• The Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton and Morgan Counties

  • By: BG Podcast Network
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The Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton and Morgan Counties By cover art

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 Citizen
    2024 BG Podcast Network
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Episodes
  • Peachtree Ridge High School student wins scriptwriting contest

    Peachtree Ridge High School student wins scriptwriting contest
    Jun 23 2024
    GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 6/23– Published Friday 6/20 From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to your Georgia News Podcast. This podcast features stories compiled from the publications of Times Journal Inc. Today is Sunday, June 23rd and Happy 66th Birthday to actress Frances McDormand. ***06.23.24 – BIRTHDAY – FRANCES MCDORMAND*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here is your top stories Georgia is talking about, presented by Drake Realty Peachtree Ridge High School student wins scriptwriting contestBiden fast tracks citizenship for immigrant spouses and children of AmericansGeorgia Not Spending Enough on Veterans' Services We’ll have these stories and more, coming up on your Georgia News Podcast and If you want community, local, and statewide news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! Commercial: DRAKE Story 1: Peachtree Ridge High School student wins scriptwriting contest The Georgia Film Academy recently announced the winners of its 2024 high school scriptwriting competition. High school students across Georgia submitted 10-minute play or short film scripts, evaluated blindly by Kennesaw State University graduate students and industry professionals. Abbas Kazmi from Peachtree Ridge High School won first place for best short film script, and Benjamin DeWitt from Central Gwinnett High earned the teacher selection award. Winners received $1,000 University Systems of Georgia scholarships, with second-place finishers earning $500. GFA plans to host private script readings of the winning entries over the summer, highlighting the state's creative talent in film and television. Story 2: Biden fast tracks citizenship for immigrant spouses, children of Americans President Biden unveiled a plan to expedite permanent residency for immigrant spouses and children of American citizens through executive action, potentially impacting over 500,000 people. Eligible immigrants must have been in the U.S. for at least 10 years and married to a U.S. citizen as of Monday. Biden emphasized family unity and commemorated the 12th anniversary of DACA. The move is seen as a bid to court Latino voters and counter former President Trump's immigration policies. Biden's administration asserts the policy builds on past practices to grant "parole in place" for family members of U.S. military personnel, facilitating a path to residency without leaving the country. Story 3: Georgia Not Spending Enough on Veterans’ Services Georgia lawmakers were informed by mental health and housing professionals that the state is severely underfunding services for veterans. Despite having two veterans homes that serve only 400 veterans, far below the estimated need of 1,975, Georgia lags behind neighboring states like Alabama and South Carolina, which have multiple veterans homes. Veterans in Georgia face high rates of mental illnesses like chronic stress and PTSD, exacerbated by difficulties in accessing mental health services due to high uninsured rates. The state ranks poorly in access to behavioral services, and veterans also experience high levels of food and housing insecurity. Recommendations include building additional veterans homes and establishing a state-level coordination center to improve service delivery. The study committee aims to propose improvements by December 1. We’ll be right back Break: WHEELER Story 4: Warnock Introduces Workforce Development Bill Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia introduced the Pathways to Prosperity Act of 2024, alongside Senator Mike Braun of Indiana, aiming to establish a federal grant program benefiting technical and community colleges. The bipartisan bill seeks to align workforce development programs with local community needs, focusing on sectors like clean energy, manufacturing, and healthcare. It proposes competitive grants to foster partnerships between colleges and employers, enhancing and expanding training opportunities. Warnock emphasized the importance of these colleges in preparing skilled workers and aims to incorporate the bill into broader Senate workforce development legislation. The initiative has garnered support from various organizations advocating for career and technical education. Story 5: Summer in the City Block Party Series Kicks Off June 28 Downtown Calhoun is reviving its summer concert series as the Summer in the City Block Party series this year. Taking place on one Friday each month from June to August, the event features live music from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., with performances starting around 7 p.m. Park Avenue will be closed to traffic to accommodate the festivities. The Downtown Development Authority aims to boost community engagement and support local businesses through this series. Sponsorship opportunities are available, with initial support from Baxter Dean and others. Special promotions by downtown merchants and food trucks like Jamwich from Rome will complement the musical entertainment. Future events are being planned, ...
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    11 mins
  • Lindsey emphasizes One Newton in District 3 win

