EAST METRO Top Stories for November 14th 

Publish Date: November 14th 

    

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, November 14th and Happy birthday to Alec John Such 

 

I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal 
American Legion Post 32 honors veterans — past and present
The 75th Annual Christmas Tour Of Homes Returns To Madison This December
Conyers city charter modifications placed on hold until 2026

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on pesticides 

  

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 5 

 

STORY 1: American Legion Post 32 honors veterans — past and present 

 On Tuesday, American Legion Post 32 held a ceremony that was equal parts heartfelt, reflective, and deeply moving, honoring veterans from every branch of the U.S. military. 

As the Eastside High School Brass Ensemble played service songs—“Anchors Aweigh,” “Marines’ Hymn,” and others—veterans stood, one by one. 

Keynote speaker Jerry Roseberry, an Army Reserve veteran and former Oxford mayor, spoke of duty, sacrifice, and the enduring call to serve. He shared stories of heroes like Sgt. Alvin York and Sgt. Audie Murphy, men who embodied courage. 

Post Commander Bobby Hamby told the haunting story of Clifford Walker Harper, a 17-year-old sailor from Porterdale who perished during the Normandy invasion. “Clifford was 10 weeks shy of 19,” Hamby said. “He gave everything.” 

A wreath was laid for those who never came home. 

STORY 2:  The 75th Annual Christmas Tour Of Homes Returns To Madison This December 

For 75 years, Madison’s historic homes have flung open their doors, decked out in holiday splendor, for the annual Christmas Tour of Homes. It’s a tradition—part history, part magic—that draws thousands to this charming Georgia town every December. 

This year, on Dec. 5 and 6, visitors can wander through 16 private homes, churches, and museums, all dressed to the nines in garlands, twinkling lights, and festive bows. Day tours run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while candlelight tours add a cozy glow from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets? $35 each, or $55 for both. 

For the first time, the Madison Trolley Company will offer free rides between stops, making it easier to soak in the sights. Donations are welcome, with proceeds supporting Heritage Hall’s preservation. 

STORY 3:  Conyers city charter modifications placed on hold until 2026 

  After plenty of back-and-forth at a Nov. 5 town hall, Conyers has decided to hit pause on proposed charter changes—pushing any updates to 2026. 

“We’ve had months of revisions, discussions, and input from citizens and state reps,” said Mayor Vince Evans. “With a new mayor and council members coming in, it makes sense to wait and get their perspectives too.” 

The city charter, which hasn’t been updated in 30 years, outlines how Conyers runs—its council-manager system, powers, and policies. Evans emphasized the importance of transparency and citizen input as they revisit the charter down the road. 

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 6 

 

 

STORY 4: Atlanta awarded NWSL franchise that may call Marietta home 

 Arthur Blank is bringing professional women’s soccer back to Atlanta, and the buzz is already building. On Tuesday, he officially announced his purchase of an NWSL expansion franchise, set to kick off in 2028. The price tag? A record $165 million. 

The team will play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with matches scaled to a 28,000-seat setup. But the real question? Where will the training facility go. Blank hinted at “several sites,” and Marietta’s making its pitch hard—Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin is all in, pointing to the city’s existing ties with Atlanta United. 

STORY 5: Newton County Board of Education earns 2025 Quality Board recognition 

 The Newton County Board of Education has been recognized with the Georgia School Boards Association’s (GSBA) 2025 Quality Board Recognition, a nod to their dedication to strong leadership and student success. 

“This honor affirms our commitment to sound governance and meeting the needs of every student,” said Board Chair Abigail Coggin. “We’re proud to uphold these standards for our schools and community.” 

Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley praised the board’s leadership, calling it “a driving force behind the district’s progress.” 

The GSBA program, launched in 1998, sets the bar for effective school board governance statewide, and Newton’s board has clearly risen to the challenge. 

 

Break:  

 

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on pesticides  

We’ll have closing comments after this.  

Break: INGLES MARKETS 7 

 

 

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 Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/  and https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/ 

Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 

POST ROLL:  

Produced by the BG Podcast Network 

  

