All are David Irwin elected to fouryear terms. • Superior Court Judge David
Irwin was elected to the bench in 1999 and is in his fourth term. He became the chief judge in the circuit following the 2012 retirement of Judge Sidney Nation. Robert Mumford His office may be reached at 770278-7740. • Superior Court Judge Robert Mumford was elected to his first term in the 2012 July non-partisan primary. His office may be
reached at 770-278-7690. • State Court Judge Nancy Bills was first elected in 2004 and is serving her third term in office. The State Court Richard Read office may be reached at 770278-7720. • Chief Probate Court Judge Charles Mays was elected in November 2012 and may be reached at 770-278-7700. • District Attorney Richard
Read is in his fourth term; his office may be reached at 770278-7990. • William Schneider serves as Rockdale County’s Juvenile Court judge, and his office may be reached at 770-278-7777. • Magistrate Court Judge Phinia Aten was elected to her first term in November 2012; her office may be reached at 770-278-7800. • Clerk of the Courts Ruth Wilson was first elected in 2008 and was re-elected in November 2012. She may be reached at 770-278-7900.
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community profile
Newton County contains five cities From Staff Reports Covington The city of Covington was incorporated in 1822 and is the county seat of Newton County. There are five cities in Newton County, with Covington being the largest. The City Council is a policymaking board and consists of a mayor and six council members. The mayor and council are elected to four-year terms. The city manager is appointed and serves at the pleasure of the council. The mayor and council meet on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Covington info: • City Hall: 2194 Emory St. • Phone: 770-385-2000 • Fax: 770-385-2060 • Website: www.cityofcovington.org
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Mayor: Ronnie Johnston • City manager: Leigh Anne Knight • Council members: — Post 1 East Ward: Chris Smith — Post 1 West Ward: Janet Goodman Ronnie Johnston — Post 2 East Ward: Michael Whatley — Post 2 West Ward: Hawnethia Williams — Post 3 East Ward: Keith Dalton — Post 3 West Ward: Ocie Franklin • City Clerk: Audra Gutierrez The city of Covington provides the following services: water and
sewer, electricity, natural gas, garbage collection and recycling, police and fire protection. Covington also owns Covington Municipal Airport, a general aviation facility. Mansfield The city of Mansfield is located in eastern Newton County at the junction of Ga. Highway 213 and Ga. Highway 11. Mansfield is governed by a mayor and a fivemember council who serve staggered four-year terms. The mayor and council meet on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Mansfield Community Building at 3158 Ga. Highway 11. Mansfield info: • City Hall: 3158 Ga. Highway 11. • City Hall hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed an hour each day for lunch.
• Phone number: 770-7867235 • Fax number: 770-786-1946 • Mayor: Donna Estona Middlebrooks • Council members: — Post 1: Helen Robertson — Post 2: Marty Smallwood — Post 3: Jefferson Riley — Post 4: Lisa Dunn — Post 5: Matt Clark • City clerk: Jamie Ruark Mansfield provides its approximately 450 residents with water, sewage, electricity and garbage pick up. Newborn A town of approximately 850 residents, Newborn is located in eastern Newton County on Ga. Highway 142. Newborn is governed by a mayor and four-member council who are
See CITIES, Page 26
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2014 • 25
community profile Cities
•From Page 25
home of Oxford College of Emory University, is adjacent to elected to four-year staggered the city of Covington’s northterms. Meetings are held monthly ern border on Ga. Highway 81. on the first Monday at 7 p.m. at Oxford has a population of apTown Hall. proximately 2,500 and is govNewborn info: erned by a mayor and six council • Town Hall: 4224 Ga. Hwy. members who are elected to 142 four-year terms. The mayor and Town Hall business hours are council meet monthly on the first 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thorugh Monday at 7 p.m. in the Oxford Friday City Hall. • Phone number: 770-787Oxford info: 1660 • City Hall: 110 West Clark St. • Fax number: 770-787-1604 • Phone number: 770-786• Mayor pro tem: Mark 7004 Vandervoet • Fax number: 770-786-2211 • Council members: • Business hours: 8 a.m. to 5 — Post 1: Gene Downs p.m. Monday through Friday — Post 2: Mark Vandervoet • Mayor: Jerry Roseberry — Post 3: Thomas Krieger • Council members: — Post 4: Martha Ellwanger — Post 1: Sarah Davis • Town clerk: Lisa Rowe — Post 2: George Holt Newborn provides water ser— Post 3: Lyn Pace vices to its residents. — Post 4: David Eady Oxford — Post 5: James Windham The historic town of Oxford, — Post 6: Terry Smith
