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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  • Rockdale River Trail project to be adjusted | Covington stormwater discussion stirs controversy | Annual Pancake Breakfast Brings 'Christmas Magic' To Students

    Rockdale River Trail project to be adjusted | Covington stormwater discussion stirs controversy | Annual Pancake Breakfast Brings 'Christmas Magic' To Students
    Dec 19 2025
    EAST METRO Top Stories for December 19th Publish Date: December 19th     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, December 19th and Happy birthday to Al Kaline I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal Rockdale River Trail project to be adjustedCovington stormwater discussion stirs controversyAnnual Pancake Breakfast Brings 'Christmas Magic' To Students Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats   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: Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 1: Rockdale River Trail project to be adjusted   After hearing from the community, the Rockdale Board of Commissioners is tweaking the Rockdale River Trail project to better reflect residents’ concerns. They received 60 comments—58 from public meetings and two via email or mail. The feedback? A mix: 12 in favor, 41 opposed, and a handful offering conditional or neutral input. “These perspectives have been crucial in shaping our next steps,” the Board said. What’s next? A new environmental study, letters to affected residents, and another Town Hall once plans are updated. STORY 2: Covington stormwater discussion stirs controversy  Things got heated at the Dec. 15 City Council meeting over a proposal to add the city’s stormwater charge to monthly utility bills. Council member Jared Rutberg argued it’d be easier for residents to pay in smaller chunks rather than one big bill in May. Plus, he said, it might finally get the Newton County Board of Commissioners and Board of Education to pay up—neither has historically paid the charge. But not everyone was on board. Council member Charika Davis didn’t hold back. “It’s a slap in the face,” she said, adding that residents should have the right to refuse the charge. City Attorney Frank Turner suggested litigation might be the only way to force the county and school board to pay, as they claim the charge is a tax, not a fee. The council ultimately tabled the decision, opting to discuss it further in a closed session. STORY 3: Annual Pancake Breakfast Brings 'Christmas Magic' To Students    It was all pancakes, syrup, and holiday magic at Morgan County High School’s annual Special Needs Pancake Breakfast. Red and green pancakes? Check. Santa Claus? Absolutely. Even The Grinch (played by Tim Reynolds) made an appearance—though he couldn’t steal the smiles. Over 80 students from Morgan and Greene counties came together for a morning full of laughter, Christmas cheer, and, let’s be honest, way too much syrup. Big thanks went to Chase Stevens with State Farm for sponsoring, plus HOSA, TAPP, and Chef Tolbert’s culinary students for making it all happen. 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: Covington inks $100 million water agreement with Amazon    After two years of back-and-forth, the city of Covington has struck a $100 million deal with Amazon to build a water reuse facility for its massive Alcovy Road data center. The kicker? Once it’s built, the city will own and operate the plant, charging Amazon to use recycled water to cool its data center. The City Council approved the deal Monday night, voting unanimously on four related agreements. Mayor Fleeta Baggett emphasized that protecting residents’ water supply was non-negotiable. Amazon’s project, spanning 430 acres, will also pump $80 million into local infrastructure over the next five years. STORY 5: Two Shot At Meadow Ridge Party During Brawl Over a Butt Slap An Eatonton man, Tobias Horrez Farley, 44, is in custody after a chaotic brawl at a party on Meadow Ridge Road left a Madison couple shot early Sunday morning, Dec. 14. And the reason? A butt slap. “It’s a mess,” said Detective Sgt. Andre Johnson, who’s still piecing it all together. “We don’t know if the shots were intentional, accidental, or if more than one gun was involved.” Here’s what we know: Farley and his girlfriend got into it with a married couple—her cousin and his wife—after the cousin playfully slapped Farley’s butt. Things escalated fast. Words were exchanged, a gun was flashed, and by 2:30 a.m., fists were flying. The fight ended with the wife shot in the chest and arm, and her husband hit below the chest. Both are stable, but the details are murky. Three guns were recovered—Farley’s, his girlfriend’s, and one belonging to the female victim. Break: And now here is Leah ...
