CEAST METRO Top Stories for June 20th Publish Date: June 20th Commercial: MORGAN MEDICAL 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, June 20th and Happy birthday to Brian Wilson I’m Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal Newton County approves budget; tax increase likelyAnnual Independence Day Picnic At Madison-Morgan Cultural Center AnnouncedCovington man charged in Conyers murder Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Soda 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: COPY CENTRAL STORY 1: Newton County approves budget; tax increase likely Newton County property owners may face a slight millage rate increase for 2025 after the Board of Commissioners approved a $143.6 million fiscal year 2026 budget, a 7.2% rise from last year. The general fund, up 9.2%, includes $3.7 million for employee compensation, $1.5 million for health insurance, and $1 million for bridge repairs. A millage rate of 8.6 is expected, raising taxes by $94 for a $300,000 home. Commissioner J.C. Henderson abstained from voting, citing concerns over a $1 million ABM debt payment. Other commissioners criticized abstentions, emphasizing the duty to vote on the budget. STORY 2: Annual Independence Day Picnic At Madison-Morgan Cultural Center Announced The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center (MMCC) will host its annual free Independence Day Concert and Picnic on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The event features live music by the Classic City Band, food trucks, Kona Ice, games, arts and crafts, and a table decorating contest. Festivities begin at 6 p.m., with the picnic starting at 7 p.m. Attendees can bring their own picnic or enjoy food on-site. Tables for eight are available for $200, with prizes for the best-decorated table. Sponsored by Georgia Pacific, the celebration takes place at 434 South Main Street, Madison. Call 706-342-4743 to reserve a table. STORY 3: Covington man charged in Conyers murder The Conyers Police Department charged Tamorris D'tron Tyler, 33, of Covington, with murder and firearm possession in connection with the June 13 fatal shooting of Dearrious Davenport, 30, on Janice Lane. Davenport was found dead at the scene. Tyler fled but was apprehended within six hours after a manhunt. The incident is linked to a June 14 shooting in the Forest Villa subdivision, where several vehicles, including one occupied by children, were damaged by gunfire. No injuries occurred, and a suspect in the second shooting remains at large. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers Atlanta for a reward. 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: MORGAN MEDICAL STORY 4: Newton schools budget includes pay increases for teachers, staff The Newton County School System’s FY 2026 budget includes an $8 million investment in teacher and staff compensation. Starting teacher salaries rise to $53,000, up $12,000 from five years ago, with targeted raises for experienced teachers to encourage retention. Classified staff, such as paraprofessionals and custodians, will see restructured pay scales. The $265 million budget, $16.9 million higher than last year, addresses staffing shortages and state-mandated health insurance and retirement costs. Local revenues are expected to grow by $2.9 million, driven by a 6% tax digest increase. The Board of Education will set the millage rate in July. STORY 5: Bluegrass And Gospel Duo Sensation Darin and Brooke Aldridge To Perform In Rutledge Tonight, don’t miss the free Rutledge Summer Concert Series featuring award-winning bluegrass duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge at the iconic gazebo stage in Rutledge’s City Park. The performance begins at 7 p.m., promising an unforgettable evening of bluegrass, gospel, and Americana music. Known for their accolades, including Brooke’s four IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year wins and Darin’s IBMA Mentor of the Year honor, the duo brings their celebrated sound to Rutledge for one night only. Bring lawn chairs, food, and coolers to enjoy this family-friendly event. The series continues every Friday through August at 113 Fairplay St., Rutledge. We’ll be back in a moment Break: ARTISAN MARKET And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Soda We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: Ingles Markets 4 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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Jul 11 202511 mins