EAST METRO Top Stories for January 23rd
Publish Date: January 23rd
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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, January 23rd and Happy birthday to Earl Falconer
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads
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: Conyers rolls out new public safety camera program
The Conyers Police Department has teamed up with Flock Safety to launch “Conyers Safe,” a program that lets residents and businesses link their security cameras with law enforcement. The goal? To boost emergency response and help solve crimes faster.
Here’s how it works: If you’ve got publicly visible cameras, you can choose to integrate them with the police system. In emergencies, officers can access live footage to assess situations, identify suspects, or gather evidence. It’s voluntary, and you can opt out anytime.
Don’t have cameras? You can buy ones that sync directly with the system, with installation help available. Officials stress this program isn’t replacing traditional police work—it’s just another tool to keep Conyers safe.
Flock Safety, which works with agencies nationwide, ensures privacy safeguards are in place. Interested? Visit the city’s Flock Safety portal or contact the Conyers Police Department for details.
STORY 2: 'Gary Hudson in Full Hue' to open at Cultural Center
Mark your calendars: the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is hosting an opening reception for “Color Resonance: Gary Hudson in Full Hue” on Feb. 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This companion exhibit to the wildly popular “Emergence - In Black and White” will feature Hudson’s vibrant, large-scale color works in Gallery 3, running through March 27.
Hudson, a “Lyrical Abstractionist” with a life as bold as his art, was a Marine turned paraplegic at 20 after a car accident. That didn’t stop him. He earned an MFA from Yale, lived in Cézanne’s studio in France, and mingled with Warhol, Baez, and Dylan.
His work? It’s everywhere—Whitney Museum, San Diego Museum of Art, Georgia Museum of Art.
Cathy Best, Visual Arts chair, says this exhibit ties Hudson’s black-and-white beginnings to his colorful masterpieces. “You’ll see the thread,” she said.
Don’t miss it.
STORY 3: Shredding event rescheduled to March 21
Well, thanks to the winter weather heading our way, Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) has decided to push back this weekend’s County-Wide Shredding Event. The new date? Saturday, March 21.
Same time, same place: Wheeler Park, 1400 Parker Road SE, Conyers, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—assuming the weather cooperates in March.
The delay gives organizers time to coordinate with partners and make sure everything runs smoothly (and safely) for everyone involved.
So, hang on to those sensitive documents a little longer, and mark your calendar for March.
Questions? Email KCRB@rockdalecountyga.gov or call 770-278-7052.
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We’ll be right back
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STORY 4: Morgan In Path Of Potential Winter Storm This Weekend
Morgan County’s bracing for another round of winter weather, with a Winter Weather Advisory already in effect. Meteorologists are tracking a storm that could bring snow, ice, and some seriously slick roads this weekend.
Didn’t we just do this? Last weekend’s light snowfall gave kids a chance to play in the snow—briefly. By Sunday afternoon, it was mostly gone. But this storm? It’s shaping up to be nastier. Think black ice, freezing temps, and hazardous travel.
The National Weather Service says the storm could hit late Saturday night into Sunday morning, with rain turning to snow. And after that? Bitter cold—lows in the teens or 20s.
Officials are urging folks to prep now: stock up on supplies, winterize pipes, and be ready for possible power outages. If you have to travel, check road conditions first (call 511 or visit Georgia 511).
Stay safe, Morgan County.
STORY 5: Rockdale County celebrates renovated Fire Station No. 5
Rockdale County Fire Station No. 5 has been around since 1987, back when the county was a lot smaller and life moved a little slower. Fast forward nearly 40 years, and both the county and the demand for emergency services have exploded.
Thanks to SPLOST funding and Rockdale voters, Station No. 5 on W. Hightower Trail just got a much-needed facelift. On Tuesday, the county celebrated its grand reopening.
The upgrades? Bigger living spaces, taller doors, and a modernized setup for the firefighters who call it home. “It’s important they have a clean, comfortable place to stay,” said Fire Chief James Robinson. “They’re here day in and day out, ready to respond.”
And respond they do—70% of calls are medical, and Station No. 5 often stabilizes patients before ambulances arrive. It’s also key for dive rescues at Black Shoals Lake, sharing responsibilities with the new Station No. 10.
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And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads
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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