Building Strong Futures co-founders Michelle Norrington and Monica Banks join The Town Square Podcast to share the inspiring story behind their youth development nonprofit. What began as a small leadership and etiquette program at church has grown into a community-wide initiative helping students explore college, careers, and leadership opportunities.

Recently named the Newton County Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Organization of the Year, Building Strong Futures continues to impact young people through workshops, mentorship, and life-changing college tours. In this conversation, Michelle and Monica reflect on the mission, the students whose lives have been changed, and the vision for the next generation of leaders.

(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)

Dr. Quinita Morrow, the 2026 Newton County Schools Teacher of the Year and marketing teacher at Alcovy High School, joins The Town Square Podcast to share how she’s preparing students for real-world success. Her classroom goes far beyond textbooks—students build businesses, pitch ideas, host pop-up shops, and learn financial and marketing skills that many adults wish they had learned earlier.

Dr. Morrow also discusses the importance of relationships in education, the pressures students face in the age of social media, and why teachers are passionate advocates for their students. It’s a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the future of education in Newton County.

(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)

Debbie Harper—President & CEO of the Newton County Chamber of Commerce—returns to The Town Square Podcast for Episode 74, and this time she brings the full “what’s happening in 2026” rundown. Debbie explains what the Chamber actually does (and what it doesn’t do), how a 700+ member organization supports everyone from large industry to small business, and why the health of the business community is inseparable from the quality of life in Newton County.

Then we get into the good stuff: major 2026 events, the Chamber’s expanding networking calendar, a recap of the Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet (including standout winners and why they matter), and what’s coming next—like the Chamber’s vision work and a new foundation focus around workforce development and talent attraction. We also hit current business buzz around Town Center, what’s new on the square, and a timely reminder to shop local—especially after weather weekends that hit restaurants and service businesses hard.

(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)

Covington City Councilwoman Charika Davis is back for her second term, and she’s not tiptoeing around the biggest word in local government right now: affordability. In this conversation, she shares what it’s really like campaigning while doing the job, why she sees herself as an advocate for working- and middle-class families, and what people often misunderstand about city government—especially the reality that a councilmember is “one vote,” not the person who hires, fires, or runs day-to-day operations.

We also get into two of the most talked-about issues in Covington: the stormwater billing controversy (and what fairness looks like when people feel blindsided) and the potential property tax relief conversation tied to major economic development and PILOT revenue. Along the way, Davis talks infrastructure strain from growth, sidewalks and safety, why empathy matters in policy, and how residents can actually reach her when they’ve got a real problem to solve.

(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)

Newton County growth debates hit a new level in Episode 72 as District 5 Commissioner LeAnne Long returns to The Town Square Podcast to unpack the “good, bad, and ugly” of 2025—especially around data centers, annexations, and citizen trust. Long explains how her blunt communication style and relentless Facebook engagement have helped wake up residents who felt shut out of decisions impacting their neighborhoods.

The conversation dives into why transparency and early communication matter, how annexation timelines work, what happened with the Falconwood and Elks Club Road proposals (voted down by Covington City Council on January 20, 2026), and why data centers have become the buzzword of the year. Long argues she’s not anti-growth—she’s pro-balance, pro-process, and pro “no surprises” government.

(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)

Covington Police Chief Brent Fuesting joins The Town Square Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about who he is, how he leads, and what’s happening inside the Covington Police Department. A 23-year veteran of the department, Chief Fuesting shares his journey into policing, why patrol work matters, and why compassion and empathy are core values he looks for in officers—alongside accountability and integrity.

We also discuss the rapid growth of Covington, plans to open a downtown precinct for greater visibility and access, and how the department pursues transparency through annual reporting and a Citizen Review Board. Chief Fuesting addresses recruitment challenges, the role of technology in modern policing, and offers a direct answer to the question many residents ask: “How safe is Covington?” He also shares how residents may be able to support Police Who Care through Georgia’s Less Crime Act.

(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)

In this week’s episode of The Town Square Podcast, host Trey Bailey sits down with Covington City Councilman Travis Moore (East Ward Post 2) for a candid conversation about two of the most talked-about issues in town—the city’s recent purchase of property from Cinelease/Three Ring Studios and the new ordinance banning for-profit cemetery tours. Amid Facebook rumors and public confusion, Moore breaks down what really happened, explaining how the $15 million Cinelease acquisition was funded through MEAG and the Municipal Competitive Trust—not taxpayer dollars—and why it will help streamline city utilities, save money, and improve efficiency.

The conversation also dives into the viral controversy over cemetery tours that led to heated debates about respect, history, and tourism. Moore, the only council member to vote “no” on the ordinance, shares why he believes the decision unfairly targets a small local business and sends the wrong message about Covington’s hospitality. Along the way, the discussion highlights Moore’s reputation for transparent communication, his advocacy for small businesses, and his vision for a thriving, welcoming downtown Covington.

(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)

In Episode 57 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall sit down with Scotty Scoggins, candidate for Covington City Council Post 3 West Ward. Scotty shares his vision for Covington through his four campaign pillars: Transparency, Affordability, Smart Growth, and Access to Decision-Making. From his deep community involvement, including leading events like the Vampire Run, to his past candidacy for the school board, Scotty brings a perspective rooted in civic service and local engagement.

This conversation goes beyond campaign talking points, exploring Scotty’s passion for creating opportunities where everyday citizens feel connected to decisions shaping Covington’s future. Trey and Gabriel guide a thoughtful discussion about responsible growth, preserving community values, and the challenges of balancing affordability with progress. Whether you’re a longtime resident or simply curious about local leadership, this episode offers a clear look at the heart of one candidate’s commitment to serving his neighbors.