EAST METRO Top Stories for October 17th Publish Date: October 17th PRE-ROLL: Scandrett Sheriff (10.07.24 SHERIFF SCANDRETT_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 Thursday, October 17th and Happy 66th birthday to singer Alan Jackson ***10.17.24 – BIRTHDAY – ALAN JACKSON*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty 1. Piedmont Newton Now Offering Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacements 2. UGA Extension offers Master Gardener volunteer program 3. Newton Commissioners Approve Appeal for Townhome Development Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on fiber. 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: Piedmont Newton Now Offering Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacements Piedmont Newton Hospital has introduced the ROSA surgical robotics system to assist orthopedic surgeons with joint replacements, such as knee, hip, and shoulder surgeries. This advanced technology enhances implant fit, potentially leading to quicker recoveries and improved outcomes compared to traditional methods. The ROSA System combines robotic technology with top-tier implants, aiding in bone resections and soft tissue assessments for precise implant positioning. Dr. Matt "Jejo" Mathew, trained to use ROSA, has started performing procedures with it. STORY 2: UGA Extension offers Master Gardener volunteer program The UGA Extension offers the Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program to plant enthusiasts statewide, focusing on landscape, ornamental, and food-producing plants. Participants receive 50 hours of training from experts, covering horticulture and related topics. After training, volunteers share their knowledge to enhance community well-being through gardening. The program is available in southwest Georgia through the UGA Dougherty County Cooperative Extension. Interested individuals can sign up for the 2025 training program online. For more information, potential participants can contact the extension office directly. STORY 3: Newton Commissioners Approve Appeal for Townhome Development The Newton County Board of Commissioners approved an appeal for a 107-unit townhome and commercial project on Brown Bridge Road. Initially denied by the Planning Commission, the appeal was revisited after developers met with local residents. The project, covering 15.33 acres, includes townhomes and commercial space, with amenities like a pool and common area. It aims to balance community needs and growth, with support from local departments and the Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority. The development will generate additional traffic, with infrastructure plans in place. The board's decision was unanimous, with one commissioner absent and the chairman recused. 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: B.J. Elder's Morgan County Jersey Retired Barry JaQuan “B.J.” Elder, a celebrated Georgia Tech basketball player and assistant coach, was honored by the Morgan County Board of Education with the retirement of his No. 20 jersey from his high school days. A standout at Morgan County High School, Elder went on to play at Georgia Tech and professionally in Europe. He later transitioned to coaching, eventually becoming Georgia Tech's assistant coach. Known for his skill and character, Elder was praised by former coach Donald Harris. The jersey retirement recognizes Elder's athletic and academic achievements, serving as an inspiration for future student-athletes. STORY 5: Artists recognized at MMCC's "Teach" exhibit Over 75 people attended the opening of the "TEACH" exhibit at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, showcasing the final works of students taught by art instructors Ann Dodys, NancyJeannete Long, and Kamden Ecker. The exhibit features 23 student paintings in Gallery One, judged by the city's Public Arts Commission. Dawn Mathis won first place with "Church in the Forest," followed by Karen Blakeney and Goretr Bir. Betsy Rose received an honorable mention. A reception was held for artists and guests, and more information on art classes is available on the Center's website. We’ll be back in a moment Break: Render Apartments (07.11.24 RENDER APARTMENTS_REV_FINAL) – Ingles Markets (Salts) 8 And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on fiber. ***LEAH INTERVIEW***INGLES 1 FIBER (INTERVIEW)*** We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: Morgan Medical (10.15.24 MORGAN MEDICAL CENTER 2_FINAL) Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Community Podcast. If you enjoy these shows,...
