Top Stories for August 8th
Publish Date: August 8th
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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, August 8th and Happy birthday to Roger Federer
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on peaches
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: ARTISAN MARKET
STORY 1: Conyers Police Department awarded $1 million to purchase mobile command vehicle
Big news for the Conyers Police Department: they’re getting $1,031,000 in federal funding to buy a mobile command vehicle, thanks to a community project request from U.S. Congressman David Scott.
This isn’t just any vehicle—it’s a high-tech, rolling headquarters designed for emergencies, large-scale events, and, honestly, anything that needs quick, strategic coordination. Think advanced communication tools, real-time response capabilities, and a hub for police, fire, and emergency teams to work together seamlessly.
Right now, Conyers has to borrow mobile command vehicles from neighboring agencies or the state. This new addition? It’ll be theirs, ready to roll when needed.
The funding is part of the 2026 Federal Appropriations Bill, which still needs Congress’s final stamp of approval. Fingers crossed for a September 30 passage—but delays wouldn’t be surprising.
STORY 2: Bonner's Triple B Restaurat Gets Greenlight to Rebuild
Buckhead’s beloved Bonner’s Triple B Restaurant, a community staple since 1971, might just rise from the ashes—literally. After a devastating fire in April reduced the family-owned eatery to rubble, its future hung in limbo for months.
The problem? Zoning laws. The restaurant, built before current regulations, was considered a “nonconforming use.” But this week, Morgan County commissioners unanimously passed a text amendment allowing nonconforming properties destroyed by fire or natural disasters to rebuild—finally giving the Bonners the green light.
Owners Lisa and Dallas Bonner, who’ve been waiting anxiously for this decision, are now one step closer to reviving their family’s legacy. Bonner’s, known for its BBQ, catfish, and hush puppies, was started by William “Big Bill” and Hattie Bonner over 50 years ago. The couple’s warmth and home-cooked meals made the restaurant a second home for locals and visitors alike.
A GoFundMe has been launched to help rebuild. Want to pitch in? Visit: https://gofund.me/32ae3d2a.
STORY 3: Newton County school board mulls millage reduction
Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III is pushing for a millage rate cut for fiscal year 2026, but where it’ll land? Still up in the air.
At the first of three public hearings, Bradley said the community—especially seniors—has made it clear they need relief. “I’ve thought long and hard about this,” he said, “but let’s be real—down the road, a millage increase is almost inevitable.”
Right now, the millage rate sits at 15.75, bringing in $93.3 million. Dropping to the rollback rate of 14.840 would leave a $3.6 million budget gap. Board members Trey Bailey and Shakila Henderson-Baker want more options before deciding.
Two more hearings are set for Aug. 12, with a final decision expected that evening.
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We’ll be right back
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STORY 4: 10 Georgia sheriffs condemn legal action against TV Judge Hatchett
Ten Georgia sheriffs, including Rockdale County’s Eric Levett, are calling out the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association for trying to recover attorney fees from TV Judge Glenda Hatchett—a sexual assault survivor.
Hatchett sued the association and former Bleckley County Sheriff Kris Coody after Coody groped her at a 2021 conference. Coody later pleaded guilty to sexual battery, got 12 months probation, and resigned. Hatchett dropped her lawsuit in June, but now the association wants her to pay their legal fees.
In a letter to the association, the sheriffs didn’t hold back. “This isn’t just legal—it’s moral,” they wrote, slamming the move as harmful and tone-deaf. They warned it could silence other survivors, especially in cases involving law enforcement.
The letter, signed by sheriffs from counties like Cobb, DeKalb, and Fulton, urges the association to drop the claim and publicly support victims of sexual violence. A hearing on the matter is set for Aug. 18 in Morgan County.
STORY 5: Newton commissioners vote to increase property taxes
Property taxes in unincorporated Newton County are going up 10.31% for 2025, following a 4-1 vote by the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday. For a homestead property valued at $325,000, that’s about $100 more.
The new millage rate? 8.567 mills—higher than the rollback rate of 7.766 but lower than the originally proposed 13 mills. District 5 Commissioner LeAnne Long said she fought to avoid any increase but ultimately compromised.
The $108.6 million budget includes raises, bridge repairs, and SPLOST-funded projects like the senior center. Long promised commissioners are exploring tax relief options, especially for seniors, but said some changes require state legislation.
District 4 Commissioner J.C. Henderson opposed the increase, saying he wanted more input on the budget.
We’ll be right back.
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And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on peaches
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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