• City clerk: Lauran Willis Oxford offers its residents police protection, electricity, water and sewer and sanitation. Porterdale Situated on the banks of the Yellow River, Porterdale is one of the best preserved examples of a Georgia mill town. The town is located southwest of Covington on Ga. Highway 81. Porterdale takes its name from Oliver Porter, who held shares of the Cedar Shoals Manufacturing Company in 1869. The Cedar Shoals Mill, also called the Old Porterdale Mill, stands on the banks of the Yellow River and dominates the central city area. The city is governed by a mayor and five council members who are elected to four-year terms. The city manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the city. Council meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Porterdale info: • Porterdale City Hall: 2400 Main St. • Phone number: 770-7862217 • Fax number : 770-786-5171 • Business hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and from 8:30 a.m. until noon on Wednesday. • Website: www.cityofporterdale.com. • Mayor: Arline Chapman • Council members: — Post 1: Anita Rainey — Post 2: Linda Finger — Post 3: Tim Savage — Post 4: Mike Harper — Post 5: Lowell Chambers • City manager: Bob Thomson •City clerk: Megan Reid Porterdale has approximately 1,800 residents. The city provides garbage pickup, water and sewer services, police and fire protection and planning and zoning.
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community profile Newton Medical is state-of-the-art facility From Staff Reports
The mission of Newton Medical Center is to benefit the community by providing the highest quality health care services to its patients in the safest, most hospitable and fiscally sound manner. NMC’s vision is to be regionally renowned for having the best clinical care program in the eastern I-20 corridor. Newton Medical Center is a 97-bed state-of-the-art medical facility serving Newton County and all surrounding areas. NMC’s staff of qualified and dedicated professionals promotes a vision of excellence for health care services and commitment to patients. For more information on Newton Medical Center, visit www.newtonmedical.com. NMC offers a full range of diagnostic and supportive health care including the BirthCare Center with a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU),
The Diagnostic Imaging Department has newly renovated suites for MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Tomography and Digital X-ray imaging on all new equipment. In late 2013 the hospital added a GE Healthcare Discovery XR656, Advanced digital radiographic system in a suite designed for trauma care, Newton Medical Center is a 97-bed medical facility serving Newton Siemens Symbia True Point Spec County and all surrounding areas. (Staff Photo) Molecular Imaging Equipment cardiac catheterization lab, nostic Center is to provide the in the nuclear medicine suite and cardiac rehabilitation, diagnostic technical facilities and profesa Philips Ingenia 1.5 Tesla MRI. cardiopulmonary studies, diabetes sional personnel to accomplish With a focus on comfort and procounseling, home health, interthe timely diagnosis of breast and ducing quality images, each piece ventional pain care, orthopedic bone density procedures, while of equipment is designed for all and sports medicine, outpatient delivering patient education and patient sizes and provides easy laboratory, outpatient surgery, maintaining overall community access for patients with limited physical therapy, diagnostic sleep health involvement. mobility. Through this expansion studies, volunteer services and The Newton Wound and Hythe hospital is able to continue to gift shop along with many other perbaric Center treats patients five add numerous imaging and interservices. days a week using various methods ventional radiology procedures. The Women’s Diagnostic of healing such as Negative PresFor more information about all Center is located on the third floor sure Wound Therapy, Skin Substi- Newton Medical Center’s services of the Physicians’ Pavilion. The tutes, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and procedures or to schedule an mission of the Women’s Diagand Total Contact Casting. appointment call 770-385-4436.
