EAST METRO Top Stories for July 18th 

Publish Date: July 18th 

    

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, July 18th and Happy birthday to John Glen 

 

I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal 
Donation makes pickleball court possible at new senior center
A Block Engulfed
Qualifying for city races opens Aug. 18

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on picky toddlers 

  

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 8 

 

STORY 1: Donation makes pickleball court possible at new senior center 

Newton County Senior Services Inc. donated $32,473 to fund a pickleball court at the upcoming Newton County Senior Enrichment Center at Denny Dobbs Park. The nonprofit raised $40,000, with the remaining funds addressing other needs at the center, set to open in fall 2025. Pickleball, a favorite among local seniors, is already played at Turner Lake gym by about 60 participants. Director Freda Reed highlighted the game’s physical, mental, and social benefits for seniors. The center is funded by 2023 SPLOST collections and aims to enhance senior activities in the community. 

 

STORY 2:  A Block Engulfed 

On Sunday, July 13, a devastating fire engulfed three popular eateries—Betty Gene’s, Community Root Market, and The Sinclair—in historic Downtown Madison on Hancock Street. The blaze caused total losses for Betty Gene’s and Community Root Market, with significant damage to The Sinclair and nearby office buildings. Firefighters battled intense flames and billowing black smoke, working tirelessly to contain the fire, which destroyed nearly an entire city block. Cleanup efforts began the following day as the community grappled with the loss of these beloved establishments. 

 

STORY 3: Qualifying for city races opens Aug. 18 

 Qualifying for the Nov. 4 municipal elections in Conyers and Covington will run from Aug. 18 to Aug. 22, with three seats up for election in each city. In Conyers, voters will elect a mayor and City Council members for District 1 and District 2, Post 1, with qualifying fees of $306 for mayor and $252 for council seats. Current Mayor Vince Evans, first elected in 2017, may seek re-election. In Covington, City Council seats for Post 1 (East Ward) and Posts 2 and 3 (West Ward) are on the ballot, with a $360 qualifying fee. Susie Keck (Post 1) will not seek re-election, while Charika Davis (Post 2) and Anthony Henderson (Post 3) currently hold their seats. 

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 8 

 

STORY 4:Newton County School System continues CEP Meal Program 

Newton County Schools will continue participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2025-2026 school year, ensuring all students receive free breakfast and lunch without requiring applications. Dr. Michael Barr emphasized that this aligns with the district's goal of removing barriers to learning by providing access to nutritious meals, essential for academic success. Families can still purchase additional food items or second meals through student accounts or with cash/check. For more details, visit the Newton School Nutrition Program website or contact their office. 

STORY 5: Jack Carter named National Quality Dealer of the Year 

Jack Carter, founder of Turn & Burn Motors in Conyers, was named National Quality Dealer of the Year at the NIADA Awards. Carter, who started his dealership in 2013 to help customers with credit challenges, expressed gratitude to his wife, brother, and employees for their support. Turn & Burn Motors, known for in-house financing and customer-focused service, has grown into a trusted dealership with over 30 employees. Carter, now on the NIADA board, is committed to mentoring young dealers and giving back to the industry. Georgia NIADA Executive Director Amy Bennett also received recognition as AEC of the Year during the ceremony. 

 

We’ll be back in a moment   

 

Break:  

 

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on picky toddlers 

 

We’ll have closing comments after this.  

Break: Ingles Markets 8 

 

 

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 

 

#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 July 18th&nbsp;
Publish Date: July 18th&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, July 18th and Happy birthday to John Glen&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>Donation makes pickleball court possible at new senior center</li>
<li>A Block Engulfed</li>
<li>Qualifying for city races opens Aug. 18</li>
</ol>
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on picky toddlers&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 8&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 1: <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/donation-makes-pickleball-court-possible-at-new-senior-center/article_8ae330a0-8e29-493e-bce0-971c80cd3c0e.html">Donation makes pickleball court possible at new senior center</a>&nbsp;
Newton County Senior Services Inc. donated $32,473 to fund a pickleball court at the upcoming Newton County Senior Enrichment Center at Denny Dobbs Park. The nonprofit raised $40,000, with the remaining funds addressing other needs at the center, set to open in fall 2025. Pickleball, a favorite among local seniors, is already played at Turner Lake gym by about 60 participants. Director Freda Reed highlighted the game&rsquo;s physical, mental, and social benefits for seniors. The center is funded by 2023 SPLOST collections and aims to enhance senior activities in the community.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/a-block-engulfed/collection_89f977ae-b666-4d89-b732-91ff8fec5268.html#1">A Block Engulfed</a>&nbsp;
On Sunday, July 13, a devastating fire engulfed three popular eateries&mdash;Betty Gene&rsquo;s, Community Root Market, and The Sinclair&mdash;in historic Downtown Madison on Hancock Street. The blaze caused total losses for Betty Gene&rsquo;s and Community Root Market, with significant damage to The Sinclair and nearby office buildings. Firefighters battled intense flames and billowing black smoke, working tirelessly to contain the fire, which destroyed nearly an entire city block. Cleanup efforts began the following day as the community grappled with the loss of these beloved establishments.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 3: <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/qualifying-for-city-races-opens-aug-18/article_561b1153-d5d1-4540-b463-6aca4a1b1411.html">Qualifying for city races opens Aug. 18</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;Qualifying for the Nov. 4 municipal elections in Conyers and Covington will run from Aug. 18 to Aug. 22, with three seats up for election in each city. In Conyers, voters will elect a mayor and City Council members for District 1 and District 2, Post 1, with qualifying fees of $306 for mayor and $252 for council seats. Current Mayor Vince Evans, first elected in 2017, may seek re-election. In Covington, City Council seats for Post 1 (East Ward) and Posts 2 and 3 (West Ward) are on the ballot, with a $360 qualifying fee. Susie Keck (Post 1) will not seek re-election, while Charika Davis (Post 2) and Anthony Henderson (Post 3) currently hold their seats.&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 8&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 4: <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/newton-county-school-system-continues-cep-meal-program/article_2cc72ca2-2b21-433d-8dfb-80c7a11c8be7.html">Newton County School System continues CEP Meal Program</a>&nbsp;
Newton County Schools will continue participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2025-2026 school year, ensuring all students receive free breakfast and lunch without requiring applications. Dr. Michael Barr emphasized that this aligns with the district's goal of removing barriers to learning by providing access to nutritious meals, essential for academic success. Families can still purchase additional food items or second meals through student accounts or with cash/check. For more details, visit the Newton School Nutrition Program website or contact their office.&nbsp;
STORY 5: <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/jack-carter-named-national-quality-dealer-of-the-year/article_eddf466e-ae84-4b5d-a4b7-a16d47783d2b.html">Jack Carter named National Quality Dealer of the Year</a>&nbsp;
Jack Carter, founder of Turn &amp; Burn Motors in Conyers, was named National Quality Dealer of the Year at the NIADA Awards. Carter, who started his dealership in 2013 to help customers with credit challenges, expressed gratitude to his wife, brother, and employees for their support. Turn &amp; Burn Motors, known for in-house financing and customer-focused service, has grown into a trusted dealership with over 30 employees. Carter, now on the NIADA board, is committed to mentoring young dealers and giving back to the industry. Georgia NIADA Executive Director Amy Bennett also received recognition as AEC of the Year during the ceremony.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll be back in a moment  &nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break: &nbsp;
&nbsp;
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on picky toddlers&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll have closing comments after this. &nbsp;
Break: Ingles Markets 8&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>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://morganmedical.org/">morganmedical.org</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://copycentralga.com/">copycentralga.com</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