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.

Oak Hill library set to open Jan. 2011 in West Newton

Newton County's western end is scheduled to get its first library in January 2011 as the Newton County Library Board of Trustees prepares to select a general contractor on Sept. 30.

Newton County to receive $26M transportation stimulus money

After not receiving any stimulus transportation money earlier this year, Newton County and Covington have had around $26 million of promised money pour in over the past few months.

Flood warning issued for Newton County

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has issued a flood warning for the Yellow River near Conyers below Milstead until this evening. At 10 a.m. Friday the stage was 10.9 feet. Minor flooding is forecast. Flood stage is 11.0 feet.

Recreation Commission could run new Community Center

In order to solve the debate over the future of the recently completed Nelson Heights Community Center and make it operational, the Recreation Commission board will examine whether it can and should take control of the center.

BOE approves more cuts

Faced with more reductions to their revenue, the Newton County Board of Education was forced to make more cuts to its budget in an effort to make up for approximately $6.3 million in expected revenue that the system will not receive.

Men break into house, tie up both residents

Officers from the Covington Police Department are searching for two men who reportedly broke into a home early Thursday morning and tied up the occupants before robbing them.

Fore a good cause

Almost 50 people braved the drizzly conditions Thursday afternoon in order to play in the inaugural Richard Rawlins Golf Classic - a fundraiser organized by members of the Covington Kiwanis Club to benefit the Miracle Field and the Newton County Foundation for Educational Excellence.

It’s not too late to take advantage of first-time home buyer tax credit

Time is running out on the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit, but eligible home buyers can still get the credit if they act quickly.

Friends of Newton Parks tackle Chimney Park

The Friends of Newton Parks is expecting to host more than 100 volunteers tomorrow at Chimney Park, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a day of cleaning, lunch and playing.

inVEST in the NCSO

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 ...

Piedmont Academy closed Friday due to H1N1

Piedmont Academy administrators announced the school will be closed Friday due to a significant portion of the student body out with the H1N1 virus.

Woman calls 911 on husband and ends up going to jail herself

Deputies were called to a home on Rock View Lane early Thursday morning after a woman reportedly claimed her husband beat her.

Some residents oppose public park planned for Fairview Estates

As part of its Neighborhood Stabilization Plan, Newton County has been planning to build a public park in Fairview Estates, but several residents of that neighborhood let the county know they don't want a public park in their backyard.

Future of NHCC debated again

While the county commissioners continue to debate the future of the recently completed Nelson Heights Community Center, the possibility has arisen that the center could be taken over by the Recreation Commission.

Newton Fund announces grant application deadline

The Newton Fund, a local fund of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, will accept letters of intent for grant funding until Oct. 2. Grants up to $5,000 for a 12-month period will be awarded through a competitive process to help qualified nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations meet the changing needs of the Newton County community.