EAST METRO Top Stories for February 7th 

Publish Date: February 7th 

    

Commercial: MORGAN MEDICAL JAN_FINAL 

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, February 7th and Happy birthday to Garth Brooks 

***02.07.25 - BIRTHDAY – GARTH BROOKS*** 

I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty  
Body of released inmate found in ditch near Newton County jail 
Bostwick Council votes to end Cotton Gin Festival 
Conyers will allow homestead exemption to take effect 

 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting  

  

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 (Drake Realty (Geoff) 

STORY 1:  Body of released inmate found in ditch near Newton County jail 

The body of Anthony James Crast, 67, was found in a ditch near the Newton County Detention Center on Jan. 27, 11 days after his release. Crast, previously arrested for aggravated assault and terroristic threats, was discovered by a Georgia Power crew. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation initially handled the case but turned it over to the NCSO, with the cause of death still unknown. This follows a similar 2023 incident where another released inmate, William Roberts, 44, was found dead near the jail. Both cases remain under investigation. 

STORY 2:     Bostwick Council votes to end Cotton Gin Festival 

After over 30 years, Bostwick’s beloved Cotton Gin Festival, known for its tractor parade and celebration of agrarian life, has come to an end. The city council unanimously voted to discontinue the event, citing challenges in managing its growing scale. Started in 1990 by June Whittaker to fund the renovation of the historic Susie Agnes Hotel, the festival raised enough to restore the building and support other community projects. Mayor John Bostwick and Chair Angie Howard expressed gratitude for its success but acknowledged it had outgrown the small town. The decision, though bittersweet, marks the end of a cherished tradition. 

STORY 3: Conyers will allow homestead exemption to take effect 

 Conyers will allow the floating property tax exemption under House Bill 581 to take effect, following its approval by the General Assembly and Georgia voters in 2024. The exemption limits annual increases in taxable home values to the inflation rate, based on 2025 assessments. Mayor Vince Evans emphasized the city’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, stating this decision benefits the community. Governments have until March 1 to opt out, but Conyers will not pursue this. The exemption is irrevocable once enacted, and cities may implement a Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) to offset revenue losses, requiring unanimous local government agreement. 

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: 08.08.24 WHEELER OBITS_FINAL 

 

 

STORY 4: Former Morgan County Sheriff Markley Appointed To Parole Board 

Former Morgan County Sheriff Robert Markley has been appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, becoming only the second Georgia sheriff in the board’s history. Markley, replacing Terry Barnard, will serve a seven-year term pending Senate confirmation. With 35 years in law enforcement, Markley brings extensive experience and a balanced approach to reviewing parole cases. The board, which can grant paroles, pardons, and commute death sentences, includes Chairman David Herring and former Sheriff Wayne Bennett. Markley expressed pride in the appointment, emphasizing his dedication to public safety and fair decision-making. 

STORY 5:   Sheriff’s Office Demands $500K Annual Raise, Commissioner Boycotts Vote 

Morgan County Sheriff Tyler Hooks clashed with the Board of Commissioners over his urgent request for nearly $500,000 in annual pay raises for Sheriff’s Office employees, citing severe understaffing and low wages compared to neighboring agencies. The tense meeting ended abruptly when Commissioner Ben Riden left, halting the vote due to a lack of quorum. Riden supported pay raises but argued for waiting until the board is fully staffed after a March special election. Hooks warned of mass resignations if action isn’t taken immediately, while other commissioners expressed support for the raises. The issue will be revisited in upcoming meetings. 

 

We’ll be back in a moment   

 

Break: MORGAN MEDICAL JAN_FINAL  

 

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting 

*** INGLES ASK LEAH 2 HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES*** 

We’ll have closing comments after this.  

Break: Ingles Markets 5 

 

 

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. 

Produced by the BG Podcast Network 

  

Show Sponsors: 
www.ingles-markets.com 
www.drakerealty.com 
www.wheelerfuneralhome.com 
morganmedical.org 

 

#NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations 

EAST METRO Top Stories for February 7th&nbsp;
Publish Date: February 7th&nbsp;
   &nbsp;
Commercial: MORGAN MEDICAL JAN_FINAL&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, February 7th and Happy birthday to Garth Brooks&nbsp;
***02.07.25 - BIRTHDAY &ndash; GARTH BROOKS***&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>Body of released inmate found in ditch near Newton County jail&nbsp;</li>
<li>Bostwick Council votes to end Cotton Gin Festival&nbsp;</li>
<li>Conyers will allow homestead exemption to take effect&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting&nbsp;&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: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Geoff)&nbsp;
STORY 1:&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/body-of-released-inmate-found-in-ditch-near-newton-county-jail/article_cb082648-e267-11ef-88ff-27eaa198fec1.html">Body of released inmate found in ditch near Newton County jail</a>&nbsp;
The body of Anthony James Crast, 67, was found in a ditch near the Newton County Detention Center on Jan. 27, 11 days after his release. Crast, previously arrested for aggravated assault and terroristic threats, was discovered by a Georgia Power crew. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation initially handled the case but turned it over to the NCSO, with the cause of death still unknown. This follows a similar 2023 incident where another released inmate, William Roberts, 44, was found dead near the jail. Both cases remain under investigation.&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/bostwick-council-votes-to-end-cotton-gin-festival/article_351cec1c-e2ea-11ef-852a-e7756f49ab88.html">Bostwick Council votes to end Cotton Gin Festival</a>&nbsp;
After over 30 years, Bostwick&rsquo;s beloved Cotton Gin Festival, known for its tractor parade and celebration of agrarian life, has come to an end. The city council unanimously voted to discontinue the event, citing challenges in managing its growing scale. Started in 1990 by June Whittaker to fund the renovation of the historic Susie Agnes Hotel, the festival raised enough to restore the building and support other community projects. Mayor John Bostwick and Chair Angie Howard expressed gratitude for its success but acknowledged it had outgrown the small town. The decision, though bittersweet, marks the end of a cherished tradition.&nbsp;
STORY 3:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/conyers-will-allow-homestead-exemption-to-take-effect/article_d5ea48c0-e244-11ef-ab29-838772126466.html">Conyers will allow homestead exemption to take effect</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;Conyers will allow the floating property tax exemption under House Bill 581 to take effect, following its approval by the General Assembly and Georgia voters in 2024. The exemption limits annual increases in taxable home values to the inflation rate, based on 2025 assessments. Mayor Vince Evans emphasized the city&rsquo;s commitment to fiscal responsibility, stating this decision benefits the community. Governments have until March 1 to opt out, but Conyers will not pursue this. The exemption is irrevocable once enacted, and cities may implement a Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) to offset revenue losses, requiring unanimous local government agreement.&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;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break: 08.08.24 WHEELER OBITS_FINAL&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 4:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/former-morgan-county-sheriff-markley-appointed-to-parole-board/article_f5561a40-e307-11ef-b3bb-8b66d6cf7644.html">Former Morgan County Sheriff Markley Appointed To Parole Board</a>&nbsp;
Former Morgan County Sheriff Robert Markley has been appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, becoming only the second Georgia sheriff in the board&rsquo;s history. Markley, replacing Terry Barnard, will serve a seven-year term pending Senate confirmation. With 35 years in law enforcement, Markley brings extensive experience and a balanced approach to reviewing parole cases. The board, which can grant paroles, pardons, and commute death sentences, includes Chairman David Herring and former Sheriff Wayne Bennett. Markley expressed pride in the appointment, emphasizing his dedication to public safety and fair decision-making.&nbsp;
STORY 5:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/sheriff-s-office-demands-500k-annual-raise-commissioner-boycotts-vote/article_bf748f2e-e320-11ef-98b2-33b2ae2960f9.html">Sheriff&rsquo;s Office Demands $500K Annual Raise, Commissioner Boycotts Vote</a>&nbsp;
Morgan County Sheriff Tyler Hooks clashed with the Board of Commissioners over his urgent request for nearly $500,000 in annual pay raises for Sheriff&rsquo;s Office employees, citing severe understaffing and low wages compared to neighboring agencies. The tense meeting ended abruptly when Commissioner Ben Riden left, halting the vote due to a lack of quorum. Riden supported pay raises but argued for waiting until the board is fully staffed after a March special election. Hooks warned of mass resignations if action isn&rsquo;t taken immediately, while other commissioners expressed support for the raises. The issue will be revisited in upcoming meetings.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll be back in a moment  &nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break: MORGAN MEDICAL JAN_FINAL &nbsp;
&nbsp;
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting&nbsp;
*** INGLES ASK LEAH 2 HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES***&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll have closing comments after this. &nbsp;
Break: Ingles Markets 5&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;
<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>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="http://www.drakerealty.com/">www.drakerealty.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.wheelerfuneralhome.com/">www.wheelerfuneralhome.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://morganmedical.org/">morganmedical.org</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
#NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations&nbsp;

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