ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

December 12, 2024

Rockdale County Issues Statement on Bio-Lab Fire Litigation

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – In response to the catastrophic fire that erupted on September 29, 2024, at the Bio-Lab facility in Conyers, Rockdale County has taken decisive legal action. The County retained the law firm of Napoli Shkolnik to file a lawsuit in federal court against Bio-Lab, Inc., KIK International LLC, and KIK Consumer Products Inc.

The complaint, filed in the Northern District of Georgia in October 2024, alleges various causes of action, including but not limited to violations of the Clean Air Act, negligence, public nuisance, and private nuisance. The legal proceedings are currently ongoing.

Rockdale County remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and the safety and well-being of its residents. While the County cannot provide detailed comments on the ongoing litigation, it assures the public that all necessary legal measures are being pursued to hold Bio-Lab and its related companies accountable for their actions.

Residents and members of the media are encouraged to direct inquiries regarding the status of the lawsuit to the County’s outside counsel at Napoli Shkolnik:

Shayna Sacks
SSacks@NapoliLaw.com

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate this legal process.

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ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

December 4, 2024

Rockdale Magistrate Court Swears in Newly Appointed Judge Sunny Mullins

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten recently announced the appointment of Sunny Mullins as an Associate Magistrate Judge, effective November 13, 2024.

As a new associate magistrate judge, Mullins’ primary responsibilities include handling on-call arrest and search warrant issuances after normal business hours and presiding over criminal matters as needed by the Magistrate Court.

“Judge Mullins brings an enthusiasm for service, passion for justice and commitment to the rule of law that perfectly aligns with the Court’s mission of justice for all, best court practices and abiding community connection,” Judge Aten says of Judge Mullins. “She has the right combination of temperament, legal and business acumen and life experiences to meet the rigors of a busy, but people first, legal forum like our Magistrate Court.”

With the caseload of the magistrate court growing and the high expectations of the court, it was important to Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten to thoughtfully expand the roster of judges to meet the demand of the court. Judge Mullins comes to Rockdale County as an accomplished attorney with nearly two decades of experience. She is a member of the Minnesota Bar Association, the Georgia State Bar Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. among several other prestigious organizations. Judge Mullins holds justice, fairness and community service as her guiding principles while taking on the role of Associate Magistrate Judge.

“I am deeply honored to accept the appointment as Magistrate Judge for Rockdale County. This role is not only a professional responsibility but a profound commitment to justice and the community I hold dear,” Judge Mullins says. “I pledge to serve with integrity, fairness, and a deep respect for the rule of law, ensuring that our justice system is accessible and equitable for all our residents. I am eager to bring my passion for the law and my commitment to public service to this new role, and I am dedicated to making a positive impact on the community that has given me so much.”

For more information, please contact Patricia Carreker at patricia.carreker@rockdalecountyga.gov or at 770-278-7800.

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ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Nov. 5, 2024

Rockdale County Commissioner Doreen Williams Recognized For Academic Achievement In Lifelong Learning Academy

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – The Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG or Georgia’s Counties) awarded county officials with certificates for completing requirements in the ACCG Lifelong Learning Academy. Recipients were presented with their achievement certificates during the 2024 ACCG Legislative Leadership Conference at The Classic Center in Athens-Clarke County. Williams was honored for successfully completing the Citizen Engagement Economic specialty track requirements in the Lifelong Learning Academy.

ACCG and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia have collaborated for more than two decades to provide county officials with supplemental training and educational tools in the Lifelong Learning Academy. With abundant courses from which they may choose, every county official has a tailor-made learning experience that allows them to excel in specific areas of expertise.

“The Lifelong Learning Academy is critical to educating county officials about the challenges they may encounter in public service,” said Dave Wills, ACCG Executive Director. “County leaders who prioritize furthering their education are better equipped to address those challenges and are assets to their communities. I commend Williams for her unwavering dedication to understanding her community.”

The Lifelong Learning Academy was created with input from county commissioners who identified courses based on the issues and decision-making challenges regularly faced by county officials. To ensure the course requirements and curriculum remain relevant and engaging, the ACCG Lifelong Learning Committee – comprised of county commissioners and staff from both ACCG and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia – meet regularly to review and adjust accordingly. Through this collaborative approach, the Lifelong Learning Academy has been successful in equipping county officials with the necessary skills to meet the needs of their constituents.

“The coursework offered by ACCG in the Lifelong Learning Academy covers a broad range of topics relative to the job of being a county commissioner,” said Commissioner Williams. “I have found the classes to be very professional and informative. In a number of different areas, including criminal justice and mental health, finance and revenue, arts and culture, economic development, and more, the instruction has helped me understand Rockdale County’s issues more clearly and given me ideas for solutions.”

ACCG is Georgia’s county association and works on behalf of county officials and their communities by providing public policy and legislative advocacy, leadership development, civic and community engagement initiatives, insurance and retirement programs that specialize in local government needs and other cost-saving programs. Formed in 1914 when county officials came together to help fund the state’s first highway department, ACCG today serves as a catalyst for advancing Georgia’s counties. For more information, visit www.accg.org.