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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12 mins