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    12 mins
  • Alcovy HS Chorus to present ‘A Heartfelt Christmas’ | Christmas Parade Through Downtown Madison This Saturday | Piedmont Newton named Maternity Care Access Hospital

    Alcovy HS Chorus to present ‘A Heartfelt Christmas’ | Christmas Parade Through Downtown Madison This Saturday | Piedmont Newton named Maternity Care Access Hospital
    Dec 12 2025
    EAST METRO Top Stories for December 12th Publish Date: December 12th     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, December 12th and Happy birthday to Frank Sinatra I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal Alcovy HS Chorus to present ‘A Heartfelt Christmas’Christmas Parade Through Downtown Madison This SaturdayPiedmont Newton named Maternity Care Access Hospital Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on milk   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: Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 1: Alcovy HS Chorus to present ‘A Heartfelt Christmas’   Mark your calendars: the Alcovy High School Chorus is bringing all the holiday feels with “A Heartfelt Christmas” on Dec. 19 at Ebenezer United Methodist Church (2555 Stanton Road, Conyers). Doors swing open at 1:30 p.m., and here’s the best part—admission? Totally free. No tickets, no fees, just music that’ll probably make you tear up a little (or a lot). So, grab your family, your friends, or even that neighbor you’ve been meaning to catch up with, and come soak in the magic. It’s Christmas, after all—why not make it a little more special? STORY 2: Christmas Parade Through Downtown Madison This Saturday  Downtown Madison is about to feel like a Hallmark movie come to life on Saturday, Dec. 13. The annual Holiday Parade kicks off at 4 p.m., and then it’s all about Caroling by Candlelight in Town Park from 5 to 7 p.m. This year’s parade theme? “Here We Come A-Caroling.” Expect floats decked out in holiday cheer, horses, classic cars, local groups, and, of course, the Morgan County High School Marching Bulldog Band. Oh, and Christine Lambert is this year’s Grand Marshal—she’ll be leading the way. After the parade, grab some hot cocoa and head to Town Park. There’ll be carols, the Mayor’s Christmas tree lighting, marshmallow roasting, and even Santa and Mrs. Claus. And the music? The Missile Toes—a local band with a swing-meets-Rockabilly vibe—will reimagine Christmas classics with a high-energy twist. It’s free, it’s festive, and it’s Madison at its best. Don’t miss it. STORY 3: Piedmont Newton named Maternity Care Access Hospital    Piedmont Newton Hospital just earned a big nod from U.S. News & World Report as a Maternity Care Access Hospital—an honor that highlights hospitals providing critical maternity services in underserved areas. This isn’t just a shiny title. It’s about keeping communities from becoming maternity care deserts, where families might otherwise struggle to find the care they need. Out of 900 hospitals evaluated nationwide, only 147 made the cut—just 16%. The recognition is based on hard data—things like C-section rates, newborn outcomes, and breastfeeding support. It’s a reminder that access to safe, reliable maternity care isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential. 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 10 STORY 4: Downtown development project vote postponed    In a surprise twist, developers behind a controversial downtown Madison project yanked their zoning requests just minutes before Monday night’s city council meeting. The move left council members and residents—many ready to speak against the proposal—scrambling. “This is news to us,” said Councilman Eric Joyce, thanking attendees for showing up, no matter their stance. The project? A bold, three-story mixed-use complex on Hancock Street, dreamed up by Preston Snyder, who’s rebuilding after a fire destroyed his businesses. But critics, like Celia Murray of the Madison Historic Coalition, argue it’s too big, too modern, and a threat to the town’s historic charm. The debate resumes March 9. STORY 5: Rockdale SWCD Poster/Photo Contest award winners honored The Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District recently celebrated some seriously talented students with its annual poster and photo contests. This year’s theme, “Home is Where the Habitat Is,” encouraged students to explore the importance of natural and managed habitats in conservation efforts. From kindergarten to high school, kids across the district got creative, submitting posters and photos that showcased their unique takes on the theme. Winners? Oh, there were plenty. First-place entries earned $50, second place $30, and third place $20. Top entries now head to the state competition. The awards were handed out at the Rockdale County Board of Education meeting and The Wilson Academy ...
