Residents against gun firing restrictions

Residents packed into the Historic Courthouse Monday to listen to discussion about potentially changing county laws governing where, when and how guns can be fired, and 25 of the 26 people who signed up to speak were against making local laws more restrictive.

Local author releases her 10th book

Covington resident Dorothy Myers wrote her 10th book, "One Way," and published it March 9. It's the 10th book she has written and the second that she has had published.

Antiques home show

I really enjoy looking back at yesteryear. This is the reason you will find me poking around at various antique stores on the weekends.

Wanted man caught at Quiktrip

A stolen car was recovered early Saturday morning when an officer on patrol happened to run the plate on the vehicle as it passed him.

Soldier recalls fighting in rice paddies, jungles

Born in the old Porterdale Hospital, Doug Garner and his family moved to Conyers before settling into Covington. He attended Newton County High School before working at the Bibb Plant in Porterdale, but instead of waiting for the inevitable draft notice, Garner chose to enlist in the U.S. Army. The year was 1966. Garner was 18.

Kennesaw State hires football coach

KENNESAW, Ga. (AP) - Brian Bohannon has formally taken over as Kennesaw State's first football coach.

Lowest gas price - March 26

The lowest price for regular fuel in Covington is $3.43 at the RaceWay, located at 5148 U.S. Highway 278 NW near Piper Street.

Elderly woman struck and killed ID'd

An elderly Covington woman was killed Monday when she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street.

NCSS announces early release day

All Newton County public schools will release students early on Friday, March 29 for teacher professional learning activities.

Lowest gas price - March 25

The lowest price for regular fuel is $3.40 at the Marathon station, location at Ga. Highway 11 and Ga. Highway 142.

Morning wreck snarls traffic on Hwy 278

Two cars wrecked on U.S. Hwy 278 early Thursday morning east of Martin's Crossing causing major delays in traffic.

BOC at impasse over budget

After a four and a half-hour budget work session on Monday night, the Board of Commissioners remained divided over how best to cut the remaining $4.8 million fiscal year 2010 budget deficit.

Celebrating the Great Outdoors

More than 100 attendees, from the young and the young at heart, turned out for the 13th annual J.A.K.E.S. (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) Day and Outdoor Festival at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center on Saturday. The festival, sponsored by the Georgia Wildlife Federation and Beaver Manufacturing, was designed to turn kids on to the wonders of the great outdoors and featured snake and birds of prey shows, face painting and a free ...

Local GM, Chrysler car dealerships safe from cuts

Covington Car Dealer Billy Fortson received good news for the second day in a row when he did not receive a letter from General Motors Friday. Fortson's Ginn Motor Company is not one of the 1,100 GM dealerships whose contract will not be renewed by GM in 2010.

John Miles Chevrolet not among dealers cut

The John Miles Chevrolet in Conyers announced that it was not among the GM dealerships notified today that their contracts were not being renewed. "We have not received a letter so we are not among the 1,100 that re going to receive the letter today," said owner Kim Miles.

Local legislators discuss recent session's 'winners, losers'

The Georgia Legislative Assembly ended its 2009 session on April 3, and according to Sen. John Douglas (R – Social Circle) the state budget was a winner because the state didn't have to raise taxes. However, he said the state's transportation system was a loser because no bills were passed.

Job workshop to take place Saturday

By Gabriel Khouli District 2 Commissioner Earnest Simmons is sponsoring a free job workshop tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Newton County Historic Courthouse to assist residents looking for work. The workshop is for any jobless or underemployed workers above the age of 16 and will teach residents how to search for jobs and prepare for job interviews. Simmons said he and eight other Newton County residents, including ...

I-20 wreck kills 2 Thursday morning

Two people were killed on Interstate 20 Thursday morning when one car travelled across the median into the

Army Briefs May 14

Army Pvt. Marcus S. Barton has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Barton is the son of Kimberly Whedbee of Covington.Army Pvt. C. Forsythe has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. Forsythe earned distinction as an honor graduate of the course. He is the son of Lana Forsythe of Covington.Army Reserve Pvt. Marquice S. Geter has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. Geter ...

Farm Day 2009

County discusses layoffs

The Newton County Board of Commissioners is considering two budget-cutting options to lay off either approximately 45 or 62 county employees in order to balance the fiscal year 2010 budget. At the May 5 budget work session, the BOC agreed that it did not want to raise the millage rate from 9.73 to 10.308, which means that supply and personnel costs will have to be cut to reduce the entire initial $8.6 million budget deficit.

Manhunt

Two Newton County schools were placed on lockdown for students' safety Tuesday morning after robbery suspects fled their vehicle in the area of Fairview Road.

4-H'ers honored at awards night

In a red-carpet-themed ceremony Monday night at Newton High School, Newton County 4-H'ers received recognition for competitions they participated in this school year as well as service projects they completed.

DeKalb Tech LEA graduates

Class act: The innaugural class of DeKalb Technical College's new Law Enforcement Academy recently graduated. They are (front, left to right): William Presley, Sean O'Brien, Linda Mallett (Rockdale Sheriff's Office), Lisa Brown, Gregory Hughes, Jonathan Bruce (Conyers Police Department). Standing are (left to right) Andy Stamatellos (RSO), Stephen McGinnis (CPD), Nicole Harris, Bobby Ledbetter (RSO) and Samantha Rose. <p ...

Local schools no longer on lockdown

Fairview Elementary School and Clements Middle School are no longer on lockdown according to Newton County School System Public Relations Director Sherri Viniard.