EAST METRO Top Stories for January 9th 

Publish Date: January 9th 

    

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 9th and Happy birthday to Jimmy Page 

 

I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal 
Warming drive underway through Feb. 15
Nearly $4.1 million In Road Improvements Needed For New Schools
NCSO executes search warrant, makes three arrests

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats 

  

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: Warming drive underway through Feb. 15 

   Winter’s here, and for some, staying warm isn’t a given. But Newton County’s stepping up. 

The Sheriff’s Office, Tuggle-Harris Educational Foundation, and Newton County Fire Service are collecting cold-weather essentials—blankets, gloves, hats, you name it—for folks who need them. 

Got extras? Drop them off by Feb. 15 at: 
Newton County Fire Service, 4136-A U.S. Highway 278, Covington 
Sheriff’s Office West Side Precinct, 3612 Salem Road, Covington 
Sheriff’s Office East Side Precinct, 5 West 1st St., Mansfield 

Everything goes to local charities. Questions? Call Felicia Tuggle at 770-595-4725. Let’s help our neighbors stay warm. 

STORY 2:  Nearly $4.1 million In Road Improvements Needed For New Schools 

The Morgan County Board of Education is asking for help—big help. They need $4.1 million for road upgrades to handle traffic for the shiny new $65 million K-5 campus set to open in Fall 2028. On Jan. 6, Superintendent Stacey Stancil and Assistant Superintendent Jay Homan asked the county commissioners to chip in nearly $1 million. The catch? The city of Madison has to agree too. 

The upgrades include a roundabout at College Drive and East Avenue, plus improvements at Old Buckhead Road and 441. Without them? “A disaster,” Homan warned—traffic jams, delays, accidents. 

The county approved the funding, but not without some grumbling. Commissioner von Hanstein wasn’t thrilled: “Sixty percent of our taxes already go to schools, and now you want more? Plus, this is inside Madison, not the county.” 

Still, others backed the plan. “We’re One Morgan,” said Chairman Blake McCormack. “These roads serve everyone.” 

Next stop: convincing Madison. 

STORY 3:   NCSO executes search warrant, makes three arrests 

   A quiet morning in the Westminster subdivision turned chaotic Wednesday as deputies swarmed a house on St. Anne’s Place. Three people were arrested, though the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is keeping tight-lipped about the details for now. 

What we do know? The Criminal Investigations Division led the charge, with backup from the SWAT team—never a casual addition. The Westminster neighborhood, tucked off Salem Road, isn’t exactly used to this kind of scene. 

As for what went down or why? The investigation’s still unfolding, and the NCSO isn’t spilling much yet. Stay tuned. 

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 4 

 

STORY 4: Georgia health officials urging flu vaccination amid “widespread and severe” infections 

Flu hospitalizations in Georgia skyrocketed in late December—over 500 in one week, a jaw-dropping six-fold jump from earlier in the month. Seven deaths were reported during that same week, and state health officials are sounding the alarm. 

“Flu activity is severe and spreading fast,” the Department of Public Health warned, urging anyone eligible to get vaccinated ASAP. With post-holiday gatherings and schools reopening, they’re bracing for even more cases. 

Meanwhile, the CDC reported a national surge—cases up by a third, deaths climbing nearly 1%. Acting director Jim O’Neill even tweaked pediatric vaccine guidelines, suggesting parents consult doctors before vaccinating kids under six months. 

STORY 5: Newton commissioners approve eight new detention officer positions 

Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown finally got the green light to hire eight new detention officers after years of staffing struggles. On Tuesday, the Board of Commissioners approved $397,595 to cover salaries and benefits for the rest of the fiscal year, pulling the funds from the county’s contingency budget. 

For years, the Sheriff’s Office couldn’t even fill its existing positions, let alone add new ones. But now? “The floodgates have opened,” said NCSO Operations Director Brandy Burch, noting a surge in applicants. The problem? Without pre-approved positions, they lose candidates to faster-moving agencies. 