ur group provides women with personalized care during prenatal and gynecological visits. We address individual concerns and needs. We offer help with Comprehensive Women’s Health Care, minimally invasive surgery, family planning, basic infertility care, gynecologic care, natural pregnancy, labor, delivery and highly trained midwives.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2014 • 27
community profile
Area offers opportunity for higher education Georgia Perimeter’s campus in Newton County is located off Ga. Highway 11. The college provides undergraduate credit and noncredit programs for students who want to complete an associate degree, transfer to a senior college or university, or prepare for a career or enhance skills. (Staff Photo)
From Staff Reports Students interested in advancing their education past high school have several opportunities in the Rockdale-Newton area. Georgia Perimeter College The campus of Georgia Perimeter College continues to grow in its location off Ga. Highway 11 in Covington, where it moved from Conyers in 2007. GPC is the third largest institution in the University System of Georgia and the state’s fourthlargest public college, serving nearly 27,000 students on its campuses — also in Alpharetta, Clarkston, Decatur and Lawrenceville — as well as several sites in metro Atlanta, including partnerships at the Rockdale Career Academy in Conyers and the Newton College & Career Academy in Covington. It provides undergraduate credit and noncredit programs for students who want to complete an associate degree, transfer to a senior college or university, or prepare for a career or enhance skills. For more information, visit the college’s website at www.gpc. edu, or call 770-278-1200.
Road N.E. and another at 8100 Bob Williams Parkway. It’s a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and has nine centers of learning — also in Rockdale and Morgan counties. It currently has more than 5,000 students enrolled in diploma or degree programs and more than 9,000 in adult education classes. Academic and technical programs cover Georgia Piedmont more than 120 different ocTechnical College cupations. Georgia Piedmont TechniIt also has partnerships with cal College, formerly DeKalb NCCA and RCA. Technical College until 2011, is For more information, visit headquartered in Clarkston and the college’s website at www. operates two campuses in Newton gptc.edu or call 404-297-9522, County — one at 16200 Alcovy ext. 3100.
Oxford College Oxford College is part of Emory University, which is centered in Atlanta, and offers an undergraduate liberal arts education for college freshmen and sophomores. The campus, which is in the midst of several multi-milliondollar construction and renovation projects, is located in Oxford along Ga. Highway 81 and is the site of the original Emory campus founded by the United Methodist Church in 1836. Currently, about 900 students are enrolled in classes. More information is available at its website, oxford.emory.edu,
or by calling 770-784-8888. Troy University Troy University offers graduate degree programs at its East Metro/Covington campus, which is located at 1160 Monticello St. in Covington. Troy programs at off-campus centers are approved by the university’s Board of Trustees and are identical in scope and credit level to programs and courses offered on the main campus in Alabama. The Covington campus offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in live classes or online. For more information, visit covington.troy.edu or call 770385-8315.
Newton Library System has two branches From Staff Reports The Newton County Library System offers a wide variety of resources at its two full-service branches. The Covington Branch Library is located at 7116 Floyd St. It is open Tuesday through Saturday. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on
Wednesdays and Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The Covington library branch can be reached at 770-787-3231. The Porter Memorial Branch Library is located at 6191 Ga. Highway 212 in Covington. It is open Sunday through Wednesday and on Saturday. Its hours are 1
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to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays; it is closed Thursdays and Fridays. The Porter Memorial branch is available at 678-729-1388. The library system also has a Newborn Library Service Outlet, located at 4224 Ga. Highway 142 in Newborn. Its hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Wednesdays and can be reached by calling 770-787-1126. The library system’s website is www.newton.public.lib.ga.us. The Newton County Library also has a Friends of Library group which provides fundraising activities (including used book sales), volunteer work, literacy and cultural programs and support of children’s programs.
