EAST METRO Top Stories for October 10th Publish Date: September October 10th Commercial: 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, October 10th and Happy birthday to …… the late Eddie Van Halen ***10.10.24 – BIRTHDAY – EDDIE VAN HALEN*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty 1. Local Businessman Wendell McNeal named a Republican elector for Georgia 2. EVENT OF THE WEEK 3. Kenny Johnson Dies After Speaking at BioLab Hearing Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on kombucha. 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: Local Businessman Wendell McNeal named a Republican elector for Georgia Wendell McNeal has been selected as one of Georgia's 16 Republican electors, tasked with casting a crucial vote for former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance. McNeal's political involvement includes roles as a national delegate, campaign manager, and board member for various Republican organizations. His dedication to the party is evident through his active participation in shaping political dynamics. McNeal cherishes building connections and credits his upbringing and mentors for his leadership skills. He supports Trump and Vance, believing in the Republican party's ability to restore fiscal discipline and enhance American prosperity. STORY 2: EVENT OF THE WEEK The 2024 National Faith & Blue weekend is scheduled for October 11-14 at the Morgan County Public Safety Center. The event includes a Faith, Family, and Fellowship Festival on October 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a revival from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Additional revival sessions will occur from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on October 11, 13, and 14. STORY 3: Kenny Johnson Dies After Speaking at BioLab Hearing Kenny Johnson, a member of Rockdale County's Soil and Water Conservation District board, died after speaking at a state Capitol hearing on the BioLab chemical fire. Johnson, who called for a federal investigation into the incident, collapsed after his remarks and later died at Grady Hospital. Known for his environmental advocacy, Johnson was a controversial figure, having previously sued to retain control of the board. He was the first Black member elected to the board in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. The board oversees erosion and sediment control, working with local departments for site plan reviews. The process to fill his vacancy is yet to be determined. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. We’ll be right back Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME STORY 4: A.D. Blanco Bringing Dynamic Show Back To Cultural Center A.D. Blanco, led by frontman Bennett Evans, is gaining momentum, performing two to three shows weekly across the South. Evans, who paused college to focus on music, and drummer Aaron White, a UGA graduate, have been refining their sound with producer Alec Stanley. The band will return to the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center on October 17, featuring collaborations with the Morgan County High School music program. The show promises a fresh set and community involvement, with local musicians joining the performance. Tickets for the dynamic event, which aims to engage even those unfamiliar with live music, are available for $35. STORY 5: Springfield Baptist Hosts Trunk of Treats Oct. 31 Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers is hosting its annual Harvest of Blessings festival on Thursday, October 31, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 1877 Iris Drive SE. The event features family-friendly activities like hayrides, laser tag, bounce houses, and refreshments, with plenty of candy available. The main attraction is the Trunk of Treats, where participants decorate car trunks and distribute candy. Guests can also win prizes throughout the evening. The festival is open to the public, welcoming everyone to join the celebration. For more details, visit www.sbcgrowth.church or call 770-929-1111. We’ll be back in a moment Break: Render Apartments (07.11.24 RENDER APARTMENTS_REV_FINAL) – Ingles Markets (Quick Meal Foods) 6 And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Kombucha ***LEAH INTERVIEW***INGLES 4 KOMBUCHA (INTERVIEW)*** We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: Morgan Medical (08.22.24 MORGAN MEDICAL CENTER_FINAL_REVISED) 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 ...