EAST METRO Top Stories for January 30th
Publish Date: January 30th
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 30th and Happy birthday to Franklin D. Roosevelt
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal
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: Rockdale Planning and Development collecting donations for homeless
Got some extra warmth to share? The Rockdale County Planning and Development Department is running its “Warmth for All” drive, collecting clothing and essentials for the homeless.
They’re accepting donations Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1117 West Ave., Conyers.
What do they need? Think practical: new socks, hats, gloves, blankets, sleeping bags, hygiene kits, backpacks, and small totes.
It’s a small way to make a big difference for someone braving the cold.
Questions? Shoot an email to housing@rockdalecountyga.gov.
STORY 2: Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball brings 'Fat Tuesday' fun to Cultural Center
For the third year running, The Hall on Foster is getting a full French Quarter makeover for the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball—an event that’s become the social highlight of the season in Morgan County. Mark your calendars: Saturday, Feb. 7, 7:30 to 11 p.m.
Picture it: live music from the high-energy US Beat Band, glittering masks everywhere, and a speakeasy vibe that feels straight out of New Orleans. Oh, and the food? Rutledge’s own Harvest & Honey is serving up Cajun tapas and Creole desserts, with champagne waiting for you at the door.
The night peaks with the crowning of the Mardi Gras King and Queen, chosen by dollars raised for the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. This year’s Queen contenders include Karen Whitt, Allison Thompson, and Cheyenne Hughes, while Mitchell Copelan and Patrick Yost are among the King hopefuls.
Feeling fancy? Snag a VIP table for $1,000 (champagne and wine included) or grab a general admission ticket for $150. There’s even a bustling casino in heated tents outside.
Sponsors include Wildlife Foods, JLR, Inc., and Pure Bliss Spa. Don’t miss it.
STORY 3: Covington approves upgrades for new Utilities Complex
The Covington City Council made a call on Jan. 20 to upgrade the parking lot at the new Utilities Complex—because, let’s face it, heavy equipment and regular asphalt don’t mix.
Initially, the plan was heavy-duty asphalt, but after Gas Department Director Mike Jewell’s recommendation, they opted for concrete with fiber reinforcement. Council member Jared Rutberg summed it up: “No-brainer. Concrete’s tougher, easier to fix if something goes wrong, and way less likely to fail.”
The switch adds $86,000 to the bill, bringing the total to $2,097,028. The complex, set to open in May, will consolidate the city’s utility departments in two former studio buildings.
The council also approved upgrades like security cameras, a rollup door for safety gear storage, an air compressor for equipment tires, a cell phone signal booster, and a conference room reservation system.
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 7
STORY 4: KCRB launches cork and wine glass recycling initiative
Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) is kicking off Pop the Cork—a new community recycling program for glass bottles and natural wine corks.
The launch runs Jan. 31 to Feb. 7, with drop-offs at the Rockdale County Transfer Center (formerly the Recycling Center). It’s simple: clean, empty glass bottles and natural corks only—no liquids, food gunk, or synthetic corks, please. After kickoff week, the program will continue year-round.
Here’s the cool part: glass gets recycled into new products, and corks? They’re repurposed through specialized partners.
Want to join the fun? Snap a pic of your recycling efforts, tag KCRB on social, and use #PopTheCorkRockdale. You might even get featured in their monthly spotlight!
Questions? Email KCRB at kcrb@rockdalecountyga.gov or call 770-278-7052.
STORY 5: Morgan County Sheriff’s Office Earns Georgia Sheriff’s Accreditation
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office has officially earned accreditation through the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association—a big deal, considering fewer than 10% of sheriff’s offices in the state hold this recognition.
The program, designed specifically for sheriffs, focuses on high standards in areas like jail operations, court security, and sex offender registration. It’s no small feat—236 standards had to be met, with everything from policies to practices undergoing a rigorous review.
The goal? To enhance professionalism, reduce liability, and provide the best possible service to the community.
Morgan County was one of seven counties recognized at the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association Winter Conference for completing the process.
Break:
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: INGLES MARKETS 8
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:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
