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.

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.

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 ...

Supreme Court reinstates Terrell death sentence

ATLANTA (AP) - The Georgia Supreme Court has reinstated a death sentence given to Brian Keith Terrell, convicted of killing a 70-year-old Newton County man in 1992. The court's ruling Monday was unanimous. It reversed a lower-court judge's ruling that Terrell's death sentence should be set aside because his lawyers provided ineffective assistance of counsel.

A new horizon

Saturday marked a milestone in the lives of more than 500 of Newton County's students when Eastside, Alcovy and Newton high schools held their commencement ceremonies.

Eight adults arrested at awards ceremony at elementary school

Eight people were arrested at an awards ceremony at Oak Hill Elementary School after a large fight began over a saved seat in the cafeteria.

Newton County School System honors 38 retirees

The Newton County School System honored 39 retirees at their annual retirement dinner at Turner Lake Thursday evening, paying tribute to a combined 915 years of service to Newton County and its children.

Turner Lake shelter final OK delayed again

Once again, the Garden of Gethsemane homeless shelter on Turner Lake Circle is almost ready to open.