Episodes

  • Pastor Charles Prescott II: Hope in the Messy Middle — A Christmas Conversation About Calling, Grief, and Community – Episode 68

    Pastor Charles Prescott II: Hope in the Messy Middle — A Christmas Conversation About Calling, Grief, and Community – Episode 68
    Dec 16 2025
    There are some conversations that feel timely.Others feel important.And then there are those rare conversations that feel necessary.This episode of The Town Square Podcast—our Christmas special—falls squarely into that third category.As the year winds down and the calendar edges toward Advent, Gabriel and I sat down with Pastor Charles Prescott II, Senior Pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Covington—affectionately known by generations of members as “The Mac.” What unfolded was not just an interview, but a holy pause. A space to breathe. A place to name grief honestly, to talk about leadership without ego, and to rediscover hope—not as something loud or flashy, but as something faithful, steady, and often found in the smallest places.This was a conversation about calling—and what happens when you try to run from it.It was about institutions—the church, law enforcement, education—and how trust is built when faith in those institutions feels fragile.It was about grief—personal, communal, generational—and how it shows up most loudly during the holidays.And it was about hope—not as denial, but as disciplined remembrance of what God has already done.In other words, it was exactly the kind of conversation we believe belongs in the messy middle.A Pastor Who Didn’t Want to Be a PastorOne of the most compelling parts of Pastor Prescott’s story is that he never aspired to the title he now carries.“I didn’t want to be a pastor,” he said plainly—without bravado, without irony.For more than a decade, he ran from ministry. Twelve years, by his own account. Until his grandmother—wisely and lovingly—reminded him that sometimes when you keep running, you’re only circling the thing God has already assigned to you.That tension—between resistance and surrender—became a recurring theme throughout our conversation. Because many people listening right now aren’t running from a pulpit. They’re running from a hard conversation. A leadership role. A responsibility they didn’t ask for. A calling they feel unqualified to carry.Pastor Prescott’s journey—from Augusta to Atlanta, from youth ministry to bi-vocational leadership, from law enforcement to the pulpit—offers a powerful reminder: calling is rarely convenient, but it is persistent.From the Streets to the Sanctuary: A Leader in Two WorldsPastor Prescott doesn’t just lead a historic church. By day, he serves as the Chief of Police and Associate Vice President of Campus Safety at Morehouse College, his alma mater.That matters.Because few people understand the complexity of Black male leadership quite like someone who has lived on both sides of the institutional divide. He has investigated some of Georgia’s most high-profile cases. He has supervised in systems where trust is thin and scrutiny is constant. And yet, when he returned to Morehouse—back to a campus filled with young Black men—he was reminded of something essential.“These aren’t suspects,” he said.“These are sons. Scholars. Future leaders.”That re-centering reshaped how he pastors.It gave him language for bias—not as accusation, but as reality.It reinforced the importance of listening before correcting.And it shaped his conviction that leadership—whether in law enforcement or ministry—requires humility, patience, and emotional intelligence.You cannot lead people well if you only see them through your worst experiences.Stepping Into a Church Still GrievingWhen Pastor Prescott arrived at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in April, he didn’t step into a blank slate.He stepped into grief.The previous pastor had passed away—a beloved leader whose absence was still deeply felt. For more than a year, the congregation had existed without a shepherd. And anyone who has ever loved a church knows: when a pastor dies, the loss is not just professional—it’s deeply personal.“I walked into hurt,” Pastor Prescott shared.“And I had to work on the inside before we could ever focus on outreach.”That insight alone is worth sitting with.In a world obsessed with growth metrics, branding strategies, and outward impact, Pastor Prescott named a counter-cultural truth: sometimes the most faithful thing a leader can do is tend to wounds before chasing vision.In-reach before outreach.Presence before programs.Listening before leading.Authenticity Over PerformanceAt 147 years old, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church carries deep tradition—and with tradition comes expectation.Pastor Prescott didn’t dismiss that history. He honored it. But he also made something clear early on: authenticity matters more than performance.That means preaching with substance—not Saturday-night specials.It means sneakers with a suit when bunions demand it.It means sermons that can withstand Google fact-checks from the pews.“We’re in a generation that wants depth,” he said.“They want to know how this changes Monday.”It was ...
