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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.

2 saved from house blaze

Fast thinking from a passerby likely saved the lives of two Newton County residents when their home caught fire and began burning without their knowledge Monday morning.

Newton County pummeled with snow Sunday

Around 3,000 Newton County residents remained without power Monday afternoon because of the widespread nature of the power outages from Sunday's winter storm.

Homestead tax exemption spared

Newton County property owners who received a homestead exemption last year won't have to give any of that money back thanks in part to the federal stimulus package. Stimulus money is allowing the state to reimburse Newton County entities for the $5.69 million in homestead exemptions they handed out in 2008.

Keeping the arts alive

When budgeting for fiscal year 2009, Arts Association in Newton County Executive Director Buncie Hay Lanners anticipated a $45,000 shortfall because of a decrease in corporate funding.

Mooner, drunk driver arrested

Newton County residents who happened to be at the area of U.S. Highway 278 and Turner Lake Road Thursday might have noticed an unusual sight - a full moon at around 5 p.m. when two women were driving around, one of them hanging her rear out of the window to moon those passing by.

General Mills donates more than $240,000 to local groups

Employees of General Mills' Covington plant donated about $240,000 to Newton and Rockdale nonprofit organizations at a reception Friday.

Snow predicted Sunday, 1-2 inches

On Sunday: Rain and snow in the morning, then snow likely in the afternoon. Windy, with a snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches. Highs are expected to be around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. North winds from 20 to 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

General Mills donates more than $240K to local nonprofits

The Covington plant of General Mills donated more than $240,000 to 17 non-profit organizations in Newton and Rockdale counties at a reception Friday. Grants were awarded to organizations that encourage good nutrition and exercise, especially for children.

Zombie sighting

This past week the crew of H2 has been filming in and around Covington. Dozens turned out on the Covington square Thursday to see Director Rob Zombie and cast shoot scenes of the scary movie remake. Send your photos of the filming to news@covnews.com, and we'll post them on CovNews.com. Click here to post your photos to our community site.

Facebook for "adults"

If you're not on Facebook, you're part of an ever shrinking crowd these days.

Badge of Honor

Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown currently holds one of the most powerful positions in the county, but before he decided to dedicate his life to serving and protecting others, he was just a little boy in Blakely with a predilection for uniforms.

Former Kiwanis president well remembered

Former Covington Kiwanis president and active community member Richard Rawlins quietly passed away Saturday morning while preparing to teach a Sunday school lesson the next day. He died holding his Bible, but lived following the principles within it.

Newton Medical Auxiliary raises funds for new equipment to detect cancer

The Auxiliary Board of Newton Medical Center held a general luncheon meeting Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Covington.

House set OK's Georgia Power plan to raise power bills

ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia Power customers could pay an average of $1.30 more per month on their electricity bills beginning in 2011 under a bill approved by the Legislature on Thursday.

County employees safe from furloughs, pay cuts until June 30

Newton County employees are safe from firings, furloughs and pay cuts until at least June 30. Five county departments made last-minute, non-personnel cuts totaling more than $1.1 million, to erase fully the previous $5 million budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2009.