EAST METRO Top Stories for October 31st Publish Date: October 31st 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 31st and Happy birthday to John Candy ***10.31.24 - BIRTHDAY – JOHN CANDY*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty 1. Woman Charged with DUI On Consecutive Days 2. Ribbon-cutting held for innovative, inclusive community 3. Over Half Of Morgan County Voters Have Cast Ballots In The Nov. 5 Election Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Picky toddlers 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: Woman Charged With DUI On Consecutive Days Kristi Stinnett, a Rutledge woman, was arrested for DUI on two consecutive days. On October 21, Madison Police stopped her after she allegedly crossed a fog line and hit a curb. Officer Eaton reported a strong alcohol odor and found an open Fireball whiskey bottle in her car. Stinnett refused breath and blood tests and was charged with DUI, open container, and lane violation. The next day, she was stopped by a Morgan County deputy for erratic driving. She again refused sobriety tests and was charged with DUI and lane violation after showing signs of intoxication. STORY 2: Ribbon-cutting held for innovative, inclusive community The Soaring Heights community in Conyers has opened, providing affordable housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), first responders, and teachers. The facility includes three apartment buildings and a community center, aiming to create a supportive and inclusive environment. The project, praised for its community spirit, has been in development since 2017. It serves as a recruitment tool for essential workers and offers a safe, inclusive space for the IDD population. The initiative is seen as a model for similar communities nationwide, emphasizing quality housing and community integration. STORY 3: Over Half Of Morgan County Voters Have Cast Ballots In The Nov. 5 Election Morgan County is experiencing record early voting turnout, with about 50.5% of active voters having cast their ballots for the November 5 Presidential Election. As of October 28, 7,740 early votes have been recorded, and 70% of absentee ballots have been returned and accepted. Early voting began on October 15, with nearly 1,000 votes on the first day and 3,801 by the end of the first week. The county is also voting for a new sheriff and other statewide races. Statewide, over 2.9 million Georgians have voted early, representing 40% of active voters. 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 (08.08.24 WHEELER OBITS_FINAL) STORY 4: Regional Career Fair draws more than 500 job-seekers The Regional Career Fair in Covington attracted over 500 job-seekers, connecting them with more than 30 employers from various industries, including Takeda, General Mills, and the Newton County School System. Held at Newton High School, the event catered to individuals seeking both entry-level and advanced career opportunities. Job-seekers prioritized positions offering good benefits and full-time hours. The Takeda booth was particularly popular, with attendees like Patrice Cunningham and Britanny Brannon expressing interest in lab-related roles and positions with good pay and variety. STORY 5: Cotton Gin Festival Draws Thousands To Downtown Bostwick The annual Cotton Gin Festival in Downtown Bostwick drew thousands to celebrate the town's agricultural heritage, particularly cotton production. The event featured a parade with local leaders, tractors, and the 92-year-old Cotton Queen, Wynelle Callaway Ruark. Attendees enjoyed vendors, food stands, and entertainment. The festival began with a prayer and the national anthem, performed by Ann Ballard and her grandson. Morgan County Sheriff Robert Markley, set to retire, led the parade, joined by sheriff candidates Tyler Hooks and Derrick Reid. Proceeds support the historic Susie Agnes Hotel and city improvements. We’ll be back in a moment Break: Render Apartments (07.11.24 RENDER APARTMENTS_REV_FINAL) - Ingles Markets (Ingles Table Magazine) 2 And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on picky toddlers ***LEAH 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, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger ...