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.

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.

Victims and suspect named in deadly Porterdale shooting

Ricky Lewis Smith, age 44, has been arrested and charged with the shooting death of a woman in Porterdale Sunday evening.

Grove Pointe buys land to build new, permanent home

For many Christians church is defined as a gathering of a people, but most will agree it's still nice to have a building of their own.

Friends of the Library

Book sales and classic cars: Raising community awareness with an antique car and book giveaways during the Friendship Festival parade, Friends of the Stanton Memorial Library promoted their bi-annual book sale. The sale and events associated with it enabled the group to present librarian Janet King with a check in the amount of $1,200 for the purchase of sorely needed library materials.

Deputies pull over vehicle, find stolen gun

Deputies from the Newton County Sheriff's Office initially noticed a vehicle traveling erratically and ended up arresting the occupants on various charges, including theft by receiving stolen property for reportedly having a stolen weapon in the vehicle.

Green Getaway raises funds for KCNB

Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful's fourth annual fundraiser, the Green Getaway, had a good turn out Friday evening at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.

Garden club celebrates 80 years

On this day 80 years ago, Essie Callaway invited 12 ladies to her home for lunch and together they founded the Covington Garden Club. A year later the club became affiliated with the Garden Club of Georgia.

InVest in the NCSO - Nov. 6

-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 ...

November is Family Month

For the second year the City of Covington declared November Family Month, and Mayor Kim Carter and Bishop John Knorrp read proclamations describing the importance of families to a strong society.

Former Fairview opponents strongly in favor of NSP park

Several residents remain opposed to the public park being considered in Fairview Estates, but on Tuesday the Board of Commissioners heard glowing reports from two residents whose opinions have dramatically changed over the past month. Resident the Rev. Sharon Collins called in the NAACP and Newton County Ministers Union two weeks ago because she was dissatisfied with the county's handling of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. After several meetings, ...

Democratic governor candidates meeting at Saturday event

Democratic gubernatorial candidates Dubose Porter and David Poythress will be speaking at the Newton County Democratic Gala, taking place at 7 p.m., Saturday at the Washington Street Community Center.

Chapter 1 - The Groundbreaking

Many hands have helped bring the future Porter Memorial Branch Library to the brink of construction, and that team effort was clearly shown by the 18 people who broke ground Thursday morning.

Belligerent man dares deputies to ‘come on’

Deputies from the Newton County Sheriff's Office were called out to a home late Tuesday night in regards to a family fight and found that a 14-year-old boy had to defend his mother from her husband's fists, according to reports.

Poppy Day honors Veterans on Nov. 7

On Poppy Day, Nov. 7, the American Legion Auxiliary will be at various locations in Covington receiving donations and asking residents to wear the familiar red, handcrafted poppy to honor America's fallen soldiers.

BB&T and Main Street helping Operation Patriot’s Call this holiday season

Main Street Covington and BB&T are asking for donations to serve Georgia National Guard's 48th Brigade Company B 1/121st Infantry, whose members are currently stationed in Afghanistan, a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.

Trustee Garden looking for restaurateur

Amazing opportunity for restaurateur in historic downtown space in Savannah, GA. Respond to trusteesgardencafe@gmail.com.