Newton Voters Approve Increase in School Tax Exemption

Community Podcast 11-9-23 Thursday

 Publish Date 11-8-23 Wednesday

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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 Thursday, November 9th and happy heavenly birthday to musician Mary Travers.

***LEAVING ON A JET PLANE***

I’m KEITH IPPOLITO and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty.

1. Newton Voters Approve Increase in School Tax Exemption
2. Madison Presbyterian Church appoints first female head pastor
3. Suspect Sought in Newton County Woman's Murder

Plus, Bruce Jenkins conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss snacking for teens.

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 1: Drake

STORY 1: Newton Voters Approve Increase in School Tax Exemption

In Newton County, voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum for an increased homestead exemption from school district property taxes for senior citizens. The measure passed with 88.4% (7,546 votes) in favor and 11.6% (990 votes) against. The referendum grants senior citizens aged 65 or older a $50,000 exemption if their annual net household retirement income doesn't exceed $100,552 or if their non-retirement income doesn't exceed $25,000, plus the maximum allowed under Social Security. The exemption, effective from 2024, was supported by the Newton County Board of Education and shepherded through the General Assembly by Senators Tonya Anderson and Brian Strickland.

STORY 2: Madison Presbyterian Church appoints first female head pastor

Madison Presbyterian Church welcomes its first female head pastor, Courtney Brown Pittman, marking a historic shift in the church's 200-year history. Pittman, affiliated with the PCUSA denomination, aims to uphold the church's rich legacy while fostering inclusivity. Madison Presbyterian, supportive of women in leadership and LGBTQ inclusion, aligns with Pittman's commitment to authenticity and community outreach. Married with two boys, Pittman seeks to balance her roles as a wife, mother, and pastor, emphasizing the communal aspect of church life. With an unconventional path to ministry, Pittman brings a diverse background to her new pastoral role at age 37.

STORY 3: Suspect Sought in Newton County Woman's Murder

The Newton County Sheriff's Office has identified Corey Olando Jackson as a suspect in the murder and aggravated assault of Natasha Billings. Billings, 37, was found dead during a welfare check at her Skyview Drive residence on Oct. 30. Jackson is wanted on murder and aggravated assault charges, driving a black Chrysler Touring with Georgia tag TGU9280. The discovery followed a request from Billings' mother for a welfare check after being unable to contact her daughter since Oct. 28. Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact Investigator Collins at kcollins@newtonsheriffga.org or 678-625-1428.

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We’ll be right back

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Story 4: Sheriff's Office receives $46,000 state highway grant

The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office has received a $46,000 High Visibility Grant from the Georgia Office of Highway Safety for the second consecutive year. Deputy Bo Kelly stated that the grant will be used to purchase two laser speed detection devices and supplement deputies' salaries for dedicated speed detection details. Last year, the office received a $48,000 grant, which was used to purchase laser detection devices, bringing the total to four devices. The grant aims to enhance highway safety, contributing to the decline in crashes with fatalities. This year, Morgan County has witnessed three fatalities in vehicle crashes, a positive trend compared to the historical average of six per year.

Story 5: Newton County Dismisses Fire Chief and Fire Inspector

Newton County Fire Chief Mike Conner and fire inspector Glenn Mikos have been relieved of their duties following an internal investigation into a potential conflict of interest related to SCUBA diving equipment purchases for the Fire Services dive team from a store owned by Mikos. The investigation revealed many purchases were made without competitive bidding. Conner received a 10-day suspension with pay during the investigation, which ended on November 2, leading to his dismissal. Mikos was relieved of his duties on the following day. The county emphasized its commitment to ethical standards and community trust, initiating the search for a new fire chief.

Back, in a moment

Break:  Cornhog – Ingles 4

STORY 6: LEAH McGRATH

And now here is Bruce Jenkins conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to snacking for teens.

STORY 7: LEAH McGRATH

***Leah McGrath Interview***

Final thoughts after this

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Thanks again for listening to today’s Community podcast, your home for the top news from Morgan, Rockdale, and Newton Counties. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, The Marietta Daily Journal, or the Paulding County News Podcast.

Giving you important news about your community and telling great stories are what we do. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Make sure you join us for our next episode and please share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. You can also 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.

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