Firehouse Subs comes to Covington

Firehouse Subs is coming to Covington, adding another national, fast casual chain to the city's growing restaurant mix.

City may expand fiber network

The city of Covington has saved around $60,000 per year since it began creating its own fiber optic cable network to connect its buildings across the city, and officials hope to be able to offer those kinds of savings to other local government entities and possibly create another revenue stream in the future.

Solar devices will clean water sources

Newton County's two drinking-water reservoirs, Lake Varner and City Pond, are getting a helping hand from the sun in the battle to keep them as healthy and clean as possible.

Illegal street race blamed in wreck

An infant and a Covington teenager were killed Thursday night in a wreck on I-20 that police believe was caused by an illegal car race going awry.

Mom of boys is thinking pink

Kari Apted may have a lot on her plate, but the mother of three, soon to be four, has learned how to balance it all. With three boys, Eli, Zach and Jonah, Apted admits that things can get hectic. But she also says a houseful of boys is always endearing.

Sergeant arrested after single-vehicle crash

A Covington man who was a sergeant with the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office was arrested following an early morning crash on McCalla Road in Rockdale County.

Street race crash kills baby, teen

Two people were killed, including a teenager and infant, and three others injured in a wreck on I-20 in Rockdale County that police believe was caused by illegal street racing.

Lowest gas price - May 10

The lowest price for regular fuel is $3.49 at BP, located at 6229 Turner Lake Road and Brown Bridge Road.

Tea party delight for Mother's Day

If you're looking for a way to delight your mom for Mother's Day, the Phoenix Pass nonprofit for homeless women and children is offering a unique opportunity designed to make her feel like a queen.

Thief steals church’s history

Luther Hays Presbyterian Church had its history stolen recently, and the church's members are pleading for its safe return.

Mystic Grill plans move forward

Creating the real Mystic Grill restaurant - named after the popular restaurant from the TV series "The Vampire Diaries" - won't be cheap at a cost of $2.27 million, but the owners are hoping to get a low-interest loan from the state to cover at least a fraction of the cost.

Fire leaves family of five homeless

A Wednesday night fire that damaged part of an Oxford duplex and destroyed most of its contents left a family of five homeless, but the Red Cross and the family's home church is rallying to offer support.

Be part of the ‘American Dream’ tonight

Local church collects food to pack pantries

Eastridge Community Church had a mission to pack the food pantries of Newton County, and its members went out and bought enough food to fill 232 boxes.

Newton County Jail Log, May 10

Paul Frazier Allen, 22, 235 Mountainview Drive, Covington, May 2. Hijacking a motor vehicle, aggravated assault, possession of firearm or knife while trying to commit crimes, armed robbery, intimidation, taking control of substance.

32 years of memories up in flames, but faith in God remains

In February 1980, more than 33 years ago, my husband and I purchased a home in the Settlers Grove neighborhood. Our daughter Katrina Elizabeth was just a toddler.

Kimble: Cloverleaf 4-H’ers compete in public speaking

All year, Cloverleaf 4-H'ers from age 9 through sixth grade have been researching, writing and practicing 4-6 minute illustrated talks.

Bank robber given two life sentences

A Covington man with a record of armed robberies in Maryland was found guilty Thursday for the 2011 armed robbery of a Conyers bank and will likely spend the rest of his natural life in prison.

Lowest gas price - March 1

The lowest gas price for regular in Covington is $3.59 at the Pure station at Ga. Highway 162 and Ga. Highway 212.

Historic B-17 flights available this weekend

The B-17 is one of the most iconic airplanes in U.S. military history, flying throughout every theater in World War II and continuing service until Vietnam.

Attorney: Odd low bid by company legal

When the Newton County Board of Commissioners recently approved a bid by LB Recycling and Waste Services, one commissioner wondered whether the bold promise made in the bid to best any competitor's offer was legal.

Expert: Tough task to lure quality jobs

Remember the days when Northeast factories and businesses laid off their union wage workers to move to the South where salaries were lower? Those days are gone, economic development expert Mark Lautman told a Covington workforce summit Tuesday. To coax big employers into Newton County, towns will need better amenities and a talented, educated workforce.

Man accidentally shoots self

A 75-year-old Covington man accidentally shot himself early Thursday morning, while getting ready for work.

Crime Briefs: Pants in the trunk

A man driving without his pants was arrested late Saturday night for DUI. Officers noticed a car being driven by Tyler Ryan Campbell driving erratically and stopped the driver. When the officer approached the vehicle, he noticed that Campbell was wearing only his underwear. When questioned, Campbell reportedly told the officer, "Yeah, I know, I pulled out in front of that car, and I know I must look silly, but I fell into the lake ...

Should you send that text?

Did you know that the number one killer of teenagers is car accidents? While there are a multitude of reasons that contribute to the leading cause of death among teens, one of the most prevalent reasons is texting while driving.

Helping nonprofits thrive

Food and fellowship kicked off the fifth annual Newton Fund's grantee reception Tuesday night at Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast in Covington.

Freeze warning overnight

There is a freeze warning in effect from midnight to about 9 a.m. Friday morning for most of north and central Georgia, including Rockdale and Newton counties. Temperatures may dip to the lower 30s. Gardeners and farmers are warned to take precautions for sensitive or newly budded plants.

$2.7M in furniture approved for new NHS

Furniture and equipment will soon be on the way for the new replacement Newton High School as the Newton County Board of Education unanimously approved at its Tuesday board meeting purchasing items for the school, which is currently under construction.

Lowest gas price - Feb. 28

The lowest gas prices for regular gas in Covington is $3.54 at the BP station at Ga. Highway 162 and Ga. Highway 212.

Rain causes flooding, could end drought

Some slight flooding occurred in Newton County Wednesday as the recent plentiful rainfall has raised the Yellow River and other creeks up to their banks.