Todays Content:

• 🌡️ Tuesday’s Forecast

• 🎟️ Big Event List for This Week

• 📰 Draft Town Sports Cards: Sharpsburg's New Hub for Trading Card Fans and Sports Enthusiasts

• 📰 Vandalism and Theft at Newnan's Oak Hill Cemetery Spark Police Investigation

• 📰 The Future of Sports Betting in Georgia: Senate Bill 172 Stirs Legislative Controversy

• 📅 2024 Youth/Adult Sports CCPR Registration Dates

• 🏬 Support Local: Businesses & Charities

Cold Weather is here!
Save up to 24% off Pelonis Portable Heaters

Originals, audiobooks and podcasts—all in one place. Your favorite titles anywhere you go. Enjoy a 30-day free trial.

Give someone the gift of Audible

January 16th

• Toddler Craft Day, Newnan Carnegie Library 10-11a

• Sharpsburg Piecemakers 10a-2p

• Dog Training, A&O Bridges Community Center 6-8:30p

• Psych Services Retreat, The Nixon Center 9a
  

January 17th

• Exercise is Medicine, Newnan Carnegie Library 11:30a-12:30p

• Gentle Yoga, Newnan Carnegie Library 1:30-2:30p

• Acrylic Art Class, A&O Bridges Community Center 9a-1p

• Ballroom Dancing, A&O Bridges Community Center 7-9p

• Aeolus Quartet and Aristo Sham, The Nixon Center 7-11p

January 18th

• Adult Art at the Madras Community Center 1-3p

• Preschool Snowy Storytime Newnan Carnegie Library 10-11a

• Exercise is Medicine, Newnan Carnegie Library 11:30a-12:30p

January 19th

• The Hot Club Jazz Fellowship, The Nixon Center 11:30a-12:30p

• Hardy Boyd Band, The Cellar Newnan 8p

• BBQ, BLUES & BREWS, The Venue at Murphy Lane 5-9p

• Open Mic Night, Line Creek Brewing The Reserve 6-9p

• Farmhouse Fridays: Live Music On The Porch, Serenbe 5:30-8:30p

January 20th

• Teen Winter Gnome Craft, Central Library - Coweta Public Library 1-2p

• Edgar B. Hollis Distinguished Author Series: Frank D. Murphy, Newnan Carnegie Library 3-4p

• January Teen Open Art, Newnan Carnegie Library 10a-12p

• Glitter & Gold Party 7-11p

• General Store at Serenbe Wine Tasting 4p

• Wine Flights, The Wine Shop, Serenbe 1:30-4:30p

January 21st

• Die Fledermaus, Wadsworth Auditorium 3p-5p

• Yoga at Madras, Madras Park Conference Room 6-7p

• Wine Flights, The Wine Shop, Serenbe 1:30-4:30p

January 24th

• Van Gogh BINGO-a-Go-Go, Line Creek The Reserve 6:30p

January 26

• Elvis: A Musical Revolution, Legacy Theater (Shows through Feb 25th) times vary

• Downtown Newnan Boutique Crawl 5-9p

• Friday Farm Stand, Serenbe 4-6:30p

• Farmhouse Fridays: Live Music On The Porch, Serenbe 5:30-8:30p

Want to get your event in front of 1000s of Newnan Area residents? Email us at [email protected]

Draft Town Sports Cards: Sharpsburg's New Hub for Trading Card Fans and Sports Enthusiasts

Draft Town Sports Cards, the latest destination for trading card enthusiasts and sports fans, has recently opened in Sharpsburg, Georgia. This unique store offers more than just trading cards; it's an engaging experience designed to resemble the ultimate sports fan's den. The interior features a rich collection of sports cards, various cozy areas for customers to explore their new card cases, and a sports arena ambiance enhanced by a hanging scoreboard, televisions broadcasting major sports events, and a selection of arcade games including classics like NFL Blitz and Pac Man.

The store's grand opening was on January 13th was marked by excitement, highlighted by the appearance of Tai Peete, a recent draft pick for the Seattle Mariners and a local high school baseball legend. The event featured hourly giveaways, ranging from individual cards to complete packs, and many more sports treasures. Situated at 3450 Highway 34 East Suite 106, Draft Town Sports Cards will quickly become a go-to spot for gatherings among friends, family, and fellow sports memorabilia collectors.

Vandalism and Theft at Newnan's Oak Hill Cemetery Spark Police Investigation

In the Newnan Oak Hill Cemetery, a historic site dating back to the 1830s, became the scene of a recent burglary. Thieves broke into a maintenance building in the cemetery, smashing a window to gain entry. This incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on January 3, as later discovered by a patrol officer who noticed the significant damage.

