EAST METRO Top Stories for October 24th Publish Date: October 24th Commercial: 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 24th and Happy birthday to actor Kevin Kline ***10.24.24 –BIRTHDAY – KEVIN KLINE*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty 1. Sheriff Ezell Brown receives Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award 2. Madison Author Returns to Hometown for Book Signing 3. Newton County celebrates turf upgrades at two parks Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Diabetes. 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 Realty (Geoff) STORY 1: Sheriff Ezell Brown receives Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown received the Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award on October 20 at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Covington. Presented by Rep. Sharon Henderson and signed by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, this award honors Brown's lifelong dedication to Newton County and Georgia. He also received a proclamation recognizing his law enforcement contributions. Brown, the first African American sheriff of Newton County since 2008, expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting his 50-year commitment to justice, public safety, and community service. STORY 2: Madison Author Returns to Hometown for Book Signing The Morgan County African American Museum is hosting a book signing with Brooklyn-based author Johnny L. Thompson on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thompson, originally from Madison, will present his memoir, "My Grandmother’s Son: Promises Kept," which recounts his experiences growing up as a black man in the 1950s South under Jim Crow laws. The memoir explores his journey to success, family importance, and reflections on America's past and present politics. Thompson, who worked in advertising and the U.S. Postal Service, will return to his hometown to share his story. STORY 3: Newton County celebrates turf upgrades at two parks Newton County celebrated the completion of turf renovations at Turner Lake Complex and City Pond Complex with a ribbon-cutting on October 15. These upgrades are part of a $3.5 million investment from the 2023 SPLOST referendum, which also funds lighting retrofits and asphalt repairs. At the event, Board of Commissioners Chairman Lanier Sims highlighted the projects as a commitment to safety and progress, noting that the new turf fields will provide safer playing conditions and reduce game delays. Sims emphasized the lasting positive impact on young athletes, their families, and the community. 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: Bostwick Resident Named Cotton Gin Festival Queen Wynelle Callaway Ruark, a lifelong Bostwick resident, has deep ties to cotton, reflecting her family's farming heritage. Born in 1932, she fondly recalls her childhood, helping with cotton harvests and enjoying small-town life centered around family and church. Despite a bout with scarlet fever, her memories are filled with farm chores and community warmth. Married in 1952, she raised four children in the same house near cotton fields. At 92, Ruark will be honored as the 2024 Cotton Gin Festival Queen. A former English teacher, she co-authored a book on Bostwick's history and has written about her own life, preserving local stories and heritage. STORY 5: Covington First United Methodist Church celebrates 200 years of making disciples Covington First United Methodist Church is celebrating its 200th anniversary on November 10 with a special service and luncheon. Founded in 1824, the church has a rich history, including serving as a hospital during the Civil War. The current building, known for its Greek Revival architecture, has been a community landmark and featured in films and TV shows. The church's Austin Pipe Organ and historic chandelier are notable features. Senior Pastor Chris Shurtz emphasizes the church's commitment to community impact and inclusivity. The anniversary event will include special music and presentations, celebrating the church's legacy and future. We’ll be back in a moment Break: 07.11.24 RENDER APARTMENTS_REV_FINAL And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on diabetes ***LEAH INTERVIEW*** INGLES 2 DIABETES (INTERVIEW)*** We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: 10.15.24 MORGAN MEDICAL CENTER 2_FINAL – Ingles Markets (Yogurt) (10) Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Community Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to ...
