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.

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.

Woman charged with 192 counts of forgery

Several people have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of forgery after reportedly stealing checks from a Conyers business.

Lowest gas price - March 13

The lowest price for regular fuel in Covington is $3.53 at the Pure station, located at 6125 U.S. Highway 278 and West Street.

Photos: Picnic in the park

Let's have a picnic! Today, I walked through the park and saw families and friends walking, playing and sitting at tables. Sherry Saylam and her friend Shanna Goss, among others, were laughing and enjoying the sun. "With so many days of rain, I just had to get out," Saylam said as she sipped her soft drink. "Yes, I'm so sick of the cold weather and it's beautiful out here today," said her friend Goss.

Vote now for Hometown Hero of 2012

It's time once again for Newton County to honor its Hometown Heroes, the residents who go above and beyond the call of duty to help out their fellow man, woman or child.

600 could be affected by ZIP code change

Some residents in eastern Newton County will have to decide whether they want to keep their Social Circle mailing address and ZIP code or switch over to a Covington address.

Local caregiver charged with murder

A Covington woman has been charged with murder after the death of a mentally-challenged patient for whom she was the caretaker.

Behind the counter: Bell's Grocery

What they do: Bell's Grocery is a small, family owned business. It's a discount store that buys closeout and overrun products. Don't jump to any assumptions – Bell's is always stocked with fresh meat, fresh milk, fresh bread, fresh eggs, and more, all coming straight from the vendor. The store is owned by Chris and Penny Bell. What's unique: "A lot of people say it's like a scavenger hunt. You never know what you're going ...

Crime briefs: Don't leave your car alone

Two women were arrested and cited for disorderly conduct Saturday morning after a fight involving a car and an unpaid loan.

Running club for moms thrives

Moms RUN This Town, a free running club for moms and women of all levels and paces, now has an active chapter in the Covington/Conyers/Social Circle area.

GPC gets Presidential Service Award

President Barack Obama has named Georgia Perimeter College as a 2013 Presidential Awardee in the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

Fox Winery grows native Ga. grapes

Today on my travels, I stop to visit Brian Kuhn of The Fox Winery. I was excited with the anticipation of a little free wine tasting and a chance to pick up a local bottle of wine for dinner.

Mecca: From baseball to bombings

To say Yellow Brick Home resident John Slavik came from humble beginnings is a misrepresentation of European history. A 'multi-cultural' beginning is closer to the truth.

Kite Day with Dad

Kites were flying high outside of Oak Hill Elementary School Friday morning. More than a dozen Pre-K students enjoyed the fresh air and flew colorful and character-themed kites with their dads. After kites soared through the blue skies, students returned back to the classroom and danced with music performing for their parents and families, and then enjoyed lunch.

Educator to shoot music video

"Beautiful." That's the title of a song and message a Live Oak Elementary School special education co-teacher wants to get across to young children who have been affected by bullying.

Sunday fire total loss for local family

A Woodland Ridge Circle home was declared a total loss after a fire destroyed it early Sunday morning.