Newton Citizen | Jay Jones

Revolution fall to Silverbacks 3-2 in Open Cup

CONYERS -- The GeorgiaRevolution played a fierce brand of soccer for 90 minutes Tuesday night with hopes of advancing in the U.S. Open Cup tournament, but the more experienced Atlanta Silverbacks came out on top 3-2 at the Rockdale Youth Soccer Association complex.. Midfielder Pablo Cruz scored in the 57th

Motorola awarded Rockdale public safety radio contract

Rockdale County will move forward on a $5 million contract to upgrade its public safety radio system despite public opposition leading up to the vote by the Board of Commissioners.

Rockdale ethics ordinance going back to drawing board

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners will take up revising the county's ethics ordinance this month with the goal of getting into compliance with the local law.

Eagle Scouts, Gold Award Scouts recognized

Eagle Scouts and Gold Award Scouts from Rockdale and Newton counties were honored Thursday for their achievement by the Rotary Club of Rockdale County during the club's annual recognition banquet.

Arbor Day offers best time to plant trees

Today is Arbor Day in Georgia and residents are encouraged to plant trees now to give them the best chance to establish themselves in time for warmer weather.

Rockdale sheriff announces re-election bid

Rockdale County Sheriff Jeff Wigington made it official by announcing Wednesday he will run for reelection to a fifth term this year.

Legislation to address Rockdale Election Board

Local legislation scheduled to be introduced at the Georgia General Assembly in the coming days will address membership appointments to the Rockdale County Board of Elections and Voter Registration.

Four students arrested in Salem High fight

Seven Salem High School students were involved in a Tuesday morning brawl that resulted in the arrest of four individuals.

Rockdale resident Vaughn announces run for Congress

Motivational speaker and pastor Chris Vaughn said job creation will be a hallmark of his campaign after he recently announced he is running for the Fourth Congressional District seat.

Fire destroys Conyers house, family displaced

A house at the corner of Irwin Bridge Road and Green Valley Drive was destroyed by fire Friday morning.

Heritage resource officer faces allegation of inappropiate relationship with student

A school resource officer has been placed on administrative leave in the wake of allegations that he may have been involved in a relationship with a student.

Conyers ponders bids to take over garbage collections

The Conyers City Council is expected to decide next month on outsourcing garbage pickup service in the city after hearing proposals from three companies.

Guardman accused of bank robbery enters guilty plea

One of the two Georgia Army National Guardsmen accused of being involved in a 2010 armed robbery of a local credit union pleaded guilty Tuesday in Rockdale County Superior Court.

Rockdale jury finds Rabon guilty of murder, rape in 2008 incident

Travis Rabon faces a sentence of life without parole after a Rockdale County jury found him guilty in 10 of 12 charges against him including murder of one woman and the rape of another in 2008.

Oden uses State of the County speech to emphasize economic development efforts

Business and economic development were the highlights provided by Rockdale County Commission Chairman Richard Oden Thursday during the annual State of the County address.

Conyers officials set 2012 strategy at retreat

A new year brings a new set of issues. That was the message the Conyers City Council had during an annual retreat this weekend as they sought to find ways to improve service and quality of life while encouraging business growth.

Plant Washington project in question after EMC drops support

Officials with Snapping Shoals EMC said Thursday they are still committed to moving forward on a billion-dollar, coal burning power plant after Cobb EMC decided to leave the partnership on the project.

Smiley announce run for Rockdale BOC seat

Local resident and a regular at Rockdale County government meetings Sam Smiley tossed his hat in the ring for the post 1 seat on the county Board of Commissioners.

Conyers Police prepares for recertification

City officials expect the Conyers Police Department will regain its state recertification by the end of February and new national accreditation by the end of this year.

Boyle recognized for lifetime achievement by Chamber

Local realtor Ethel Boyle received the A.R. "Gus" Barksdale Lifetime Achievement Award Tuesday for her work in the community and service on several boards and authorities.

Harrison takes helm at Chamber of Commerce

Rockdale Chamber calls on residents to ‘Shop Local’

Local publisher Lorraine Harrison took over as chairwoman of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and said the public will learn more about the importance of shopping locally as part of a new initiative this year.

Legislators consider tougher laws on metal theft

Sen. Ronald Ramsey has co-sponsored legislation in the Georgia Senate that is aimed at curbing metal theft in Georgia.

Absentee voting begins today for presidential primary

Absentee voting by mail begins today for the Presidential Preference Primary and two local referendums on Sunday alcohol sales.

Oden to focus on what lies ahead in 2012 for State of the County address

Rockdale County Commission Chairman Richard Oden plans to focus on the future in his fourth State of the County address next week with the theme "Reuniting, Rebuilding and Reenergizing Rockdale."

Heritage students show support for teacher in battle against cancer

Heritage High School teacher and Citizen columnist Darrell Huckaby learned a lesson in caring last week when he walked into the school and was greeted with students wearing red "We love Huck" shirts.

Pastor at MLK breakfast tells residents the cause continues

The Rev. Layne Fields reminded those gathered Monday for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast in Conyers that there is still a cause for social justice and people of all backgrounds working together.

Rockdale Hospital Authority announces new grant cycle

The Hospital Authority of Rockdale County has announced it will accept applications for the grants program that supports local charitable health care initiatives.

Projects sought for "Hands Across Rockdale"

Organizers are looking for projects for volunteers to work on for the first "Hands Across Rockdale" community event this spring.

Conyers Food Lion among 113 stores shut down

The parent company of Food Lion announced Thursday that the Conyers store will be among 113 locations to close as part of a broad restructuring.

Rockdale's MLK breakfast to benefit local homeless initiatives

Local pastor Layne Fields will deliver the keynote address at this year's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Breakfast to honor the civil rights icon and his message of unity.

Annual father-daughter ball is 'Puttin' On The Ritz'

Though top hats and tails are optional, this year's annual father-daughter ball by the Rotary Club of Rockdale County is sure to be super duper.

Rockdale BOC says no to $16,000 contractor's pay raise

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners declined to ratify Tuesday a contract change that would have resulted in a $16,000 raise to a contractor.

Conyers highlights accomplishments and new year in State of the City

Mayor Randy Mills and the Conyers City Council recognized out-going councilman Marty Jones for his 23 years of service while also looking ahead to the coming year during Thursday night's annual State of the City address at the Cherokee Run Golf Course.

Van Ness opposes NSP pay raise

Commissioner JaNice Van Ness voiced her opposition to ratifying a contract revision for the county's Neighborhood Stabilization Program that results in a $16,000 raise for its administrator.

Rockdale Election Board considers 8 for at-large position

The Rockdale County Board of Elections will move forward this month on interviewing a new set of candidates for its at-large seat and could name a new member by February.

Proposal would take politics out of local elections

Local Democrats and Republicans are giving a collective thumbs down to a proposed bill filed for next month's General Assembly session that proposes to make county-wide elected offices nonpartisan.

Rains help Poynter Lake rebound from low level

Recent rains have helped to replenish the water level at Randy Poynter Lake, the drinking water source and largest recreation area for Rockdale County residents.

Rockdale announces finalists for community relations director

Rockdale County announced two finalists for its community relations director to replace Erica Fatima, who resigned in September.

Blood donations sought to meet holiday demand

CONYERS -- The American Red Cross is asking residents to give the gift of life and donate blood at several blood drives planned in the coming days to help metro Atlanta hospitals meet the demand for blood for the Christmas and New Year's holiday period.

Jay Jones

Stories by Jay

Rockdale Chamber calls on residents to ‘Shop Local’