Rockdale Citiizen
RCPS seeks funds to expand science labs, STEAM education
Rockdale County Public Schools could receive up to $1 million to expand elementary science labs and arts education through a state tax credit initiative, as district officials work to improve science achievement and restore hands-on learning...
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Elks Aidmore expands mission with new adoption program
For decades, Elks Aidmore has helped Georgia children and teenagers find stability during some of the most difficult periods of their lives. Now, the Conyers-based nonprofit is expanding its services to help children in foster care find a family to...
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TOP TEACHER
After spending 16 years caring for patients as a registered nurse, Mebane Key brought her healthcare experience into the classroom. Five years later, the Rockdale Career Academy healthcare science instructor has been named Rockdale County Public...
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COMMISSIONERS DENY PROJECT ROCK FORGE REQUESTS
Rockdale County commissioners rejected a series of land-use and rezoning requests Tuesday tied to Project Rock Forge, a proposed development that has drawn months of opposition from residents concerned about another large-scale data center in the...
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RCSO celebrates promotions
The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office recently celebrated several members of the team who have received promotions. Receiving promotions were Jeremy Best (lieutenant in the Crime Investigation Division promoted to captain), Michael Moon (sergeant in the...
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Rockdale nurse practitioner shares breast cancer journey
For nearly nine years, Brittany Cook of Covington has spent her days caring for patients as a nurse practitioner at Piedmont Physicians Gastroenterology Rockdale. Last year, she suddenly found herself on the other side of health care. Cook was...
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Rockdale County to host third annual Rivers Alive cleanup
Rockdale County residents can roll up their sleeves and help protect the county’s waterways when the third annual Rockdale Rivers Alive watershed cleanup returns Oct. 17. Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful will host the community cleanup Saturday, Oct....
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‘All Because of Agatha’
Magic and mischief are afoot in Conyers. “All Because of Agatha” by Jonathan Troy and directed by Cyndi Evans continues the 50Year Celebration of The New Depot Players in Olde Town and will help usher in the fall season.The play, set in Salem,...
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‘United and unified’
Rockdale County residents opposed to a proposed nearly 300-acre data center campus gathered outside the county’s Assembly Hall Saturday, urging commissioners to reject the project and give the community more time to consider how to regulate future data...
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School system weighs changes to career training offerings
Artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, real estate and sports management are among the career fields drawing interest from Rockdale County students as the school district considers how its career and technical education programs should...
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Rockdale firefighters take part in 9/11 memorial climb
On Friday, Rockdale County Fire Rescue firefighters climbed Stone Mountain to honor the 343 Fire Department of New York firefighters and other first responders who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This year’s climb carried an even deeper...
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TOP TEACHERS
Rockdale County Public Schools recently announced the top three finalists for the district Teacher of the Year with surprise visits to finalists’ schools. The district finalists for RCPS Teacher of the Year are Gena Jeselnik, of Rockdale Virtual...
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High-caliber course
One of the newest additions to the Georgia International Horse Park has taken less than two years to earn a place among the world’s best disc golf courses. Iron Hoof Disc Golf Course, which opened in spring 2025 in the Bald Rock Meadows section of...
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NEW ROADS TO LEARNING
Georgia Piedmont Technical College has officially opened its new Electric Vehicle Center in Conyers, bringing specialized automotive training to Rockdale County as the region prepares for growing demand for workers skilled in electric vehicle...
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RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE
Georgia 4-H recognized excellence in youth participants, adult leaders, and program supporters during the annual 4-H State Congress in Atlanta this summer. A week-long event held in July for top 4-H’ers at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia, State Congress...
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DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY CLASS
The Conyers Police Department’s latest Citizens Police Academy begins Sept. 15 and continues through Nov. 10. The deadline to apply for the nine-week program is Sept. 8. Participants get hands-on experiences, learn how officers are trained and get an...
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Career Academy continues to expand its
From electric vehicles and artificial intelligence to barbering, pet grooming and automotive maintenance, Rockdale Career Academy is expanding the ways students can leave high school with more than a diploma. Rockdale Career Academy Principal/CEO...
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Our House of Restoration
Her child found her on the floor passed out with a needle sticking out of her arm. To protect her privacy, she is identified here as R. She was a young mother who friends say was maybe 80 pounds “soaking wet” and she was a heroin addict. Her brother...
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GROWTH
A new class of young women from area high schools has begun a months-long journey focused on leadership, service and personal growth as Showtime Pros, Inc. celebrates the fifth year of its Debutante Experience. Showtime Pros kicked off the milestone...