    Lindsey emphasizes One Newton in District 3 win
    Jun 20 2024
    EAST METRO Top Stories for June 20th Publish Date: June 20th    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, June 20th and Happy 81st birthday to Beach Boys member Brian Wilson. ***06.20.24 – BIRTHDAY – BRIAN WILSON*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty Lindsey emphasizes One Newton in District 3 winFlambeau Closing Madison PlantAll three incumbents ousted in Rockdale County runoffs Plus, Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on brown eggs. 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: Lindsey emphasizes OneNewton in District 3 win In Newton County, Stephanie Lindsey's victory over incumbent Alana Sanders in the Democratic primary runoff for District 3 Commissioner signals potential unity after years of division. Lindsey emphasized collaboration and tackling issues like taxation, the Westside Youth Facility project, and zoning concerns. Sanders, known for controversy during her tenure, faced lawsuits and filed a discrimination complaint against fellow commissioners. Meanwhile, Brent Bennett won the Democratic nomination for Tax Commissioner, securing the position with no Republican challenger. Bennett, with extensive experience in county tax operations, aims to assume office in January, succeeding outgoing Tax Commissioner Marcus Jordan. STORY 2: Flambeau Closing Madison Plant Flambeau, Inc., a thermoplastic molding manufacturer in Madison, Georgia, will close its plant by mid-August, affecting 85 employees. The closure is part of a strategic move to consolidate operations, shifting production of plastic parts to other North American facilities in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, and Mexico. Flambeau aims to maintain quality and service levels during the transition, with a team staying in Madison for about 90 days post-closure. President and CEO Randall Loga emphasized the decision's role in enhancing Flambeau's economic position and logistical efficiencies, expressing appreciation for the affected employees and offering support during the transition. STORY 3: All three incumbents ousted in Rockdale County runoffs In Conyers, Rockdale County, the Democrat runoff elections saw significant changes as incumbents were ousted from key positions. JaNice Van Ness, a local businesswoman and former Republican, won the chairmanship of the Board of Commissioners, defeating two-term incumbent Oz Nesbitt Sr. with 58.93% of the vote. Van Ness aims to address rising taxes and financial transparency issues, promising a forensic audit and the establishment of a citizen’s financial oversight committee. Additionally, newcomer Tuwanya Smith unseated incumbent Sherri Washington for the Post 1 seat on the Board of Commissioners, while Larry Cox defeated incumbent Mandy North for the Post 1 seat on the Board of Education. These results mark a historic election with Rockdale County electing its first female chair and an all-woman board. 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: Morgan Passed $56M Budget Morgan County leaders approved a new $56 million budget for FY 2024-2025, with a $1.73 million increase from the current budget, totaling a 6.7% rise. Despite plans to adopt a rollback millage rate, property taxes are expected to rise due to increased home values. County Manager Adam Mestres cautioned that property values are projected to continue rising over the next three years. The budget prioritizes cost of living increases for county employees and addresses deferred maintenance with $3.1 million allocated for capital improvements. Officials emphasized fiscal responsibility, aiming to balance expenditures with revenues from property taxes, fees, and state and federal funding streams. STORY 5: Bradley excited to take reigns of Rockdale County boys basketball team Rodney Bradley steps into his first season as head coach for Rockdale County High School’s boys basketball team facing significant challenges. The team graduated 10 seniors and moves to a tough new league, Region 4-AAAAAA, which includes state champions Grayson and other strong contenders. Despite these hurdles, Bradley, previously the associate head coach, is optimistic, emphasizing his familiarity with the team's returning players. Rockdale’s athletic director, Erwin Equihua, highlighted Bradley’s community contributions and strategic vision, noting his commitment to an up-tempo game style combined with fundamental basketball principles. Bradley aims to develop young talent and build confidence through intensive ...
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    13 mins
  • Metro Montage XXIV is July 6 to Sept. 8