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Adam Harper: Protecting Us Online in the Age of Cybercrime & AI – Episode 67

    Adam Harper: Protecting Us Online in the Age of Cybercrime & AI – Episode 67
    Dec 9 2025
    There are certain episodes of The Town Square Podcast where you can feel — even before the mics get warm — that you’re about to learn something that will permanently change the way you look at the world. Episode 67 with Adam Harper, CEO and Owner of Relevant IT Services, is one of those conversations.It’s not often that cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and Newton County storytelling intersect, but when they do… man, buckle up. Because Adam doesn’t speak like the stereotypical IT guy hunkered over 12 monitors in a hoodie. He doesn’t talk down to people. He doesn’t hide behind jargon. He is, instead, one of those rare individuals who can take the incredibly complex world of digital threats, corporate hacking, AI evolution, and risk management — and translate it into stories, metaphors, and warnings that hit home for everyday people.This episode isn’t about selling IT support. It’s about keeping our community safe in a digital world many of us only thinkwe understand.And as Adam reminds us:“Cybercrime isn’t coming. It’s already here.”A Newton County Kid Who Grew Up to Secure the Digital WorldBefore we dove into ransomware and AI ethics, I wanted to know who Adam Harper is — and how Newton County shaped him.Adam was born in McDonough but spent nearly his entire life right here in Newton County. His first job was at Chick-fil-A (or as he called it, serving “Jesus Chicken” in Conyers). He graduated from Grace Christian Academy, attended church at Belmont Baptist, and grew up during a time when Covington didn’t yet have the restaurants, parks, and movie scenes we’re now known for.If you’ve ever wondered whether homegrown Newton kids can build nationally expanding tech companies — well, Adam is proof.He wasn’t the kid who dreamed of building servers in his basement. He wasn’t some coding prodigy. Like many of us, he grew up fixing his grandparents’ VCR, resetting the Wi-Fi, and helping his family with computers simply because he was “the guy who knew a little bit more than everyone else.”That little bit?It grew into a calling.From Sales to Cybersecurity: A Career That Found HimAdam didn’t begin in IT.He began in sales and account management, where he discovered something surprising:“A lot of people who can build and fix a computer can’t sell one.”That combination — the ability to understand technology and the ability to communicate with people — became his superpower.He eventually joined an IT company, learned it inside and out, and discovered that real IT isn’t about machines at all. It’s about people. Relationships. Trust.And trust is the currency of modern cybersecurity.IT isn’t just fixing printers anymore.IT is protecting:your bank accountsyour church databasesyour business operationsyour email and identityyour family’s digital footprintyour organization’s survivalWhen Adam realized he could build a company that prioritized people over products, solutions over sales pitch, and relevance over revenue… Relevant IT Services was born.And yes — I admit it right here in this blog — in the early days, I wasn’t sure about Adam. I thought he was trying to sell me stuff I didn’t need. I wasn’t sure if Relevant was relevant for me.Turns out, I was wrong.Turns out, he was exactly the guy we needed.What Makes Relevant IT Different? A Boutique Approach to Digital ProtectionOne of the most refreshing parts of this interview was hearing Adam explain why Relevant IT Services isn’t like other IT companies.Most IT providers:sell the same package to everyonepush products that give them higher marginsuse the same systems for every client (whether it fits or not)avoid small organizations because they “aren’t profitable”Adam does the opposite.Relevant IT Services:✓ builds tailored solutions✓ treats churches differently than healthcare clients✓ supports companies with 2 employees or 200✓ does not push unnecessary products✓ focuses on prevention, not emergency reaction✓ serves people firstAs Adam put it:“IT is trust. When someone hires us, they’re trusting us with their entire company.”That’s not just business.That’s stewardship.Cybersecurity: The Digital Crime Wave We Never Saw ComingThis is where the episode really lifts off.If you’ve ever wondered:What exactly is cybersecurity?Who’s trying to hack me?Why email scams seem to never end?Why criminals target small businesses?Why your grandma gets tricked by fake Amazon calls?You need to hear this.Adam boiled down the entire cybercrime world into one simple sentence:“Cybercrime exists for one purpose: to get your information so they can get your money.”That’s it.That’s the whole game.But the methods?They’re multiplying.Cybercrime is now the 3rd largest “economy” in the world.Let that sink in.If global cybercrime were a country, its GDP would rank:United StatesChinaCybercrimeIn 2023 alone:$10 trillion in cybercrime ...
