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.

The News honored for education contributions

The Newton County Theme School at Ficquett honored The Covington News for the newspaper's contributions as this year's Partner in Education. The Partners in Education program, developed in 1986, includes collaborations between schools and businesses, social-service and governmental agencies, colleges and universities, civic groups, churches and other interested community members, according to information from NCSS website.

Coupon confusion at Chick-fil-A

All Chick-fil-A coupons are not created equal. Some Newton County residents hoping to use an Internet coupon that entitled them to a free sandwich in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week learned that lesson Tuesday.

Newton County Jail Log, May 8

Erica Madeline Adriance, 22, 30 Ashley Drive, Oxford, April 24. Contempt of court.

Sleepy suspect

A man wanted in Walton County was found sitting in a Newton County neighborhood early Tuesday morning.

Fantasy 5 winning ticket sold in Covington

Margaret Gregory-Smith of Covington won $256,865 in the May 3 Fantasy 5 drawing. She claimed her prize Monday. The jackpot ticket was purchased at Covington Raceway, 5148 Highway 278 NW, Covington.

Lowest gas price - May 7

The lowest price for regular fuel is $3.42 at QuikTrip, located at 11124 Ga. Highway 142 near I-20 exit 93.

Conyers nabs Vampire Diaries prequel

A new spin-off series of CW's popular "The Vampire Diaries" has been green-lighted and will likely be shooting in Conyers.

Newton County has minor flooding

Porterdale City Council to meet tonight

The City of Porterdale will hold its regular council meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m.

Covington City Council to meet tonight

The City of Covington will hold a work session at 6 p.m. tonight, followed by their council meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Lowest gas price - May 6

The lowest price for regular fuel is $3.42 at QuikTrip, located at 11124 Ga. Highway 142 near I-20 exit 93.

New gun-firing ordinance draft created

A citizens committee put a new gun-firing ordinance on the table this past week, and while it eliminates many issues residents had with the original proposal from earlier this year, some locals wonder if it will actually cut down on illegal firing.

Cycling into a dream

Learning how to ride a bike is a childhood rite of passage. Learning how to fix a bicycle as a child has turned into a lifelong business venture for Bill Adcock.

4-H alumnus to chair Relay for Life

Five years ago, an eighth grade 4-H'er came up to me at Relay for Life, excitedly telling me how 4-H should have a team.

What women should know about breast cancer detection

 The words "breast cancer" evoke terror in the minds of most women and especially in the minds of the people who love them. Because breast cancer is today's second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States behind lung cancer, modern medicine continues to discover and provide ways to prevent, detect and treat this dreaded disease.

King, Casola not indicted by grand jury

 A Newton County grand jury decided Friday not to return any indictments in the case against Stephanie Casola and Anita King who were accused of disrupting the funeral of Lanny Barnes on July 2.

Norfolk Southern preparing to abandon rail line

 Norfolk Southern Corp. is in the process of abandoning most of its railroad from Covington to Newborn because the line will no longer be used. The decision to abandon comes after Norfolk Southern chose to not renew its lease with the Great Walton Railroad Company as of Sept. 30.

Discussion of park in Fairview Est. continues

 Fairview Estates residents remain concerned about the effect of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program in their community, but outright objection has given way to cautious support for many of the residents after Thursday's meeting between county officials and neighborhood leaders.

Grand jury does not indict Anita King, Stephanie Casola

Friday the Newton County grand jury considered charges of disruptive conduct at a funeral service, criminal trespass and unlawful placement of signs against Anita King and Stephanie Casola, who picketed at Lanny Barnes funeral. Barnes had previously been convicted of murdering King's 2-year-old daughter Avery, after he ran over her and several members of her family at McDonald's on Highway 278.

Cheer heroes

By day they are simple students but on Oct. 7 the Eastside High School varsity football cheerleaders will don their pink capes and become super heroes for breast cancer awareness.

NMC volunteer Betty Ware retires

Betty Ware has arrived at a new chapter in her life. After volunteering at Newton Medical Center for the last 33 years, Betty is retiring and moving to South Carolina to a retirement facility near family.

Porterdale kicks off fall with service and fun

For the third consecutive year, Porterdale officials invite everyone to help clean up the Yellow River around the Mill Saturday and then stay for a full day of good food, good fun and good tunes.

Most roads now open, some bridges remain closed

While most Newton County roads affected by flooding have reopened, parts of Crowell, Harold Dobbs and Mt. Tabor remain closed per the Georgia Department of Transportation.

inVEST in the NCSO - Oct. 2

The parents of recently injured Deputy Wesley Atha have organized a fundraising campaign to purchase these vests for every county deputy. Their fundraising goal is $113,000. Each vest costs between $500-$700, depending on the size. Each Friday The Covington News will publish a list of individuals, businesses and civic groups who have donated to the cause that week as well as the total amount raised. Donations are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to ...

Deputy involved in deadly crash on administrative leave

A Newton County deputy remains on administrative leave after an accident Tuesday afternoon claimed the life of a Covington woman.

Man shot in wrist

A 20-year-old man was shot at several times and hit once while walking through The Silos Saturday afternoon.

Citizens want to speak during city, county meetings

A democracy is dependent on public participation, and historically public meetings like town halls and public hearings have been the vehicle to gather public input, but there is some disagreement on the role of city council and county commissioner meetings.

Police respond to fight between neighbors

A fight between neighbors ended with authorities being called to Norman Road late Sunday evening.

Queen of Eastside High

Crowning glory: Eastside High Senior Tyeshia Little was crowned the 2009-2010 homecoming queen on Friday night during the game against the Elbert County. The Eagles beat the Blue Devils 25-7.