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‘GROWING, LEARNING AND SERVING’
Three Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office deputies — Nicole Tolliver, Roy Todd and Shamar Seivright — recently received their Georgia POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training) Basic Law Enforcement Training Course certificates. “We’re excited to watch...
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Conyers City Council proposes property tax rollback
The city of Conyers plans to roll back its property tax rate from 13.5 mills to 13.296 mills for 2026, marking the eighth time in 12 years that the city has lowered its millage rate. The Conyers City Council discussed Resolution 777 during its Aug. 5...
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New Rockdale County Schools superintendent begins her tenure
Stephanie Johnson begins her first days leading Rockdale County Public Schools by listening. Johnson, who spent the past nine years leading school and district improvement efforts for the Georgia Department of Education, officially began as RCPS...
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Thirty years later, Conyers remembers 1996 Olympics
Long before the Olympic rings appeared at the Georgia International Horse Park, Matt Dixon was visiting local kindergarten classrooms to talk about horses. Conyers was working to convince Olympic organizers that the community could host equestrian...
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READY TO RETURN
More than 2,000 students headed back to school with new backpacks and school supplies after the Back-to-School Bash on July 25 at Wheeler Park. The community event — a partnership between Rockdale County Public Schools, City of Conyers, and Rockdale...
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Back to School Bash
In advance of the first day of school on Aug. 3, Rockdale County Schools — in partnership with government agencies, public safety agencies, nonprofits, churches, businesses, community organizations and others — held its annual Back to School Bash...
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FEDERAL REPORT FINDS BIOLAB FIRE WAS PREVENTABLE
Nearly two years after a chemical fire forced thousands of residents to evacuate and sent a toxic plume over metro Atlanta, federal investigators have concluded that the disaster at BioLab’s Conyers facility was preventable. The U.S. Chemical Safety...
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Lunch on the Lawn
Lunch on the Lawn was held Friday at Celebration Park in Olde Town Conyers. The event featured music from Brandon Crocker and fresh produce from Tenly’s Tomatoes and lunch from Olde Town Conyers restaurants. Here are some scenes from the event.
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MILESTONE MUSICAL
The New Depot Players theater group in Conyers is kicking off its 50th season with a past audience favorite, “The Great American Trailer Park Musical.” Music and lyrics are by David Nehls and book by Betsy Kelso. “Directed by Jay Tryall and Music...
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FARM FRESH
Business was brisk at the Covington Farmers Market Saturday morning at Heirloom Park, with vendors selling fresh produce and homemade breads, jellies, sweets and more. The next farmers market is set for Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. Here are...
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EXTEND
Olandria Bing has always had a reason to believe the fireworks were for her. Born on the Fourth of July alongside her identical twin sister, Olivia, Bing grew up celebrating a birthday marked by fireworks and festivities. Years later, the Rockdale...
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Festive and fun Fourth in Covington
The city of Covington celebrated the USA’s big birthday in a big way July 4 with the inaugural Hometown 4th of July Parade and Festival. Dozens of floats took part in a high-spirited parade, followed by a festival downtown featuring music, food and...
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‘Juan was our hero’
As he was recalling the life of fallen Rockdale County Firefighter Juan Antonia Smith II at Friday’s Celebration of Life service, Rockdale Fire Chief James Robinson recalled a particular moment that summed up the life of the young firefighter. He did...
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‘Just help’
A dramatic rescue that captured attention across metro Atlanta has now earned a permanent place in Conyers’ history. During its June 17 meeting, the Conyers City Council and Mayor Connie Alsobrook honored George and Chyna Brathwaite for rescuing...
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Two deputies, Conyers resident file lawsuit against BioLab
Two Rockdale County Sheriff’s deputies and a Conyers resident have filed a lawsuit against BioLab and several affiliated KIK Consumer Products entities, alleging they suffered severe lung injuries from exposure to the toxic plume released during the...
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Ultimate tribute
The Conyers Concert Series brought the funk last Saturday to Olde Town. Closing out the concert series was Uptown Funk — The Ultimate Tribute to Bruno Mars. The 2026 Conyers Concert series began April 11 with 7 Bridges, An Eagles Tribute and continued...
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For the fun of it
COVINGTON — Dozens of volunteers spent three days last week installing inclusive playground equipment designed to bring smiles to the faces of children. The playground equipment, made possible through a $250,000 grant from Amazon, was installed at...
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More than baseball
Daikin Park (formerly Minute Maid Park) in Houston, Texas has hosted a lot of memorable moments. Houston Astros World Series runs to players achieving individual career milestones. It even held a full circle moment for Covington native Christian...
