• The Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton and Morgan Counties

  • By: BG Podcast Network
  • Podcast

The Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton and Morgan Counties

By: BG Podcast Network
  • Summary

  • Bringing you the top stories from the Morgan County Citizen and the Rockdale Newton Citizen
    2024 BG Podcast Network
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Episodes
  • Crossroads Baptist Church Gets Permit for Family Life Center
    Nov 14 2024
    EAST METRO Top Stories for November 14th Publish Date: November 14th    Commercial: From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to The Community Podcast. This Podcast brings you the top stories from the Rockdale-Newton Citizen and the Morgan Citizen.  Today is Thursday, November 14th and Happy birthday to Alec John Such ***11.14.24 - BIRTHDAY – ALEC JOHN SUCH*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty 1. Crossroads Baptist Church Gets Permit for Family Life Center 2. Safari Park Gets Open Approval For Event Facility 3. Newton County breaks ground for senior enrichment center Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on apples These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton, and Morgan Counties! Please like, follow, and subscribe. BREAK: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Geoff) STORY 1: Crossroads Baptist Church Gets Permit for Family Life Center Crossroads Baptist Church in eastern Newton County received approval for a conditional use permit to build a 10,000-square-foot family life center and special events facility. The facility will be used for religious education, recreation, and events like weddings and community meetings. Pastor Brandon Stanley emphasized its focus on children and youth activities. The county planning staff recommended approval with conditions, such as adhering to building requirements and managing outdoor events. The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the permit, recognizing the church as a valuable community partner. The church already has several existing buildings on its campus. STORY 2: Safari Park Gets Open Approval For Event Facility The Georgia Safari Conservation Park (GSCP) has launched its first phase, featuring exotic wildlife tours and unique lodging. The Morgan County Board of Commissioners granted approval for the park to host special events without needing future board approvals, allowing flexibility in development. The park plans to use luxury tents for smaller events and aims to build a permanent facility for larger gatherings of 100-300 people, along with an education center for conservation events. Initial public opposition has subsided, with traffic now routed through the main entrance. Supporters, like Matt Schulz, are enthusiastic about the park's potential for hosting events. STORY 3: Newton County breaks ground for senior enrichment center   Newton County held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new senior enrichment center at Denny Dobbs Park, funded by the 2023 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. The $4.5 million, 11,000-square-foot facility will feature meeting spaces, activity rooms, and outdoor areas, with completion expected by September 2025. Board Chairman Lanier Sims emphasized the center's role in honoring seniors, while Senior Services Director Freda Reed highlighted the growing demand for advanced programs. Commissioner Demond Mason and County Manager Harold Cooper praised the initiative as a sign of the county's commitment to its senior community. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We’ll be right back  Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME (08.08.24 WHEELER OBITS_FINAL)   STORY 4: Morgan County Wins Georgia Farm To School Award During the Morgan County Charter Schools Board of Education meeting on November 11, School Nutrition Director Kim Johnson and Teacher Jennifer Haynes were honored with the Georgia Farm to School Award for 2023-2024. This recognition highlights their efforts in integrating local agriculture into the school system, promoting healthy eating and educational opportunities related to farming and nutrition. STORY 5: Newton's Ted Neal Signs with Appalachian State Newton senior Davin "Ted" Neal signed a National Letter of Intent with Appalachian State University's men's basketball program. Neal, a 6-foot-6 wing and three-star prospect, is recognized as one of the top 50 players in metro Atlanta and a preseason all-state selection in Class AAAAAA. Appalachian State head coach Dustin Kerns praised Neal's versatility and fit for the community, noting his ranking as the No. 2 small forward prospect in Georgia. Neal's development under Newton head coach Barry Browner and Atlanta Xpress's Winfred Jordan has been significant. He joins Tre McKinnon and Jacari Brim in the Mountaineers' signing class. We’ll be back in a moment  Break: Ingles Markets 6 And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on apples ***INGLES 3 'ASK LEAH' APPLES*** We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: Morgan Medical (10.15.24 MORGAN MEDICAL CENTER 2_FINAL) Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Community Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the ...
