ATLANTA (AP) - Gov. Nathan Deal has appointed Judge Keith Blackwell to the Georgia Supreme Court effective July 19.

Blackwell will fill a seat left vacant by the pending departure of Justice George Carley, whose resignation becomes effective July 17.

Deal, a Republican, said the court will benefit from Blackwell's experience on "both side of the bench." Blackwell has worked as a judge on the Georgia Court of Appeals since former Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue appointed him in 2010. He's worked as a lawyer in civil practice and formerly was an assistant district attorney in Cobb County.

His appointment marks Deal's first for the state Supreme Court.

Carmel Elementary School will say goodbye to several retiring staff members at the end of this month as these ladies start their next chapter in life.  The four retiring teachers have a combined 118 years of experience between them.  Last week, the retiring staff members celebrated this milestone with many current and former colleagues, family, and friends. Carmel student reporters interviewed the retiring teachers about their history, what they like best about teaching, what their retirement plans are, and more.

Ms. Suzanne Hay by Student Reporter Emily Kozlowski

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Silverbacks have signed a veteran defender, making him the first new face to be added to the 2012 roster.

Martyn Lancaster is no stranger to Atlanta -- he played for the Silverbacks in 2007 and 2008, when the team was still part of the United Soccer Leagues. Last season, he competed with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, where he was voted Player of the Year.

RELATED: Silverbacks announce 2012 roster moves

"It's a great opportunity for us to bring in Martyn, who just finished a season as one of the key leaders on a team that went to the NASL championship game," said Silverbacks director of soccer Rodrigo Rios. "He is reliable and has good abilities, and I think he will help improve our defense tremendously."