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.

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.

25 new cougars on the prowl

On Saturday morning, Piedmont Academy held its 39th commencement exercises and awarded high school diplomas to 25 graduates in the school's gymnasium. The procession was lead by Headmaster Dr. Michael Rossi, the school's Board of Trustees, the school's faculty, junior class ushers and senior class mascots to "Largo" by Handel and "Pomp and Circumstance" by Elgar.

Bidding begins for gas providers

As the price of gas continues to rise, Covington is trying to save money and gain supply stability by purchasing in bulk. In April Covington joined the North Georgia Fuel Cooperative, a 16-local-government-agency cooperative that is pooling its fuel needs in an effort to secure less expensive gas prices.

Future scholars of the arts

During the Southern Heartland Art Guild May 21, 2009 meeting, Southern Heartland Arts, Inc. awarded Cardinal Fund scholarships to 3 college-bound seniors, who are pursuing degrees in the visual arts. The Cardinal Fund was established in memory of James Hayes, with donations made by his wife, Lisa Hayes, of Air Conditioning Specialist, Inc. Susan Adams, SHA, Inc. Chairperson, presented checks to Alexandria Lester ...

Republicans to rally against taxes

Before the county's final budget work session at 7 p.m. today, the Newton County Republican Party will rally against a property tax increase at 6 p.m., today on the Square.

Local pastor honored for 22 years of service to Habitat

Tuesday the Rev. Billy Wade was honored for his 22-year tenure on the board of directors for the Newton County chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

The Food Depot

Food Depot's believes in providing its customers with cost effective and quality groceries. The store has a weekly coupon circular that can be picked up in The Covington News or printed online at myfooddepot.com.

Newton County Jail Log

o Shernika Monique Jenkins, 26, 4308 Carroll St., Covington, May 12. Obstruction or hindering law enforcement officer.

Republicans to hold rally against a property tax increase tomorrow

Before the county's final budget work session at 7 p.m. Wednesday, the Newton County Republican Party will rally against a property tax increase at 6 p.m., tomorrow on the Square. Elizabeth Christian, 1st vice chair of the local republican party, said the party opposes both increasing property taxes and cutting any public safety jobs. Sen. John Douglas (R-Social Circle) and Newton County GOP Chairman Ester Fleming will speak at the rally.

Commissioners weigh in on automated call

Newton County residents received automated phone calls Wednesday night opposing any millage rate increases and accusing Board of Commissioners Chairman Kathy Morgan and commissioners J.C. Henderson, Nancy Schulz and Earnest Simmons of wasting money on selfish, special interest projects. The phone call goes on to support the stands of commissioners Mort Ewing and Tim Fleming and urges residents to call all of the commissioners to make their views known.

Jump for joy

 With Alcovy High School's graduation less than a week away, valedictorian Kimberly Rary and salutatorian Mary Wright are positively giddy at the thought of giving their speeches and accepting those hard-earned diplomas. The girls, who say they are good friends, have enjoyed their time in high school but are ready to move on and make their mark at their respective universities.

Rails-to-Trails idea meets local opposition

 The topic of the Norfolk Southern railroad in Newton County is gaining momentum even as the line itself falls into disuse. In the past week, the topic of purchasing the railroad has been discussed at three different meetings: District 3 Commissioner Nancy Schulz's fireside chat on Thursday, the public comments segment of Tuesday's Board of Commissioners meeting and the Monday railroad

Fire department: hydrants to be tested soon

The Newton County Fire Department is required to test their municipal water sources (fire hydrants) on a twice yearly basis in order to receive maximum credit from the governing body of insurance ratings for property in the community, the Insurance Service Organization.

MDRT welcomes Michael Lassiter

Outstanding client service, ethics and professionalism have enabled Michael W. Lassiter to achieve lifetime membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table, the premier association of financial professionals.

‘We are so proud’

For the last 44 years the Newton County Rotary Club has taken great pride in honoring the top students in the county with their annual Top10 awards and this year was no exception when the best and brightest Newton County has to offer were celebrated Friday night.

Honoring the fallen

 "From the beginning of time man has had war," said Robert "Butch" Woodruff, former American Legion Commander of Georgia.