EAST METRO Top Stories for December 12th 

Publish Date: December 12th 

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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, December 12th and Happy birthday to Frank Sinatra 

***12.12.24 - BIRTHDAY – FRANK SINATRA*** 

I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty  

1. Record holiday travel numbers predicted by AAA 
2. Two Pedestrians Hit On Eatonton Road, One Dead The Other Life-Flighted 
3. Newton School System, Sheriff's Office support law enforcement career development 

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: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Geoff) 

STORY 1:  Record holiday travel numbers predicted by AAA 

Georgians are expected to travel in record numbers during the year-end holiday period, with AAA predicting 3.7 million Georgians traveling 50 miles or more, surpassing last year's record. Nationwide, 119.3 million people are expected to travel, slightly exceeding the 2019 record. The increase is driven by consumer spending, steady economic growth, and strong employment. Most will travel by car, with 3.3 million Georgians expected on the roads. Air travel is also set to break records, with nearly 7.9 million Americans flying. AAA advises travelers to plan ahead, expect crowded conditions, and consider travel insurance. 

STORY 2:      Two Pedestrians Hit On Eatonton Road, One Dead The Other Life-Flighted 

A tragic incident on Eatonton Road in Madison resulted in the death of Jimmy Lee Love and critical injuries to Ralph Higgins, both in their 60s, as they attempted to cross the highway. Love was struck by a Mercedes SUV, and Higgins was hit by a Mercury Sedan while rushing to help Love. The Georgia State Patrol reported no fault on the drivers' part, citing poor lighting and lack of crosswalks as contributing factors. The road was closed for two hours following the incident. Madison officials have long identified this area as hazardous for pedestrians. 

STORY 3:  Newton School System, Sheriff's Office support law enforcement career development 

  Newton County Schools has partnered with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office to enhance law enforcement career programs at Newton High School and Newton College & Career Academy. The Sheriff's Office donated duty equipment, such as belts and handcuff pouches, to support hands-on learning for students in Law & Public Safety and Criminal Justice classes. This collaboration aims to create a career pipeline, offering students practical training and industry exposure. The partnership also supports the launch of a SkillsUSA chapter, providing students with necessary equipment for competitions. Sheriff Ezell Brown expressed enthusiasm for inspiring future law enforcement careers. 

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: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME (08.08.24 WHEELER OBITS_FINAL) 

STORY 4:  Burchfield Family Christmas Returns To Cultural Center This Friday 

The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is hosting the annual Burchfield Family Christmas concert on Friday, Dec. 13, featuring a festive performance by Sam Burchfield, Pip the Pansy, and Cicada Rhythm. This event, a local favorite, promises a blend of classic and modern Christmas music with a unique flair. The concert will take place in the Hall on Foster, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25, with free entry for children accompanied by a parent. Tickets are available at the center's website. 

STORY 5:    Newton County opens courthouse for weddings, family photos 

Newton County is inviting the community to enjoy holiday decorations at the Historic Courthouse by offering wedding and photo opportunities. Couples can reserve time slots for courthouse weddings on Dec. 13 and Dec. 20, needing to bring their own officiant and photographer. To book, contact LaTonja Hamp. Additionally, the courthouse will host photos with Santa, arts and crafts, games, and treats on Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The courthouse is also open for family photos during business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

We’ll be back in a moment   

Break: Ingles Markets 4 

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

*** INGLES 1 (PICKY TODDLER) *** 

We’ll have closing comments after this.  

Break: 11.12.24 MORGAN MEDICAL NOV_FINAL 

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. 

Produced by the BG Podcast Network 

Show Sponsors: 

• www.ingles-markets.com 

• www.drakerealty.com 

• www.wheelerfuneralhome.com 

• morganmedical.org 

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