Top Stories for August 29th 

Publish Date: August 29th
  

Commercial: PREMEIER HEATING AND AIR 

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, August 29th and Happy birthday to Richard Attenborough 


I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal 
Parents call for regulation of tech companies that target kids
Yacht Rock Schooner Coming to The Hall 
Tests, unfunded mandates, vouchers among school complaints to legislative panel 

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: ARTISAN MARKET 



STORY 1: Parents call for regulation of tech companies that target kids 

  Kids today are living in a world where smartphones and social media collide—and the fallout? It’s messy. On Wednesday, state senators held the first of several hearings to figure out what to do about it. 

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who’s running for governor, pushed for a law last year to limit social media’s grip on kids. It passed easily but got tangled up in court. Meanwhile, the damage continues. 

At the hearing, parents shared gut-wrenching stories. Sharon Winkler’s son left a note after his suicide, blaming online bullying.  


STORY 2:  Yacht Rock Schooner Coming To The Hall 

Get ready, Madison—The Hall on Foster Street is turning into a full-blown retro street party on Friday, Sept. 19, with Yacht Rock Schooner bringing the smooth vibes of the late ’70s and early ’80s. 

This eight-piece band? Pure magic. Think Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins—those timeless grooves that just make you want to dance. With dual keyboards, killer vocals, and a sax that’ll hit you right in the feels, they’re the real deal. 

Doors open at 7 p.m., music starts at 7:30. Tickets are $40, or snag a VIP table for $300. Don’t miss it—this’ll be a night to remember. 


STORY 3: Tests, unfunded mandates, vouchers among school complaints to legislative panel 

When Georgia lawmakers asked educators how to make their jobs easier, the answer was blunt: stop piling on mandates—especially if you’re not footing the bill. 

At Tuesday’s House study committee hearing, frustrations poured out. Twiggs County Superintendent Mack Bullard didn’t hold back: unfunded mandates like the Early Literacy Act are bleeding schools dry.  

And that’s not all. Georgia’s outdated funding formula? It’s laughable. Substitute teachers get $18.75 a day. Secretaries? Their health insurance costs more than their salary. 

Next hearing: Sept. 29. 


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: COPY CENTRAL 


STORY 4:Madison Kiwanis Club gives $500 to foster parent group 

The Madison Kiwanis Club has been a steady supporter of the Morgan County Foster Parents Association (MCFPA), and this week was no different. Lori Ignoffo, MCFPA’s board president, accepted a $500 check from the club after sharing how the group helps foster kids with essentials like clothing and food—things that state funding often falls short on. 

But it wasn’t just money. Club members also brought in packages of new socks and underwear for the Foster Association’s closet. “Every little bit helps,” Ignoffo said. Erin Lee and Kayla Andrews, the club’s president and president-elect, handed over the check with big smiles. 


STORY 5: Rockdale County Code Enforcement earns National Achievement Award 

Rockdale County’s Code Enforcement Division just snagged a 2025 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo), and honestly? It’s well-deserved. 

The team built a digital automation tool—completely in-house, no fancy vendors or IT help—that’s slashed processing time for violation notices by a jaw-dropping 98.78%. Chair and CEO JaNice Van Ness couldn’t stop singing their praises. 

Efficiency, accuracy, and creativity? Nailed it. 


We’ll be right back. 


Break: NEWTON FEDERAL BANK 


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


-Ask Leah Segment-


We’ll have closing comments after this.  


Break: Ingles Markets 4 


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 
copycentralga.com 
newtonfederal.com/ 
copycentral.com 

 

