EAST METRO Top Stories for February 14th
Publish Date: February 14th
Commercial: MORGAN MEDICAL JAN_FINAL
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, February 14th and Happy birthday to Rob Thomas
***02.14.25 - BIRTHDAY – ROB THOMAS***
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on fast food
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: RINGLING BROS_FINAL
STORY 1: If You Haven’t Caught the Flu This Season, Consider Yourself Lucky
Flu cases in the U.S. are peaking for a second time this winter, with the highest spike in 15 years, according to the CDC. Last week’s flu-related doctor visits surpassed any winter flu season since 2009-2010. So far, the flu has caused 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths, including 57 children. Georgia reported very high flu activity. Prevention tips include handwashing, avoiding sick individuals, and staying home if symptoms develop. Two flu strains, Type A H1N1 and H3N2, dominate this season, while officials monitor the bird flu strain H5N1, which primarily affects animals.
STORY 2: MCHS Announces Star Student And Teacher
Monday, February 10, was a big day for Morgan County High School senior Rishi Patel, who was named STAR Student and a finalist in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Patel selected his math teacher, Pam Hooten, as his STAR Teacher, praising her for inspiring his love of math and supporting his academic journey. Hooten, who has taught Patel advanced math courses and proctored his dual enrollment classes, was honored by the recognition. Patel, known for his curiosity and drive, now advances in the National Merit Scholarship process, with winners to be announced in March.
STORY 3: Medicaid expansion in Georgia drawing interest from long-opposed Republicans
Medicaid expansion in Georgia is gaining rare bipartisan attention with Senate Bill 50, which proposes PeachCare Plus to expand Medicaid for those earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Currently, Georgia limits Medicaid to those below the poverty line, leaving over 200,000 without affordable healthcare. While the federal government would cover 90% of costs, Gov. Brian Kemp remains cautious about long-term funding and prefers the limited Pathways program with work requirements. Though SB 50 faces slim chances of passing, rural Republican senators are pushing for discussions, citing the financial struggles of rural hospitals and personal experiences with healthcare access.
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We’ll be right back
Break: WILDLIFE EXPO_REV_FINAL - MORGAN MEDICAL JAN_FINAL
STORY 4: Madison Considers Closing Leash Law Loophole
Madison’s leash law is under scrutiny after a citizen complaint revealed a loophole allowing dogs off-leash if they respond to verbal commands. Councilman Eric Joyce highlighted safety concerns, noting surrounding cities require six-foot leashes. While some council members hesitated to change the ordinance over one complaint, others, including Carrie Peters Reid and Mayor Fred Perriman, supported tightening the law for public safety. The council plans to revisit the issue in February, aiming to balance safety with dog owners’ preferences.
STORY 5: Newton County Manager Harold Cooper faces DUI charge
Newton County Manager Harold Cooper, 53, was arrested on Feb. 8 for DUI and improper lane usage after being stopped by deputies near Covington Bypass. Cooper, hired in May 2023 under a two-year contract, was released on bond and is set to appear in court on March 25. The Board of Commissioners scheduled a closed-session meeting on Feb. 12 to discuss personnel matters, though it’s unclear if it pertained to Cooper.
We’ll be back in a moment
Break: Spring it On - Ingles Markets 6
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on fast food
*** INGLES ASK LEAH 5 FAST FOOD***
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: Ringling Bros
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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