EAST METRO Top Stories for April 4th    

Publish Date: April 4th        

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, April 4th, and Happy 58th birthday to actor Robert Downey Jr.

***04.04.24 – BIRTHDAY – ROBERT DOWNEY JR***

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty

1. County Commissioners attempt to oust County Attorney Christian Henry
2. Newton Seeks to Rein in Unruly Public Comments
3. Addy’s Law Passes Georgia General Assembly

Plus, Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Market on the best breakfast choices.

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: County Commissioners attempt to oust County Attorney Christian Henry

During a Morgan County Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Blake McCormack called for a closed executive session to discuss the county attorney, Christian Henry's, performance due to ongoing lawsuits. After emerging from the session, a 3-to-2 vote took place to consider finding new legal representation for future litigation, but the motion was tied. Chairman Bill Kurtz broke the tie by voting against adding the request to the agenda. McCormack expressed dissatisfaction with Henry's handling of the Rivian deal and proposed parting ways with him. Commissioner Ben Riden sought more time to consider the matter further. While the request is currently paused, the commissioners pledged to revisit it in the future.

STORY 2: Newton Seeks to Rein in Unruly Public Comments

During a Newton County Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioners Stan Edwards, Demond Mason, and Ronnie Cowan expressed concern over increasingly hostile and inappropriate comments from the public during citizen comment periods. They proposed discussing the removal of citizen comments from the agenda, citing personal attacks and disruptive behavior. However, Commissioners Alana Sanders and J.C. Henderson opposed the changes, highlighting the importance of public input and transparency. The discussion ended with a motion to table the issue for 30 days and develop rules of decorum instead. The motion passed 3-2, with Sanders and Henderson opposed. Numerous residents spoke against removing citizen comments, emphasizing the need for accountability and community involvement.

STORY 3: Addy’s Law Passes Georgia General Assembly

"Addy's Law," a bill aimed at increasing fines and penalties for drivers who pass stopped school buses, has been passed by both the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate. The legislation, named after 8-year-old Adalynn Pierce who tragically died after being struck by a car while boarding a school bus, mandates public school systems to consider safer bus routes and imposes harsh penalties for violators. Offenders will face high and aggravated misdemeanor charges, with fines of at least $1,000 and potential imprisonment. Civil penalties will increase from $250 to $1,000, and repeat offenders may have their violations reported to their insurance companies. The bill, introduced by Georgia Rep. Lauren Daniel, aims to prevent reckless driving near school buses and hold offenders accountable.

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We’ll be right back.

Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME

STORY 4: Tornado Cleanup Underway in Rockdale County

A tornado, confirmed as an EF2 with wind speeds ranging from 111 to 135 mph, struck Rockdale County, particularly the McDaniel Mill Road corridor, causing damage to homes, downing trees, and power lines. The tornado, which touched down around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, led to two minor injuries, including a woman struck by a tree in her house and a young man trapped in his car by a fallen tree. Several roads were closed for cleanup, with some neighborhoods inaccessible due to damage. The Salvation Army provided food assistance, while the Red Cross set up a shelter for those displaced. Residents were urged to document damage for insurance claims.

STORY 5: Morgan County approves zoning change for new convenience store in Buckhead

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners approved a zoning change for an old Joe's store location on Eatonton Highway, allowing for the construction of a 6,000-square-foot convenience store with a cafe and gas pump station. The decision, passed 3-1, came after concerns raised by planning staff and the Morgan County Planning Commission regarding semi-truck accommodations and the project's alignment with the county's rural living designation. The developer agreed to revise plans, removing semi-truck services and integrating the cafe within the convenience store. Commissioner Blake McCormack dissented, fearing a precedent for future commercial developments in rural areas. Revised plans address staff concerns, with the cafe offering sandwiches and snacks alongside standard convenience store items.

We’ll be back in a moment. 

Break: CURIOSITY LB BIKE RACE

STORY 6: Interview

And now here is Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath on the best breakfast choices.

STORY 7:  LEAH INTERVIEW

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

Break: INGLES 2

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 Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast.

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:

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