EAST METRO Top Stories for July 25th
Publish Date: July 25th
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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, July 25th and Happy heavenly birthday to NFL HOF Walter Peyton.
***07.25.24 – BIRTHDAY – WALTER PEYTON***
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 Laura Lynn Products.
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
STORY 1: Rockdale Residents Push for Millage Reduction
In Rockdale County, residents are urging the Board of Commissioners to lower the proposed 2024 millage rate, set at 18.69, which represents a 13.43% tax increase due to rising property values. The rollback rate, maintaining last year's tax revenue, is 16.477. Despite exemptions, a $100,000 home would face a $225.31 tax bill. Commissioners Sherri Washington and Doreen Williams are open to exploring reductions while balancing service needs. Residents voiced concerns over tax burdens exceeding home values, prompting calls for relief and budget scrutiny at recent public hearings. Further deliberations and a final decision are scheduled for early August.
STORY 2: Morgan County Commits Up To $250,000 Annually For Farmland Protection Program
In a groundbreaking move, Morgan County leaders have partnered with the Madison-Morgan Conservancy to establish a county-funded farmland protection program. Approved unanimously by the Board of Commissioners, this initiative allocates up to $250,000 annually from PILOT payments by Meta and Rivian, ensuring no direct taxpayer funds are used. The program aims to purchase conservation easements on rural properties, safeguarding them from future development. It's part of efforts to preserve agricultural lands vital for sustaining local industries amidst rising property values and urbanization pressures. Morgan County becomes only the third in Georgia to adopt such a program, signaling a proactive stance in rural conservation and economic sustainability.
STORY 3: Covington Teen Killed in Gas Station Shooting
In Covington, tragedy struck when 18-year-old Damenica Roddy was fatally shot at a Chevron gas station on Ga. Highway 36. The incident occurred when another vehicle pulled up beside Roddy and two male companions, aged 19 and 21, and opened fire. Roddy was critically injured and rushed to Piedmont Newton Hospital, where she later succumbed to her wounds. The Newton County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene but has not yet provided details on the suspect's vehicle or the type of weapon used. The victims' vehicle sustained damage during the shooting incident.
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We’ll be right back
Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME
STORY 4: Madison Council Torn Over Industrial Development Regs
In Madison, Georgia, the Mayor and City Council faced a contentious decision over a proposed industrial zoning ordinance aimed at controlling growth while accommodating economic development. After a special-called meeting attended by concerned citizens and developers, the council opted to table the ordinance due to widespread dissatisfaction. Developers argued the regulations would deter quality projects, while residents feared inadequate protections against industrial expansion's impact on traffic and infrastructure. Mayor Fred Perriman urged compromise to balance growth and community needs. The council postponed the vote to August 12, aiming to revise the ordinance for a more acceptable outcome to all stakeholders involved.
STORY 5: Herald of Herons exhibit opens at Big Haynes Nature Center
The Herald of Herons permanent art exhibit at the Big Haynes Creek Nature Center in Conyers, Georgia, opened with 10 great blue heron statues designed by local students. These fiberglass sculptures, placed along 1.7 miles of trails at the Georgia International Horse Park, showcase artistic talents while promoting environmental awareness. Over 140 student entries were considered, with professional artists from The Sketching Pad bringing the winning designs to life. Conyers Mayor Vince Evans emphasized the exhibit's role in community wellbeing and environmental education, highlighting the collaborative effort involving students, teachers, artists, and local organizations. The project aims to enrich the natural habitat and inspire future generations through art and conservation.
We’ll be back in a moment
Break: INGLES 4
And now here is Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath on Laura Lynn products.
LEAH INTERVIEW
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: Dermatology Con.
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 rockdalenewtoncitizen.com and morgancountycitizen.com
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