EAST METRO Top Stories for June 20th        

Publish Date: June 20th           

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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, June 20th and Happy 81st birthday to Beach Boys member Brian Wilson.

***06.20.24 – BIRTHDAY – BRIAN WILSON***

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

1. Lindsey emphasizes One Newton in District 3 win
2. Flambeau Closing Madison Plant
3. All three incumbents ousted in Rockdale County runoffs

Plus, Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on brown eggs.

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.

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STORY 1: Lindsey emphasizes OneNewton in District 3 win

In Newton County, Stephanie Lindsey's victory over incumbent Alana Sanders in the Democratic primary runoff for District 3 Commissioner signals potential unity after years of division. Lindsey emphasized collaboration and tackling issues like taxation, the Westside Youth Facility project, and zoning concerns. Sanders, known for controversy during her tenure, faced lawsuits and filed a discrimination complaint against fellow commissioners. Meanwhile, Brent Bennett won the Democratic nomination for Tax Commissioner, securing the position with no Republican challenger. Bennett, with extensive experience in county tax operations, aims to assume office in January, succeeding outgoing Tax Commissioner Marcus Jordan.

STORY 2: Flambeau Closing Madison Plant

Flambeau, Inc., a thermoplastic molding manufacturer in Madison, Georgia, will close its plant by mid-August, affecting 85 employees. The closure is part of a strategic move to consolidate operations, shifting production of plastic parts to other North American facilities in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, and Mexico. Flambeau aims to maintain quality and service levels during the transition, with a team staying in Madison for about 90 days post-closure. President and CEO Randall Loga emphasized the decision's role in enhancing Flambeau's economic position and logistical efficiencies, expressing appreciation for the affected employees and offering support during the transition.

STORY 3: All three incumbents ousted in Rockdale County runoffs

In Conyers, Rockdale County, the Democrat runoff elections saw significant changes as incumbents were ousted from key positions. JaNice Van Ness, a local businesswoman and former Republican, won the chairmanship of the Board of Commissioners, defeating two-term incumbent Oz Nesbitt Sr. with 58.93% of the vote. Van Ness aims to address rising taxes and financial transparency issues, promising a forensic audit and the establishment of a citizen’s financial oversight committee. Additionally, newcomer Tuwanya Smith unseated incumbent Sherri Washington for the Post 1 seat on the Board of Commissioners, while Larry Cox defeated incumbent Mandy North for the Post 1 seat on the Board of Education. These results mark a historic election with Rockdale County electing its first female chair and an all-woman board.

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We’ll be right back  

Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME

STORY 4: Morgan Passed $56M Budget

Morgan County leaders approved a new $56 million budget for FY 2024-2025, with a $1.73 million increase from the current budget, totaling a 6.7% rise. Despite plans to adopt a rollback millage rate, property taxes are expected to rise due to increased home values. County Manager Adam Mestres cautioned that property values are projected to continue rising over the next three years. The budget prioritizes cost of living increases for county employees and addresses deferred maintenance with $3.1 million allocated for capital improvements. Officials emphasized fiscal responsibility, aiming to balance expenditures with revenues from property taxes, fees, and state and federal funding streams.

STORY 5: Bradley excited to take reigns of Rockdale County boys basketball team

Rodney Bradley steps into his first season as head coach for Rockdale County High School’s boys basketball team facing significant challenges. The team graduated 10 seniors and moves to a tough new league, Region 4-AAAAAA, which includes state champions Grayson and other strong contenders. Despite these hurdles, Bradley, previously the associate head coach, is optimistic, emphasizing his familiarity with the team's returning players. Rockdale’s athletic director, Erwin Equihua, highlighted Bradley’s community contributions and strategic vision, noting his commitment to an up-tempo game style combined with fundamental basketball principles. Bradley aims to develop young talent and build confidence through intensive summer training and local scrimmages.

We’ll be back in a moment.

Break: INGLES 4

And now here is Bruce Jenkins’ conversation from with Leah McGrath on brown eggs.

***LEAH INTERVIEW***

We’ll have closing comments after this.

Break: DRAKE

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 rockdalenewtoncitizen.com  and morgancountycitizen.com

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Produced by the BG Podcast Network

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