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.

BOC will not help fund July fireworks

Newton County will not provide funding for the Covington July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza. On Tuesday the Board of Commissioners voted not to fund their $3,790 portion of the annual display in a 3-2 decision, with Commissioners Earnest Simmons and J.C. Henderson voting to fund the display. Henderson said the fireworks display was an important community event that should be funded.

Economic Development Strategy unveiled this week

Leadership Collaborative officials presented their Economic Development Strategy for Newton County to the media Wednesday. The strategy was written because collaborative officials think that Newton County is at an important crossroad in its development. "We need to focus on economic development," County Chairman Kathy Morgan said. "Where are we now? Where do we want to be in 2020? In 2050?"

Senate targets tax delinquents

ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia Senate leaders are pushing a change that would allow the chamber to sanction or oust legislators who haven't paid their taxes. It comes as a Department of Revenue report revealed that 22 lawmakers are delinquent on their tax bills, some owing taxes that date as far back as 2002. That's roughly 10 percent of Georgia's 236 state lawmakers.

NCSO helps nab internet predator in Alaska

An Alaskan man was arrested on various sexual charges after reportedly chatting with a Newton County Sheriff's Office investigator that he believed was a 13-year-old girl.

Former county chairman, state legislator, businessman passes away

Most of those who had come to call Jack Hays Morgan Sr. a friend met him through business, politics, church or through the many acts of kindness he humbly performed throughout his life.

Little Mr. and Miss Newton County

Bright smiles: The winners of the 2009 Mr. and Miss Newton County are Austin Wilson, 5, (left) son of Billy Wilson and the late Alisha Rowe, and Cali Smith, 5, daughter of Cindy and David Smith. Super dancer: Antonio Shy Jr., 4, ...

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.