community profile New superintendent leads school system From Staff Reports The Newton County Board of Education is comprised of a chair, vice-chair and three board members. Each board member is elected to a fouryear term, while the chair and vice-chair are selected on a yearly basis. Day-to-day operations of the school system are managed by an appointed superintendent. Samantha Fuhrey was appointed to the post in 2013, becoming the first woman to lead the school system. Board meetings generally are held every second and third Tuesday of each month, except
in July and December, when a combined work session and regular session is held in one meeting. The Newton County School System’s Central Office is located at 2109 Newton Drive N.E. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The school system can be reached at 770787-1330. The school system website can be accessed at www.newtoncountyschools.org. • Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey Phone: 770-787-1330, ext. 1103
fuhrey.samantha@newton. k12.ga.us • Jeff Meadors, District 1 Cell: 770-891-5906 pjeffreymeadors@gmail.com • Eddie Johnson, District 2 Cell: 678-642-4365 ejohnson1165@yahoo.com • Shakila Henderson-Baker, District 3 Cell: 770-853-9614 hendersonbaker@gmail.com • Almond Turner, District 4 Cell: 770-883-9155 Home: 770-786-6781 aturner155@yahoo.com • Abigail Coggin, District 5 Cell: 770-862-2919 coggin@bellsouth.net
Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey
Directory of Newton County Public Schools • Newton County School System Board of Education Building 2109 Newton Drive N.E. Covington, Ga. 30014 770-787-1330 www.newtoncountyschools.org Superintendent: Samantha Fuhrey ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS • East Newton Elementary 2286 Dixie Road Covington, GA 30014 770-784-2973 Principal: Kim Coady • Fairview Elementary School 3325 Fairview Road Covington, GA 30016 770-784-2959 Principal: Dr. Naomi Cobb • Flint Hill Elementary School 1300 Airport Road Oxford, GA 30054 770-784-2969 Principal: Dr. Lori Thomas • Heard-Mixon Elementary 14110 Ga. Highway 36 Covington, GA 30014 770-784-2980 Principal: Marquita Wilkins • Live Oak Elementary School 500 Kirkland Road Covington, Ga. 30016 229-431-1209 Principal: Ericka Anderson • Livingston Elementary 3657 Ga. Highway 81 S.
Covington, GA 30016 770-784-2930 Principal: Shari Thomas • Mansfield Elementary 45 E. Third Ave. Mansfield, GA 30055 770-784-2948 Principal: Dr. Lynne DiNardo • Middle Ridge Elementary 11649 S. Covington By-Pass Road Covington, GA 30014 770-385-6463 Principal: Michael Forehand • Oak Hill Elementary 6243 Ga. Highway 212 Covington, GA 30016 770-385-6906 Principal: Dr. Brenda Gammans • Porterdale Elementary 45 Ram Drive Covington, GA 30014 770-784-2928 Principal: Lizzella Dodson • Rocky Plains Elementary 5300 Ga. Highway 162 S. Covington, GA 30016 770-784-4987 Principal: Dr. Miranda Jones • South Salem Elementary 5335 Salem Road Covington, Georgia 30016 678-342-5907 Principal: Holly Dubois • West Newton Elementary 13387 Brown Bridge Road Covington, Ga. 30016
770-385-6472 Principal: Dr. Takila Curry MIDDLE SCHOOLS • Clements Michelle School 66 Jack Neely Road Covington, GA 30016 770-784-2934 Principal: Joy Scavella • Cousins Middle 8187 Carlton Trail N.W. Covington, GA 30014 770-786-7311 Principal: Scott Sauls • Indian Creek Middle 11051 South Covington By-Pass Road Covington, GA 30014 770-385-6453 Principal: Dr. Renee Mallard • Liberty Middle School 7465 Wallace Tatum Road Cumming, GA 30040 770-781-4889 Principal: Keisa Taylor • Veterans Memorial Middle 13357 Brown Bridge Road Covington, GA 30016 770-385-6893 Principal: James Peek HIGH SCHOOLS • Alcovy High 14567 Ga. Highway 36 Covington, GA 30014 770-784-4995 Principal: Dr. Sandra Owens • Eastside High 10245 Eagle Drive
