EAST METRO Top Stories for January 16th 

Publish Date: January 16th 

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, January 16th and Happy birthday to Albert Pujols 

I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal 

1. Residents protest against ICE detention facility in Social Circle
2. Morgan’s First and Only Female County Commissioner Ellen Warren Dies
3. Error in state auditors’ data center review inflated job production and economic value

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on raw milk 

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: Bama Boys Towing 

STORY 1: Residents protest against ICE detention facility in Social Circle 

   Early Wednesday morning, in the freezing rain, more than two dozen people gathered outside a warehouse in Social Circle to protest what they believe is a plan by ICE to turn the facility into a massive detention center. The protest, thrown together at the last minute, was led by Gareth Fenley of Indivisible Boldly Blue, a Walton County grassroots group. 

“We saw about 15 unmarked cars and people inside the warehouse—normally, this place is empty,” Fenley said. 

The city of Social Circle has publicly opposed the rumored plan, citing concerns about water and sewer capacity, proximity to an elementary school, and potential tax base losses. 

STORY 2:  Morgan’s First and Only Female County Commissioner Ellen Warren Dies 

Ellen Warren was a force of nature. At 79, after nearly a decade battling multiple myeloma, she passed on Jan. 8, leaving behind a legacy that feels almost too big to put into words. 

She was Morgan County’s first—and only—female commissioner, a trailblazer who broke barriers with grit and grace. But Ellen wasn’t just a politician. She was a farmer, a rescuer, a pilot, a dreamer. Her 256-acre Full Circle Farm wasn’t just home to cattle—it was a sanctuary for emus, llamas, pigs, peacocks, and countless “misfit” animals she couldn’t turn away. 

Ellen’s impact stretched far beyond her farm. She championed a $35 million hospital, protected farmland, and co-founded Companion Animal Rescue, saving hundreds of lives. “Her heart never faltered,” said Donna Prior, her longtime rescue partner. 

Her Celebration of Life will be Jan. 24 at Episcopal Church of the Advent in Madison. Donations in her honor can be made to the Humane Society of Morgan County. 

STORY 3:   Error in state auditors’ data center review inflated job production and economic value 

   Turns out, Georgia’s data centers didn’t deliver the economic boom state auditors initially claimed. A correction issued Wednesday slashed the numbers—by a lot. 

Originally, the state said $474 million in tax breaks led to 28,350 construction jobs and $3.4 billion in economic impact. But the real figures? Just 8,505 construction jobs and $1 billion. Operations jobs dropped too, from 5,471 to 1,641, with a much smaller $247 million impact. 

No explanation for the error. The original report’s numbers? Still sitting there, unchanged. 

Meanwhile, data centers keep sparking debate over their massive water and power demands, especially with Georgia Power’s recent 10-gigawatt expansion approval. 

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 5 

STORY 4: Morgan Sheriff's Office Grows K9 Deputy Program 

There’s a new nose on the beat in Morgan County—K9 Deputy Dani, a 17-month-old bloodhound with a knack for sniffing out trouble. Partnered with Sergeant Blake Rowe, Dani is already making her mark. Over New Year’s, she tracked down a suspect who ditched his car and bolted into the woods. One whiff of the guy’s abandoned vehicle, and Dani led deputies straight to a shed where he was hiding. 

Dani, named after Revolutionary War hero General Daniel Morgan, joins K9 Jax, a Belgian Malinois, as part of the sheriff’s growing K9 unit. Both dogs were donated—Dani by South Georgia K9 and Jax by the Butts County Sheriff’s Office—and are supported by the Morgan County Sheriff’s Foundation. 

Local businesses like Pet Supplies Plus and The Fetch House pitch in too, providing food and grooming for the pups.  

STORY 5: Alsobrook begins historic term as new Conyers mayor 

Conyers made history on Jan. 7, swearing in Connie Alsobrook as its first Black and first woman mayor—a groundbreaking moment for the 172-year-old city. Nearly 200 people packed Cherokee Run Golf Club to witness the milestone, as Alsobrook stood proudly beside her daughter, Miranda, while taking the oath of office. 

“This win isn’t just mine—it’s a commitment from Conyers to progress, fairness, and unity,” Alsobrook said, her voice full of emotion. 

The night also saw Anthony Garcia Pacheco sworn in as the city’s first Hispanic council member, alongside the re-elected Charlie Bryant. 

Alsobrook’s journey? Years of grassroots service, advocacy, and a deep love for her community. 

Break:  

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on raw milk  

We’ll have closing comments after this.  

Break: INGLES MARKETS 6 

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