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    12 mins
  • Public To Weigh In On Three-Month Detour Proposed for Old Mill Road
    Nov 10 2024
    GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 11/7– Published Friday 11/10   From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to your Georgia News Podcast. This podcast features stories compiled from the publications of Times Journal Inc.  Today is Sunday, November 10th and Happy birthday mlb Pitcher Kenny Rodgers ***11.10.24 - BIRTHDAY – KENNY RODGERS*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here is your top stories Georgia is talking about, presented by Drake Realty  Public To Weigh In On Three-Month Detour Proposed for Old Mill Road Republicans Maintain Majorities in General Assembly Property-Tax Relief Amendments Approved By Voters. What We Know We’ll have these stories and more, coming up on your Georgia News Podcast and If you want community, local, and statewide news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  Commercial: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Geoff) Story 1: Public To Weigh In On Three-Month Detour Proposed for Old Mill Road The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is seeking public feedback on a proposed three-month detour near Rutledge for the I-20 and Old Mill Road Interchange project. The detour aims to expedite construction by closing and replacing the Old Mill Road bridge over I-20, reducing construction time from 15 to 11 months. The 5.2-mile detour would use US 278 and Newborn Road. This project, part of broader infrastructure improvements, supports new developments in Morgan, Newton, and Walton counties. Public comments are open until November 29, with more information available online. Motorists should expect delays and check traffic updates via Georgia 511. Story 2: Republicans Maintain Majorities in General Assembly In Georgia's November 5 legislative elections, Democrats failed to reduce Republican majorities in the General Assembly. The GOP maintained its 33-23 Senate majority and 101-78 House majority, losing only one seat to an independent. Most incumbents were reelected, often unopposed. The closest Senate race was in District 48, where Republican Shawn Still won despite controversy. Several newcomers were elected, including Democratic replacements for retiring senators. In the House, close races occurred in minority-populated districts, but Republicans generally prevailed. The Georgia House and Senate will see new leadership as some minority leaders retire. Story 3: Property-Tax Relief Amendments Approved By Voters. What We Know A local referendum to reduce property taxes via a sales tax increase is expected in fall 2025. Georgia voters recently approved two statewide property tax-relief measures. Constitutional Amendment One, which limits property assessment increases to inflation rates, passed with 63% statewide and over 70% in Floyd County. Amendment Two, establishing a tax court, and Referendum A, increasing property tax exemptions for tangible personal property, also passed. Amendment One allows a 1-cent sales tax to offset property taxes, pending voter approval. If passed, this would provide tax relief starting in 2026. We’ll be right back  Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME (08.08.24 WHEELER OBITS_FINAL) Story 4: Cobb Transit Tax Defeated by Wide Margin Cobb County voters rejected a proposed 1% sales tax for public transportation, with 62% voting against it. The tax aimed to generate $11 billion over 30 years for transit improvements, but faced criticism for its length and timing. Anti-tax activists, like Lance Lamberton, argued it was fiscally irresponsible. Despite Democratic support, including Cobb Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, the measure failed, reflecting Cobb's conservative leanings. The defeat means the county's sales tax remains at 6%. The county will continue exploring transportation improvements, including a microtransit pilot program and state-planned toll lanes on I-285. Story 5: American Pickers' Is Coming To Georgia The documentary series "American Pickers" is set to film new episodes in Georgia this December. The show, which airs on the History Channel, follows expert pickers as they search for valuable antiques and unique stories. They're seeking leads on hidden treasures, focusing on private collections rather than public venues like stores or museums. If you have a unique item to sell, you can contact them via phone, email, or their Facebook page. We’ll be right back.  Break: Ingles Markets (Nutrition Questions) 5 Story 6: Reinhardt University to Host Veterans Day Celebration Reinhardt University is hosting a complimentary lunch for veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gordy Dining Center in Waleska. The event, "Lunch with a Veteran," will feature U.S. Army veteran and Reinhardt alumnus Ryan Neill as the guest speaker. Complimentary meal tickets are available for those with a military ID. This initiative is part of Reinhardt's Green Zone program supporting veterans. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP via email...
