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 Ralph belongs to the Atlanta Writers Club and has written a mystery novel (unpublished) and is working on a second novel.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 public is urged to attend the forums, which will be held Monday at Oakhurst Elementary, Wednesday at Renfroe Middle and Thursday at the 4/5 Academy.
Planning your weekend? Consider the last wrestling match at the Academy Theatre, 'Annie,' student performances at the DeKalb School of the Arts, the Soapbox Derby and the Concert on the Square.
Here are 5 Things you need to know about today -- Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012.
The Wednesday market is open from 4-7 p.m. at Church and Clairemont.
From Justin Bieber to Clint Eastwood, stars have shown up in Decatur and Avondale Estates for film and TV shoots in the past year.
Need a new place but not interested in buying? Look at these rentals.
The Decatur High score is above the state and national average.
Here are 5 Things you need to know about today -- Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012.
Should schools serve chocolate milk? That's one question parents will be asked in the survey.
Bring your unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs to the Atlanta police departments between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Meet Tim Darnell, author of ”The Crackers: Early Days of Atlanta Baseball,” at 7:15 p.m. Monday at the Decatur Library.
Other residents reported thefts of coins, an iPhone and a wallet.
Companies in the Decatur area need sales associates, short order cooks, restaurant servers, certified nursing assistants and physical therapists.
The Bulldogs open regional play this Friday against Cedar Grove.
Meet Tim Darnell, author of ”The Crackers: Early Days of Atlanta Baseball,” at 7:15 p.m. Monday at the Decatur Library.
The K-5 charter school moved from Avondale Estates to Medlock Elementary School building.
The National Scholastic Press Association recognized Decatur HIgh junior Madelyn Carlson for a feature story about a student who worked on "The Walking Dead" television show.
Here are some of the top stories in Decatur/Avondale Estates Patch for the week of Sept. 16
Here are some of he most expensive homes for sale in Decatur.
A big celebration was held on the Decatur Square for DeeDee Trotter and Angelo Taylor.
