In Episode 26 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey interview Maurice Carter and Nancy Schulz, two dedicated advocates for sustainability and climate action in Newton County. Maurice, co-founder of Sustainable Newton, has led the organization since 2018, working to inspire local residents and businesses to take action against climate change. Nancy, a former Newton County Commissioner and passionate environmental advocate, has dedicated her post-retirement years to advancing sustainability efforts in the community. Together, they share their personal journeys, explain why climate change is an urgent issue, and discuss the impactful initiatives Sustainable Newton is spearheading to create lasting change in the region.

Maurice and Nancy also emphasize the importance of local engagement and collaboration with businesses and governments to address environmental concerns. They highlight the challenges of overcoming skepticism around climate change and provide actionable ways for individuals to contribute to sustainability efforts. With an eye toward the future, they share their vision for upcoming projects and how citizens can get involved. This episode is an inspiring call to action for those looking to make a difference in their community and help shape a greener, more sustainable future for Newton County.

In Episode 25 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with District 5 Commissioner LeAnne Long for a no-nonsense conversation about her bold vision for Newton County. A self-proclaimed conservative with a strong personality, LeAnne is committed to open communication and tackling the issues head-on. She discusses her reasons for running, the importance of balanced growth, and her concerns about the 2023 Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Future Land Use Map. LeAnne also shares her thoughts on property tax reform, with a special focus on tax relief for senior citizens. Tune in for a straight-talking, insightful discussion on the future of Newton County.

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!