The Detention Center, running with 105 staff for 530 inmates, has been stretched thin for years. Sheriff Brown reminded commissioners that layoffs during the Great Recession gutted the jail’s workforce, and they’ve never fully recovered. 

The commissioners, recognizing the urgency, voted unanimously to approve the hires. 

Break:  

 

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats 

We’ll have closing comments after this.  

Break: INGLES MARKETS 5 

 

 

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

EAST METRO&nbsp;Top Stories for&nbsp;January&nbsp;9th&nbsp;
Publish Date:&nbsp;January&nbsp;9th&nbsp;
   &nbsp;
Commercial:&nbsp;&nbsp;
From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to The Community Podcast.&nbsp;This Podcast brings you the top stories from the Rockdale-Newton Citizen and the Morgan Citizen.  &nbsp;
Today is&nbsp;Friday,&nbsp;January&nbsp;9th&nbsp;and Happy birthday to&nbsp;Jimmy Page&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m&nbsp;Peyton Spurlock&nbsp;and here are your top stories presented by&nbsp;Times Journal&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>Warming drive underway through Feb. 15</li>
<li>Nearly $4.1 million In Road Improvements Needed For New Schools</li>
<li>NCSO executes search warrant, makes three arrests</li>
</ol>
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on&nbsp;saturated fats&nbsp;
 &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;
 &nbsp;
BREAK:&nbsp;Bama Boys Towing&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 1:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/warming-drive-underway-through-feb-15/article_70709c78-0085-4756-b17e-8d309abded5f.html">Warming drive underway through Feb. 15</a>&nbsp;
  &nbsp;Winter&rsquo;s here, and for some, staying warm&nbsp;isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;a given. But Newton&nbsp;County&rsquo;s&nbsp;stepping up.&nbsp;
The Sheriff&rsquo;s Office, Tuggle-Harris Educational Foundation, and Newton County Fire Service are collecting cold-weather essentials&mdash;blankets, gloves,&nbsp;hats,&nbsp;you name it&mdash;for folks who need them.&nbsp;
Got extras? Drop them off by Feb. 15 at:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="9" 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">Newton County Fire Service, 4136-A U.S. Highway 278, Covington&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="9" 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">Sheriff&rsquo;s Office West Side Precinct, 3612 Salem Road, Covington&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="9" 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="3" data-aria-level="1">Sheriff&rsquo;s Office East Side Precinct, 5 West 1st St., Mansfield&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Everything goes to local charities. Questions? Call Felicia Tuggle at 770-595-4725.&nbsp;Let&rsquo;s&nbsp;help our neighbors stay warm.&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/nearly-4-1-million-in-road-improvements-needed-for-new-schools/article_b5d45180-1091-4bac-a854-eef8f1188098.html">Nearly $4.1 million In Road Improvements Needed For New Schools</a>&nbsp;
The Morgan County Board of Education is asking for help&mdash;big help. They need $4.1 million for road upgrades to handle traffic for the shiny new $65 million K-5 campus set to open in Fall&nbsp;2028. On Jan. 6, Superintendent Stacey Stancil and Assistant Superintendent Jay Homan asked the county commissioners to chip in&nbsp;nearly $1 million. The catch? The city of Madison has to&nbsp;agree&nbsp;too.&nbsp;
The upgrades include a roundabout at College Drive and East Avenue, plus improvements at Old Buckhead Road and 441. Without them? &ldquo;A disaster,&rdquo; Homan warned&mdash;traffic jams, delays, accidents.&nbsp;
The county approved the funding, but not without some grumbling. Commissioner von Hanstein&nbsp;wasn&rsquo;t&nbsp;thrilled: &ldquo;Sixty percent of our taxes already go to schools, and now you want more? Plus, this is inside Madison, not the county.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Still, others&nbsp;backed&nbsp;the plan. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re One Morgan,&rdquo; said&nbsp;Chairman&nbsp;Blake McCormack. &ldquo;These roads serve everyone.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Next stop: convincing Madison.&nbsp;
STORY 3:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/ncso-executes-search-warrant-makes-three-arrests/article_2f91b0c9-9402-4049-b983-bbd1f5e1508d.html">NCSO executes search warrant, makes three arrests</a>&nbsp;
