Email: Ralph.ellis@patch.com
Phone: 404-234-8734
Hometown: Waynesville, N.C.
Birthday: July 31
Bio: Ralph Ellis is a veteran journalist who has lived in Decatur since 2007. He serves on the homeowner’s association board for the 335 West Ponce condo building in downtown Decatur.
Ralph has extensive experience as a writer and editor for newspapers in the Southeast. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 1990. He reported on a variety of subjects, such as a couple coming to grips with their son’s homosexuality, the high cost of local elections in North Fulton County, and a man who started a Kenyan orphanage for children with AIDS in honor of his late wife.
Ralph is married to Susan Puckett, the former food editor at the AJC.
He has three grown children, Robert, David and Julia.
When he’s not working, Ralph likes to walk, swim, read, and play with his greyhound, Laney. Ralph belongs to the Atlanta Writers Club and has written a mystery novel (unpublished) and is working on a second novel.
Ralph's Beliefs At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
I have moderate Democratic leanings, but I’ve voted for some Republicans.
Religion
I was raised a Methodist and am now a member of Kairos Church in Grant Park, which is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.
Local Hot-Button Issues
People in Decatur and Avondale Estates care deeply about quality of life issues, and that starts with the local school systems. Both towns have become magnets in recent years for couples with young children, so the emphasis on education will only increase.
Other issues people care about: Dogs, backyard farming, food and drink.
The old movie theatre in Avondale Estates has been empty for years. A new plan to revive the space surfaced and then died because an Alabama lawyer couldn't devote sufficient time to the project.
Authorities said a man stole an ambulance from Emory University Hospital with two paramedics in the back and sped away before crashing into a chiropractor's office on Church Street in Decatur.
Police said a pedestrian reported being robbed by a man with a stun gun at 4:45 a.m. in the 2800 block of East College Avenue.
By a 3-2 vote, the Atlanta Zoning Board voted to approve legislation that would eliminate adult businesses from Cheshire Bridge Road. Next stop: the Atlanta City Council on Monday.
By a 3-2 vote, the Atlanta Zoning Board voted to approve legislation that would eliminate adult businesses from Cheshire Bridge Road. Next stop: the Atlanta City Council on Monday.
By a 3-2 vote, the Atlanta Zoning Board voted to approve legislation that would eliminate adult businesses from Cheshire Bridge Road. Next stop: the Atlanta City Council on Monday.
Other stuff to do in and around Virginia Highland and Druid Hills: A church 'jumble sale,' a memorial bike ride, bands at Blind Willie's and the Family Dog and a free movie in Decatur.
Other stuff happening in and around Decatur and Avondale Estates: Book launch for 'A Place at the Table,' new novel by Susan Rebecca White; a free movie on the Decatur Square; music at Eddie's Attic; and Summerfest in Virginia Highland.
Thomas Van Soelen had interviewed to be the superintendent in the Cedar Falls School District. They hired a school superintendent from another Iowa district.
She said he was trying to open a side door about 11 p.m. He saw her inside and left.
Cross Keys' Aubury Webb may run as a Democrat. He says the nation needs to return to its values.
The city commission will meet Thursday night at Cafe Lily and all day Friday at Columbia Theological Seminary.
Patrick Cotrona, 33, was fatally shot Saturday night while walking down May Avenue, near the East Atlanta bar district. A friend was wounded.
Patrick Cotrona, 33, was fatally shot Saturday night while walking down May Avenue, near the East Atlanta bar district. A friend was wounded.
The store is offering space as an unofficial mini-precinct for the Atlanta police officers who will patrol the Beltline.
Looking for a condo but want the hominess that only a fireplace can provide? Check out these listings in Decatur and Avondale Estates.
Fred Boykin of Bicycle South is collecting used bikes for the refugee children who travel from Clarkston to Agnes Scott College for summer camp.
Seniors will have the pool to themselves 9-10 a.m.