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    52 mins
  • Elder J.B. Brockman: Brewing Better Politics at the Kappa Koffeehouse – Episode 66

    Elder J.B. Brockman: Brewing Better Politics at the Kappa Koffeehouse – Episode 66
    Dec 2 2025
    If you’ve ever walked into a political event bracing yourself for fireworks, name-calling, or that awkward feeling of “Why did I come to this?”, you’re not alone.Most of us have been conditioned to believe that politics has to be ugly. That campaigns are supposed to be mud fights. That candidates win by tearing each other down. That regular citizens like you and me are supposed to just pick a side, yell at the TV, and share a few spicy memes.But what if politics could feel different?What if you could walk into a room, sit down with your neighbors, listen to candidates calmly explain their vision, ask your own questions, and walk out feeling more hopeful and better informed—not exhausted and angry?That’s exactly what Elder J.B. Brockman and the Conyers-Covington Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. are trying to do with the Kappa Koffeehouse Town Hall forums.In Episode 66 of The Town Square Podcast, I sat down with Elder J.B. Brockman, Chairman of the Political and Civic Action Committee (PCAC) for the Conyers-Covington Alumni Chapter (CCAC) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. We talked about his personal journey in ministry, his 45-year commitment to Kappa Alpha Psi, and the powerful, nonpartisan civic work their chapter is doing in Rockdale and Newton counties.Most of all, we talked about what it looks like to bring people together in that “messy middle” where real conversations, real learning, and real solutions can actually happen.Meet Elder J.B. Brockman: Minister, Mentor, “Boots on the Ground”Anytime someone walks into the studio with the title “Elder” on their name tag, you know you’re in for a deeper conversation. For Elder Brockman, “Elder” isn’t a nickname. It’s not a cute moniker or fraternity title. It’s a calling.He shared that while he was baptized as a young man, he fully committed his life to Jesus Christ in 1986. A few years later, in 1989, he answered the call to ministry. By 1993, he was a licensed and ordained minister. And in August of 2023, he was ordained as an elder in his church.Elder Brockman serves at Victorious Life Church in Conyers, tucked just off Highway 138, behind the post office and not far from the old movie theater. In that role, he doesn’t just “sit on the front row.” He carries significant pastoral responsibility:Providing spiritual leadership and guidanceTeaching and praying for membersOffering pastoral care and supportHelping resolve disputesAssisting the pastor with assigned dutiesOfficiating homegoings and funeralsLeading an altar team that prays for people during altar calls each SundayIn other words, when Elder Brockman walks into a room—whether it’s a church sanctuary or a civic town hall—he’s thinking like a shepherd. He wants people to feel safe, heard, and cared for. That pastoral heart would become a defining feature of the way he leads in civic spaces, too.From Benedict College to a Lifelong BrotherhoodLong before “Elder” came before his name, young J.B. was a college student at Benedict College, a small HBCU in Columbia, South Carolina.Picture a campus buzzing with activity. Among the athletes, student government leaders, and scholars, there was a group of young men who caught his eye—not because they were throwing the biggest parties, but because of their service and leadership.They were members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.“I saw these young men on campus that were doing community service. They were leaders in athletics, in student government, and they were achievers in their academics. They were well-respected gentlemen, always doing things to help students around the campus.”He was drawn in by their charisma, their respect in the community, and their clear commitment to something bigger than themselves. He thought, “I think I could lend my little talents to that organization and see what we can do together as a team.”That’s how his journey into Kappa Alpha Psi began—spring of 1980—and he’s been walking with that brotherhood ever since.The fraternity’s motto is: “Achievement in every field of human endeavor.”That line grabbed him. These weren’t just social guys wearing letters. They were achievers—men who wanted to make an impact wherever they went.And for Elder Brockman, that idea of achievement with purpose became a through-line in his life: in ministry, in brotherhood, and in civic engagement.What Makes Black Greek Life Different? (Hint: It Doesn’t End at Graduation.)One of the things we unpacked together in this conversation is how Black Greek-letter organizations—the fraternities and sororities often associated with HBCUs—operate differently than many people assume.A lot of folks think of fraternities and sororities as four-year college experiences that end at graduation. You get your photos, your memories, maybe a few stories you can’t tell in public, and you move on.But in organizations like Kappa ...
