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.

Longtime NCSS administrator resigns

Carl Skinner, director of Research and Testing for the Newton County School System, has announced his resignation and will soon move to Kansas City, Mo., to serve as the deputy superintendent of curriculum and instruction.

BOC pushes ZIP code change for Baxter

Mega medical industry Baxter International wants a Covington address, but that requires 616 residences in eastern Newton County to also have their addresses and ZIP code changed, and the Newton County Board of Commissioners is asking the residents who live in the area to please get on board.

Longtime rec director Hailey to retire

When Tommy Hailey took over the Newton County Recreation Commission in June 1989, the department had six people and was in charge of a handful of parks based out of its office in the Conyers Street gymnasium.

Students break for storm relief

While thousands of college students flooded the Florida beaches for spring break, 27 Oxford College students headed to Seaside Heights, N.J. These students spent their break helping to clean up and rebuild the area after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in October 2012.

Local Christian youths rally

More than 300 middle school and high school students representing 13 different churches and denominations from the Conyers-Covington area, as well as Stockbridge, came together this past weekend at Heritage Hills Baptist Church in Conyers to, "love Jesus and love each other."

This week at the Board of Education

More than $1 million in new technology will soon be on the way to the new Newton High School, as the Newton County Board of Education approved at its meeting Tuesday the purchase of new equipment.

PINES library gets upgrade

Georgia Public Library Service will upgrade its PINES catalog, used at more than 275 participating libraries around the state, this coming weekend.

Fire department hosts Spring Fling

The Porterdale Volunteer Fire Department will host its first Spring Fling, Saturday, April 20. The Spring Fling will begin at 9 a.m. and will end at 6 p.m.

Hospital honors local teachers

Newton Medical Center's Women's Diagnostic Center held a Teacher's Appreciation event in February.

Local author writes motivational book

A Covington woman hopes she can take her readers on a journey of survival with her newly published book," Rise Above Now."

Local earns degree from Fort Hays St

Jeremiah Bundrage graduated from Fort Hays State University with an educational specialist degree in education administration.

AHS Chorus to host Apollo Talent Show

In celebration of Music in Our Schools Month, the Alcovy High School Tiger Chorus will be hosting their first annual Alcovy Apollo Talent Showcase tonight at 7 p.m. in the Alcovy auditorium.

Newton County Sentencings - March 22

Cassandra L. Ogletree, felony theft by deception, 10 years probation, $1,000, pay restitution.

Freeze warning tonight; protect plants

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for Newton County as the temperature is expected to get down to 32 degrees tonight.

Lowest gas price - March 21

The lowest price for regular fuel is $3.44 at Kroger, located at 5341 Ga. Highway 20 south near Brown Bridge Road.