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Covington, GA 30014 770-784-2920 Principal: Jeff Cher • Newton High 140 Ram Drive Covington, GA 30014 770-787-2250 Principal: Eclan David OTHER PROGRAMS • Mainstay Academy 1110 N. Emory St. Oxford, GA 30054 770-385-6878 Coordinator: Richard Brantley • Newton College & Career Academy 144 Ram Drive Covington, GA 30014 678-625-6769 Principal: James Woodard • The Newton County Theme School at Ficquett 2207 Williams St. Covington, GA 30014 770-786-2636 Principal: James Meneguzzo • Ombudsman Covington East 10730 By-Pass Road Covington, GA 30014 678-712-6485 • Ombudsman Covington West 10714 By-Pass Road Covington, GA 30014 678-712-6488 Center Director: Stephanie McKee
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Newton commissioners elected by district From Staff Reports Newton County is governed by five district commissioners and a full-time chairman, all elected to four year terms. The chairman is elected at-large. The BOC meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Newton County Historic Courthouse at 1124 Clark St. The county website can be ac-
cessed at www.co.newton.ga.us. 1) Chairman Keith Ellis Phone: 678-625-1201 Email: keith.ellis@co.newton. ga.us 2) District 1 Commissioner John Douglas Phone: 404-375-1234 Email: jfdouglas@aol.com 3) District 2 Commissioner Lanier Sims
Phone: 770-883-7449 Phone: Cell: 678-502-8929 Email: lsims@co.newton.ga.us Email: lmaddox@co.newton. 4) District 3 Commissioner ga.us Nancy Schulz County Manager John Phone: 770-337-7562 Middleton Email: nschulz@co.newton.ga.us Phone: 678-625-1204 5) District 4 Commissioner J.C. Email: jmiddleton@co.newton. Henderson ga.us Phone: 770-866-3621 County Clerk Jackie B. Smith 6) District 5 Commissioner Levie Phone: 678-625-1202 Maddox Email: jsmith@co.newton.ga.us
Alcovy Judicial Circuit made up of two counties From Staff Reports Newton County’s legal system is under the auspices of the Alcovy Judicial Circuit, which handles both civil and criminal matters for Newton and Walton counties. District Attorney Layla Zon serves both counties. The Newton County Judicial Center is located at 1132 Usher St. • District Attorney: Layla Zon 770-784-2070 • Public Defender: Anthony Carter 770-788-3750
• Clerk of the Courts: Linda Hays 770-784-2035 • Magistrate Court: Chief Magistrate Henry Baker 770-784-2050 • Probate Court: Judge Henry Baker 770-784-2045 • Felony Probation Office 770-784-2700 • Misdemeanor Probation Office 770-788-1388 • Child Support Recovery
770-784-2499 John Ott • Juvenile Court: Judge Sherri Monroe Roberts 770-266-1635 770-784-2060 • Judge Samuel D. Ozburn SUPERIOR Covington COURT JUDGES 770-784-2180 The Alcovy • Judge Horace J. Johnson Jr. Circuit has five Covington Superior Court 770-784-2080 Judges who are • Judge Eugene M. Benton constitutionallyMonroe elected officers 770-266-1636 who serve four• Judge Ken Wynne year terms. Covington • Chief Judge 770-788-3781 John Ott
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Multiple agencies work to keep Newton safe From Staff Reports Emergency calls for the city of Covington and Newton County are dispatched through the Covington-Newton County 911 Communications Center. The director is Mike Smith and offices are located at 8146 Carlton Trail, Oxford. The general office number is 770-385-2050, but those reporting emergencies should call 911. Newton County Emergency/ Risk Management offers assistance in all emergencies including natural disasters and hazardous spills. They have offices at 8134 Geiger St., Oxford. The director is Trey Polk and the deputy director is Jody Nolan. They can be reached at 678-342-5326. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is located at 15151 AlcovyJersey Road in the Newton County Law Enforcement Center, which houses the NCSO’s uniform patrol division, criminal investigations division and also serves as the county’s detention center. The main switchboard is at 678-6251400. NCSO is headed by Sheriff Ezell Brown who is serving his second term as sheriff. He can be reached by calling the main number or at ebrown@newtonsheriffga.org. Second in command at NCSO is Chief Deputy Jerry Carter. The NCSO has a Westside Precinct where members of the public can meet with deputies to file reports, ask questions, receive incident reports and request background checks. It is located at 3665 Salem Road, Suite C2 and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The phone