    Metro Montage XXIV is July 6 to Sept. 8
    Jun 16 2024
    GA News Podcast – East Metro for Sunday, 6/16 – Published Friday 6/14 From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to your Georgia News Podcast. This podcast features stories compiled from the publications of Times Journal. Today is Sunday, June 16th and Happy 72nd Birthday to boxer Roberto Duran. ***06.16.24 – BIRTHDAY – ROBERTO DURAN*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here is your top stories Georgia is talking about, presented by Drake Realty Orioles Send Braves to Fifth Straight LossMetro Montage XXIV is July 6 to Sept. 8Hunter Biden found guilty of illegally buying and owning a gun We’ll have these stories and more, coming up on your Georgia News Podcast and If you want community, local, and statewide news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! Commercial: DRAKE Story 1: Orioles Send Braves to Fifth Straight Loss In a game against the Atlanta Braves, the Baltimore Orioles secured a 4-2 victory with Colton Cowser's decisive two-run home run in the eighth inning. This broke the tie following Atlanta's Matt Olson's two-run homer earlier in the inning. The Orioles extended their winning streak to six games, propelled by Cowser's pivotal hit. Pitcher Keegan Akin earned the win, backed by Cedric Mullins' strong performance with two hits and a run. Braves' starter Spencer Schwellenbach showed resilience despite the loss, pitching six innings and allowing two runs. Despite efforts from Olson and Marcell Ozuna, the Braves suffered their fifth consecutive defeat, with their offense struggling to capitalize on opportunities. Story 2: Metro Montage XXIV is July 6 to Sept. 8 The Marietta Cobb Museum of Art is hosting Metro Montage XXIV from July 6 to Sept. 8, showcasing diverse art genres, mediums, styles, and subjects from across the country. Selected from over 1,000 submissions, the exhibition will span both floors of the museum and feature works by numerous artists. An Opening Reception on July 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., will offer free admission for museum members and $10 for non-members, with a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. The event aims to celebrate the nation's artistic diversity and skill. For more details, visit www.mariettacobbartmuseum.org. Story 3: Hunter Biden Found Guilty of Illegally Buying and Owning a Gun Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, was convicted by a Delaware jury for illegally purchasing and owning a gun while addicted to crack cocaine. The guilty verdict follows a week-long trial featuring testimonies from his ex-wife, ex-girlfriend, and sister-in-law turned lover, detailing his substance abuse. This conviction may be exploited by political opponents in an election year, highlighting the struggles of the president's family. Hunter faces further legal trouble with pending federal charges of tax evasion in Los Angeles. Despite his defense's argument about limited evidence of drug use during the gun purchase, jurors found him guilty on all counts, based on overwhelming evidence of his addiction. Testimonies revealed his drug abuse, including smoking crack cocaine in luxury hotels, and his own admission in his memoir. We’ll be right back Break: WHEELER Story 4: A $1 Million Mega Millions Ticket was Sold in Dacula – Find Out Where A $1 million winning Mega Millions ticket was sold at Quick Shop Exxon on Dacula Road in Dacula. The winner's identity remains unknown. To win $1 million, five out of five regular numbers must match. Seven winners across the U.S. achieved this, with one in Dacula. Additionally, a Chevron in Marietta sold a winning ticket worth $40,000 with a 4X multiplier. The winning numbers were 1-5-7-22-24, with a multiplier of 8. Story 5: One Dead After Shooting On Hijacked Gwinnett Bus Involved In Wild Police Chase During rush hour, a Ride Gwinnett bus was hijacked in downtown Atlanta, prompting a police chase across three counties. A fight on the bus led to the driver being held at gunpoint by a convicted felon, Joseph Grier. Seventeen passengers were onboard; one was shot and later died. Grier was arrested after a chase, during which he hit multiple vehicles. The incident ended in DeKalb County, where law enforcement blocked the bus. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens described the ordeal as resembling a movie scene. The motive remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing. Passengers are being interviewed for crucial information. We’ll be right back. Break: INGLES 3 Story 6: Boys Golf Couch of The Year: Varner Leads Mount Paran to Consecutive State Titles Scott Varner, coach of Mount Paran Christian's boys golf team, guided his predominantly freshman squad to a second consecutive Class AA state title, also clinching the Region 6AA tournament. Varner, recognized as Cobb County Boys Golf Coach of the Year, emphasized the joy of working with his team and the camaraderie they shared. Despite being the team to beat, they embraced the challenge and maintained a winning mindset. Varner acknowledged the seniors' crucial role in mentoring younger ...
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    10 mins
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