EAST METRO Top Stories for November 14th Publish Date: November 14th 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, November 14th and Happy birthday to Alec John Such ***11.14.24 - BIRTHDAY – ALEC JOHN SUCH*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty 1. Crossroads Baptist Church Gets Permit for Family Life Center 2. Safari Park Gets Open Approval For Event Facility 3. Newton County breaks ground for senior enrichment center Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on apples 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: Crossroads Baptist Church Gets Permit for Family Life Center Crossroads Baptist Church in eastern Newton County received approval for a conditional use permit to build a 10,000-square-foot family life center and special events facility. The facility will be used for religious education, recreation, and events like weddings and community meetings. Pastor Brandon Stanley emphasized its focus on children and youth activities. The county planning staff recommended approval with conditions, such as adhering to building requirements and managing outdoor events. The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the permit, recognizing the church as a valuable community partner. The church already has several existing buildings on its campus. STORY 2: Safari Park Gets Open Approval For Event Facility The Georgia Safari Conservation Park (GSCP) has launched its first phase, featuring exotic wildlife tours and unique lodging. The Morgan County Board of Commissioners granted approval for the park to host special events without needing future board approvals, allowing flexibility in development. The park plans to use luxury tents for smaller events and aims to build a permanent facility for larger gatherings of 100-300 people, along with an education center for conservation events. Initial public opposition has subsided, with traffic now routed through the main entrance. Supporters, like Matt Schulz, are enthusiastic about the park's potential for hosting events. STORY 3: Newton County breaks ground for senior enrichment center Newton County held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new senior enrichment center at Denny Dobbs Park, funded by the 2023 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. The $4.5 million, 11,000-square-foot facility will feature meeting spaces, activity rooms, and outdoor areas, with completion expected by September 2025. Board Chairman Lanier Sims emphasized the center's role in honoring seniors, while Senior Services Director Freda Reed highlighted the growing demand for advanced programs. Commissioner Demond Mason and County Manager Harold Cooper praised the initiative as a sign of the county's commitment to its senior 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 (08.08.24 WHEELER OBITS_FINAL) STORY 4: Morgan County Wins Georgia Farm To School Award During the Morgan County Charter Schools Board of Education meeting on November 11, School Nutrition Director Kim Johnson and Teacher Jennifer Haynes were honored with the Georgia Farm to School Award for 2023-2024. This recognition highlights their efforts in integrating local agriculture into the school system, promoting healthy eating and educational opportunities related to farming and nutrition. STORY 5: Newton's Ted Neal Signs with Appalachian State Newton senior Davin "Ted" Neal signed a National Letter of Intent with Appalachian State University's men's basketball program. Neal, a 6-foot-6 wing and three-star prospect, is recognized as one of the top 50 players in metro Atlanta and a preseason all-state selection in Class AAAAAA. Appalachian State head coach Dustin Kerns praised Neal's versatility and fit for the community, noting his ranking as the No. 2 small forward prospect in Georgia. Neal's development under Newton head coach Barry Browner and Atlanta Xpress's Winfred Jordan has been significant. He joins Tre McKinnon and Jacari Brim in the Mountaineers' signing class. We’ll be back in a moment Break: Ingles Markets 6 And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on apples ***INGLES 3 'ASK LEAH' APPLES*** 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 Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the ...