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is located at 15151 Alcovy-Jersey Road in the Newton County Law Enforcement Center, which houses the NCSO’s uniform patrol division, criminal investigations division and also serves as the county’s detention center. (Staff Photo)
number is 770-788-7812. Tips on crime, gang activity or any other matters can be given to the NCSO anonymously at 678625-5007 or through their website by visiting http://sheriff.co.newton. ga.us and clicking on “anonymous tip line.” Those who want a response from NCSO personnel should leave contact information. NCSO deputies teach fifth graders in Newton County public schools a program called C.H.A.M.P.S. (Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety) which encourages youngsters to shun violent activities and drug addiction. A variety of classes are offered for the public on such topics as internet safety, gun safety, teen driving education and more. Also, there are ongoing programs such as Neighborhood Watch and the Boy Scouts of America Explorer program for teens 14 to 20 which teaches them about law enforcement career opportunities and participation in competitions with similar groups. Call 678-625-1400 for more information and available dates for these programs. The cities of Covington, Oxford and Porterdale also have their own
Building A Bright Future for Recreation • Ronald M. Bradley Gymnasium • Special Events • Walking Trails • Frank B. Turner Community Room • Kiwanis Pavilion • General Mills Playground • Physically Challenged Fishing Pier • Harold Cobb Football Field • Dr. W. L. (Bill) Dobbs Softball Fields • Outdoor Learning Center • Boardwalk/Nature Viewing Platform • Senior Citizen Program • Youth and Adult Instruction/Athletics
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NEWTON COUNTY RECREATION COMMISSION 6185 Turner Lake Road, NW Covington, Georgia 30014 770-786-4373
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police forces. The Covington Police Department is located at 1143 Oak St. and can be reached at 770-7867605; by visiting the website at www.covingtonpolice.com and clicking on “contact us;” or anonymously by clicking “secret witness.” The Porterdale Police Department is located at 2602 Main St. and can be reached at 770-7862226 or www.cityofporterdale. com. The Oxford Police Department is located at 110 West Clark St. and can be reached at 770-7881390 or www.oxfordgeorgia.org Chiefs contact info: 1) Covington Chief of Police Stacey Cotton Phone: 770-786-7605 Email: scotton3@covingtonpolice.com 2) Porterdale Chief of Police Geoff Jacobs Phone: 770-786-2226 Email: policechief@cityofporterdale.com 3) Oxford Chief of Police David Harvey Phone: 770-788-1390 Email: dharvey@oxfordgeorgia.org The Newton County Fire Service has seven paid stations and six volunteer fire stations spread throughout the county. The administrative offices are at 4136-A U.S. Highway 278, Covington, 30014. They can be reached at 770-7842116 or www.newtoncountyfireservice.org. Fire Chief contact info: 1) Newton County Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien Phone: 770-784-2116 Email: kobrien@co.newton. ga.us Fire Station addresses and contact information:
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1) NCFS Station No. 1 11545 Covington Bypass Road Covington, GA 30014 2) NCFS Station No. 2 3687 Ga. Highway 162 Covington, GA 30016 3) NCFS Station No. 3 15393 Ga. Highway 36 Covington, GA 30014 4) East Newton Volunteer Fire Station No. 4 P.O. Box 1672 Ga. Highway 142 Covington, GA 30015 5) Salem Fire Station No. 5 3935 Salem Road Covington, GA 30016 6) Mansfield Fire Station No. 6 4355 Highway 213 Mansfield, GA 30055 7) Newton County Fire Station 7 11662 Brown Bridge Road Covington, GA 30016 8) North Newton Volunteer Fire Station No. 8 3163 Ga. Highway 81 Oxford, GA 30054 9) Newton County Station No. 9 176 Mt. Zion Road Oxford, Ga. 30054 10) Central Newton Volunteer Station No. 10 11240 Ga. Highway 36 Covington, GA 30014 11) Porterdale Volunteer Fire Station No. 11 2 Main St., P.O. Box 667 Porterdale, GA 30070 12) NCFS Station No. 14 6169 Ga. Highway 212 Covington, GA 30016 13) NCFS Station No. 15 44 Harris Spring Church Road Social Circle, GA 30025 The city of Covington is covered by its own fire department. The Covington Fire Department has two paid stations. Chief names and contact info: 1) Covington Fire Chief John McNeil Phone: 770-385-2100 Email: jmcneil@cityofcovington.org Fire Station Addresses and Contact Info: 1) CFD Station No. 1 2101 Pace St. Covington, GA 30014 2) CFD Station No. 2 11234 Alcovy Road Covington, GA 30014