   A quiet morning in the Westminster subdivision turned chaotic Wednesday as deputies swarmed a house on St. Anne&rsquo;s Place. Three people were arrested, though the Newton County Sheriff&rsquo;s Office is keeping tight-lipped about the details for now.&nbsp;
What&nbsp;we do&nbsp;know? The Criminal Investigations Division led the charge, with backup from the SWAT team&mdash;never a casual addition. The Westminster neighborhood, tucked off Salem Road,&nbsp;isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;exactly used to this kind of scene.&nbsp;
As for what went down or why? The&nbsp;investigation&rsquo;s&nbsp;still unfolding, and the NCSO&nbsp;isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;spilling much yet. Stay tuned.&nbsp;
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;be right&nbsp;back&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES MARKETS&nbsp;4&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;4:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.morgancountycitizen.com/news/georgia-health-officials-urging-flu-vaccination-amid-widespread-and-severe-infections/article_0f6f3ba5-9ba7-41f9-b10f-3e04c81c0f5b.html">Georgia health officials urging flu vaccination amid &ldquo;widespread and severe&rdquo; infections</a>&nbsp;
Flu hospitalizations in Georgia skyrocketed in late December&mdash;over 500 in one week, a jaw-dropping six-fold jump from earlier in the month.&nbsp;Seven deaths were reported during that same week, and state health officials are sounding the alarm.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Flu activity is severe and spreading fast,&rdquo; the Department of Public Health warned, urging anyone eligible to get vaccinated ASAP. With post-holiday gatherings and schools reopening,&nbsp;they&rsquo;re&nbsp;bracing for even more cases.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the CDC reported a national surge&mdash;cases up&nbsp;by a third, deaths climbing&nbsp;nearly 1%. Acting director Jim O&rsquo;Neill even tweaked pediatric vaccine guidelines, suggesting parents consult doctors before vaccinating kids under six months.&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;5:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/newton-commissioners-approve-eight-new-detention-officer-positions/article_647bfe19-fa00-4d97-af8b-c4be4f6d7c36.html">Newton commissioners approve eight new detention officer positions</a>&nbsp;
Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown finally got the green light to hire eight new detention officers after years of staffing struggles. On Tuesday, the Board of Commissioners approved $397,595 to cover salaries and benefits for the rest of the fiscal year, pulling the funds from the county&rsquo;s contingency budget.&nbsp;
For years, the Sheriff&rsquo;s Office&nbsp;couldn&rsquo;t&nbsp;even fill its existing positions, let alone add new ones. But now? &ldquo;The floodgates have opened,&rdquo; said NCSO Operations Director Brandy Burch, noting a surge in applicants. The problem? Without pre-approved positions, they lose candidates to faster-moving agencies.&nbsp;
The Detention Center, running with 105 staff for 530 inmates, has been stretched thin for years. Sheriff Brown reminded commissioners that layoffs during the Great Recession gutted the&nbsp;jail&rsquo;s&nbsp;workforce, and&nbsp;they&rsquo;ve&nbsp;never fully recovered.&nbsp;
The commissioners, recognizing the urgency, voted unanimously to approve the hires.&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets&nbsp;on&nbsp;saturated fats&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;have closing comments after this. &nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES MARKETS&nbsp;5&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Signoff-   &nbsp;
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today&rsquo;s&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/">https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/</a>&nbsp; and&nbsp;<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&nbsp;great stories&nbsp;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&nbsp;your Google&nbsp;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;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ingles-markets.com/">www.ingles-markets.com</a></li>
</ul>

Bringing you the top stories from the Morgan County Citizen and the Rockdale Newton Citizen

The Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton and Morgan Counties

Warming drive underway through Feb. 15 | Nearly $4.1 million In Road Improvements Needed For New Schools | NCSO executes search warrant, makes three arrests