Dr. Chip West: From Hurricane Hunter to Newton Trailblazer - Episode 45

In Episode 45 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down for a solo conversation with Dr. Chip West, Chairman of Newton Trails, to explore how a retired hurricane-chasing Air Force officer became one of Newton County’s most passionate advocates for trail development. From thrilling stories of flying into the eye of the storm to the quiet beauty of paved paths winding through Newton County, Dr. West shares how trails are not just for exercise—they’re for connection, conservation, and community.

Tune in as Trey and Chip tackle the “messy middle” of trail development, addressing safety concerns, public misconceptions, economic benefits, and the exciting vision for how Newton Trails could one day connect Oxford to Porterdale—and even link to trail systems that stretch from Atlanta to Savannah. This is a local story with statewide implications and a must-listen for anyone who cares about quality of life, thoughtful growth, and the power of purpose-driven leadership.