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.

JAKES Day brings outdoor activities

Put down the remote, power down the iPad, and get the whole family outdoors this weekend as the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center presents JAKES Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday at the center's Discovery Area.

Brown Bridge Road blocked for accident

Brown Bridge Road, at Fieldstone Lane, is blocked off from both directions because of an accident, and drivers should seek an alternate route, according to the Covington-Newton County 911 Center.

Theme school CCRPI scores released

The Newton County School System has released the College and Career Readiness Performance Index score – the state's new accountability system – for the middle school grades at the Newton County Theme School at Ficquett, after an oversight left the school off the initial report.

BOE to vote on new superintendent

The Newton County Board of Education is expected to choose a new superintendent next week and will also vote on a new director of research, testing and evaluation.

Lowest gas price - May 9

The lowest price for regular fuel is $3.37 at Shell, located at 14656 Brown Bridge Road and Magnet Road.

Lowest gas price - May 8

The lowest price for regular fuel is $3.41 at Kroger, located at 3700 Salem Road near Kirkland Road.

Mental Health Month community events

In observance of Mental Health Month, View Point Health's New Rock Day Services Program, at 101 Kirkland Road, Covington, plans the following outreach events:

Chattahoochee event kicks off series

Georgia River Network is continuing its Unveiling Paddling Series this year with four different opportunities for residents to rediscover some hidden gems among Georgia's waterways.

Make-A-Wish seeks airline miles

In celebration of the 33rd anniversary of the first wish ever granted by Make-A-Wish, Make-A-Wish Georgia granted 44 wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses throughout April.

Animal control donates to NCSO

The Newton County Humane Society donated a check to the Newton County Sheriff's Office to help with the purchase of a vest for one of the four K-9 officers at the NCSO.

Mount Tabor Road now open

Mount Tabor Road opened at 10 a.m. Wednesday, after the road's bridge was closed in late September when the Yellow River flooded.

Henderson: District 4 treated unfairly

Commissioner J.C. Henderson's decision to try to get Newton County cut off from federal funding has angered leaders around the community.

Man arrested in armed robbery that shut down Wal-Mart

Willard Anthony Montgomery, age 52, was arrested today and charged with armed robbery and use of a hoax devise in robbery of United Bank that shut down Wal-Mart 10 days ago.

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 ...

East Metro Hosts Saturday H1N1 Clinics

East Metro Health District will host H1N1 vaccination clinics at the Newton County Health Center from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 21 for CDC priority groups. The vaccine will be available to persons who fall into the priority groups recommended by the CDC: <font face="verdana,geneva" ...

Local Scout completes Eagle project

During the Newton county school system fall break, most kids took it easy, vacationed or slept in and enjoyed relaxing with their friends.

Cheer champions

Newton's best: The Cousins Middle School Competition Cheerleading Squad recently won the Newrock Cheerleading Championship. They also won the title of Newton County Champions for the second year in a row. Individual awards were also won by Hannah Green for the Tumble Off and Kaitlyn Bouchillon, Jenna Hicks, Mishay Allen and Kayla Aaron for the Lib Off. Pictured above are: Front row: Kaitlyn Bouchillon, Alex Garner. Second row: Delani Kitchens, Madison Fortt. ...

Sheriff's Office investigator tracks online child predators

Attention: this story contains graphic details of an undercover investigator that works to apprehend online predators. As an investigator with the Newton County Sheriffs Office, Sharron Stewart works with runaways and child molestations and the families of missing persons. She also assists on the more gruesome felonies such as homicides, but it's her part-time position that garners the most attention: her work as an undercover investigator in charge of catching online predators. The Internet ...

Douglas to run for 4th state senate term

State Senator John Douglas (R-Social Circle) announced he will run for a fourth Senate term in the 2010 race. Douglas represents District 17, which includes Newton County and parts of Henry, Rockdale, Spalding and Walton counties, and has been a state senator since January 2005. He said his experience, including a term in the Georgia House and on the Newton County Board of Education, make him the best candidate in 2010.

Local food banks nearly empty as holidays approach

Local food banks are hoping that thankful citizens will share the wealth this holiday season and help re-stock their bare pantries. According to Rosalee Thompson who works with the Newton County Community Food Pantry, they are exceedingly low right now and need all the help they can get from citizens.

Sen. Douglas announces 2010 reelection bid

State Senator John Douglas (R-Social Circle) announced today his bid for a fourth term in the 2010 race.

Santa’s Helpers

Rotarians or elves? As sure as St. Nick is readying his gifts for all of the good boys and girls in Newton County, the members of Rotary are getting ready to help him. Rotarians will be taking applications for their annual stocking delivery from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday at the Salvation Army located at 5193 Washington Street. You must have a driver's license or some type of proof that you ...

Get your benefit verification before the winter chill sets in

It's that time of year again - when people in many parts of the country feel a new chill in the air each morning, and put an extra quilt or blanket on the bed.

Doing the right thing

Good deed: Ryan Hurst, 7, found $600 in the Kids R Great Day Care parking lot. He told his mom he needed to take it inside to turn it in. Shawn Moore, left, a Clayton County fireman had lost the money. According to Moore, he was sure the cash would never be turned in, and was delighted that good deeds still happen.

Shoulder and elbow specialist to practice at Resurgens Covington

Robert J. Morgan, M.D., will join Resurgens Orthopaedics, Georgia's largest orthopaedic practice. Dr. Morgan is currently seeing patients at the Resurgens Covington office 3211 Iris Drive; (770) 787-4042.