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Conyers celebrates Immigrant Heritage Month
The city of Conyers officially recognized June as Immigrant Heritage Month during a recent City Council work session, highlighting the contributions immigrant residents make to the community’s cultural and economic growth. Mayor Connie Alsobrook and...
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Decades of service
After decades spent driving buses, teaching students, serving meals, managing technology, and supporting schools behind the scenes, 62 Rockdale County Public Schools employees are preparing to close one chapter and begin another. The Rockdale County...
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TURNING TASSELS
CONYERS — Members of Salem High School’s Class of 2026 were encouraged to embrace uncertainty, invest in relationships, and make the most of every opportunity during commencement exercises Friday afternoon. Student speakers reflected on a high school...
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Heroes honored
The Walk of Heroes Veterans Memorial Park in Conyers hosted a Memorial Day ceremony Monday with Brig. Gen. Kris J. Marshall, Georgia National Guard Joint Staff director, as the keynote speaker. Here are some scenes from the ceremony.
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RATE
A potential increase in rates for Covington water customers will be absorbed by the city following a vote at the May 18 meeting. The city is anticipating an increase in the cost of water it purchases from Newton County. According to Water Resources...
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A SPECIAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
Georgia National Guard Joint Staff director Brig. Gen. Kris J. Marshall will be the keynote speaker at the Memorial Day ceremony Monday at 11 a.m. at the Walk of Heroes Veterans Memorial Park, 2825 Black Shoals Road, Conyers. An Operation Enduring...
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SALUTE TO THEIR SACRIFICE
The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, as part of National Peace Officers Memorial Day, held a Fallen Heroes Ceremony on Friday, May 15. The ceremony honored Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office deputies who have been killed in the line of duty — William S....
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All the right notes
Newton High School senior Brennon Blount has been selected for the highly competitive Georgia All-State Chorus. Each year, more than 7,000 students in grades seven through 12 audition for All-State Chorus through a rigorous twostep process. Students...
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Conyers City Council honors young orator
Amelia Been was recognized by the Conyers City Council during its May 6 work session after winning the district-wide eighth grade oratorical competition hosted by the National Council of Negro Women. Been, a Conyers Middle School student, delivered an...
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Partners in education
Newton County Schools (NCS) recognized Piedmont Newton as its 2026 Partner of the Year during the district’s annual Partners in Education Celebration and Chamber of Commerce Coffee Call held Wednesday, May 6, at Newton College & Career Academy...
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‘The court is not finished’
When Ava Smith stepped to the podium at the April 23 Rockdale County Board of Education meeting, she wasn’t just providing the inspiration to open the meeting — she was stepping into history. The Memorial Middle School eighth grader, a regional winner...
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A shared vision
Alcovy High School, Eastside High School and Newton High School celebrated completion of new athletic facilities this week, marking milestones for each school as well as a major accomplishment for the school district. In welcoming remarks at each...
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Rockdale Commission candidates square off in forum
As early voting has begun for the May 19 primary election, Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Post 2 candidates took part in a recent forum at the American Legion Post 77 in Conyers. In the May 19 primary, Democrat incumbent Doreen Williams faces...
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Remembering Tony Lucas
The Conyers City Council remembered the late Tony Lucas at the April 15 council meeting by proclaiming the day in his memory. Lucas, the city’s former city manager and police chief, died on Jan. 22. Each member of the Council read a stanza of the...
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‘THE FUTURE OF LEARNING’
Students from Newton County Schools earned top honors at the regional level of the Georgia Student Technology Competition, with one team advancing to the state competition and earning third place in the state of Georgia for Video Production. Calvin...
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‘The 39 Steps’
The New Depot Players’ latest production adapts a 1935 Alfred Hitchcock spy thriller into a slapstick comedy. The Conyers-based theater group is presenting “The 39 Steps” from April 23 to May 3. Performance dates are April 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, May 1...
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ONE OF THESE NIGHTS
The Eagles tribute band 7 Bridges took it to the limit Saturday evening to kick off the Conyers Concert Series in Olde Town. The series offers three evenings of music, food and fun, bringing residents and visitors together for an evening of live...
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CURIOSITY AND CREATIVITY
Camp Invention — a nationally recognized, nonprofit summer enrichment program — is coming to Conyers in June. The local Camp Invention event is scheduled for June 15 to 19 at Flat Shoals Elementary School. Regional program sponsors include H.B....
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Top graduates named at Newton’s 3 high schools
The top graduates of the Class of 2026 have been named at each of the three high schools in Newton County. Graduation dates and times are as follows: Eastside High School, Tuesday, May 19, 8 p.m.; Alcovy High School, Wednesday, May 20, 8 p.m.; and...
