Top Stories for October 3rd 

Publish Date: October 3rd
   

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, October 3rd and Happy birthday to Stevie Ray Vaughn  


I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal 
RCPS graduation rate increases, tops state for third consecutive year
Lions Club Fair Comes To Town Oct. 7 To 11
Reeling in history: UGA documents two new species of bass 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on cereals 


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

 

STORY 1: RCPS graduation rate increases, tops state for third consecutive year 

Big news for Rockdale County Public Schools: the class of 2025 just hit a record-breaking graduation rate—89.52%. That’s the highest it’s ever been since Georgia started tracking the federally required four-year cohort rate. And, for the third year running, RCPS beat the state average, which sits at 87.2%. Not too shabby, right? 

Superintendent Shirley Chesser called it a team effort.  

Since 2012, RCPS has climbed over 13 points. Progress? Absolutely. But as Board Chair Sandra Jackson-Lett put it, “A diploma’s just the start.” 



STORY 2:  Lions Club Fair Comes To Town Oct. 7 To 11 

With the crisp fall air finally rolling in, it’s time for a local favorite—the Madison Lions Club Fair, running Oct. 7–11. Perfectly timed with Morgan County Charter Schools’ fall break, the fair will light up 1311 Fairgrounds Road with rides, games, and, of course, those famous Lions Club burgers sizzling on the flat top. 

Hours? Tuesday through Thursday, 6–10 p.m.; Friday, 6–11 p.m.; and Saturday, 1–11 p.m. Tickets are $3 for adults, $1 for kids, with unlimited ride armbands for $25—or snag the $20 Wednesday special. 

This isn’t just about fun, though. It’s the Lions Club’s only fundraiser, with every dollar going back into the community for vision care, scholarships, and more.  

The week kicks off early with the Morgan County 4-H bake-off on Oct. 6, followed by the 4-H cattle show and School Night on Oct. 7, where local students can get in free with school coupons. 


STORY 3: Reeling in history: UGA documents two new species of bass 

Turns out Georgia’s rivers have been hiding a couple of secrets: two new species of black bass. Yep, Bartram’s bass and Altamaha bass are officially their own thing now, thanks to years of work by a team of UGA ecologists. 

Bartram’s bass? Think light gold with dark blotches, a pinkish fin, and those striking red eyes rimmed in gold. Altamaha bass? Similar vibe, but swap the pink for orange and add olive edges to the scales. Gorgeous fish, really. 

But here’s the kicker: their habitats are under threat—dams, sediment, and hybridization are messing things up. 


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


STORY 4:Brian Snitker out as Braves' manager, will transition into advisory role 

After months of whispers and “will he, won’t he” debates, Brian Snitker finally made it official: he’s stepping out of the dugout. Starting in 2026, the longtime Braves manager will take on an advisory role, capping off a career that’s been nothing short of remarkable. Oh, and he’s getting inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame next year—because, of course, he is. 

From inheriting a struggling team in 2016 to leading them to a World Series title in 2021, Snitker’s journey has been one of grit, heart, and a whole lot of baseball. But now? He’s ready for a slower pace—more time with his grandkids, fewer sleepless nights worrying about lineups.  

As for what’s next for the Braves? That’s the big question. Bench coach Walt Weiss seems like the obvious choice, but names like David Ross and Mark DeRosa are floating around too. One thing’s for sure: whoever steps into Snitker’s shoes has some big cleats to fill. 


STORY 5: National Faith and Blue events this weekend 

This weekend, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with local faith groups and community organizations for National Faith and Blue Weekend, a nationwide effort to strengthen ties between law enforcement and the people they serve. 

The events, are all about connection—building trust, fostering unity, and, honestly, just bringing folks together. Here’s what’s happening: 

Saturday, Oct. 4 
It’s Fall Y’all Festival: 10 a.m., Legion Field, 3173 Mill St. Think music, games, vendors, and even a slingshot and bike show. 
Car Show: 3 p.m., The Church Covington, 11975 Ga. Hwy 142. 

Sunday, Oct. 5 
Corporate Prayer: 4 p.m., Historic Square, Covington. A powerful gathering of law enforcement, clergy, and the community. 

For details, reach out to Deputies Tim Smith (770-883-0324), Michael Gregg (404-550-5015), or Kimberly Cox (470-283-9326). 


And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on cereals 


We’ll have closing comments after this.  


Break: INGLES MARKETS

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. 

