Top Stories for July 25th 

Publish Date: July 25th 

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, July 25th and Happy birthday to Walter Peyton 

I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal 
Conservative Brett Mauldin announces bid for State House District 114 
The Sinclair Reopens After Suffering Fire Damage 
Newton commissioners request evaluation of Fire Services 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on diabetes 

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

STORY 1: Conservative Brett Mauldin announces bid for State House District 114 

Brett Mauldin, a conservative businessman and second-generation construction company owner, has announced his candidacy for Georgia House District 114, covering Morgan County and parts of Newton and Walton counties. Mauldin emphasizes his commitment to small businesses, advocating for cutting red tape, eliminating state income tax, and supporting working families. A strong proponent of conservative values, he pledges to defend the Constitution, protect the unborn, uphold the Second Amendment, and combat human and drug trafficking. Mauldin, a family man and active community member, aims to preserve the district's traditions while addressing growth challenges. His candidacy follows Rep. Tim Fleming’s decision to run for Secretary of State. 

STORY 2:  The Sinclair Reopens After Suffering Fire Damage 

Preston Snyder, founder of MAD Hospitality, has reopened The Sinclair, an upscale cafe in Downtown Madison, just over a week after a fire damaged the historic building housing his businesses. While the fire destroyed Community Roots Market and Betty Gene’s, The Sinclair was salvageable and reopened on July 22. Known for its coffee, pastries, gourmet small plates, and cocktails, the cafe operates out of a repurposed gas station. Snyder expressed gratitude for the community’s support, emphasizing The Sinclair’s resilience and importance to Madison since its 2021 opening. 

STORY 3: Newton commissioners request evaluation of Fire Services 

 Newton County is considering hiring a third-party consulting firm to evaluate its Fire Service policies and procedures due to ongoing issues within the department. District 1 Commissioner Stan Edwards highlighted the need for an impartial review, noting the county has had three fire chiefs in eight years. Current Chief Royce Turner, hired in 2024, succeeded Mike Conner, who was dismissed over a conflict of interest, and Jeffrey Monroe, who resigned amid morale and pay complaints. The evaluation aims to address systemic challenges and provide recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. 

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

STORY 4:Rock Legend and Conservationist, Chuck Leavell, Coming to Morgan County September 13 

The Madison-Morgan Conservancy will host “An Evening with Chuck Leavell” on September 13, 2025, at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center Auditorium. The event, featuring the legendary Rolling Stones music director and conservationist, includes a documentary screening, stories, and a live performance. It follows the Conservancy’s Annual Membership Supper and inaugural Conservation/Preservation Awards. Proceeds will support efforts to protect land and combat sprawl. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Conservancy has safeguarded over 6,000 acres and aims to become Georgia’s first accredited regional land trust. Tickets are limited; visit mmcGeorgia.org for details. 

STORY 5: Kelvin King running for secretary of state 

Atlanta businessman and Air Force veteran Kelvin King has announced his candidacy for Georgia secretary of state. King, who previously ran for the U.S. Senate, aims to bring "new leadership" by supporting hybrid voting with hand-counted ballots, cleaning up voter rolls, and overhauling business licensing systems. He joins State Rep. Tim Fleming in the Republican race. Incumbent Brad Raffensperger, who gained attention for rejecting Donald Trump’s 2020 election claims, has not announced if he will seek a third term, as he reportedly considers runs for governor or Senate. 

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on diabetes 

We’ll have closing comments after this.  

Break: Ingles Markets

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 
morganmedical.org 
copycentralga.com 

 