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    44 mins
  • Giving Thanks in the Messy Middle: What 65 Episodes Have Taught Us About Unity, Humanity, and Newton County-Episode 65

    Giving Thanks in the Messy Middle: What 65 Episodes Have Taught Us About Unity, Humanity, and Newton County-Episode 65
    Nov 18 2025
    As 2025 winds toward Thanksgiving and the holiday season settles over Newton County, something feels especially meaningful about this particular episode of The Town Square Podcast. For the first time in months, it’s just the two of us — Trey and Gabriel — back at the table, returning to the roots of what launched this show in the first place: storytelling, tough conversations, humility, grace, and a deep belief that our community is better when we choose unity over uniformity.This wasn’t just another episode.It was a pause.A breath.A moment to reflect on 65 candid, sometimes messy, always meaningful conversations with leaders, influencers, contrarians, thinkers, servants, and everyday Newtonians who give their best to this place we love.This episode is our Thanksgiving table — a long, heartfelt conversation filled with gratitude, honesty, humor, reflection, and even some tears. It’s a celebration of how far we’ve come, how much we’ve learned, and how much we still want to accomplish together.What follows is a full exploration of the themes, stories, and heart behind Episode 65.Back to Day One: Why We Started This PodcastBefore the first microphone was plugged in, before the first episode aired, before the first guest sat across from us, we had a simple question:“How do we create a space where people in Newton County can disagree without disrespect?”This began because we watched neighbors talk past each other online.We watched conversations break down into insults rather than ideas.We watched people assume the worst about people they’d never even spoken to.And we knew there had to be a better way.The messy middle — the space between extremes — is where most people actually live. It’s where complexity lives. It’s where the truth usually lives. But it’s also the space our culture avoids, because the middle requires humility. It requires letting go of absolute certainty. It requires listening long enough to learn something new.This podcast started as an experiment:Could we create a platform where real conversations — nuanced, layered, human conversations — were possible?Sixty-five episodes later, the answer is yes… and then some.Humbling Growth: A Community That Was Ready for ThisWe didn’t expect the response.Not the thousands of downloads.Not the messages.Not the people who stop us in the grocery store.Not the guests who walk in nervous and walk out relieved.Newton County was hungry for civil discourse, hungry for depth, hungry for context, hungry for a reprieve from the algorithm-driven extremes that dominate our feeds.As Gabriel said in this episode:“It’s humbling to watch people finally feel like there’s a place to have these conversations — a place where people can humanize politics again.”Long-form conversations make room for nuance.Nuance makes room for empathy.Empathy makes room for connection.Connection makes room for solutions.That’s the heartbeat of the show.Why the Messy Middle MattersThe messy middle is not comfortable.It’s not neat.It’s not easy.Being in the middle means you have to acknowledge that your side — your comfort zone — might have blind spots. It means recognizing that someone else, someone raised differently, someone shaped by a different neighborhood or childhood or church or trauma, may see the world differently… and may still have something true to say.In Episode 65, we reflected on what we’ve seen:People willing to share perspectives they rarely get to articulatePeople with opposing worldviews discovering shared humanityPeople who disagree learning to disagree without dehumanizingPeople willing to “sit in the tension” rather than run from itThe messy middle isn’t the absence of conflict — it’s the transformation of conflict into conversation.Episode Highlights: Conversations That Defined Who We AreWe spent a good portion of this episode looking back at some of the most quintessential Town Square conversations — the ones that best represent what we long to do.Here are some of the standouts we discussed:Stephanie Lindsey — Courage in the Heat of ControversyWhen Newton County’s political climate hit a boiling point, Attorney Stephanie Lindsey walked into our studio with indictments swirling around her name. She sat down, face-to-face, and said:“Here’s my perspective. Here’s my experience. Here’s my truth.”No filters.No rehearsed lines.No political posturing.That’s the messy middle. And it took guts.Marshall McCart — A Different Lens, Same CommunityMarshall brought a completely different worldview — politically, culturally, journalistically — and shared it with calmness, self-awareness, and curiosity.Two very different guests.Two very different perspectives.Same table.Same willingness to talk.Same messy middle.Serra Hall — Cutting Through Economic Development MythsPeople often assume economic development leaders only want “more chicken restaurants” or fast food chains. Serra ...
