The Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton and Morgan Counties cover art

The Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton and Morgan Counties

The Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton and Morgan Counties

By: BG Podcast Network
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 Bringing you the top stories from the Morgan County Citizen and the Rockdale Newton Citizen2025 BG Podcast Network Art Economics Political Science Politics & Government
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  • Regional Job Fest set for Oct. 30 | Rising star Nicholas Jamerson to play Cultural Center Friday, Oct. 24 | Peachtree Academy students serve others through hunger outreach

    Regional Job Fest set for Oct. 30 | Rising star Nicholas Jamerson to play Cultural Center Friday, Oct. 24 | Peachtree Academy students serve others through hunger outreach
    Oct 17 2025
    EAST METRO Top Stories for October 17th Publish Date: October 17th     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 Friday, October 17th and Happy birthday to Alan Jackson I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal Regional Job Fest set for Oct. 30 Rising star Nicholas Jamerson to play Cultural Center Friday, Oct. 24 Peachtree Academy students serve others through hunger outreach Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on grass fed beef   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: INGLES MARKETS 1 STORY 1: Regional Job Fest set for Oct. 30    Looking for a job? The Regional Job Fest is back on Thursday, Oct. 30, at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Newton Campus, and it’s kind of a big deal. Dozens of employers—think Michelin, Piedmont Newton Hospital, and even the city of Covington—will be there, ready to hire. On-site interviews? Yep. Plus, there’s a “dress for success” closet if you need a quick wardrobe upgrade. Last year, over 500 people showed up, and with good reason. It’s a chance to connect directly with local industries. The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 8100 Bob Williams Pkwy. Pre-register online! STORY 2: Rising star Nicholas Jamerson to play Cultural Center Friday, Oct. 24 Nicholas Jamerson is carving out his place as one of Kentucky’s musical greats—or, as Whiskey Riff puts it, a “king of Kentucky music.” On Friday, Oct. 24, Jamerson and his band, The Morning Jays, will bring their soulful blend of country rock and bluegrass to the historic Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show kicking off at 7:30 p.m. Touring in support of his sixth album, The Narrow Way, Jamerson draws deeply from his Appalachian roots. Tickets? $35—grab them before they’re gone! STORY 3: Peachtree Academy students serve others through hunger outreach On Friday, Oct. 10, Peachtree Academy’s junior and senior students rolled up their sleeves and got to work, putting their faith into action through the school’s “Feeding the Hungry” project. Inspired by Isaiah 58:10—the students volunteered at The Giving Hands Food Pantry at Covington First United Methodist Church. They sorted canned goods, organized shelves, and prepped for the pantry’s next big distribution. It wasn’t just about stacking food—it was about serving with heart. 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: INGLES MARKETS 2 STORY 4: Truck driver charged in I-85 crash that killed Gwinnett family A Gainesville truck driver is facing charges after a horrific six-vehicle crash on I-85 in Jackson County that killed eight members of a Gwinnett County family. Kane Aaron Hammock, 33, has been charged with 12 counts, including eight for second-degree vehicular homicide and one for second-degree feticide by vehicle. The Georgia State Patrol said Hammock’s semi was following too closely and slammed into the back of a Dodge Grand Caravan, sparking a fiery chain reaction. The victims—three adults, five children—were reportedly headed to Tanger Outlets. It’s devastating. STORY 5: Newton school board approves TAN resolution in case of funding gap   Facing a potential funding gap thanks to delayed property tax collections, the Newton County Board of Education approved a plan to borrow up to $15 million through Tax Anticipation Notes (TANs). Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III didn’t sugarcoat it: “We’re at the mercy of tax revenues. This delay disrupts everything.” The issue? Tax bills went out late, and with a single due date of Dec. 20, the school system could run short on cash to cover expenses. Tax Commissioner Brent Bennett pushed back, saying the timeline complies with state law, but the school system isn’t taking chances. “We can’t risk being even a dollar short,” Bradley said. Break: And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on grass fed beef We’ll have closing comments after this.  Break: INGLES MARKETS 3 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 Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/ and https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/ Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you...
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    11 mins
  • Deputy Dash 5K is Saturday at speedway