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Top Stories for August 29th&nbsp;
Publish Date: August 29th  &nbsp;
Commercial: PREMEIER HEATING AND AIR&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, August 29th and Happy birthday to Richard Attenborough&nbsp;
 I&rsquo;m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal&nbsp;
<ol>
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<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="1" data-aria-level="1">Yacht Rock Schooner Coming to The Hall&nbsp;</li>
<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="1" data-aria-level="1">Tests, unfunded mandates, vouchers among school complaints to legislative panel&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<ol></ol>
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on picky toddlers&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: ARTISAN MARKET&nbsp; 
STORY 1: <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/parents-call-for-regulation-of-tech-companies-that-target-kids/article_1774f8dd-72db-573b-8c26-e61a47d50cbe.html">Parents call for regulation of tech companies that target kids</a>&nbsp;
  Kids today are living in a world where smartphones and social media collide&mdash;and the fallout? It&rsquo;s messy. On Wednesday, state senators held the first of several hearings to figure out what to do about it.&nbsp;
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who&rsquo;s running for governor, pushed for a law last year to limit social media&rsquo;s grip on kids. It passed easily but got tangled up in court. Meanwhile, the damage continues.&nbsp;
At the hearing, parents shared gut-wrenching stories. Sharon Winkler&rsquo;s son left a note after his suicide, blaming online bullying.&nbsp;&nbsp;
 STORY 2:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/yacht-rock-schooner-coming-to-the-hall/article_6a2aa8a0-76cb-4349-8d5d-f1788ad02956.html">Yacht Rock Schooner Coming To The Hall</a>&nbsp;
Get ready, Madison&mdash;The Hall on Foster Street is turning into a full-blown retro street party on Friday, Sept. 19, with Yacht Rock Schooner bringing the smooth vibes of the late &rsquo;70s and early &rsquo;80s.&nbsp;
This eight-piece band? Pure magic. Think Hall &amp; Oates, Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins&mdash;those timeless grooves that just make you want to dance. With dual keyboards, killer vocals, and a sax that&rsquo;ll hit you right in the feels, they&rsquo;re the real deal.&nbsp;
Doors open at 7 p.m., music starts at 7:30. Tickets are $40, or snag a VIP table for $300. Don&rsquo;t miss it&mdash;this&rsquo;ll be a night to remember.&nbsp;
 STORY 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/tests-unfunded-mandates-vouchers-among-school-complaints-to-legislative-panel/article_17e558f7-1a18-5711-8651-911b7c45becd.html">Tests, unfunded mandates, vouchers among school complaints to legislative panel</a>&nbsp;
When Georgia lawmakers asked educators how to make their jobs easier, the answer was blunt: stop piling on mandates&mdash;especially if you&rsquo;re not footing the bill.&nbsp;
At Tuesday&rsquo;s House study committee hearing, frustrations poured out. Twiggs County Superintendent Mack Bullard didn&rsquo;t hold back: unfunded mandates like the Early Literacy Act are bleeding schools dry.&nbsp;&nbsp;
And that&rsquo;s not all. Georgia&rsquo;s outdated funding formula? It&rsquo;s laughable. Substitute teachers get $18.75 a day. Secretaries? Their health insurance costs more than their salary.&nbsp;
Next hearing: Sept. 29.&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: COPY CENTRAL&nbsp;
 STORY 4: <a href="https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/madison-kiwanis-club-gives-500-to-foster-parent-group/article_b4bcb1ac-6f4f-4c67-94ad-6abae98d9634.html">Madison Kiwanis Club gives $500 to foster parent group</a>&nbsp;
The Madison Kiwanis Club has been a steady supporter of the Morgan County Foster Parents Association (MCFPA), and this week was no different. Lori Ignoffo, MCFPA&rsquo;s board president, accepted a $500 check from the club after sharing how the group helps foster kids with essentials like clothing and food&mdash;things that state funding often falls short on.&nbsp;
But it wasn&rsquo;t just money. Club members also brought in packages of new socks and underwear for the Foster Association&rsquo;s closet. &ldquo;Every little bit helps,&rdquo; Ignoffo said. Erin Lee and Kayla Andrews, the club&rsquo;s president and president-elect, handed over the check with big smiles.&nbsp;
 STORY 5:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/rockdale-county-code-enforcement-earns-national-achievement-award/article_b0f6b24e-cd32-4df2-bf2a-c07dfd529fda.html">Rockdale County Code Enforcement earns National Achievement Award</a>&nbsp;
Rockdale County&rsquo;s Code Enforcement Division just snagged a 2025 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo), and honestly? It&rsquo;s well-deserved.&nbsp;
The team built a digital automation tool&mdash;completely in-house, no fancy vendors or IT help&mdash;that&rsquo;s slashed processing time for violation notices by a jaw-dropping 98.78%. Chair and CEO JaNice Van Ness couldn&rsquo;t stop singing their praises.&nbsp;
Efficiency, accuracy, and creativity? Nailed it.&nbsp;
 We&rsquo;ll be right back.&nbsp;
 Break: NEWTON FEDERAL BANK&nbsp;
 And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on picky toddlers&nbsp;
 -Ask Leah Segment-
 We&rsquo;ll have closing comments after this. &nbsp;
 Break: Ingles Markets 4&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;
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<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>
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<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://copycentralga.com/">copycentralga.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
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</ol>
&nbsp;
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Bringing you the top stories from the Morgan County Citizen and the Rockdale Newton Citizen