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    52 mins
  • Capt. Bret Dunn: From Marine Corps Discipline to Georgia Senate Duty – Episode 64

    Capt. Bret Dunn: From Marine Corps Discipline to Georgia Senate Duty – Episode 64
    Nov 11 2025
    A Mansfield Native, Marine Captain, and Mission-Driven Attorney Steps Forward to ServeOn this special Veterans Day edition of The Town Square Podcast, host Trey Bailey sits down with Captain Bret Dunn, a Newton County native whose life story reads like a roadmap of service, faith, and conviction. Dunn grew up between Oak Hill and Mansfield, graduated from Alcovy High School in 2013, earned his law degree from Mercer University, and went on to serve as a U.S. Marine Corps officer—eventually becoming a defense counsel at Parris Island.Now a partner at Strauss & Dunn Law Firm and the Republican candidate for Georgia Senate District 42, Capt. Dunn brings his military discipline, courtroom experience, and faith-driven values into a new kind of battlefield: public service.In this hour-long conversation, Trey and Bret explore his journey from Mansfield to Quantico, from defending Marines to defending Georgians, and from carrying a rifle to carrying a calling. The uniform may be off, but as he says, “the mission is still the same.”Growing Up Southern StrongBret Dunn’s story begins in Mansfield, Georgia—a “Mayberry-style” small town where neighbors wave, manners matter, and your reputation follows you through every front porch.Raised between his mother’s home in Mansfield and his father’s house in the Oak Hill area, Bret learned discipline early. His father, Jackie Dunn, served as a Marine before spending 37 years as a police captain in Conyers. The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor symbol was a constant presence in their home, as was the sound of “Yes sir” and “No ma’am.”“Those little things—manners, respect, accountability—laid the foundation for something much bigger,” Bret recalls. “You didn’t say yeah or nah in my house. You said yes sir or no sir.”A proud product of the Newton County School System, Bret attended Oak Hill Elementary, Veterans Middle, and graduated from Alcovy High School’s Class of 2013. His formative years in Newton County shaped his work ethic and small-town values—qualities he says have never left him, even as his path took him into some of the world’s toughest environments.Answering the Call: From Mercer to the MarinesLike many who grow up under the shadow of the American flag, Bret knew service was in his future—but he wasn’t always sure how.After earning his undergraduate degree from Georgia State University, he felt a tug toward military service. Yet when he first tried to enter the Marine Corps in 2015, the timing wasn’t right. Fitness and recruitment standards were high amid federal budget cuts, and Bret found himself temporarily shut out.But as he says, “Every time I tried to do something that God didn’t want me to do, I failed at it.”Instead, a Marine Corps officer encouraged him to consider law. That conversation changed everything. Bret enrolled at Mercer University’s School of Law in Macon, joining a long line of “Bears” who have shaped Georgia’s judiciary—including Judge Sammy Ozburn, Judge John Ott, and former Governor Nathan Deal.Between his second and third year of law school, Bret entered Officer Candidate School at Marine Corps Base Quantico. On June 1, 2019, he stepped onto the famous yellow footprints that have tested generations of Marines. Ten weeks later, he earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant.“I came home from Quantico on a Saturday,” he remembers, “and by Monday morning, I was back in evidence class at Mercer. One day I’m doing pushups in the Virginia humidity; two days later I’m highlighting case law.”After passing the Georgia Bar Exam on his first try, Bret received orders to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, where he would serve as a Defense Counsel—representing Marines in courts-martial, administrative hearings, and boards of inquiry. Over time, he rose to the rank of Captain, blending his love of justice with the Marine ethos of “Semper Fidelis”—Always Faithful.Veterans Day: Honoring Service and SacrificeIt’s fitting that Episode 64 airs on Veterans Day, a holiday that carries deep meaning for Capt. Dunn.“Memorial Day is for those who gave their lives,” he says. “Veterans Day is for those who served and came home. The best thing anyone can do for a veteran is to simply say thank you—and to pray for them.”Bret speaks candidly about the invisible wounds of war, about the friends who came home from Iraq and Afghanistan only to struggle with loss and disillusionment.“There are folks right here in our community who are still hurting,” he says. “A simple thank you might be what keeps them going another day.”From Court Martial to Courtroom: A Calling to DefendToday, Capt. Dunn wears a different kind of uniform: a suit and tie. But his mission remains the same.At Strauss & Dunn Law Firm, he represents clients in criminal and civil cases throughout Georgia—and still defends service members when called upon.“When King...
