ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

June 13^th, 2024

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County is pleased to announce its official selection as a sub-awardee under the University of Georgia’s USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Urban and Innovative Agriculture Community-Based Organization Fund. As a result, Rockdale County has been awarded $145,000 to advance the projects and goals outlined in our project proposal, such as establishing a mediation and therapy garden for citizens and a demonstration garden for children. The garden will primarily feature herbs, providing a tranquil space for community members to engage in therapeutic activities and learn about the benefits of urban agriculture.

Commissioner Sherri L. Washington has been instrumental in securing this funding for Rockdale County. Her dedication and leadership have been pivotal in achieving this accomplishment.

“I am elated that Rockdale County is now a recipient of a USDA/UGA grant that will allow us to not only help alleviate food insecurities but also teach our community how to become self-sufficient,” said Commissioner Sherri L. Washington. “One of the most exciting elements of this community garden is that it will incorporate a meditation garden that will allow us to grow herbs and create spaces for yoga, meditation, and sound meditation. I look forward to working with our inaugural volunteer organizations, the NewRock Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction and Top Teens of America, to move this initiative forward.”

“The NewRock Chapter is excited to partner with Commissioner Sherri Washington and Rockdale County Administration to ensure that residents, especially those living in food deserts, have access to healthy food options,” said Charnita V. West, president of the NewRock Chapter of the Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD), Inc. and Top Teens of America. “Ladies and Teens of the NewRock Chapter are committed to building stronger communities through our five programmatic thrusts, including community partnerships and beautification. Collaborating on this worthwhile initiative will allow us to answer our national call for ‘Continuity in Action,’ where we plan and implement service projects that are consistent and long-lasting.”

This funding is part of a larger $43.1 million investment by the USDA FSA through the American Rescue Plan Act for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. This initiative aims to strengthen the food supply chain and transform the food system into a fairer, more competitive, and more resilient one. The investment will also support food-insecure communities and aid producers in regions where FSA has historically had limited presence.

Rockdale County is excited to use these funds to enhance our local agricultural initiatives, contribute to the resilience of our food system, and meaningfully support our community. We look forward to collaborating with the University of Georgia and the USDA FSA to achieve these goals.

For more information, please contact: Andre Thomas at Andre.Thomas@Rockdalecountyga.gov or Commissioner Washington at Sherri.Washington@rockdalecountyga.gov

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ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

June 5^th, 2024

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County Fire-Rescue (RCFR) will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Fire Station #10, located on the north side of Rockdale County. The event will occur on Monday, June 10, at 11 a.m. at 3100 Highway 138, NE, Conyers, Ga. The entire Rockdale County community is encouraged to join in the celebration as we mark the completion of fire coverage across all county sections.

The ribbon-cutting event will feature a fun and welcoming atmosphere with refreshments, a bouncy house for children, and blood pressure checks for those in need. Fire Station #10 will be staffed with new graduates and veteran firefighters, reflecting the county’s growth in this critical area. Residents of the north side of Rockdale County can expect faster response times, state-of-the-art equipment, and the quality customer service that RCFR is known for.

Chief Marian McDaniel of RCFR said, “The community has been in need of this fire station, and we’re glad it is finally here so we can do the work to assist and protect this community. We will bring the same attitude to Fire Station #10 as all our stations. Our motto is ‘Excellence beyond our standards and service beyond your expectations,’ we’ll have an even better opportunity to live up to that with the opening of Fire Station #10.”

Join us at the celebration on June 10! For more information, please contact Rockdale County Fire-Rescue at 770-278-8401.

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ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

May 1^st, 2024

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County Probate Court Chief Judge Gary Washington and Conyers-Rockdale Library System Library Services Director Brenda Poku have announced the “Behind the Bench: A Speaker Series on Probate Court Functions and Services.” The five-part series addresses various probate court-related topics, from wills and estate planning to guardianships and orders to apprehend.

Aligned with Law Day, the series aims to explain complex legal concepts through expert presentations and a panel discussion, promoting access to essential probate court functions and services. All events are free and open to the public.

The “Unlocking Legal Insights: A Law Speaker Series” will be hosted at the Nancy Guinn Public Library at 864 Green Street, Conyers, Georgia. The schedule for the series is as follows:

• In the Land of Probate: A ‘Mr. Rogers’ Inspired Overview of the Rockdale County Probate Court Services and Initiatives

Date: June 8, 2024

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

• In Safe Hands: A Basic Guide to Guardianships and Conservatorships

Date: July 13, 2024

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

• Legacy Planning: Navigating the Basics of Wills, Estate Planning, and Funeral Preparation for Peace of Mind

Date: Saturday, August 10, 2024

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

• Untangling the Estate: A Basic Guide to Estate Administration

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

• From Court Orders to Access: A Panel Discussion on Adult Emergency Mental Health Resources Available in Rockdale County

Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

“We are excited to collaborate with the Conyers-Rockdale Library System to offer this informative and much-needed speaker series to the community,” said Judge Washington. “These events allow individuals to learn more about the Probate Court and its vital functions.”

Director Brenda Poku added, “Affiliation with the Rockdale County Courts ensures that our services are interconnected with the local legal system and resources available in the library. This association strengthens the credibility and reliability of our resources and services. Overall, our efforts aim to provide free professional services through the Law Library series by addressing the legal needs of our community, contributing to the overall well-being and empowerment of its citizens.”

For more information on the law speaker series, please contact Eliott Mosely at (770) 388-5040, ext. 117, or email emosely@conyersrockdalelibrary.org.

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ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County achieved a significant milestone on April 19, 2024, as officials, alongside county staff and distinguished guests, celebrated the groundbreaking of the County Judicial and Administrative Complex (JAC) in downtown Conyers. Marking the largest capital investment in the County’s history, the project encompasses a new Courthouse linked with existing courts and a modern Administration building aimed at consolidating numerous County support services.

“This project is monumental, and it’s crucial for all of us to ensure its success as it progresses,” remarked County Commission Chair Oz Nesbitt.

The JAC initiative addresses the urgent need to refurbish and enhance aging infrastructure while implementing substantial security upgrades, expanded parking facilities, improved accessibility, and enhanced public waiting areas. Additionally, the merging of services within the new complex is expected to streamline operations and maintenance.

“This investment reflects the County’s commitment to providing optimal working conditions for its employees,” noted Conyers Mayor Vince Evans. “It will enhance efficiency and morale among staff, ultimately benefiting the citizens of Conyers and Rockdale County.”

The renovation of the Courthouse Annex building is integral to the project. It will retain the project’s historic elements while providing modern amenities.

“In addition to enhancing safety and accessibility in judicial and law enforcement services, the new complex pays homage to our county’s legacy,” emphasized County Chief Operating Officer and JAC Project Manager Sue Sanders. “It serves as a source of pride, blending historical preservation with state-of-the-art facilities.”

The groundbreaking ceremony attracted representatives from various levels of government, the business community, partner organizations, and engaged citizens. Construction will commence in the summer and be completed in early 2027.

Chairman Nesbitt concluded, “Rockdale County extends gratitude to its citizens for their unwavering support in realizing this vision.”

The County has hosted one community session and three sessions focused on trade opportunities and engagement with the project. For more information, visit www.ReimagineRockdale.com.

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