Each week journalists Leah Fleming and the Telegraph's Charles Richardson talk about the hot topics on the minds of Middle Georgians. This week:

HOT TOPIC #1:
This Friday is the deadline for Macon Bibb county employees to put in for a buyout as the county works to cut staffing. Several Macon-Bibb County department heads have resigned or announced they’re leaving, adding to a growing list of government leaders who have left Mayor Robert Reichert’s administration this year. Sarah Tenon, director of the Animal Welfare Department, resigned June 30, and retirements have been announced for Public Works Director Steve Pettis on July 31 and Emergency Management Agency Director Don Druitt, effective Sept. 30, Macon-Bibb County spokesman Chris Floore told the Telegraph. The latest resignations come on the heels of the county losing five other high-ranking employees in the past few weeks.
Assistant County Manager Steve Layson, Information Technology Director Steve Masteller and Director of Facilities Management Gene Simonds retired June 30. E-911 Director Keith Moffett left July 17 to become the Butts County administrator, and Recreation Director Donald “Doc” Dougherty left July 10 to head the recreation department in Hillsborough County, Florida.
Reichert will wait until after the July 31 job buyouts period ends before deciding how to handle replacing the various vacant department head positions.
What will all the changes mean for Macon Bibb County government?

HOT TOPIC #2:
A painting at Macon's Harriet Tubman museum has angered African-American pastors who want it removed. The mixed media painting called The Preacher Pimp depicts a pastor laying hands on a congregent. Text next to the image describes how a pastor took advantage of his position. Museum board members met with a group of pastors who wanted the artwork removed. But the board voted to keep the painting displayed. Tubman Museum Executive Director Andy Ambrose said taking it down violates free speech. The preachers plan to protest in front of the Tubman this weekend.

HOT TOPIC #3
In other image controversy….
Confederate enthusiasts from around the state intend to hold a massive “flag rally” at Stone Mountain Park on Saturday. Meanwhile, Governor Nathan Deal says the debate over the image of Confederate generals at Stone Mountain is not useful. Last week, the Atlanta City Council passed a resolution, asking the Governor to appoint a committee to study changes to the massive sculpture.

Listen to the conversation to hear more!

Tags: Leah Fleming, Charles Richardson The Telegraph of Macon, Macon&Eggs