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    12 mins
  • Sheriff Levett vows full investigation into inmate's escape | Rec. Department Asks County To 'Front' $1.8 Million For New Turf To Make Madison A Travel Baseball 'Hub' | Mansfield Elementary celebrates with Book Parade

    Sheriff Levett vows full investigation into inmate's escape | Rec. Department Asks County To 'Front' $1.8 Million For New Turf To Make Madison A Travel Baseball 'Hub' | Mansfield Elementary celebrates with Book Parade
    Dec 5 2025
    EAST METRO Top Stories for December 5th Publish Date: December 5th     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, December 5th and Happy birthday to Walt Disney I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal Sheriff Levett vows full investigation into inmate's escapeRec. Department Asks County To 'Front' $1.8 Million For New Turf To Make Madison A Travel Baseball 'Hub'Mansfield Elementary celebrates with Book Parade Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on carrots   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 8 STORY 1: Sheriff Levett vows full investigation into inmate's escape   It’s a story straight out of a movie: an inmate, a hospital gown, and a 31-hour escape that had law enforcement scrambling. Timothy Shane, 52, managed to slip away from Grady Memorial Hospital early Monday morning during medical testing. Shackles off for the procedure, he bolted—on foot, no less. What followed was a chaotic spree: stealing an SUV (and a Glock inside), crashing it, then swiping a Pontiac near Mercedes-Benz Stadium. By the time he ditched that car at a Publix, he’d somehow called an Uber—without a phone—and vanished again. Shane’s escape, which authorities now believe was planned, started with a fake suicide attempt at the Rockdale County Jail. He was recaptured Wednesday morning, hiding in an abandoned house in Covington after a K-9 team tracked him down. Sheriff Eric Levett says the investigation is ongoing, with questions swirling about security lapses and how Shane coordinated his getaway. Shane, no stranger to trouble, faces a long list of charges, including drug and weapon offenses. For now, he’s back in custody, but his brief taste of freedom has left plenty of questions. STORY 2: Rec. Department Asks County To 'Front' $1.8 Million For New Turf To Make Madison A Travel Baseball 'Hub'  Morgan County’s shiny new $25 million rec complex, which opened this spring, is already dreaming bigger—$1.8 million bigger. The goal? Install artificial turf on the baseball fields and turn Madison into the travel baseball hub of east Georgia, potentially raking in millions over the next decade. The Rec Department asked the county to front the cash, promising to pay it back through sponsorships, rentals, and tournament profits. But the Board of Commissioners (BOC) hit pause, tabling the request for now. Local developer Walter Rabern made an emotional plea, calling the project a no-brainer. “This isn’t just about money,” he said, tearing up as he remembered his late son, Bennett, a talented young ballplayer. “These fields teach kids about life—teamwork, character, winning, losing. It’s an investment in our youth.” Rabern also pointed to the financial upside: more tournaments mean more visitors, which means more business for local hotels, restaurants, and shops. Still, not everyone’s on board. Commissioner Ben Riden noted some residents are fuming on social media, accusing the Rec Department of asking for $1.8 million to fix mistakes. “That’s just not true,” Riden said. “This is about making the fields more durable long-term.” Rec Director Lance Alexander argued the turf would save money over time—no more daily maintenance or costly regrading—and attract more tournaments by reducing rainouts. For now, the project’s future is uncertain, but Rabern urged the BOC to act. STORY 3: Mansfield Elementary celebrates with Book Parade    Mansfield Elementary just pulled off one of its most beloved traditions—the annual Book Parade—and, honestly, it was pure magic. Kids and teachers went all out, transforming into their favorite storybook characters with costumes that were funny, clever, and downright adorable. Leading the parade? None other than The Pride of Eastside drumline and the state champ Eastside Lady Eagles softball team. The whole thing was a whirlwind of dragons, fairytale heroes, and classic characters that felt like they’d leapt right off the page. 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 9 STORY 4: Madison’s Planning Board Recommends Approval for Controversial Apartment Proposal on Historic Town Square    After a summer fire gutted four businesses on Madison’s historic square, a bold new vision is taking shape—a three-story, mixed-use development that could bring life back to Hancock Street. On Monday, Madison’s Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) voted to recommend approval for a variance and ...
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    13 mins
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