EAST METRO Top Stories for March 21st
Publish Date: March 20th
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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, March 21st, and Happy 61st birthday to actor Matthew Broderick.
***03.21.24 – BIRTHDAY – MATTHEW BRODERICK***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty
Plus, Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on celiacs disease.
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 – GCPS
STORY 1: Rockdale County High School Band Director Charged in Sexual Assault on a Minor
Rockdale County Public Schools is in the process of dismissing Jacques Jones, the band director at Rockdale County High School, due to his arrest on charges related to sexual assault involving a minor. Jones, 38, faces allegations including sodomy, aggravated sexual battery, and aggravated child molestation, linked to an incident at his home in Rockdale County. The incident did not occur on school property.
The situation surfaced after the minor disclosed the incident to his mother, prompting an investigation by the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, which is currently active.
Jones has been with RCPS since 2018 and previously worked for the Burke County Public School system. The district is now navigating the implications of these charges as the legal proceedings continue.
STORY 2: Rivian plant in limbo has locals cheering, leaders jeering
Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced an indefinite pause in the construction of its proposed $5 billion megafactory in Georgia. State officials have voiced their disappointment, underscoring the expectation that Rivian will fulfill its previously stated commitments. Conversely, the halt is met with approval by local groups who had opposed the project, citing concerns over its impact.
The suspension of the factory's construction brings to light the extensive incentive package that was part of Georgia's bid to secure the facility. This package includes significant tax incentives and promises of infrastructure enhancements aimed at supporting the development of the factory.
Despite the pause, Rivian's CEO has reiterated the company's commitment to its operations in Georgia. However, this has not entirely alleviated concerns regarding the future of the megafactory or its implications for the region's industrial development landscape.
STORY 3: Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Approves Proposal For Wheeler Park Amphitheater, Smyrna Road Wedding Venue
The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners has sanctioned the development of a new amphitheater within Wheeler Park, aimed at accommodating concert series from 2025 onwards. This facility, featuring a metal construction with an estimated expense of $127,000, is designed to offer shelter to performers during events. Concurrently, the board has granted a special use permit for the establishment of an outdoor recreation amenity, potentially serving as a wedding venue. This decision has prompted concerns among residents regarding potential increases in traffic and noise levels in the vicinity.
Despite reassurances from county officials regarding planned site evaluations and the provision of avenues for community feedback, some residents have reported issues with communication. A faction of the community has voiced their discontent with the board's resolutions, indicating plans to pursue legal challenges against these decisions.
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We’ll be right back.
Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME – HENRY CO SHERIFFS OFFICE
STORY 4: Morgan County Sheriff thwarts $20,000 scam
In Morgan County, a scam attempt targeting a woman in her 90s was averted when she detected suspicious activity and contacted the sheriff's office. Initially, the scammer convinced her to withdraw $20,000, claiming it would safeguard her funds from a purported bank account compromise. Doubts arose during the transaction, prompting her to seek law enforcement assistance. The scammer disconnected the call as she arrived at the sheriff's office.
Sheriff Robert Markley responded by securing the withdrawn money, which the woman had hidden in her yard, and ensured its return to the bank. He also alerted local banks about the scam to prevent future incidents.
Additionally, the sheriff's office has issued warnings about a jury duty scam circulating in the area, where individuals are falsely informed of missed jury duty and instructed to make payments over the phone. The sheriff's office emphasizes that it never requests money in such a manner and advises residents to report any similar experiences.
STORY 5: Famed photographer Followill comes home to her Morgan County roots
The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is currently hosting "Enhancing History: The Beauty of the Land & Spaces of the South," a photographic exhibition by Emily Jenkins Followill. This exhibit, which runs until May 10th, showcases over 40 images that capture the architectural and natural beauty of the South, with a particular focus on Morgan County where Followill has familial ties. The photographs, reflecting a deep appreciation for historical preservation amid modern developments, provide a visual exploration of the region's heritage and landscapes.
In addition to the framed photographs, the exhibition features signed copies of Followill’s book, "The Southern Rustic Cabin," offering further insight into her work and the themes of history and progress. This event contributes to the ongoing dialogue about conservation and development in Morgan County, presenting a professional and factual perspective on the subject.
We’ll be back in a moment.
Break: CHERRY BLOSSOM – INGLES 8
STORY 6: Interview
And now here is Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on celiacs disease.
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: CURIOSITY LAB BIKE RACE – ATL HEALTH FAIR
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 Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast.
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