Church honors pastor-turned-bishop
Week of services celebrates Divine Faith's leader
Battle, a Clayton County resident, is the spiritual leader for Divine Faith Ministries International, located at 9800 Tara Blvd., in Jonesboro. To celebrate his new title, the church is hosting a week-long consecration celebration through Friday, Aug. 24.
Students favor ‘New Meal Pattern’
Updated lunch menus are ‘mmm, mmm good’
Kindergartners at Arnold Elementary School walked quietly in a single-file line into the school cafeteria on a sunny Tuesday. A few fidgeted, some rubbed their stomachs and licked their lips, salivating from the aromas that filled the lunchroom.
Bizzy Sellin’ Honey
What started out as a hobby, now a profit-making venture for husband and wife team
Handling thousands of swarming insects is not for everybody. But for Henry County residents Rodney Lane and his wife, Fran, tending to 85,000 buzzing honeybees is a joy — and profitable.
Scores show up at Chick-fil-A back-to-school soiree
County residents ignored the high temperatures and high humidity Saturday to attend the annual Chick-fil-A back-to-school bash.
Grandparents raising grandchildren a growing trend
Local organizations offer support services to grandparents
These organizations help households like the Howllingtons and the Platts, which are sometimes referred to as grandfamilies — families headed by grandparents and other relatives, who share their homes with their grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and/or other related children. According to some national estimates, more than 6 million children across the country live in households maintained by grandparents or other relatives.
‘Knowing Your Community’
Residents lack information on free services
Many Southern Crescent families face tough choices, watch their dollars and cut costs wherever they can. There are many families who could use a little assistance, but a helping hand in Clayton and Henry counties can be hard to find.
Old-School artists rock the Southern Crescent
City hosts second concert series
SOUTHERN CRESCENT—Scores of Henry, Clayton and metro Atlanta residents, braved the sizzling heat -- and even a bit of rain -- Saturday, to attend the second installment of the City of Riverdale’s South City Concert Series.
Clayton, Henry small ministries making big impact
Driving through Clayton and Henry counties, you can see a church building on practically every corner.
Henry and Clayton residents learn to count stitches
Crocheting is a pastime enjoyed by a large number of Henry and Clayton County residents who not only found a relaxing way to pass the time and a social activity to enjoy with friends, but also create a few heirlooms along the way.
Healthy Bodies: Parks & Rec keeping youth active
JONESBORO — Reise McDaniel, 18, has been attending Clayton County Parks and Recreation summer camp “All For One” from the time he was 6 years old.
CRCT school level results down in math
Clayton County Public Schools’ elementary and middle-school students saw low scores in math on this year’s Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCTs), particularly in the key, promotional grades — third, fifth, and eighth, according to data released by the Georgia Department of Education.
Trotter sounds off on Heatley
John Trotter, president of the Metro Association of Classroom Educators (MACE), is speaking out once again against Clayton County School Superintendent Edmond Heatley. This time Trotter is saying the district will be better off without him.
Low turnout at Riverdale’s tax hearing
Not many residents showed up Wednesday to voice their opinion about the city’s intent to raise property taxes. In fact only two concerned citizens were present at the Riverdale City Hall public hearing sessions.
More therapy, less bullying
layton County Public Schools are failing when it comes to addressing the issue of bullying, according to a Christian counselor who has dealt with students for 10 years.
Riverdale eyes tax hike
Residents get a chance to argue increase
Riverdale residents will have a chance to chime in today on the city’s plans to increase property taxes.
Bad vision affecting student learning
Doctors say eye health can be crucial to a child’s education. For that reason, one local eye doctor is giving parents the opportunity to schedule an eye exam before school is back in session.
Georgia high school students lagging in math
According to a recent report released by the Georgia Department of Education, students across the state struggled in mathematics 2 on the 2012 EOCT, a minuscule decrease of 1 percent from the previous year.
Riverdale’s concert series begins on a high note
Thousands of people from across metro Atlanta were on “Fire” to attend the first installment of the City of Riverdale’s South City Concert Series. “We turned Riverdale out,” said Cie Cie McGhee, the city’s marketing and events specialist.
Clayton school approves $335.83 million budget
The Clayton County Board of Education approved the school district’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2013, on Monday, after weeks of deliberations, public hearings and exhaustive efforts to cut costs.
Several district schools getting upgrades
Cephus Jackson, chief of operations for the Clayton County School System, said plans are already in the works to renovate several schools, and it’s carrying a very hefty price tag.
Henry, Clayton students share their CNN experience
Students from Clayton and Henry counties are participating this week in the seventh annual “Leadership Unplugged: CNN Experience,” which gives selected high school juniors and seniors a taste of life in the media.
Fair play or foul pay?
Teachers union, school board at odds over Heatley’s family on payroll
John Trotter, president of the Metro Association of Classroom Educators (MACE), is not shy when it comes to expressing his displeasure with the Clayton County school board and the superintendent, and now he is expressing his concern over what he is calling nepotism.
No job cuts in Riverdale's budget
The Riverdale City Council will move forward with the city’s proposed, $11.7 million general fund budget for 2013.
CSU professor, Morrow student study alternative fuels
Instead of enjoying some fun in the sun, Morrow High rising senior Minh-Thu Phan has been spending her summer vacation studying the interactions between metal atoms and fuel alcohols. Clayton State University Chemistry Professor Jonathan Lyon and 2012 Clayton State chemistry graduate Patrick Drew have been working with Phan on her research project in the University’s Laboratory Annex Building — better known as The LAB.