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Top Stories for July 25th&nbsp;
Publish Date: July 25th&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, July 25th and Happy birthday to Walter Peyton&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal&nbsp;
<ol>
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</ol>
<ol>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="%1." data-font="Calibri" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">The Sinclair Reopens After Suffering Fire Damage&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="%1." data-font="Calibri" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">Newton commissioners request evaluation of Fire Services&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on diabetes&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;
BREAK: Ingles Markets
STORY 1:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/conservative-brett-mauldin-announces-bid-for-state-house-district-114/article_c67a39cc-9c59-4849-b99e-b12ed5aed940.html">Conservative Brett Mauldin announces bid for State House District 114</a>&nbsp;
Brett Mauldin, a conservative businessman and second-generation construction company owner, has announced his candidacy for Georgia House District 114, covering Morgan County and parts of Newton and Walton counties. Mauldin emphasizes his commitment to small businesses, advocating for cutting red tape, eliminating state income tax, and supporting working families. A strong proponent of conservative values, he pledges to defend the Constitution, protect the unborn, uphold the Second Amendment, and combat human and drug trafficking. Mauldin, a family man and active community member, aims to preserve the district's traditions while addressing growth challenges. His candidacy follows Rep. Tim Fleming&rsquo;s decision to run for Secretary of State.&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/the-sinclair-reopens-after-suffering-fire-damage/article_24869f43-31ff-4d36-a573-546b4dc10c67.html">The Sinclair Reopens After Suffering Fire Damage</a>&nbsp;
Preston Snyder, founder of MAD Hospitality, has reopened The Sinclair, an upscale cafe in Downtown Madison, just over a week after a fire damaged the historic building housing his businesses. While the fire destroyed Community Roots Market and Betty Gene&rsquo;s, The Sinclair was salvageable and reopened on July 22. Known for its coffee, pastries, gourmet small plates, and cocktails, the cafe operates out of a repurposed gas station. Snyder expressed gratitude for the community&rsquo;s support, emphasizing The Sinclair&rsquo;s resilience and importance to Madison since its 2021 opening.&nbsp;
STORY 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/newton-commissioners-request-evaluation-of-fire-services/article_3c3ada3a-e3d2-43f8-9859-d3a2e9d1262e.html">Newton commissioners request evaluation of Fire Services</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;Newton County is considering hiring a third-party consulting firm to evaluate its Fire Service policies and procedures due to ongoing issues within the department. District 1 Commissioner Stan Edwards highlighted the need for an impartial review, noting the county has had three fire chiefs in eight years. Current Chief Royce Turner, hired in 2024, succeeded Mike Conner, who was dismissed over a conflict of interest, and Jeffrey Monroe, who resigned amid morale and pay complaints. The evaluation aims to address systemic challenges and provide recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.&nbsp;
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll be right back&nbsp;
Break: Ingles Markets
STORY 4: <a href="https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/rock-legend-and-conservationist-chuck-leavell-coming-to-morgan-county-september-13/article_b9446d88-06d5-4430-b1d4-07ea96a60699.html">Rock Legend and Conservationist, Chuck Leavell, Coming to Morgan County September 13</a>&nbsp;
The Madison-Morgan Conservancy will host &ldquo;An Evening with Chuck Leavell&rdquo; on September 13, 2025, at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center Auditorium. The event, featuring the legendary Rolling Stones music director and conservationist, includes a documentary screening, stories, and a live performance. It follows the Conservancy&rsquo;s Annual Membership Supper and inaugural Conservation/Preservation Awards. Proceeds will support efforts to protect land and combat sprawl. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Conservancy has safeguarded over 6,000 acres and aims to become Georgia&rsquo;s first accredited regional land trust. Tickets are limited; visit mmcGeorgia.org for details.&nbsp;
STORY 5: <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/kelvin-king-running-for-secretary-of-state/article_7bf4de81-1984-4f8a-886f-cfa96a81d915.html">Kelvin King running for secretary of state</a>&nbsp;
Atlanta businessman and Air Force veteran Kelvin King has announced his candidacy for Georgia secretary of state. King, who previously ran for the U.S. Senate, aims to bring "new leadership" by supporting hybrid voting with hand-counted ballots, cleaning up voter rolls, and overhauling business licensing systems. He joins State Rep. Tim Fleming in the Republican race. Incumbent Brad Raffensperger, who gained attention for rejecting Donald Trump&rsquo;s 2020 election claims, has not announced if he will seek a third term, as he reportedly considers runs for governor or Senate.&nbsp;
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on diabetes&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll have closing comments after this. &nbsp;
Break: Ingles Markets
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;
<ol>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="●" data-font="Calibri" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;●&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ingles-markets.com/">www.ingles-markets.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="●" data-font="Calibri" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;●&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://morganmedical.org/">morganmedical.org</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="●" data-font="Calibri" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;●&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://copycentralga.com/">copycentralga.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
&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