In Episode 24 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Pastor Justin Adams of New Life Praise Center and Minister Nytravious “Nytro” Smith of James Paschal Missionary Baptist Church for a spirited and inspirational conversation about the state of the church and faith in Newton County. The episode explores the incredible growth of New Life Praise Center, from its humble beginnings to a thriving congregation of over 1,000 attendees, and the ways Minister Nytro is helping revitalize the congregation at James Paschal. Together, these leaders discuss church growth, outreach, and the importance of embracing diversity in the modern church.

The conversation also highlights the significance of unity among local faith leaders and their collaborative efforts to serve the community. Both churches are deeply engaged in partnerships with schools and nonprofits, working to support the people of Newton County. With the holiday season approaching, the pastors share how they are reaching out to families and creating opportunities to make a difference during this special time of year. Tune in to hear how these dynamic leaders are impacting faith and community in Newton County.

In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey chat with Jeffrey Burke, UGA Archway Professional for Newton County. Jeffrey discusses his work in bringing local government, leaders, and citizens together to tackle key community issues: education, workforce development, government collaboration, health & wellness, and housing.

Through partnerships with UGA students and passionate workgroups, Jeffrey is helping make bold ideas a reality. Tune in to hear how thinking outside the box can create "magic" in Newton County!

In this heartwarming episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey are joined by US Special Olympian Cole Goering and his dedicated coach, LaTrelle Cawthon. Coach Cawthon, who also serves as the Adapted Physical Education Teacher and Special Olympics Coordinator for Newton County Schools, shares her passion for supporting athletes with special needs. Together, they discuss Cole’s inspiring journey to the 2025 Special Olympics Winter Games in Turin, Italy, where he will compete as a member of the US Alpine Skiing team. This conversation is a powerful reminder of determination, community, and the importance of support in achieving big dreams.

Listeners will also hear about Cole’s upcoming role as a Grand Marshal for the Lion’s Club Covington Christmas Parade on Dec. 7th, and how they can support him through the Cakes & Cookies for Cole fundraiser at the Mistletoe Market later that evening. With a goal of raising $20,000 to cover the costs of Cole's trip, Gabriel and Trey urge everyone to donate to Cole's GoFundMe page and help make this Special Olympian’s dream a reality. Don't miss this uplifting conversation and the opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause!

"In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Representative Tim Fleming, who represents District 114, covering much of Newton County, Morgan County, and parts of Walton County. Fleming offers insights into the recent local elections, discussing the victories of LeAnne Long and Stan Edwards, as well as the surprising defeat of long-time Coroner Tommy Davis by newcomer Kimberly Griggs. He also shares his perspective on the broader national political landscape, from the Presidential election results to the Republican party's momentum in Congress.

Fleming emphasizes the importance of bipartisanship in government, revealing how he collaborates with both Republicans and Democrats to pass meaningful legislation for the people of Georgia. The conversation also delves into local issues like population growth, transportation challenges, and affordable housing, as Fleming discusses potential solutions to ensure the continued prosperity of his district. Tune in to hear a thoughtful, in-depth discussion about Georgia’s future and the path forward for Newton County."

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Shamica Tucker, Executive Director of the Covington Housing Authority, as she busts myths and shares surprising truths about affordable housing in Newton County. Shamica explains why the Housing Authority is far more than just 'government housing' and how it works to provide safe, affordable homes for families in need. She also sheds light on the surprising number of residents who are employed full-time and challenges the notion that more subsidized housing leads to more poverty. Plus, hear her thoughts on the future of the Alcovy Community and efforts to combat concentrated poverty. Tune in to Episode 20 of The Town Square Podcast for an inspiring and informative discussion!

In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Harold Cooper, Newton County's County Manager. With a rich background in public service, Mr. Cooper shares insights into his role, emphasizing his Three "P's" of Leadership: People, Purpose, and Processes. He addresses challenges facing the county while highlighting his commitment to enhancing residents' quality of life. "No matter the resources, we will remain fiscally responsible and dedicated to serving our community." Tune in for an inspiring conversation!

As a leader known for her candidness and approachable style, Fleeta doesn’t shy away from discussing challenging topics, making for an engaging dialogue. Throughout the episode, we dive into the concept of next-level leadership, exploring what it means to lead with authenticity and purpose in today’s fast-paced world. Fleeta’s self-professed “loose tongue” leads to some memorable moments, as she shares her honest thoughts on local governance and the pressing issues facing the community.

One of the highlights of our conversation revolves around the recent firework debacle that ignited tensions on The Square. Fleeta details her perspective on the drama surrounding the divided City Council and her veto of a controversial decision, shedding light on the current state of affairs. With metaphorical fireworks flying around the discussion, the episode is packed with insights into how local politics can often mirror personal passions and community values.

Taking office in January 2024, Mayor Patterson brings a wealth of experience to his role, having previously served on the Planning & Zoning Committee and the City Council. With deep family roots in Porterdale, he is passionate about guiding the city toward sustainable growth while enhancing its local culture. During this engaging conversation, Patterson shares his commitment to rebuilding trust and transparency within the local government.

Listeners will appreciate Mayor Patterson's candid reflections on the importance of community trust as he sets out to establish a new standard of accountability. He acknowledges that Porterdale still grapples with challenges, including pockets of poverty that need addressing. The mayor believes that a revitalized downtown, filled with excellent restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, will be key to providing the necessary resources to lift the community as a whole.

With over 600 members representing more than 20,000 employees, Debbie describes the Chamber as a "concierge service for local businesses." She explains that the Chamber is not a government entity but is entirely membership-based. This gives the Chamber freedom to advocate for business-friendly policies and initiatives, ultimately helping both businesses and the broader community to thrive. 

Debbie stresses how essential it is for Newton County to have a vibrant local Chamber of Commerce. By supporting businesses, the Chamber plays a key role in the overall health and vitality of the community, fostering job creation and local economic growth.

In the latest episode of The Town Square Podcast, co-hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with an iconic figure in Newton County—Mike Hopkins, the Executive Director for the Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority. With an incredible 27 years of service in this role, Mike has been instrumental in guiding our community through transformative growth, all while preserving the small-town charm that makes Newton County so special. His leadership and long-term vision have positioned the county for sustainable development, particularly in innovative projects like the Stanton Springs business park. Here, cutting-edge technology meets eco-conscious planning with the creation of a massive recycle and reuse station—an achievement Mike and his team are incredibly proud of.

While Mike is undoubtedly passionate about his role at the Water and Sewerage Authority, his heart truly lies with The Miracle League, an organization that gives children with special needs the opportunity to play baseball. Mike has been an integral part of bringing the national annual Miracle League All-Star Game to Newton County, an event that’s just around the corner.