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Travis Moore: Clearing the Air on Cinelease and Cemetery Controversy – Episode 63

    Travis Moore: Clearing the Air on Cinelease and Cemetery Controversy – Episode 63
    Nov 4 2025
    Introduction: When Facebook Turns into City HallEvery community has those moments when social media explodes and rumors outpace reality. For Covington, Georgia, that moment came when the city council voted to purchase property from Cinelease/Three Ring Studios—a move that set keyboards ablaze across Newton County. Many residents wondered: Was the city bailing out the studio? Was this another taxpayer burden?So this week on The Town Square Podcast, host Trey Bailey sat down with Travis Moore, East Ward Post 2 Councilman, to get the story straight from the source. Moore is known for his transparency, his calm on social media, and his willingness to explain city decisions in plain language.This conversation also dove into another hot-button issue: the new ordinance banning for-profit cemetery tours in Covington. After a video went viral, emotions ran high, accusations flew, and Moore once again found himself clarifying facts online—and ultimately casting the council’s lone “no” vote.In true Town Square fashion, Trey and Travis unpacked both stories in the “messy middle,” where nuance replaces outrage and facts matter more than Facebook.Setting the Scene: A Councilman Who Actually CommunicatesBefore tackling controversy, Trey opened with appreciation. In an era when public officials often hide behind press releases, Moore has built a reputation for directly communicating with citizens after each council meeting.“You’re setting the bar for how we should communicate as public servants,” Trey told him.Moore laughed, modestly noting that he just likes to “be out there with the folks.” Whether it’s concerts, movie nights, or ribbon cuttings, he’s visible—and online, he’s transparent. After every meeting, he posts the highlights, summarizes the votes, and explains his reasoning.It’s the kind of grassroots accountability residents say they want—and the kind that probably explains why his Facebook posts often calm storms before they turn into political hurricanes.The Cinelease Purchase: What Really HappenedThe Need for ConsolidationAt the heart of the Cinelease story wasn’t Hollywood drama—it was logistics.Covington’s utility departments were scattered all over town: electric trucks here, gas meters rented from a warehouse off Cook Road, poles and transformers stored elsewhere. It was inefficient, costly, and frustrating.“We needed to consolidate,” Moore explained. “Get all our materials, trucks, and departments in one place.”So the city put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) to find property suitable for a centralized utilities complex. Several options surfaced, but the Cinelease/Three Ring property—roughly 20 acres with two 36,000-square-foot buildings—offered the most space for the same price as smaller alternatives.The $15 Million Price TagThe agreed purchase price hovered around $15 to $16 million. As soon as that figure hit the local paper, the Facebook comment sections caught fire. The narrative? The city was using tax dollars to bail out a struggling studio it once helped attract.“I could see the tar being heated up,” Moore said with a grin. “We needed to cool the temperature down.”So he jumped online and clarified the facts.No, It Wasn’t Paid with Taxpayer MoneyThe purchase did not use property-tax funds or utility-rate hikes. Instead, it was financed through MEAG Power—the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia—and the Municipal Competitive Trust, commonly called the MCT fund.Here’s the short version:Covington buys wholesale electricity from MEAG.Each year, MEAG reconciles its budget. If it collected more than it spent, cities get a refund.Covington has historically received money back.Rather than spend it, the city deposited those refunds into the MCT Trust—a kind of utility savings account.“It’s not baked into the city’s annual budget,” Moore explained. “We didn’t raise rates or dip into taxpayer funds. We used money already saved for utility needs.”That trust can only be used for utility-related projects, such as infrastructure or debt service. In this case, the purchase perfectly fit that criteria.Why This Property Made SenseThe new complex will:Eliminate monthly rent for the warehouse on Cook Road.Speed up response times for outages by housing crews and materials together.Improve safety and inventory control with fencing, lighting, and cameras.Provide a modern, efficient base for Covington’s utility departments.Construction and relocation are slated to wrap by April or May 2026, saving taxpayers money while improving service delivery.“It just makes things more efficient,” Moore said. “You’ll see faster repairs, fewer delays, and less wasted time.”That’s the kind of behind-the-scenes decision that rarely trends online—but makes a real difference when the lights go out during a storm.The Cemetery Ordinance: Respect, Revenue, and RumorsHow It StartedThen came controversy #2...
