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.

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.

BP robbed by armed duo

The BP gas station at Salem and Kirkland roads was once again hit in a robbery late Saturday evening and investigators from the Newton County Sheriff's Office are looking for the men responsible.

Republican candidates prepare for ‘10 elections

Sen. John Douglas (R-Social Circle) declared last Thursday's local Republican Party meeting a victory party, in the wake of the Board of Commissioners decision to not raise the millage rate.

Do it yourself advice for home improvements

Because of the current economic crisis, more and more homeowners instead of contracting out work around their home are trying to perform some of the jobs themselves. Local Electrical Contractor Terry Ozburn sends along the following suggestions for new do-it-yourselfers.

Thornton found to be guilty on all charges

Courtney Courtmentez Thornton sat silently, his head down, as Judge Eugene Benton read the charges against him. After nearly five hours of deliberation that stretched into two days, the jury reached a verdict of guilty on each charge. Thornton shook his head slightly after each utterance of the word "guilty." Thornton, who turns 27 today, was sentenced to life in prison plus 40 years.

With drought over, water restrictions eased

Newton County residents will be able to wash their cars and water their lawns Wednesday as the state lowered Newton County's watering restrictions to Level IV c.

911 dispute close to solution

Porterdale received answers to all of its 911 Center questions, but it still wasn't satisfied with the amount of money it had to pay for emergency dispatch services. However, Porterdale, Covington and Newton County accomplished more in Tuesday's 45-minute joint work session than they did in the previous few months of back and forth discussion. The only issue remaining between Porterdale and Covington and Newton County is how Porterdale's share of 911 dispatch ...

DAR awards Bellairs

Honored: Betty Bellairs, center, recently received the Community Service Award presented by the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. The award and pin were presented by the Sergeant Newton Chapter DAR, which sponsored her for her tireless work on behalf of the local animal shelter and the Newton County Humane Society. She also was presented a check for the Humane Society. (Above) Sergeant Newton DAR Regent Patricia Haymore, left, presents Bellairs with her ...

UPDATED: County watering restrictions lowered

Newton County residents will be able to wash their cars and water their lawns Wednesday, because the state lowered Newton County's watering restrictions to Level IV c. At Tuesday's Board of Commissioner's meeting, Administrative Officer John Middleton announced that residents will be able to water lawns and wash vehicles three days a week on the same odd-even address schedule currently used. Under that schedule watering is allowed between midnight and 10:00 am: odd addresses water ...

NICU busy with babies

Saturday morning, Presley Raegen Neely came into the world two months early. Her crib hadn't even been delivered to her parents' home yet, nor had her scheduled baby showers occurred.

Events on square to be able to use power

Private events on the square will now have access to the city's power supply for a $30 fee, after the city council voted to amend the Downtown Covington Permit.

Social Circle approves redesign to invigorate downtown area

The citizens and business owners and Social Circle approved a new design direction for their downtown yesterday at the second public downtown revitalization meeting.

Order elects officers

The Madison chapter #355, Order of the Eastern Star has moved to Golden Fleece Lodge #6 on the Covington square. The chapter's new meeting nights are the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments or a meal will be served beginning at 6:30 p.m. before the meetings.

Porterdale balks rail resolution

Once again the Porterdale City Council did not approve a resolution that would have encouraged the Newton County Commission to purchase the rights of way of the Norfolk Southern rail lines that traverse the county.

DDS extends hours

Beginning Tuesday, June 2nd, Department of Driver Services' (DDS) Customer Service Centers (CSCs) will be changing hours of operation in an effort to provide service at more convenient hours for customers. Centers will open earlier to better distribute customer demand in the morning hours. The new hours of service provide more service opportunities for customers before work or school &ndash; over 100 additional hours for service each week. <font face="verdana,geneva" ...

Clubhouse window broken

Deputies from the Newton County Sheriff's Office were called to the clubhouse of North Woods subdivision Sunday afternoon, after a young man was reportedly seen attempting to break into the building. When they arrived they spoke with the president of the neighborhood's homeowners association who allegedly told them he first noticed the young man walking around the clubhouse and it aroused his suspicion. He approached and asked the young man where he lived and the ...