Show Sponsors: 
www.ingles-markets.com

EAST METRO Top Stories for November 14th&nbsp;
Publish Date: November 14th&nbsp;
   &nbsp;
Commercial:&nbsp;&nbsp;
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.  &nbsp;
Today is Friday, November 14th and Happy birthday to Alec John Such&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>American Legion Post 32 honors veterans &mdash; past and present</li>
<li>The 75th Annual Christmas Tour Of Homes Returns To Madison This December</li>
<li>Conyers city charter modifications placed on hold until 2026</li>
</ol>
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on pesticides&nbsp;
 &nbsp;
These stories and more are coming up in today&rsquo;s edition of the Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton, and Morgan Counties! Please like, follow, and subscribe.&nbsp;
 &nbsp;
BREAK: INGLES MARKETS 5&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 1: <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/american-legion-post-32-honors-veterans-past-and-present/article_22c79691-387a-46b7-aa5e-bed4f01494cb.html">American Legion Post 32 honors veterans &mdash; past and present</a>&nbsp;
 On Tuesday, American Legion Post 32 held a ceremony that was equal parts heartfelt, reflective, and deeply moving, honoring veterans from every branch of the U.S. military.&nbsp;
As the Eastside High School Brass Ensemble played service songs&mdash;&ldquo;Anchors Aweigh,&rdquo; &ldquo;Marines&rsquo; Hymn,&rdquo; and others&mdash;veterans stood, one by one.&nbsp;
Keynote speaker Jerry Roseberry, an Army Reserve veteran and former Oxford mayor, spoke of duty, sacrifice, and the enduring call to serve. He shared stories of heroes like Sgt. Alvin York and Sgt. Audie Murphy, men who embodied courage.&nbsp;
Post Commander Bobby Hamby told the haunting story of Clifford Walker Harper, a 17-year-old sailor from Porterdale who perished during the Normandy invasion. &ldquo;Clifford was 10 weeks shy of 19,&rdquo; Hamby said. &ldquo;He gave everything.&rdquo;&nbsp;
A wreath was laid for those who never came home.&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/the-75th-annual-christmas-tour-of-homes-returns-to-madison-this-december/article_1b0c4a4b-4316-4a11-9d0c-6292d4ba2562.html">The 75th Annual Christmas Tour Of Homes Returns To Madison This December</a>&nbsp;
For 75 years, Madison&rsquo;s historic homes have flung open their doors, decked out in holiday splendor, for the annual Christmas Tour of Homes. It&rsquo;s a tradition&mdash;part history, part magic&mdash;that draws thousands to this charming Georgia town every December.&nbsp;
This year, on Dec. 5 and 6, visitors can wander through 16 private homes, churches, and museums, all dressed to the nines in garlands, twinkling lights, and festive bows. Day tours run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while candlelight tours add a cozy glow from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets? $35 each, or $55 for both.&nbsp;
For the first time, the Madison Trolley Company will offer free rides between stops, making it easier to soak in the sights. Donations are welcome, with proceeds supporting Heritage Hall&rsquo;s preservation.&nbsp;
STORY 3:&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/conyers-city-charter-modifications-placed-on-hold-until-2026/article_da04dcd5-9600-43b7-89c3-c2913f9db0d5.html">Conyers city charter modifications placed on hold until 2026</a>&nbsp;
  After plenty of back-and-forth at a Nov. 5 town hall, Conyers has decided to hit pause on proposed charter changes&mdash;pushing any updates to 2026.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve had months of revisions, discussions, and input from citizens and state reps,&rdquo; said Mayor Vince Evans. &ldquo;With a new mayor and council members coming in, it makes sense to wait and get their perspectives too.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The city charter, which hasn&rsquo;t been updated in 30 years, outlines how Conyers runs&mdash;its council-manager system, powers, and policies. Evans emphasized the importance of transparency and citizen input as they revisit the charter down the road.&nbsp;
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll be right back&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break: INGLES MARKETS 6&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 4: <a href="https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/local/atlanta-awarded-nwsl-franchise-that-may-call-marietta-home/article_066ddc31-8f23-588a-98a1-f90a876cddc6.html">Atlanta awarded NWSL franchise that may call Marietta home</a>&nbsp;
 Arthur Blank is bringing professional women&rsquo;s soccer back to Atlanta, and the buzz is already building. On Tuesday, he officially announced his purchase of an NWSL expansion franchise, set to kick off in 2028. The price tag? A record $165 million.&nbsp;
The team will play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with matches scaled to a 28,000-seat setup. But the real question? Where will the training facility go. Blank hinted at &ldquo;several sites,&rdquo; and Marietta&rsquo;s making its pitch hard&mdash;Mayor Steve &ldquo;Thunder&rdquo; Tumlin is all in, pointing to the city&rsquo;s existing ties with Atlanta United.&nbsp;
STORY 5: <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/newton-county-board-of-education-earns-2025-quality-board-recognition/article_2222cfc5-8943-49a7-9cef-3c87a741fa87.html">Newton County Board of Education earns 2025 Quality Board recognition</a>&nbsp;
 The Newton County Board of Education has been recognized with the Georgia School Boards Association&rsquo;s (GSBA) 2025 Quality Board Recognition, a nod to their dedication to strong leadership and student success.&nbsp;
&ldquo;This honor affirms our commitment to sound governance and meeting the needs of every student,&rdquo; said Board Chair Abigail Coggin. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re proud to uphold these standards for our schools and community.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley praised the board&rsquo;s leadership, calling it &ldquo;a driving force behind the district&rsquo;s progress.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The GSBA program, launched in 1998, sets the bar for effective school board governance statewide, and Newton&rsquo;s board has clearly risen to the challenge.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break: &nbsp;
&nbsp;
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on pesticides&nbsp;&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll have closing comments after this. &nbsp;
Break: INGLES MARKETS 7&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Signoff-   &nbsp;
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today&rsquo;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 Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/">https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/</a>&nbsp; and <a href="https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/">https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/</a>&nbsp;
Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
POST ROLL:&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/">Produced by the BG Podcast Network</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;
Show Sponsors:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ingles-markets.com/">www.ingles-markets.com</a></li>
</ul>

Bringing you the top stories from the Morgan County Citizen and the Rockdale Newton Citizen

The Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton and Morgan Counties

American Legion Post 32 honors veterans — past and present  | The 75th Annual Christmas Tour Of Homes Returns To Madison This December | Conyers city charter modifications placed on hold until 2026

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