    Deputy Dash 5K is Saturday at speedway
    Oct 10 2025
    Top Stories for October 10th Publish Date: October 10th 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 Friday, October 10th and Happy birthday to Van Halen I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal Deputy Dash 5K is Saturday at speedwayDowntown high speed chase ends in trafficking chargePiedmont Rockdale unveils state-of-the-art CT Machine Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting   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: INGLES MARKETS 10 STORY 1: Deputy Dash 5K is Saturday at speedway    This Saturday, EchoPark Speedway is the place to be. The Deputy Dash 5K kicks off with check-in at 7:30 a.m., race at 9. But this isn’t just another run—it’s personal. This year’s event honors 89 women who tragically lost their lives while running. Their names, along with #FinishTheirRun, are printed on every race shirt. Proceeds go to Haven House, supporting domestic violence survivors. Want to join? Head to hcsofoundation.org to register. STORY 2: Downtown high speed chase ends in trafficking charge A wild scene unfolded in Madison on Oct. 1 when a Greensboro man, Rondal Nathan Sims, 56, led Morgan County deputies on a high-speed chase through downtown—tossing bags of what appeared to be marijuana and meth out of his car window. It all started when Sims allegedly rolled through a stop sign near Monticello Highway and I-20. Deputies tried to pull him over, but Sims had other plans. He sped off, hit 105 mph, and even pulled into a driveway to fake them out before continuing down Main Street. Eventually, Deputy Christopher Goss stopped him at gunpoint near Bill Duvall Road. Along the way, deputies recovered two ounces of marijuana and nearly half a pound of meth. Sims now faces a laundry list of charges, including trafficking meth, reckless driving, and failure to obey traffic signals. STORY 3: Piedmont Rockdale unveils state-of-the-art CT Machine  Big news at Piedmont Rockdale: the hospital’s Radiology CT Department is getting a major upgrade with the installation of a GE Ascend CT machine—a nearly $1 million investment. What’s the big deal? Faster scans, sharper images, and less radiation exposure. Translation: safer, more accurate diagnoses for everything from routine checkups to complex cases. Bottom line? Better tools, better outcomes, and a healthier Rockdale County. 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: INGLES MARKETS 1 STORY 4: REGIONS CHAMPS! Morgan County’s volleyball and fast pitch softball teams just wrapped up their regular seasons—and both walked away as Region 2 AA champs. The Spike Dogs? Absolute dominance. Six straight region titles, no region match losses in six years, and a perfect 5-0 this season without dropping a single set. Unreal. Meanwhile, Coach Chad Pigg’s Lady Dogs crushed it, too. They clinched the title by shutting out Callaway twice—8-0 at home, then 10-0 on the road. Next up: the Spike Dogs start their state title defense at home Oct. 14, while the Lady Dogs head to Columbus Oct. 29 for their championship run. STORY 5: Delta Community celebrates grand opening of Conyers Branch  Delta Community Credit Union just cut the ribbon on its brand-new branch in Conyers, marking its first location in Rockdale County. Tucked into the Salem Gate Shopping Center at 1486 Old Salem Road SE, this is the credit union’s 34th branch overall—and a big deal for the 9,000 members living nearby. The nearly 5,000-square-foot space features two 24-hour ATMs (fancy ones that double as tellers) and a team of 10 ready to help. After 85 years, Delta Community’s still all about service. Break: And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting We’ll have closing comments after this.  Break: INGLES MARKETS 2 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 Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/ and https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/ Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa ...
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    10 mins
  • RCPS graduation rate increases, tops state for third consecutive year