Departments work to keep residents healthy The Rockdale and Newton county health centers provide various health services for both children and adults and are a part of the regional Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale Health Department. The Rockdale Health Center is located in the J.P. Carr Administration Building at 985 Taylor St. and can be reached at 770-785-4345. The Newton County Health Center is located at 8203 Hazelbrand Road in Covington and can be reached at 770-786-9086.
Hours of operation for both locations can be found at www. gnrhealth.com. The health centers provide services that include travel vaccines and information, immunization clinics, women’s health, family planning and child health clinics, DNA testing, drug testing and lab testing. Also offered at the centers are the Women Infant and Children Food Program, children’s dental clinics and infectious disease and testing such as TB.
The centers specialize in programs for women and children, and offer women’s health and family planning services for women, as well as immunizations, health checks, and hearing, vision and dental screening for school entry. Both counties also provide environmental health services. The Rockdale Environmental Health Department is located at 1329 Portman Drive, Suite F, in Conyers, and can be reached at 770-278-7340. The Newton Environmental Health
Department is located at 1113 Usher St. in Covington and can be reached at 770-784-2121. Environmental Health is involved in inspecting restaurants, public swimming pools, hotels and motels, tattoo and body art studios, and septic system development. The county health departments also have an Epidemiology and Community Health Division which provides infectious and chronic disease investigation, management, education, and prevention services.
The Newton County Recreation Commission maintains a total of 20 parks and facilities throughout the county and offers adult and youth sports, including football, basketball, softball, kickball, volleyball, baseball, tennis and golf. In addition to the existing facilities, work is underway on a Miracle League field at City Pond Park. The existing football field at City Pond Park will be converted to an artificial turf baseball field for children
with special needs. The project also includes the conversion of an existing baseball field for use by various age groups in the Recreation Commission’s baseball program. Those fields will be artificial turf, which will allow tournaments to be held to bring in revenues for the Recreation Commission and Miracle League. Recreation offices are located at the Turner Lake Complex on Turner Lake Road. The 34,000-squarefoot complex also features a
gymnasium, indoor walking track, conference center and community room. Outdoor amenities include softball fields, a youth football field, a lakeside pavilion, fishing pier, picnic area, tot-lot playground, 3 miles of walking trails and a 26acre lake. Administrative office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The front desk is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday and Saturday. The gymnasium and walking track are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The facility is closed on Sunday. The commission is governed by an eight-member board and executive director Anthony Avery. For more information about the Recreation Commission, call 770786-4373 or visit www.newtonrecreation.com.
Miracle League field added to rec facility options
Southern Heartland Visual Art Center & Gallery on the Square
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The City of Covington
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