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.

Covington to celebrate Home Depot NeighborWoods Month

Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful today announced that 100 volunteers will come together to re-establish boulevard trees and plant new yard trees in the Fairview Estates area. This project is one of hundreds of re-greening efforts throughout the country being promoted during October, which has been declared National NeighborWoods Month by the national nonprofit, the Alliance for Community Trees. Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful is a member of ACT's NeighborWoods Network. "It's ...

Recreation Commission agrees to take over NHCC

The Recreation Commission has agreed to take control of the Nelson Heights Community Center and will bring that proposal before the Board of Commissioners at its next meeting.

More local roads open, some closed for undetermined amount of time

1. Cook Rd; between Mt Tabor & Bald Rock Rd – (OPEN)

Disaster recovery center for Rockdale, Newton opens on Parker Road in Conyers

A "one stop shop" disaster recovery center operated by the Federal Emergency Managment Agency (FEMA) and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) will open in Rockdale County at 1400 Parker Road starting today, Sept. 29.

Town hall attendees discuss health care reform

The crowd at Saturday's health care town hall meeting at Alcovy High School had a lot of issues with the current healthcare system, but the majority of those who spoke, and U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall (D-Macon), said the current proposals would not fix the problems.

Officers answer assault call

A false report had officers rushing to a local restaurant, but the accused ended up arrested anyway, charged with disorderly conduct.

Sherriff’s Office recieves $57K grant for vests from government

The federal government recently became the biggest donor to the community's project to raise $113,000 for upgraded Level III bulletproof vests for the Newton County Sheriff's Office.

Kiwanis donates to local organizations, installs new officers

Big day: Members of the Covington Kiwanis Club raised $6,000 at the Richard Rawlins Golf Classic and donated $3,000 to two local nonprofit organizations Thursday. Kiwanis Past-president Bill Loeble presents a check to Kathie Smith, chair of the Newton County Foundation for Educational Excellence's board of trustees. Miracle Field board member and chair of Friends of Newton Parks Terry Smith and Newton County Recreation Commission Director Tommy Hailey accept a check from ...

Flood Coverage: State estimates loss at over $250 million

According to the office of Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, flood losses have been estimated at $250 million, most of which is uninsured.

Flood Coverage: 'It just kept raining'

When Cecil Yarbrough walked outside his home at the Riverside Estates Mobile Home Park Saturday morning and noticed water from the Yellow River was standing at around five inches, he decided to move, thinking that the river couldn't possibly get any higher. Now displaced and living with friends, he realizes just how wrong he was.

Flood Coverage: Historic Covington rainfall

Aug. 2, 1887: The Covington Star reported that 16 inches of rain fell in a continuous downpour that began on July 27. Before the rain stopped another 2 inches fell, bringing the total to 18 inches. In the city of Covington, foot bridges were destroyed, streets and sidewalks were washed out, houses leaked and cellars flooded. The Star published an article stating: "the streams are higher than they have ever been known before, ...

Flood Coverage: In their own words

Chuck Berry

Straight Shootin’

Take Aim! Two shooting ranges (50 - & 100-yard) offer recreational shooters a chance to take aim. No license or fee is required for using the range complex. Visitors are asked to sign in at the range and abide by the posted rules. A DNR range safety officer can help you with any questions. You must bring your own eye and ear protection, targets and target stands. The target should be ...

Flood Coverage: ‘You take a chance every time you put that boat in the water’

According to Newton County Fire Department Deputy Chief Tim Smith, as waters continue to recede, the threat of impending rain is a concern - albeit a slight one.

Flood Coverage: receding waters

Throughout the day Monday, Barbara Green monitored the weather as well as the Yellow River, which was slowly climbing out of its bed and inching its way toward her back door.