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Top Stories for October 3rd&nbsp;
Publish Date: October 3rd   &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, October 3rd and Happy birthday to Stevie Ray Vaughn&nbsp;&nbsp;
 I&rsquo;m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal&nbsp;
<ol>
<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">RCPS graduation rate increases, tops state for third consecutive year</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">Lions Club Fair Comes To Town Oct. 7 To 11</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">Reeling in history: UGA documents two new species of bass&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on cereals&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: INGLES MARKETS
&nbsp;
STORY 1: <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/rcps-graduation-rate-increases-tops-state-for-third-consecutive-year/article_f9572113-2143-415d-8190-5cede00a9d38.html">RCPS graduation rate increases, tops state for third consecutive year</a>&nbsp;
Big news for Rockdale County Public Schools: the class of 2025 just hit a record-breaking graduation rate&mdash;89.52%. That&rsquo;s the highest it&rsquo;s ever been since Georgia started tracking the federally required four-year cohort rate. And, for the third year running, RCPS beat the state average, which sits at 87.2%. Not too shabby, right?&nbsp;
Superintendent Shirley Chesser called it a team effort.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Since 2012, RCPS has climbed over 13 points. Progress? Absolutely. But as Board Chair Sandra Jackson-Lett put it, &ldquo;A diploma&rsquo;s just the start.&rdquo;&nbsp; 
STORY 2:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/lions-club-fair-comes-to-town-oct-7-to-11/article_c39f1389-3628-4031-ae31-f14776dbf20d.html">Lions Club Fair Comes To Town Oct. 7 To 11</a>&nbsp;
With the crisp fall air finally rolling in, it&rsquo;s time for a local favorite&mdash;the Madison Lions Club Fair, running Oct. 7&ndash;11. Perfectly timed with Morgan County Charter Schools&rsquo; fall break, the fair will light up 1311 Fairgrounds Road with rides, games, and, of course, those famous Lions Club burgers sizzling on the flat top.&nbsp;
Hours? Tuesday through Thursday, 6&ndash;10 p.m.; Friday, 6&ndash;11 p.m.; and Saturday, 1&ndash;11 p.m. Tickets are $3 for adults, $1 for kids, with unlimited ride armbands for $25&mdash;or snag the $20 Wednesday special.&nbsp;
This isn&rsquo;t just about fun, though. It&rsquo;s the Lions Club&rsquo;s only fundraiser, with every dollar going back into the community for vision care, scholarships, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The week kicks off early with the Morgan County 4-H bake-off on Oct. 6, followed by the 4-H cattle show and School Night on Oct. 7, where local students can get in free with school coupons.&nbsp;
 STORY 3: <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/reeling-in-history-uga-documents-two-new-species-of-bass/article_a309f8a7-4541-5cda-a7c6-adee93e2cb72.html">Reeling in history: UGA documents two new species of bass</a>&nbsp;
Turns out Georgia&rsquo;s rivers have been hiding a couple of secrets: two new species of black bass. Yep, Bartram&rsquo;s bass and Altamaha bass are officially their own thing now, thanks to years of work by a team of UGA ecologists.&nbsp;
Bartram&rsquo;s bass? Think light gold with dark blotches, a pinkish fin, and those striking red eyes rimmed in gold. Altamaha bass? Similar vibe, but swap the pink for orange and add olive edges to the scales. Gorgeous fish, really.&nbsp;
But here&rsquo;s the kicker: their habitats are under threat&mdash;dams, sediment, and hybridization are messing things up.&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: INGLES MARKETS
 STORY 4: <a href="https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/atlantabraves/brian-snitker-out-as-braves-manager-will-transition-into-advisory-role/article_c4125ad6-3bb3-507f-9ab5-e089f62e1102.html">Brian Snitker out as Braves' manager, will transition into advisory role</a>&nbsp;
After months of whispers and &ldquo;will he, won&rsquo;t he&rdquo; debates, Brian Snitker finally made it official: he&rsquo;s stepping out of the dugout. Starting in 2026, the longtime Braves manager will take on an advisory role, capping off a career that&rsquo;s been nothing short of remarkable. Oh, and he&rsquo;s getting inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame next year&mdash;because, of course, he is.&nbsp;
From inheriting a struggling team in 2016 to leading them to a World Series title in 2021, Snitker&rsquo;s journey has been one of grit, heart, and a whole lot of baseball. But now? He&rsquo;s ready for a slower pace&mdash;more time with his grandkids, fewer sleepless nights worrying about lineups.&nbsp;&nbsp;
As for what&rsquo;s next for the Braves? That&rsquo;s the big question. Bench coach Walt Weiss seems like the obvious choice, but names like David Ross and Mark DeRosa are floating around too. One thing&rsquo;s for sure: whoever steps into Snitker&rsquo;s shoes has some big cleats to fill.&nbsp;
 STORY 5: <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/national-faith-and-blue-events-this-weekend/article_ac31feb6-a842-403d-a973-a34344d1d791.html">National Faith and Blue events this weekend</a>&nbsp;
This weekend, the Newton County Sheriff&rsquo;s Office is teaming up with local faith groups and community organizations for National Faith and Blue Weekend, a nationwide effort to strengthen ties between law enforcement and the people they serve.&nbsp;
The events, are all about connection&mdash;building trust, fostering unity, and, honestly, just bringing folks together. Here&rsquo;s what&rsquo;s happening:&nbsp;
Saturday, Oct. 4&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">It&rsquo;s Fall Y&rsquo;all Festival: 10 a.m., Legion Field, 3173 Mill St. Think music, games, vendors, and even a slingshot and bike show.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">Car Show: 3 p.m., The Church Covington, 11975 Ga. Hwy 142.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Sunday, Oct. 5&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="7" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Corporate Prayer: 4 p.m., Historic Square, Covington. A powerful gathering of law enforcement, clergy, and the community.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
For details, reach out to Deputies Tim Smith (770-883-0324), Michael Gregg (404-550-5015), or Kimberly Cox (470-283-9326).&nbsp;
 And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on cereals&nbsp;
 We&rsquo;ll have closing comments after this. &nbsp;
 Break: INGLES MARKETS
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>
<li><a href="https://copycentralga.com/">copycentralga.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
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<li><a href="https://copycentral.com/">copycentral.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
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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

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