Riverdale council members agree on name for park
After several exhausting debates and discussions over what to name the new multimillion dollar regional park in Riverdale, the city council has voted unanimously to name the park Riverdale Regional Park.
Seniors get tips on staying healthy
Clayton senior services host health expo
Scores of seniors got a lesson in healthy eating and a few summer recipes they can cook without using their stoves.
CLAYTON SCHOOL NOTEBOOK: June 20, 2012
District will make vote on final budget Monday
School board seals teacher’s fate
Tribunal’s recommendation to fire Vollmer upheld
The Clayton County Public School Board of Education has voted to uphold the tribunal recommendation to terminate Adamson Middle School teacher David Vollmer, who was accused of mental cruelty toward students with profound disabilities.
Clayton commissioner to honor Michelle Obama’s ancestor
The Clayton County Board of Commissioners will dedicate a monument honoring the life of Melvina Shields, the great-great-great-grandmother of First Lady Michelle Obama.
Local food bank wants to feed more families
Rev. Willie M. Simpson, of Evangelistic Ministries and Destiny International Foursquare Church, in Jonesboro, said she wants to make sure families are getting fed in the Clayton County.
‘Keeping hope alive’: Clayton residents enjoy a day of family, fun
Scores of Clayton County residents braved the sweltering heat to attend the seventh Annual Clayton County Marriage and Family Day. And to say that they seemed to enjoy themselves would be an understatement.
Georgia students excel on CRCT
Georgia students are making great strides on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT), as the 2012 state results indicate that more students are exceeding standards on the CRCT than last year, according to the results released Wednesday.
DOE launches workforce initiative
The Georgia Department of Education, recently launched the Georgia International Workforce Development Initiative (GWI), a multi-agency effort to promote job growth in international businesses with existing Georgia operations.
Clayton, Henry students achieve GMC academic honors
Georgia Military College Fairburn Campus announced the students from Clayton and Henry counties who have achieved academic distinction for the 2012 Spring Quarter.
Riverdale: Construction grant will buy playground equipment
The City of Riverdale was awarded a $20,000 construction grant from a national non-profit KaBOOM! The grant will allow for the city to purchase playground equipment for the city’s multi-million dollar regional park on Wilson Road. The news was revealed during Monday night’s City Council meeting.
District will offer fine arts program for K-12
For the first time, Clayton County Public Schools will expand its fine arts magnet program into its middle schools.
CSU welcomes new vice president for external relations
Kate Troelstra began her new position Monday as the new Vice President for External Relations, for Clayton State University.
‘Don’t be tardy with the books’: Clayton’s library late book fines increase
Those who fail to return library books in a timely manner will have to pay more in late fees come July. The Clayton County Library Systems are doubling the fees from 10 cents to 20 cents, each day the book is late.
Jonesboro nonprofit seeking funds
Restoration Job (rhymes with globe, as referenced in the Bible) is a full-service, multi-functional rehabilitative program specifically designed to assist ex-offenders re-entering society to “make a positive transition to a new life.” It services the Miami and Atlanta areas.
CSU’s Campbell retiring after 16 years
After serving Clayton State University for 16 years, Linda Campbell, assistant manager of business operations for the school’s The Loch Shop, will retire on June 30.
Clayton State receives USG funds
CSU help states initiative to graduate college students
Clayton State University received $636,200 in funding from the University System of Georgia, to help the state’s Complete College Georgia Initiative.
CSU president, dean top named top educators
Clayton State University President Dr. Thomas J. Hynes, and Dean of the College of Business Dr. Alphonso Ogbuehi, were named among the top 100 leaders in education in the Atlanta area, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle (ABC).
BOE rejects petition for charter school
It was evident, during a Clayton County board of education meeting Monday, that Artesius Miller has a passion to help the district’s youth. Miller stood before members of the board, Superintendent Edmond Heatley, and scores of educators, petitioning for board of education members to approve his charter school called Utopian Academy for the Arts. But they said no.
BOE proposes no pay raises for teachers
Tension arose from several Clayton County Public School teachers in a public hearing on Monday, as the board of education informed the boisterous crowd they are keeping teacher salaries the same for the 2012-13 budget fiscal year.
Riverdale named best playful city for youth
The City of Riverdale has earned recognition from national non-profit KaBOOM, as a 2012 Playful City USA community for its efforts to increase play opportunities for children.
‘STOP BULLYING’: Students at Pointe South Middle School are taking a stand against bullying
Boys and girls encompassing all grade-levels and ethnicities at Pointe South Middle recently posted a music video on YouTube, taking a stand against bullying.
CSU kick off first round of summer camps
The Clayton State University Athletics Department will have is first round of summer camps for Clayton County youth, starting next month.
‘Building Dreams’: Organizations partner to finish homes for seniors
The Jonesboro-based Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity finished construction on five homes at the Tara Oaks Housing Subdivision in Riverdale, allowing senior citizens an opportunity for homeownership.
Clayton State University’s Ludley retires
After dedicating 36 years to Clayton State University, Professor of English and Art History Dr. David Ludley, has decided to “pursue some other things I love: writing, painting, hiking, traveling, maybe even flying in a yellow biplane,” he said.
Three district high schools receive national ranks
Three Clayton County high schools have received bronze medals in the U.S. News & World Report’s national rankings for best high schools. They are: Jonesboro High, Lovejoy High, and Mount Zion High.