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.

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.

inVEST in the NCSO

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 ...

Piedmont Academy closed Friday due to H1N1

Piedmont Academy administrators announced the school will be closed Friday due to a significant portion of the student body out with the H1N1 virus.

Woman calls 911 on husband and ends up going to jail herself

Deputies were called to a home on Rock View Lane early Thursday morning after a woman reportedly claimed her husband beat her.

Some residents oppose public park planned for Fairview Estates

As part of its Neighborhood Stabilization Plan, Newton County has been planning to build a public park in Fairview Estates, but several residents of that neighborhood let the county know they don't want a public park in their backyard.

Future of NHCC debated again

While the county commissioners continue to debate the future of the recently completed Nelson Heights Community Center, the possibility has arisen that the center could be taken over by the Recreation Commission.

Newton Fund announces grant application deadline

The Newton Fund, a local fund of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, will accept letters of intent for grant funding until Oct. 2. Grants up to $5,000 for a 12-month period will be awarded through a competitive process to help qualified nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations meet the changing needs of the Newton County community.

Newton Fund now accepting nominations for Pat Patrick Big Heart Award

The Newton Fund, a local fund of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, is now accepting nominations for the Pat Patrick Big Heart Award. In just its second year, this award is given to a special individual who has made a measurable difference in Newton County through his or her volunteerism. The award is named in honor of Pat Patrick, the founding chair of the Newton Fund, who has given and continues to give unselfish ...

Man asks for change then snatches cash

A man answered his door early Thursday morning and reportedly had money snatched from his hand when he attempted to give the man at his door some change.

True Blood star Mehcad Brooks to appear at The Mall At Stonecrest

City to receive stimulus money for Turner Lake roundabout

The city of Covington got some good news last week when the Georgia Department of Transportation decided that stimulus money would pay for all $900,000 of the city's planned roundabout at the intersection of Turner Lake Road and Clark Street.

2009 Fuzz Run Results

Place. Name, Hometown, Age, Time 1. KIRCHIRCHIR KIMITEI, KENNESAW, 27, 14:40 2. SAMMY NYAMONGO, ATLANTA, 33, 15:49 3. WILLIAM MOSS, MARIETTA, 27, 16:14 4. JANET CHEROBON, RONIE, 31, 16:41 5. JENNIFER FEENSTRA, DULUTH, 28, 17:12 6. JEFF DUNDES, CONYERS, 50, 17:55 7. DONTAVIUS WRIGHT, CONYERS, 15, 18:24 8. CHRIS CLYDE, RUTLEDGE, 18, 18:38.6 9. CLARK WALKER, HARDWICK, 51, 18:40 10. JOSH BYRD, COVINGTON, 22, 18:50 11. JOSH MUNGER, CONYERS,18, 19:04 12. KYLE YEOMANS, COVINGTON, 15, ...

Local physician appointed to governor’s health council

Dr. Henry Patton, an internal medicine specialist on staff at Newton Medical Center, has been appointed to The Advisory Council for Public Health according to a recent announcement made by Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Kill-a-Watt Challenge

The Governor's Energy Challenge has partnered with Georgia Public Library Services to offer Georgia residents an opportunity to measure the energy consumption of appliances throughout their home and to take steps to reduce their electricity consumption and lower their utility bills.

Keep on inVESTing

Continuing generosity: Covington Kiwanis Club Treasurer Don Floyd presented a check on behalf of the Kiwanis Club to Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown to cover the cost of a level III bulletproof vest for a county deputy. "This special unbudgeted donation is a recognition by the membership of the importance of the InVEST project to the NCSO and the community" said club President Bill Loeble.

Women charged with forgery after trying to fill fradulent prescriptions

Two women were arrested Friday afternoon when they allegedly tried to forge a prescription for Oxycontin.