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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.

Fugitive injures deputy in fight

Deputies from the Newton County Sheriff's Office are asking the community for help in locating a man that injured a deputy Friday morning.

Newborn weighs paying mayor, council

The Town of Newborn may soon start paying its mayor and council members. On April 6 the council will decide whether to amend the town charter to start paying the mayor $100 per month and each council member $75 per month for the 2010 fiscal year.

Oxford to pay 911 center

Oxford will begin paying Covington and Newton County $18,282 for the use of emergency 911 services. Covington, Oxford and Porterdale use the 911 Center's services, while Newborn and Mansfield's calls are handled through the county's sheriff's office and fire department. Oxford's bill was based on the city's percentage of the total number of 911 calls in fiscal year 2008. Oxford Mayor Jerry Roseberry explained that Oxford had been such a small user, the 911 ...

Spring is in the air

Blooming: Cherry blossoms and dogwood blossoms adorn Academy Springs Park in Covington.

Georgia queen contender

What a peach: Taylor Ray was voted Eastside High School's homecoming queen in October 2008. She was recently selected to participate in Georgia's 29th Annual Homecoming Queen Selection held March 28 and 29 at the Holiday Inn Select Atlanta Airport South. Georgia's statewide queen will receive a cash scholarship plus an expense-paid trip to the national finals to compete against the winning queens of each state. ...

Donations to living pets

In memory of furry friends: Ric Burnette, the family service advisor with the Harwell-Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Chapel and the Wheeler Funeral Home and Crematory, presents a check for $100 to Betty Bellairs, chair of the Newton County Humane Society. The Wheeler-Harwell Funeral Home PETuary recently began offering a donation for each animal cremated at the PETuary and notifying families about the option of donating ...

Drunk driver wets himself, asks deputies to “fix him some food”

A vehicle being driven on the wrong side of the road attracted the attention of a concerned citizen late Saturday evening and led to the arrest of a 63-year-old man for DUI. Deputies from the Newton County Sheriff's Office were called to the Access Road after a driver contacted 911 and told dispatchers she had observed a truck weaving and travelling on the wrong side of the road, causing other traffic to run off the ...

Driver charged with death of child

The woman who was responsible for the car accident that killed 7-year-old Bobby Joe Couch in November has been formally charged with his death, as well as a myriad of other infractions, including DUI.

New park one step closer to reality

The completion of the first phase of District 2's Denny Dobbs Park overcame another hurdle Tuesday, but only after commissioners and residents discussed the park's future for an hour.

Leap into fundraising

Many Newton County children are feeling the effects of the economic pinch since The Learning Center had to cut their popular Dolly Parton Imagination Library program due to a lack of funds.

Wal-Mart hoax leads to resignation of 911 employee

A Newton County 911 employee has resigned after reportedly sending out an e-mail to friends and family members about a supposed gang initiation at Wal-Mart on Industrial Boulevard Wednesday evening. The e-mail created a panic throughout the community.

Local man arrested for armed robbery

An 18-year-old Covington man is in jail after deputies alleged he was part of a group that robbed a man and threatened to kill him early Tuesday morning. According to reports, a man was returning home for the evening at roughly 12:15 a.m. when he was approached from behind by a young black male who reportedly took a swing at him. When he turned around to confront the youth he allegedly found that he was ...

Blaze set outside Newton gas station

A pile of men's clothing set on fire in front of a gas pump was the cause of a blaze early Monday morning at a Chevron off of Ga. Highway 81. Newton County Fire officials are hoping that someone noticed the person responsible. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to one gas pump where the fire melted the plastic surrounding the pump and a garbage can before being extinguished.

Pet of the Week

Golden girl: The Newton County Animal Shelter's pet of the week is a beautiful blonde cocker, 2-years-old. Also available for adoption are two Manchester mix puppies, 7-weeks-old, various colors; a 3-month-old heeler mix, black and white; a 9-week-old Lab, black; two poodle/shihtzu, 2-years-old, one gray, one white (Gray has been neutered); five 2-month-old Lab mix puppies, black or black and brown; four pointer mix puppies, 7-weeks-old; ...

Arson suspected in Baxter Street house fire

Arson is suspected in the fire that burnt down a vacant house at 6144 E. Baxter St. Monday afternoon. Tony Smith, the Assistant Fire Marshall with the Covington Fire Department, said fire and police officials are investigating leads on suspects and eye-witness accounts. If anyone has information about the people who set this fire they can call the arson hot line at 1-800-282-5804. Cash rewards may be given "for information leading to the arrest and ...