CEAST METRO Top Stories for April 25th
Publish Date: April 25th
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, April 25th and Happy birthday to Barbra Streisand
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on giving community talks
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: MORGAN MEDICAL JAN_FINAL
STORY 1: Piedmont Newton Hospital awards ‘EMS Hero’ honor to Shawn Holmes
Paramedic Shawn Holmes of Jasper County Fire Rescue received the “EMS Hero Award” from Piedmont Newton Hospital’s Emergency Department on April 21. Holmes was honored for assisting a hospital staff member who experienced a medical emergency while he was waiting to transfer a patient. He quickly provided critical support, including setting up an IV and EKG, during a busy time in the ED. Hospital leaders and Fire Chief Christopher Finch recognized Holmes for his timely actions, presenting him with a certificate during a leadership huddle.
STORY 2: Braves Install New Garden Towers at Truist Park
To celebrate Earth Day, the Atlanta Braves installed eight garden towers at Truist Park to grow plants for ballpark food items. Two towers are ready for harvest, producing lettuce and herbs, with a plan to yield 56 plants weekly. Excess produce will support the Braves' food donation program in partnership with Second Helpings Atlanta, aiding the community. Located near the Blue Moon Beer Garden, this rooftop urban garden is a collaboration with Delaware North and Truist Park’s Executive Chef Jaco Dreyer. For details, visit Braves.com/Sustainability.
STORY 3: Data center project raises concerns about water, power usage
The Social Circle Planning Commission faced strong opposition during a meeting on rezoning 338 acres for a data center between Ga. Highway 11 and Social Circle Road. Despite concerns over annexation legality and water usage, the commission voted 3-2 to recommend rezoning from Agricultural to Light Industrial but tabled the Special Use Permit until May 27. Key issues included the data center's 2.6 million gallons/day water demand, with no firm commitment from Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority, and unclear power commitments from Georgia Power. Newton County Commissioner LeAnne Long opposed the rezoning, warning it could lead to unchecked annexation and industrialization, urging Newton County to take control of development to preserve the area’s rural character.
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: COPY CENTRAL (KI) REV_FINAL
STORY 4: Buckhead Discusses Location Of Future Fire Station
The Buckhead Town Council discussed plans for a new fire station to be built near the current one on Buckhead Road, with Morgan County Fire Chief Garret Smith recommending a central location near the town park. A public forum will be held to gather community input. The $2.5 million project, funded by SPLOST, is expected to begin construction in spring 2026. Other council matters included addressing water billing issues, approving bids for tree removal and playground swings, and reviewing local business and property plans.
STORY 5: Two NCS Students Named Finalists for 2025 Governor’s Honors Program
Newton County sophomores Adriana Drain and Anthony Miller have been named finalists for the 2025 Governor's Honors Program, a prestigious summer academic experience for exceptional students. Drain was selected for social studies, and Miller for engineering with a focus on electrical and computational studies. The program, held June 15–July 12 at Georgia Southern University, offers in-depth academic enrichment and evening activities, fully funded by the state. Tracy Blackburn of Newton County Schools praised their achievement, highlighting their academic excellence and dedication.
We’ll be back in a moment
Break:
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on giving community talks
*** INGLES ASK LEAH (COMMUNITY TALKS)_FINAL***
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: Ingles Markets 6
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:
#NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.