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LEGACY OF SERVICE
COVINGTON — The long-awaited opening of the renovated R.L. Cousins Community Center was held Tuesday before an enthusiastic crowd of residents and members of the R.L. Cousins Alumni Association. Newton County Board of Commissioners Chair Linda Hays...
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Hundreds gather in Conyers for local ‘No Kings’ protest
CONYERS — On Saturday, demonstrators around the world gathered under the banner “No Kings” for what was reported as the largest single-day protest in history. In Olde Town Conyers, roughly 250 people assembled with signs and banners at the...
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Celebration of Community
While the Conyers City Council handled a full agenda of policy and planning items during its March 18 meeting, the night’s most unified moments came in recognizing the people who continue to shape Conyers from the ground up. At the center of that...
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Rooted together
The 45th annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival was held Saturday and Sunday at the Georgia International Horse Park with a variety of activities, music, food, vendors, arts and crafts, performances and more. This year’s theme — Rooted Together,...
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ST. PATRICK’S SHENANIGANS
Conyers’ St. Patrick’s Day celebration was held Tuesday in Olde Town with a parade kicking off festivities. Grand Marshal Mayor Connie Alsobrook led the two-block walking parade, accompanied by a lively bagpiper playing classic Irish tunes. Here are...
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A STRONG FOUNDATION
A large crowd of community members, volunteers, and supporters gathered Sunday to celebrate a milestone moment for Conyers-Rockdale Habitat for Humanity as the organization held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for three newly-completed homes. The homes...
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A new voice on Council
On a weeknight in Conyers, Anthony Garcia Pacheco’s world can look like a juggling act: city emails on one screen, his toddler’s voice in the background, and a steady stream of calls from residents trying to sort rumor from reality. As Conyers’ first...
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RCPS announces 2026 valedictorians and salutatorians
Rockdale County Public Schools recently announced the valedictorians and salutatorians of the Class of 2026. The valedictorians and salutatorians were notified in surprise announcements during school Feb. 25. The valedictorians and salutatorians will...
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Turning the Capitol green
decades-long tradition continued Thursday, Feb. 26 in Atlanta as Georgia 4-H’ers turned the halls of the Capitol green and experienced the civic process in real time. Elected officials joined more than 700 youth, staff, volunteers and supporters to...
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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Black History Month came to a close Saturday with a parade through downtown Covington celebrating important people and events in the history of African Americans. The parade, which traveled from Legion Field, down Floyd Street, around the Square and...
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PRESERVING HISTORY
As Salem Campground approaches its 200th anniversary, an effort is underway to ensure that the Newton County landmark continues its mission well into its next century. Salem Campground, located on Salem Road, has been gathering the faithful for a week...
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SHARING THE SPOTLIGHT
Two students earned the exact same highest SAT score in the district, resulting in co-District STAR Students for 2026. Aoqi Xu of Alcovy High School and Jack Allred of Newton High School each scored 1520 out of 1600 on the SAT — the highest score...
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CHILI CHAMPIONS
There were no sirens and no flashing lights. Just simmering pots and friendly rivalry at the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Chili Cook-Off on Feb. 12. The internal event was an opportunity for deputies, command staff, detention officers and...
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‘Covington isn’t just where I worked. It’s family.’
Ken Malcom achieved two career milestones Monday — fulfilling 40 years of employment with the city of Covington and announcing his retirement. Malcom, who has served the last four years as director of Community Development for the city, previously...
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‘Games Afoot’
The New Depot Players are excited to present Ken Ludwig’s “Games Afoot (or Holmes for the Holidays)”, a comedic murder mystery set in 1936. After a recent attempt on his life, the actor William Gillette (played by Bob Winstead), hosts a Christmas...
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Celebrating Service
Lorraine Harrison received the A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Lifetime Achievement Award at the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce’s 72nd Annual Meeting held Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the Georgia International Horse Park. Former Conyers Mayor Vince Evans presented...
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Conyers Rotary honors STAR students, teachers
The 2026 STAR Students and Teachers for Rockdale County were honored by the Rotary Club of Conyers on Jan. 29 in a celebration held at the Conyers-Rockdale Nancy Guinn Memorial Library. The STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Student award...
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NEW LOOK Newton County celebrates reopening of Nelson Heights Community Center
After being closed for more than two years, the Nelson Heights Community Center reopened Thursday with a fresh, new look and new facilities. Newton County held a ribboncutting for the community center, celebrating recently completed renovations,...
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