Solar devices will clean water sources

Newton County's two drinking-water reservoirs, Lake Varner and City Pond, are getting a helping hand from the sun in the battle to keep them as healthy and clean as possible.

Illegal street race blamed in wreck

An infant and a Covington teenager were killed Thursday night in a wreck on I-20 that police believe was caused by an illegal car race going awry.

Mom of boys is thinking pink

Kari Apted may have a lot on her plate, but the mother of three, soon to be four, has learned how to balance it all. With three boys, Eli, Zach and Jonah, Apted admits that things can get hectic. But she also says a houseful of boys is always endearing.

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.

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.

Harris last of 4 to be sentenced in Richardson murder in 2007

Liberty Harris, the last of the group that were convicted of the death of 55-year-old Rufus Tony Richardson in 2007, was sentenced Thursday morning.

Wanted teen holes up in home's attic

Covington/Newton County SWAT Team were called to a home in south Newton County Thursday afternoon after a teen wanted for robbery was reportedly holed up in a home with a shotgun. According to Newton County Sheriff's Department 1st Lt. Mark Mitchell, deputies first located 18-year-old Ryan Peter-Horn Wednesday evening, but the young man fled before they were able to apprehend him on the outstanding robbery warrants.

GSP: accidents high on Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend is considered the official kickoff for summer and celebrations are a common occurrence in Newton County, but law enforcement officials are warning residents to celebrate safely because they will be out in force to make sure citizens are safe. According to a press release from the Georgia State Patrol, troopers will be watching not only for unsafe drivers but also for those not wearing their safety belts. Estimates from the GSP say ...

Necklace theft leads to drug charge

A couple was arrested on marijuana charges Friday afternoon after a woman came to a local jewelry store to return a necklace she stole two days prior.

Residents receive mysterious automated call condemning millage rate increases

Newton County residents have been receiving automated phone calls 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.