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.

Synthetic high

A concerned driver called authorities for help Sunday night after seeing a vehicle driving erratically.

Temporary burn ban now in effect

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has imposed an Open Burning Ban for 54 Georgia counties, including Newton County, that will begin May 1 and last through Sept. 30.

Operation Popcorn

 Decked out in official scouting uniforms with order forms in tow, Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops around the area are beginning their annual popcorn sale. The Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, is excited for its 15th annual sales drive where popcorn lovers around the metro-area can, once again, take part in the world's largest popcorn sale. This annual fundraiser gives youth the opportunity to earn money for camp, ...

Showing livestock a family tradition

 The heat and humidity on this southern Friday night are evident in the sweat rolling down the faces of competitors and observers.

What women should know about breast cancer detection

 The words "breast cancer" evoke terror in the minds of most women and especially in the minds of the people who love them. Because breast cancer is today's second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States behind lung cancer, modern medicine continues to discover and provide ways to prevent, detect and treat this dreaded disease.

King, Casola not indicted by grand jury

 A Newton County grand jury decided Friday not to return any indictments in the case against Stephanie Casola and Anita King who were accused of disrupting the funeral of Lanny Barnes on July 2.

Norfolk Southern preparing to abandon rail line

 Norfolk Southern Corp. is in the process of abandoning most of its railroad from Covington to Newborn because the line will no longer be used. The decision to abandon comes after Norfolk Southern chose to not renew its lease with the Great Walton Railroad Company as of Sept. 30.

Discussion of park in Fairview Est. continues

 Fairview Estates residents remain concerned about the effect of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program in their community, but outright objection has given way to cautious support for many of the residents after Thursday's meeting between county officials and neighborhood leaders.

Grand jury does not indict Anita King, Stephanie Casola

Friday the Newton County grand jury considered charges of disruptive conduct at a funeral service, criminal trespass and unlawful placement of signs against Anita King and Stephanie Casola, who picketed at Lanny Barnes funeral. Barnes had previously been convicted of murdering King's 2-year-old daughter Avery, after he ran over her and several members of her family at McDonald's on Highway 278.

Cheer heroes

By day they are simple students but on Oct. 7 the Eastside High School varsity football cheerleaders will don their pink capes and become super heroes for breast cancer awareness.

NMC volunteer Betty Ware retires

Betty Ware has arrived at a new chapter in her life. After volunteering at Newton Medical Center for the last 33 years, Betty is retiring and moving to South Carolina to a retirement facility near family.

Porterdale kicks off fall with service and fun

For the third consecutive year, Porterdale officials invite everyone to help clean up the Yellow River around the Mill Saturday and then stay for a full day of good food, good fun and good tunes.

Most roads now open, some bridges remain closed

While most Newton County roads affected by flooding have reopened, parts of Crowell, Harold Dobbs and Mt. Tabor remain closed per the Georgia Department of Transportation.

inVEST in the NCSO - Oct. 2

The parents of recently injured Deputy Wesley Atha have organized a fundraising campaign to purchase these vests for every county deputy. Their fundraising goal is $113,000. Each vest costs between $500-$700, depending on the size. Each Friday The Covington News will publish a list of individuals, businesses and civic groups who have donated to the cause that week as well as the total amount raised. Donations are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to ...

Deputy involved in deadly crash on administrative leave

A Newton County deputy remains on administrative leave after an accident Tuesday afternoon claimed the life of a Covington woman.

Man shot in wrist

A 20-year-old man was shot at several times and hit once while walking through The Silos Saturday afternoon.

Citizens want to speak during city, county meetings

A democracy is dependent on public participation, and historically public meetings like town halls and public hearings have been the vehicle to gather public input, but there is some disagreement on the role of city council and county commissioner meetings.