EAST METRO Top Stories for January 10th
Publish Date: January 10th
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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 10th and Happy birthday to Rod Stewart
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty
1. Build-to-rent development wins appeal in Newton County
2. Board clashes over JDA Board representation
3. Man charged with firing shots at Rockdale deputy
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on GLP-1 Foods
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: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Geoff)
STORY 1: Build-to-rent development wins appeal in Newton County
The Covington Creek Springs development, a build-to-rent single-family home project, will proceed after the Newton County Board of Commissioners granted an appeal for a preliminary plat extension. Despite local opposition due to concerns about traffic, density, and property values, the board approved the extension, citing legal obligations and the project's compliance with zoning ordinances. The development, 80% complete, faced delays due to rock on the site. The county's zoning ordinance doesn't prohibit build-to-rent homes, and a moratorium on new projects doesn't apply to this development. The decision passed with a 3-2 vote.
STORY 2: Board clashes over JDA Board representation
During the first 2025 meeting of the Morgan County Board of Commissioners, a dispute arose over the reappointment of Bob Hughes to the Joint Development Authority (JDA). Commissioners Blake McCormack and Philipp von Hanstein sought to reopen applications for the position, arguing Hughes' dual role as JDA representative and economic development director was a conflict. Commissioner Ben Riden defended Hughes, criticizing the push for change without a full board present, as the District 1 seat is vacant and Chairman Bill Kurtz was absent. Despite Riden's objections, McCormack and von Hanstein extended the application window, potentially voting on a new appointee in March.
STORY 3: Man charged with firing shots at Rockdale deputy
In Conyers, Lorenzo Banks was arrested after allegedly firing at a Rockdale County deputy from a house on Locomotive Road. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. when the deputy responded to a shots-fired report. Banks reportedly shot at the deputy, who returned fire. Banks then barricaded himself inside, leading to a SWAT team intervention that resulted in his arrest. Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues. Separately, in Newton County, Tahjay Rashid Daley was arrested for an armed robbery involving three chainsaws and $500. Two other suspects, Anthony Bergen and Francisco Venegas, are still sought by authorities.
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We’ll be right back
Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME (08.08.24 WHEELER OBITS_FINAL)
STORY 4: Morgan County Increases FLOCK cameras
Morgan County has expanded its Flock Camera system to 25 units, with 23 already operational. These cameras, approved by the Board of Commissioners in 2024, cost $29,200 initially and $75,000 annually for all units. Each camera captures vehicle details and aids law enforcement in investigations, missing persons cases, and crime prevention. Sheriff Tyler Hooks highlights their multi-use capabilities, including real-time alerts for stolen vehicles and suspects. The system includes 23 fixed and 2 mobile cameras, enhancing collaboration with law enforcement and community partners to improve safety and reduce crime.
STORY 5: Newton County Community Prayer Breakfast postponed
The annual Community Prayer Breakfast in Covington, originally scheduled for today at Turner Lake Center, has been postponed due to the winter storm. The event will be rescheduled for spring, after the General Assembly adjourns. Organized by the Kiwanis Club of Covington and the Covington Rotary Club, the breakfast aims to unite community and government leaders in prayer. This year's speaker, Kelvin J. Cochran, a senior fellow at Alliance Defending Freedom, was set to discuss religious liberty and community engagement. Organizers encourage continued prayer for the event's success.
We’ll be back in a moment
Break: Ingles Markets 2
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on GLP-1 Foods
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: 11.12.24 MORGAN MEDICAL NOV_FINAL
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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