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    11 mins
  • Strickland wins fourth term in Georgia Senate
    Nov 7 2024
    EAST METRO Top Stories for November 7th Publish Date: November 7th     Commercial: Render Apartments (07.11.24 RENDER APARTMENTS_REV_FINAL From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to The Community Podcast. This Podcast brings you the top stories from the Rockdale-Newton Citizen and the Morgan Citizen.   Today is Thursday, November 7th and Happy birthday to Jim Katt ***11.07.24 - BIRTHDAY – JIM KATT*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty Strickland wins fourth term in Georgia Senate UGA study: Nearly 6% of pregnant women report marijuana use Sheriff Brown wins Newton with widespread support Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on food apps   These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton, and Morgan Counties! Please like, follow, and subscribe.   BREAK: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Geoff) STORY 1: Strickland wins fourth term in Georgia Senate Georgia Senator Brian Strickland, a Republican, won reelection for District 42, securing 58.24% of the vote against Democrat Kacy D. Morgan. Strickland dominated in Walton and Morgan counties, while Morgan narrowly won in Henry and Newton counties. Strickland, first elected in 2018, chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. In the House District 118 race, Republican Clint Crowe defeated Democrat Sharonda Bell with 66.78% of the vote. Crowe led in Butts and Monroe counties but trailed Bell slightly in Newton County. STORY 2: UGA study: Nearly 6% of pregnant women report marijuana use A University of Georgia study found that about 6% of pregnant women reported using marijuana in the last month, with many not recognizing its health risks. The study, published in The American Journal on Addictions, used data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Among users, 70.9% perceived little risk, despite links to low birth weight and neurodevelopmental issues. Most users were in their first trimester, possibly using marijuana for nausea relief. Lead researcher Mohammad Rifat Haider emphasized the need for education on marijuana's risks during pregnancy and suggested that doctors address misconceptions and screen for substance use, especially in states where medical marijuana is legal. STORY 3: Sheriff Brown wins Newton with widespread support   Incumbent Sheriff Ezell Brown won reelection in Newton County with 59.45% of the vote, defeating Republican challenger Justin Hipps. Brown, who carried most precincts, expressed gratitude for his fourth term, highlighting his commitment to justice and community. He praised the progress made in community programs and law enforcement practices. Brown also extended a conciliatory message to Hipps, emphasizing unity post-election. Hipps, an investigator with the Newton County District Attorney’s Office, campaigned on improving technology and staffing. He thanked supporters and valued the discussions initiated about the Sheriff's Office's future. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.      We’ll be right back     Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME (08.08.24 WHEELER OBITS_FINAL)    STORY 4: MORGAN RESULTS IN: Hooks and Kurtz Win, Majority of Voters Go For Trump In the 2024 election, Morgan County saw an impressive 82.3% voter turnout. Republican Tyler Hooks was elected as the new sheriff with 71.09% of the vote, while incumbent Republican Bill Kurtz retained his seat on the Morgan County Board of Commissioners with 82.36%. In the presidential race, 72.75% of Morgan voters supported Donald Trump, with Kamala Harris receiving 26.80%. Republican Mike Collins won 76.10% of the vote for the District 10 House seat, and Brian Strickland secured 76.15% for State Senate District 42. This election marked the highest turnout in a decade for Morgan County. STORY 5: Peachtree Academy Volleyball Players Earn Postseason Honors Three Peachtree Academy volleyball players received postseason honors for the 2024 season. Cora Bell Atha earned spots on both the all-state and all-region teams, excelling as a junior libero and leading the team in digs. Her teammates, Addison Robinson, a senior middle blocker, and Payton Scarborough, a sophomore outside hitter, were named to the all-region team. Robinson led the team in blocks, while Scarborough was the leader in kills. We’ll be back in a moment   Break: Ingles Markets (Night Snacking) 4 And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on food apps ***LEAH INTERVIEW*** INGLES 2 'ASK LEAH' FOOD APPS*** We’ll have closing comments after this.  Break: Morgan Medical (10.15.24 MORGAN MEDICAL CENTER 2_FINAL) Signoff-    Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Community Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger ...
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    11 mins

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