EAST METRO Top Stories for November 14th
Publish Date: November 14th
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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, November 14th and Happy birthday to Alec John Such
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on pesticides
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: American Legion Post 32 honors veterans — past and present
On Tuesday, American Legion Post 32 held a ceremony that was equal parts heartfelt, reflective, and deeply moving, honoring veterans from every branch of the U.S. military.
As the Eastside High School Brass Ensemble played service songs—“Anchors Aweigh,” “Marines’ Hymn,” and others—veterans stood, one by one.
Keynote speaker Jerry Roseberry, an Army Reserve veteran and former Oxford mayor, spoke of duty, sacrifice, and the enduring call to serve. He shared stories of heroes like Sgt. Alvin York and Sgt. Audie Murphy, men who embodied courage.
Post Commander Bobby Hamby told the haunting story of Clifford Walker Harper, a 17-year-old sailor from Porterdale who perished during the Normandy invasion. “Clifford was 10 weeks shy of 19,” Hamby said. “He gave everything.”
A wreath was laid for those who never came home.
STORY 2: The 75th Annual Christmas Tour Of Homes Returns To Madison This December
For 75 years, Madison’s historic homes have flung open their doors, decked out in holiday splendor, for the annual Christmas Tour of Homes. It’s a tradition—part history, part magic—that draws thousands to this charming Georgia town every December.
This year, on Dec. 5 and 6, visitors can wander through 16 private homes, churches, and museums, all dressed to the nines in garlands, twinkling lights, and festive bows. Day tours run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while candlelight tours add a cozy glow from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets? $35 each, or $55 for both.
For the first time, the Madison Trolley Company will offer free rides between stops, making it easier to soak in the sights. Donations are welcome, with proceeds supporting Heritage Hall’s preservation.
STORY 3: Conyers city charter modifications placed on hold until 2026
After plenty of back-and-forth at a Nov. 5 town hall, Conyers has decided to hit pause on proposed charter changes—pushing any updates to 2026.
“We’ve had months of revisions, discussions, and input from citizens and state reps,” said Mayor Vince Evans. “With a new mayor and council members coming in, it makes sense to wait and get their perspectives too.”
The city charter, which hasn’t been updated in 30 years, outlines how Conyers runs—its council-manager system, powers, and policies. Evans emphasized the importance of transparency and citizen input as they revisit the charter down the road.
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STORY 4: Atlanta awarded NWSL franchise that may call Marietta home
Arthur Blank is bringing professional women’s soccer back to Atlanta, and the buzz is already building. On Tuesday, he officially announced his purchase of an NWSL expansion franchise, set to kick off in 2028. The price tag? A record $165 million.
The team will play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with matches scaled to a 28,000-seat setup. But the real question? Where will the training facility go. Blank hinted at “several sites,” and Marietta’s making its pitch hard—Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin is all in, pointing to the city’s existing ties with Atlanta United.
STORY 5: Newton County Board of Education earns 2025 Quality Board recognition
The Newton County Board of Education has been recognized with the Georgia School Boards Association’s (GSBA) 2025 Quality Board Recognition, a nod to their dedication to strong leadership and student success.
“This honor affirms our commitment to sound governance and meeting the needs of every student,” said Board Chair Abigail Coggin. “We’re proud to uphold these standards for our schools and community.”
Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley praised the board’s leadership, calling it “a driving force behind the district’s progress.”
The GSBA program, launched in 1998, sets the bar for effective school board governance statewide, and Newton’s board has clearly risen to the challenge.
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And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on pesticides
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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