The targeted building is used by the city of Newnan for storing maintenance equipment essential for the upkeep of the cemetery, which spans over 60 acres and houses more than 12,000 graves. Among the stolen items were trimmers, leaf blowers, and a 2013 Super Duty pickup truck. The thieves also tried to break through a locked gate, causing damage, and ultimately drove the stolen truck through a fence, resulting in more destruction.

Newnan police are actively seeking public assistance to solve this crime. Oak Hill Cemetery, just a few blocks from the Newnan town square, holds significant historical value, making this act of vandalism and theft particularly disconcerting for the community. Please contact the Newnan Police Dept if you have any information on this crime. (770) 254-2355

The Future of Sports Betting in Georgia: Senate Bill 172 Stirs Legislative Controversy

Georgia's Senate Regulated Industries Committee recently passed Senate Bill 172, aiming to legalize and regulate sports betting. However, the bill necessitates a constitutional amendment, requiring a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers. Senator Bill Cowsert leads the initiative, facing contrasting views from other legislators and differing opinions on the use of the generated revenue. The bill's passage remains uncertain amid moral opposition and the need for bipartisan support.

In our states capital, the debate over legalizing sports gambling has been reignited. Last week, the Senate Regulated Industries Committee approved Senate Bill 172 with an 8-4 vote. This bill proposes to legalize, regulate, and tax sports betting in Georgia and has now moved to the full Senate for further discussion. However, the bill's success hinges on a constitutional amendment, which requires a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate before it can be presented to voters statewide referendum.

Senator Bill Cowsert, a Republican from Athens, is spearheading the bill. He argues that a constitutional amendment is essential since the original 1992 lottery approval by Georgia voters did not encompass sports betting, which at that time was only available in Nevada casinos. Cowsert's stance contrasts with views held by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and Georgia's pro sports teams, who believe sports betting could be managed by Georgia's lottery without amending the constitution.

In 2023, Cowsert's attempt to pass a similar amendment failed to secure the necessary votes. Also, a bill that would have allowed sports betting and horse race betting without a constitutional amendment was rejected. This year, Cowsert plans to propose an amendment focused solely on sports betting. Other senators, including Republican Senators Carden Summers and Brandon Beach, have proposed their own amendments to include sports betting, casinos, and horse race betting.

Cowsert supports a constitutional amendment as it provides the opportunity to negotiate how the generated revenue will be used. A bill proposing sports gambling under the lottery would allocate funds to prekindergarten classes and HOPE Scholarships. However, many Democrats see sports betting as a way to fund needs-based college scholarships, and some have different funding objectives, like Senator David Lucas's interest in securing funds for the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.

The bill's success faces challenges due to opposition from some Republicans on moral grounds and the need for Democratic support. Additionally, concerns were raised about voting on the bill without clarity on how the amendment would distribute the proceeds. Senator John Albers expressed discomfort with the ongoing negotiations over the allocation of funds, advocating for more resources for child care and HOPE Scholarships.

2024 Youth/Adult Sports
CCPR Registration Dates
http://cowetaparksandrec.com

Adult Softball Open, COED & Church league registration (Ages 18+)
OPEN NOW! Through February 23, 2024 (or until full)

Cheer & Tumble registration (Ages 5-7 & 8-10)
OPEN NOW! Through January 22, 2024 (or until full)

 Lil’ Baller Futsal registration (Ages 5-6)
OPEN NOW! Through February 2, 2024 (or until full)

Youth Spring Volleyball registration (Ages 7-9, 10- 12, 13-16)
January 15, 2024 - February 2, 2024 (or until full)

Youth Tackle Football EARLY BIRD registration (Ages 9-10 & 11-12)
February 12, 2024 - April 5, 2024

Youth Tackle Football registration (Ages 9-10 & 11-12)
April 6, 2024 - August 16, 2024

Summer Camp registration (various ages)
April 15, 2024

Youth Flag Football registration (Ages 9-10 & 11-12)
April 29, 2024 - May 24, 2024

Summer/Fall Adult Softball registration (Ages 18+)
April 29, 2024 - June 28, 2024

Summer/Fall Adult Softball registration (Ages 18+)
July 1, 2024 - July 26, 2024

Free tennis Friday:
Adults: 10:00 am - Noon,
Juniors: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
OPEN YEAR AROUND! 

Intermediate & Adult Beginner Instruction: 
Wed/Thur 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
OPEN YEAR AROUND! 

Junior Beginner Instruction:
Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
OPEN YEAR AROUND! 

Please check cowetaparksandrec.com for the latest updates.
(all dates subject to change)

Looking for more exposure?
Do it the easy way!
3000 Subscribers and growing!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of local area residents in an upcoming issue of Newnan Insider?

• Own a local business? Apply to be featured here!

• Love a local business? Nominate them here!

Please support our local Newnan community businesses! Click the images to visit their websites.

Today’s Funnies 😆

Joke: Why do scientists not trust atoms?

Answer: Because they make up everything!