    RCPS graduation rate increases, tops state for third consecutive year
    Oct 3 2025
    Top Stories for October 3rd Publish Date: October 3rd    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 Friday, October 3rd and Happy birthday to Stevie Ray Vaughn I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal RCPS graduation rate increases, tops state for third consecutive yearLions Club Fair Comes To Town Oct. 7 To 11Reeling in history: UGA documents two new species of bass Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on cereals  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: INGLES MARKETS STORY 1: RCPS graduation rate increases, tops state for third consecutive year Big news for Rockdale County Public Schools: the class of 2025 just hit a record-breaking graduation rate—89.52%. That’s the highest it’s ever been since Georgia started tracking the federally required four-year cohort rate. And, for the third year running, RCPS beat the state average, which sits at 87.2%. Not too shabby, right? Superintendent Shirley Chesser called it a team effort. Since 2012, RCPS has climbed over 13 points. Progress? Absolutely. But as Board Chair Sandra Jackson-Lett put it, “A diploma’s just the start.” STORY 2: Lions Club Fair Comes To Town Oct. 7 To 11 With the crisp fall air finally rolling in, it’s time for a local favorite—the Madison Lions Club Fair, running Oct. 7–11. Perfectly timed with Morgan County Charter Schools’ fall break, the fair will light up 1311 Fairgrounds Road with rides, games, and, of course, those famous Lions Club burgers sizzling on the flat top. Hours? Tuesday through Thursday, 6–10 p.m.; Friday, 6–11 p.m.; and Saturday, 1–11 p.m. Tickets are $3 for adults, $1 for kids, with unlimited ride armbands for $25—or snag the $20 Wednesday special. This isn’t just about fun, though. It’s the Lions Club’s only fundraiser, with every dollar going back into the community for vision care, scholarships, and more. The week kicks off early with the Morgan County 4-H bake-off on Oct. 6, followed by the 4-H cattle show and School Night on Oct. 7, where local students can get in free with school coupons. STORY 3: Reeling in history: UGA documents two new species of bass Turns out Georgia’s rivers have been hiding a couple of secrets: two new species of black bass. Yep, Bartram’s bass and Altamaha bass are officially their own thing now, thanks to years of work by a team of UGA ecologists. Bartram’s bass? Think light gold with dark blotches, a pinkish fin, and those striking red eyes rimmed in gold. Altamaha bass? Similar vibe, but swap the pink for orange and add olive edges to the scales. Gorgeous fish, really. But here’s the kicker: their habitats are under threat—dams, sediment, and hybridization are messing things up. 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: INGLES MARKETS STORY 4: Brian Snitker out as Braves' manager, will transition into advisory role After months of whispers and “will he, won’t he” debates, Brian Snitker finally made it official: he’s stepping out of the dugout. Starting in 2026, the longtime Braves manager will take on an advisory role, capping off a career that’s been nothing short of remarkable. Oh, and he’s getting inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame next year—because, of course, he is. From inheriting a struggling team in 2016 to leading them to a World Series title in 2021, Snitker’s journey has been one of grit, heart, and a whole lot of baseball. But now? He’s ready for a slower pace—more time with his grandkids, fewer sleepless nights worrying about lineups. As for what’s next for the Braves? That’s the big question. Bench coach Walt Weiss seems like the obvious choice, but names like David Ross and Mark DeRosa are floating around too. One thing’s for sure: whoever steps into Snitker’s shoes has some big cleats to fill. STORY 5: National Faith and Blue events this weekend This weekend, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with local faith groups and community organizations for National Faith and Blue Weekend, a nationwide effort to strengthen ties between law enforcement and the people they serve. The events, are all about connection—building trust, fostering unity, and, honestly, just bringing folks together. Here’s what’s happening: Saturday, Oct. 4 It’s Fall Y’all Festival: 10 a.m., Legion Field, 3173 Mill St. Think music, games, vendors, and even a slingshot and bike show. Car Show: 3 p.m., The Church Covington, 11975 Ga. Hwy 142. Sunday, Oct. 5 Corporate Prayer: 4 p.m., Historic Square, Covington. A powerful ...
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    13 mins
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