EAST METRO Top Stories for December 26th 

Publish Date: December 26th 

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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 Friday, December 26th and Happy birthday to Lars Ulrich 

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

1. Two elementary schools named 2024–2025 PBIS Distinguished Schools
2. Madison Man Wanted For Murder In Athens Fatal Shooting Case Arrested In Covington
3. Shad season opens Jan. 1

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on the holidays 

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. 

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STORY 1: Two elementary schools named 2024–2025 PBIS Distinguished Schools 

   Big news for Newton County: Flint Hill Elementary and Rocky Plains Elementary just snagged the 2024–2025 PBIS Distinguished Schools title—the top honor in Georgia’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program. 

What’s PBIS? Basically, it’s a system that helps schools set clear behavior expectations, reward good choices, and use data to make smarter decisions. Sounds simple, but hitting the “Distinguished” level? Not so much. 

These schools nailed it—meeting every tough-as-nails requirement, from keeping discipline issues low to creating safe, supportive spaces for kids. 

Congrats to both schools—well deserved! 

STORY 2:  Madison Man Wanted For Murder In Athens Fatal Shooting Case Arrested In Covington 

 Jamarioun Makel Clark, 22, of Madison, was arrested Friday, Dec. 19, in Covington after a multi-agency manhunt. 

The search began after a fatal shooting in Athens early Thursday morning. Police found 26-year-old Anargyros Mantas on West Broad Street, just blocks from UGA, with multiple gunshot wounds. He later died at the hospital. 

Clark, wanted for felony murder and other charges, was tracked down with help from local law enforcement, the FBI, and GBI. 

Clark’s criminal history includes a 2021 armed robbery at Madison’s Budget Inn. 

Police urge anyone with info to contact Detective Bradshaw at 762-400-7323. 

STORY 3:   Shad season opens Jan. 1 

   Midnight, Jan. 1, 2026. That’s when shad season kicks off, and commercial fishermen can hit the water, according to Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources. The season runs through March 31, and while recent years haven’t been stellar, WRD biologist Jim Page is optimistic. 

The rules? Oh, there are plenty. Altamaha River? Open in sections, but only certain days. Savannah River? Same deal. Ogeechee, Satilla, St. Marys? Don’t even think about it—closed. 

Net size, spacing, licenses, boat registration, Trip Tickets—yeah, it’s a lot. Full details? Check GeorgiaWildlife.com. 

We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. 

We’ll be right back 

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STORY 4: Georgia unveils 2026 Travel Guide ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 

    Georgia’s rolling out the red carpet for 2026, and Governor Brian Kemp just unveiled the state’s new Travel Guide to prove it. With the FIFA World Cup coming to town and America’s 250th birthday on the horizon, the Peach State is ready to shine. 

The 130-page guide? Packed. Think breathtaking photos, road trip ideas, hidden gems, and even a foldout map (yes, those still exist). From Atlanta’s electric energy to quiet coastal escapes, it’s all in there. 

“Georgia’s got it all—big cities, small towns, history, food, sports, you name it,” Kemp said. “We’re ready to welcome the world.” 

Grab your copy at ExploreGeorgia.org. 

STORY 5: Georgia prepares for Sugar Bowl rematch as Ole Miss promises a better fight 

Georgia vs. Ole Miss, part two. The Bulldogs took the first round back in October—43-35, a nail-biter that saw Georgia erase a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter. But now? It’s the Sugar Bowl, and Ole Miss is coming in hot after steamrolling Tulane 41-10. 

New coach Pete Golding, a midseason shakeup, and a fresh QB in Trinidad Chambliss have given Ole Miss a new edge. 

Revenge? Maybe. Opportunity? Definitely. Either way, buckle up—it’s gonna be a fight. 

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And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on the holidays 

We’ll have closing comments after this.  

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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/ 

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