The sounds of the West African kora are enchanting audiences and weaving new cultural connections throughout the United States.

 

In Worcester, Massachusetts, virtuoso Bassekou Kouyate and his group Ngoni Ba thrilled attendees at the Prior Performing Arts Center with their blend of African blues and vibrant rhythms this February.

 

Madou Sidiki Diabaté, a master from Mali, brought the soulful traditions of the Mandinka to The Bitter End in New York City in July, sharing profound music steeped in history.

 

In the Midwest, Sean Gaskell introduced Wisconsin’s Verona Public Library to the kora’s legacy and music this September, gifting the community an immersive glimpse into African heritage.

 

These events celebrate the rising appreciation for kora music, as its intricate melodies and stories find new audiences across America.

Tony Lucas, a lifelong Conyers resident, has announced his retirement after nearly 40 years of committed public service.

 

Lucas started with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office in 1977 and joined the Conyers Police Department in 1984, eventually rising to Chief of Police.

 

In 2016, he became City Manager, steering transformative projects and guiding the city through periods of growth.

 

One of his defining moments was leading Conyers through the 1996 Olympics, ensuring robust security at the Georgia International Horse Park.

 

Known for his collaborative spirit, Lucas championed partnerships and elevated the city’s profile.

 

Mayor Vince Evans described Lucas as a stable, knowledgeable presence in city government.

 

Lucas’s retirement takes effect May 31, 2024, marking the close of a significant chapter as Conyers prepares to select its next leader.

Rockdale County will launch its annual ‘Bring One for the Chipper’ event, inviting residents to recycle live Christmas trees in an environmentally friendly way.

 

The program runs from January 3 to January 10, 2026, at the Rockdale Recycling Center on 1200 Sigman Road, with drop-offs accepted daily between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

 

Residents should remove all decorations, lights, tinsel, and stands before bringing their tree for recycling.

 

The first 50 residents who pre-register and deliver a tree on January 3 will receive a complimentary seedling, courtesy of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Choices include White Oak, Bald Cypress, or Catalpa, subject to availability.

 

To secure a seedling, email your name, phone number, and desired species to kcrb@rockdalecountyga.gov.

 

All trees will be chipped and repurposed for local projects, helping to reduce landfill waste and benefit the community.

Rockdale County residents have faced ongoing trash collection delays after B&B Sanitation’s two main trucks suffered mechanical breakdowns in late November.

 

The disruption left all 2,400 customers without service for a week, prompting frustration throughout the community.

 

While owner Betty Burgess responded swiftly by hiring a third-party hauler and updating customers, some—like Indida Birto—still experienced missed pickups into last week.

 

These service gaps have cost the company up to 400 customers and about $10,000 in disputed charges.

 

Burgess pledged both trucks will be back on the road by Monday, reaffirming a strong commitment to resolving the issues.

 

In the meantime, B&B Sanitation is issuing account credits and personally reaching out to impacted customers, urging locals to report any lingering problems directly.

Olde Town Conyers celebrates both its storied past and vibrant present, drawing residents and visitors into the heart of Conyers, Georgia.

 

This lively district comes alive for the 45th Annual Olde Town Fall Festival on October 18, 2025, with over 100 vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities, and the popular Children’s Business Fair at Randal S. Mills City Center Park.

 

Free admission and parking make it an essential family outing in Rockdale County.

 

Adding excitement, B-Side the Tracks Brewing Co. will soon open at 909 Commercial Street NE, offering house-made beers, craft cocktails, and a menu of artisan pizzas, burgers, and weekend brunch in a welcoming, neighborhood setting.

 

The historic 969 South Main Street is also being transformed into a Community Access Group program, providing growth opportunities for special needs adults—highlighting the district’s inclusive spirit.

 

Olde Town Conyers stands as a dynamic hub where history, hospitality, and community innovation seamlessly blend.

The Rockdale County Bulldogs powered past the Miller Grove Wolverines 39-33 at Reid Stadium, fueled by a balanced offensive surge on Friday night.

 

Quarterback Deontae Burtts led with 139 passing yards, two touchdowns, and added 35 rushing yards plus another score — his top air attack since August.

 

Running back Cameron Watkins piled up 162 total yards, igniting a Bulldogs’ ground game that thundered for 261 rushing yards, far outpacing Miller Grove’s 56.

 

Miller Grove’s Thomas Winston battled hard, throwing for 151 yards and a touchdown and gaining 56 yards rushing on just five carries.

 

Rockdale County’s victory lifts them to 2-0 as they prepare to visit the Alcovy Tigers this Friday, eyeing a third straight win.

 

Miller Grove, now 2-1, will look to regroup against the Heritage Patriots at home, as local football fans gear up for another action-packed weekend.

Conyers, Georgia is confronting ongoing health worries after the September 2024 fire at the BioLab chemical plant.

 

Independent environmental activist Scott Smith found elevated dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during his tests, contradicting official statements that minimized contamination risks.

 

Smith, recognized for his Deepwater Horizon work, responded to local pleas and gathered samples from soil, water, and debris.

 

Certified lab results revealed hazardous compounds, sparking concerns about the thoroughness of the initial response.

 

The EPA reportedly dismissed Smith’s findings, and documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act indicate a possible effort to suppress independent results.

 

Residents such as Cheryl Garcia, who faced health issues, urge further testing and accountability.

 

BioLab has ceased manufacturing but continues as a distribution hub, while cleanup negotiations persist and legal actions mount against the company.

 

Smith’s whistleblowing highlights the need for transparency and rigorous health evaluations in the wake of environmental disasters.