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    45 mins
  • JaNice Van Ness: Faith, Finances & Fixing Rockdale from the Middle-Episode 62

    JaNice Van Ness: Faith, Finances & Fixing Rockdale from the Middle-Episode 62
    Oct 28 2025
    In Episode 62 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall venture beyond Newton County to highlight the incredible story of a neighboring leader: JaNice Van Ness, Chair and CEO of the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners. A seasoned public servant, former Georgia State Senator, and founder of Peachtree Academy, JaNice brings a rare blend of faith, fiscal responsibility, and unapologetic pragmatism to the often-polarized world of politics. This conversation touches on everything from her surprising political shift, her entrepreneurial roots, and the economic and spiritual heartbeat of Rockdale County.📈 From Capitol Hill to the Courthouse: A Life of ServiceWith a degree in Political Science and International Relations from Auburn University, JaNice’s story began far from Rockdale—on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., where she interned and later worked for U.S. Senators Alan Dixon and Howell Heflin. That experience lit a spark for service but also revealed that calling didn’t always come with a sustainable paycheck. Returning home to Georgia, JaNice entered the world of education and business, which eventually led to her founding Peachtree Academy—a Christian school now serving families from pre-K through 12th grade with multiple campuses.Her public service career began with a Rockdale County Commission seat in 2005, followed by a successful election to the Georgia State Senate (District 43), representing Rockdale, Newton, and DeKalb counties. A deeply relational campaigner, she prioritized meeting people where they were—often at grocery stores and community events.📝 Political Labels, Real-World LeadershipIn one of the podcast’s most candid moments, JaNice shares her reasoning behind switching political parties—moving from Republican to Democrat—and how that move wasn’t about ideology, but community impact. She explains:“A pothole is a pothole—there’s no Republican or Democrat version of that.”Her campaign slogan, “Clean Up the Mess, Vote Van Ness,” reflects her centrist approach. She doesn’t fit neatly into a partisan box, and she prefers it that way. Her focus is simple: responsible budgeting, lower taxes, public safety, and community well-being.💲 Budgeting Like It’s PersonalRockdale County’s budget nearly doubled in 10 years—from $58 million in 2014 to $123 million today. As a business owner and former finance committee member, JaNice brings a fiscal discipline that’s often missing in politics.She led efforts to: - Roll back the county’s millage rate from 18.68 to 18.282 - Conduct deep internal reviews of vehicle fleet spending - Empower citizens via a Financial Oversight Committee - Increase pay for first responders and public safety staffVan Ness sees herself as a steward of the community’s tax dollars—focused on outcomes, not just programs. “Some government jobs feel more like employment programs,” she quips, “but we’ve got to stay outcome-focused.”✨ Faith, Family & Peachtree AcademyJaNice’s business, Peachtree Academy, began as a passion for quality Christian education. Over time, it grew into a multi-campus private school and early childhood center. But she’s quick to say that her mission isn’t elitism—it’s service.“We’re not in an elitist environment. We’re a community of families who prioritize education.”Peachtree Academy is also a launching ground for local churches, with seven church plants launched from its campuses over the years. JaNice sees spiritual and educational growth as intertwined and believes the local church is a crucial part of any healthy community.🤝 Bridging Counties, Building CommunityWith Rockdale and Newton Counties often sharing economic, educational, and cultural challenges, JaNice emphasizes the importance of regional collaboration. Whether it’s economic development (like supplier growth from the Rivian project), local churches, nonprofits, or shared infrastructure concerns, she believes the future is about “good neighbors across county lines.”⚖️ Redefining Leadership: From Candy Striper to County CEOHer leadership story is grounded in real-life service. She began volunteering as a candy striper at Rockdale Hospital and shelving books at Nancy Guinn Library. That foundation led to her now holding one of the highest offices in the county—Chair and CEO of Rockdale County. She’s now passionate about grooming the next generation of servant leaders, launching new citizen advisory boards and dreaming of a “So You Want to Serve?” forum for aspiring civic leaders.“Don’t just win. Serve.”🎾 Pickleball & PurposeWhen she’s not leading commission meetings or mentoring community leaders, JaNice recharges on the pickleball court. The county is even expanding pickleball facilities to keep up with demand—a small but powerful example of her community-centered leadership style.💬 Want to Contact Chairwoman Van Ness?· ...
