EAST METRO Top Stories for June 27th        

Publish Date: June 27th           

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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 27th and Happy 53rd birthday to actor Chris O’Donnell.

***06.27.24 – BIRTHDAY – CHRIS O’DONNELL***

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

1. Newton County detention officer charged with sexual assault of inmate
2. Cash, Drugs Confiscated After Stop for Speeding
3. New Newton County budget will mean tax increase

Plus, Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Laura Lynn products.

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: Newton County detention officer charges with sexual assault of inmate

Akima Martin, a deputy with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, was arrested on June 21 and charged following allegations of engaging in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a female inmate. The incidents reportedly occurred between early February and April 8. The charges against Martin include two counts of aggravated sodomy, improper sexual contact by an employee, two counts of sexual battery, providing tobacco to an inmate without authorization, and violating the oath of a public officer. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation after receiving a report in April. Martin has been transferred to the Rockdale County Jail.

STORY 2: Cash, Drugs Confiscated After Stop For Speeding  

During a traffic stop for speeding on Interstate 20, Morgan County Sheriff’s deputies discovered over $20,000 in cash and 14 bags of suspected marijuana. Isaiah Hunter and Okechi [Oh-keh-chee ] Michael Ntiasagwe [In-tee-ah-sah-gweh], both from South Carolina, were stopped after allegedly driving at 100 mph. Deputies smelled marijuana and found two bags in the car, a loaded pistol in the glove box, and more marijuana and cash in Hunter’s possession. Further search uncovered additional marijuana, cash, digital scales, ammunition, and cellphones in their possession. Both were charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, while Ntiasagwe faced an additional charge of possessing a firearm during a felony. Hunter also faced charges of driving with a suspended license and speeding.

STORY 3: New Newton County budget will mean tax increase

  Newton County property owners will experience a slight reduction in the millage rate this summer, set at 8.242 compared to the current 8.4 mills. Despite this decrease, it falls short of the rollback rate of 7.9 mills, resulting in higher taxes for residents whose property values have risen. The Board of Commissioners approved a $99.5 million general fund budget, which includes withdrawals from the reserve fund totaling $1.142 million. Commissioners were divided on using more reserves to lower taxes. Key budget allocations include $2 million for employee cost-of-living adjustments, full pension funding, increased health insurance premiums, road paving, and debt payments related to the ABM contract. The budget remains cautious due to pending litigation that could affect fiscal stability.

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We’ll be right back  

Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME

STORY 4: Star-Spangled Celebrations: Morgan County Gears Up For Fourth Of July Week With Fireworks And Festivals

Morgan County is gearing up for a week full of patriotic celebrations this July. Events kick off on July 3 with the Independence Day Picnic at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, featuring a free patriotic concert from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Later that evening, head to Bill Wood Park for the Fourth of July Festival in Madison, starting at 6 p.m., with activities like face-painting, music, food, and fireworks at dusk. Bostwick joins the festivities with its own Fourth of July Celebration at Bostwick Sod Farm, including music, food vendors, and fireworks. The celebration continues with the Fourth of July BBQ on July 4 in Downtown Bostwick, featuring Brunswick stew and barbecue. Additional events throughout the weekend include the Rutledge Summer Concert Series on July 5 and the We Are One Music Festival in Madison on July 6.

STORY 5: Love is Love Cooperative named Newton County Conservationists of the Year

The Upper Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District annually recognizes individuals for outstanding efforts in natural resource protection. In 2024, Love is Love Cooperative LLC received the Conservationist of the Year award. Located in Mansfield, this cooperative farm spans 70 acres and is owned by Joe Reynolds, Judith Winfrey, Demetrius Milling, Russell Honderd, and Monica Ponce. They collaborate to enhance productivity and sustainability, utilizing practices like water management, cover crops, and high tunnel systems through the NRCS's Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Their CSA program offers subscription-based fresh produce boxes, fostering community engagement and shared agricultural risk. Established in 1938, SWCDs like Upper Ocmulgee River play pivotal roles in local conservation efforts, coordinating with state and federal agencies to protect Georgia's soil and water resources.

We’ll be back in a moment  

Break: INGLES 6

And now here is Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath on Laura Lynn Products.

***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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