EAST METRO Top Stories for May 30th Publish Date: May 30th 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 Thursday, May 30th, and Happy heavenly birthday to NFL HOF Gayle Sayers. ***05.30.24 – BIRTHDAY – GAYLE SAYERS*** I’m KEITH IPPOLITO and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty Madison Unveils $22.7 Million Budget for Next Fiscal YearNewton High Class of 2024 Makes HistoryIntergovernmental Agreement Over Rivian Road Remains in Limbo. Plus, Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on frozen meals. 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: DRAKE STORY 1: Madison Unveils $22.7 Million Budget For Next Fiscal Year The City of Madison has proposed a Fiscal Year 2025 budget totaling $22.7 million, including a $6.2 million General Fund. This reflects a $275,000 decrease in spending from the current budget, attributed to efficiency measures. City Manager John Klimm highlighted continued savings through consolidation, privatization, and operational audits. The budget includes priorities like enhancing the police and planning departments, planning a new fire department, and launching an economic development program. To boost revenues, water and sewer fees will increase. Infrastructure projects include the Bostwick Gas Project, a stormwater initiative, and the 2025 Roads Program. STORY 2: Newton High Class of 2024 Makes History On May 22, over 640 graduates of Newton County High School's Class of 2024 celebrated their accomplishments at Sharp Stadium. Principal Dr. Shannon Buff highlighted their historical achievements, being the largest class in 20 years and securing $73.2 million in scholarships. Salutatorian Huda Asker urged peers to cherish their unique journeys, while Valedictorian Tre’von Davis emphasized their limitless potential. Jabez Jenkins received the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Cup for excellence. Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III encouraged graduates to embrace opportunities and persist through challenges. STORY 3: Intergovernmental Agreement Over Rivian Road Remains in Limbo. A time-sensitive Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) regarding a frontage road for Rivian is in limbo after County Commissioner Blake McCormack asked the Morgan County Board of Commissioners (BOC) to table the contract following a public argument with County Attorney Christian Henry on May 21. The IGA, between Morgan County and the Joint Development Authority (JDA), would transfer ownership and maintenance of the road to the JDA. McCormack expressed concern over rushing the decision and suggested using the IGA to renegotiate revenue-sharing terms. The BOC will revisit the IGA on June 4. 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: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME STORY 4: Eastside Class of 2024 Celebrated for Excellence During the commencement exercises on May 23 at Sharp Stadium, it was announced that 250 Eastside High School graduates are headed to 58 colleges and universities, 99 will enter the workforce or a training program, and 18 will join the military. The 27th graduating class has received over $19.3 million in academic and athletic scholarships. Principal Jeff Cher praised the graduates for their leadership, continuing Eastside's legacy of excellence. Salutatorian Jordan Nealy highlighted the enduring friendships formed at Eastside, while Valedictorian Emma Oftedal spoke about the exciting future awaiting the graduates. STORY 5: MCSO Patrol Vehicles Damaged While Aiding Motorist On Interstate Two Morgan County Sheriff’s Office deputies' patrol vehicles were struck by an SUV on Interstate 20 while they were assisting a stranded motorist. Deputy Thomas Ptak had his patrol vehicle behind the stranded Tesla with emergency lights on. Sgt. Christopher Lash parked his patrol vehicle farther back with emergency lights activated. While aiding the motorist, they heard a loud noise as the SUV crashed into Ptak's and Lash's vehicles. The SUV had a 4-year-old child and his mother inside. The mother refused treatment and seemed unaware of the collision. Deputy Ptak credited Sgt. Lash with preventing potential casualties by moving his patrol vehicle. We’ll be back in a moment. Break: INGLES 8 And now here is Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on frozen meals. ***LEAH INTERVIEW*** We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: DRAKE 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 ...
