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.

Saying farewell

Although thunderstorms blanketed the Covington area Friday afternoon, ruining plans for the soldier send-off on the square, nothing could dampen the spirits of those at the Covington National Guard Armory who gathered to bid farewell to the soldiers of Honor Company B, 1/121st Infantry of the Georgia National Guard's 48th Brigade.

Local JROTC cadets of the year honored

The East Side Scottish Rite Association honored JROTC cadets of the year from seven area high schools Thursday night and gave them scholarships at the Golden Fleece Masonic Lodge on the Covington square.

River of words

The winners are: Local River of Words Poetry and Art Contest winners were recognized at the Newton County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 17. Sponsored by Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful and judged and funded by the Covington Service Guild, students were invited to create art and write poetry about water. First place winners received $100 savings bonds, second place winners received $75 savings bonds and third place winners received $50 savings bonds. Winners were entered ...

Parking fees at state parks to be raised

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has proposed raising parking fees at state parks. State park visitors currently pay $3 per vehicle and can buy an annual park pass for $30. If approved by the DNR board, the daily parking fee will increase to $5 and the annual pass will increase to $50, effective May 20. New military and group discounts would be introduced as well.

CORRECTION: Main Street Covington issues rain plan for Friday troop send off

The farewell ceremony for the troops from Honor Company B 1/121st Infantry of the Georgia National Guard's 48th Brigade will still happen Friday, rain or shine, but in the event of rain, the ceremony will be open to only the immediate family of the soldiers. The public is encouraged to bid farewell to the troop at the National Guard Armory at 2:45 p.m after the conclusion of the private ceremony. Check CovNews.com after 11 a.m. ...

Doing the Schipoopi

Performances will be held at EHS Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. The production involves 160 seventh and eighth grade chorus students from Indian Creek. Tickets are $7 in advance and $8 at the door. Advance tickets are available in the front office of Indian Creek Middle School, 11051 S. Covington Bypass Road.

Newton County under flood watch

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Newton and surrounding counties through Saturday night. Numerous thunderstorms are expected from a cold front that will push its way through the Southeast Friday and Saturday. Here's a look at our local weekend forecast...

Drunk driver tosses beer out of car while chased

Two people were arrested trying to avoid deputies after catching their attention for lack of seatbelts early Saturday morning. Deputies from the NCSO were on patrol when they noticed a blue Ford Thunderbird at the stop sign at Dixie Road. The deputies noticed the driver wasn't wearing his seatbelt and turned around to stop the vehicle but the driver was already gone.

A token of appreciation

The Montessori School of Covington honored local public service personnel by serving lunch at the eighth annual Community Appreciation Chili Luncheon Monday.

Alcovy Report debuts today

Tune in to CovNews.com at 4 p.m. today for the first airing of the Alcovy Report. Managing Editor Jennifer T. Long will deliver a brief rundown of the latest local headlines, highlight a reader blog and preview what's coming up in the next edition of The Covington News.

Watered down

Newton County residents can now water their plants with two high-efficient watering devices, but the county will soon decide whether to ask the state to allow residents to wash their cars and water their lawns.

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.