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    54 mins
  • Newton County Unveils a Framework that Aligns School Work to Real Work-Episode 61

    Newton County Unveils a Framework that Aligns School Work to Real Work-Episode 61
    Oct 21 2025
    In Episode 61 of The Town Square Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III returns for a record third appearance to introduce one of the most ambitious and promising initiatives Newton County Schools has ever undertaken: a Workforce Development Framework that connects students from kindergarten through graduation to the world of work. But this isn’t just about jobs—it’s about dreams, relevance, and preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world.Following Dr. Bradley in the second half of the episode are two of the framework’s architects—Dr. Shannon Buff, Executive Director of School Leadership, and Dr. Tim Schmitt, Director of CTAE and Workforce Innovation. Together, they unpack how this framework is being woven into the DNA of Newton County Schools, in partnership with local industry, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Industrial Development Authority.🎯 Why It Matters: A Modern Vision for Public EducationDr. Bradley opens the episode with a simple but profound question: What does it mean for a public school system to truly prepare students for life after high school? For him, the answer lies in creating a “launchpad of opportunity”—not a one-size-fits-all pathway, but a flexible and personalized framework that gives students a head start on their future. Whether a student wants to be a welder, a nurse, an accountant, or an engineer, they should be able to start exploring those paths long before graduation.This isn’t theoretical. The framework is already in motion. And it’s not just about workforce training—Bradley emphasizes that it’s about clarity, access, exposure, and achievement. It’s about helping students discover their gifts and guiding them toward a career that excites them.🧱 The Framework: Exposure → Exploration → ExperienceThe Workforce Development Framework is organized into three progressive stages:Exposure (Grades K–5):Young learners are introduced to careers through hands-on experiences, guest speakers, and play-based activities. Dr. Schmitt notes that kids “can’t be what they can’t see,” so schools are working to connect lessons with real-world applications. Think counting with golf balls made at Bridgestone or learning sorting using parts from a local automotive plant.Exploration (Grades 6–8):Middle schoolers begin to explore more defined career clusters. They visit local industries, attend career days, and start seeing the real-life applications of classroom content. At this stage, students are encouraged to ask, “What do I like?” and “What am I good at?”Experience (Grades 9–12):High school students can participate in CTAE (Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education) pathways, dual enrollment with colleges, and work-based learning. They can graduate with industry-recognized credentials, early college credit, or even certifications that lead directly to high-wage employment.🏗️ Building a Workforce Pipeline that Starts in KindergartenWhat makes Newton County’s approach stand out is its start-early, dream-big philosophy. Instead of waiting until high school to begin thinking about careers, the system introduces students to real-life jobs starting in kindergarten. From learning soft skills like communication and teamwork to exploring emerging industries like aviation tech and biotech, students are gaining the exposure and confidence they need to make informed choices.And this isn’t just about “alternatives” to college. As Dr. Buff explains, “This isn’t college or career—it’s college and career.” Whether a student wants to head to a university, enroll in technical school, or jump into the workforce, they’ll be ready with a plan.🔍 Workforce-Ready Schools & Real-World PartnershipsTo institutionalize this shift, the district is introducing a Workforce-Ready School Designation—a recognition for schools that successfully embed workforce preparation into their culture, instruction, and partnerships. The designation includes six areas:Culture of Workforce ReadinessBusiness & Industry PartnershipsExposure, Exploration, and PlanningWorkforce Readiness ActivitiesStaff Professional LearningSustainabilityFrom robotics competitions to industry field trips, from soft skill certification in 3rd grade to engineering dual enrollment in 11th, schools will be recognized for doing the deep work of preparing students for life beyond graduation.📈 Measurable Outcomes & Statewide AttentionThis isn’t just talk. The framework includes clear goals and metrics—and it’s already drawing attention across the state. Georgia State Superintendent Richard Woods, Commissioner Greg Dozier of the Technical College System of Georgia, and Georgia Chamber CEO Chris Clark have all praised Newton County’s efforts.Dr. Bradley notes that enhancing the work done in the past, the school system is now being seen as a critical partner in economic development—not just producing diplomas, but producing ...
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    1 hr and 23 mins