City may expand fiber network

The city of Covington has saved around $60,000 per year since it began creating its own fiber optic cable network to connect its buildings across the city, and officials hope to be able to offer those kinds of savings to other local government entities and possibly create another revenue stream in the future.

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.

Through the storm

Through days of almost unbearable sadness, sickness and death, author Joyce Fincher has remained true to her faith.

Crime Briefs

Deputies from the Newton County Sheriff's Office arrested Stacy Litwiller early Sunday morning after she reportedly withheld information about a fugitive - Wayne Carmack - from them.

Protecting our children

In honor of National Child Abuse Awareness Month in April, Prevent Child Abuse Newton Director Sheena Berry has organized an awareness festival as well as her organization's signature fundraiser for Saturday.

Values go down, but will taxes?

Property values have decreased across most of Newton County, but property tax bills may not decrease in 2009.

County, city to receive $2 mill to fix foreclosed homes

Newton County will receive more than $2 million to buy and rehabilitate residential foreclosed and bank-owned properties. The county is receiving the money through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, a federal grant program designed to alleviate an ailing housing market in communities like Newton County, which have high foreclosure rates and a high number of houses with subprime mortgages.

Local man charged with child cruelty

A 14-year-old female was beaten outside of a gas station late Monday night after a family meeting at a local eatery ended badly.

Happy April Fools Day

Southern Heartland Art Gallery guild members hung everything in the gallery's front window upside down in honor of April Fool's day. Describe your best pranks ever in the comment section below or send it to us at news@covnews.com

Amber alert child found in Newton

AP - Alabama authorities have canceled an Amber Alert after a Georgia infant and his mother were found unharmed in Newton County.

Alleged gunman clears building

Officers were called to investigate the discharging of firearms on City Pond Road early Sunday morning and ended up arresting one man with a gun, but only after they were forced to chase him to an area Waffle House.

Charity starts at school

Montessori School of Covington middle school students gave $1,000 in grant money to two Newton County non-profits on Friday afternoon. Five students presented $600 to the Future Farmers of America's summer Wildlife Camp and $400 to Prevent Child Abuse Newton.

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. ...