SKC named 2013 Partner of the Year

Local industry SKC, a global supplier of polyester films, was named the 2013 Partner of the Year at the Newton County School Systems Cornerstones Partners in Education Reception Tuesday.

House fire reveals corporate office

The Monticello Street house that caught fire Tuesday night had one room badly damaged, but, in addition to repairs, the building will need to be repurposed as it violated local city ordinances by containing multiple offices for executives of a local phone company.

More candidates enter U.S. Rep. race

The race to replace U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, R-Athens, in 2014 is heating up, and Newton County residents in eastern Newton will have a full slate to choose from when the primaries roll around next year.

Visitors Center gets $5K facelift

The chamber hopes to make a better first impression on visitors by giving the Covington/Newton County Visitors Center a facelift.

Fairy House Festival to return

Friends of Newton Parks is sponsoring the Fifth Annual Fairy House Festival at Chimney Park from 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 4.

Oxford students teach perspective

It does not matter who you are or where you are from, choosing a college is a big decision.

Lowest gas price - May 2

The lowest price for regular fuel is $3.47 at Shell, located at 10125 Alxovy Road and City Pond Road.

SKC named NCSS partner of the year

Local industry SKC, a global supplier of polyester films, was named the 2013 Partner of the Year at the Newton County School Systems Cornerstones Partners in Education Reception on Tuesday. The reception honored businesses in the community that dedicated time and funding to Newton County Schools during the 2012-2013 school year.

Sleeping man found with guns, drugs in car

A Covington man was arrested on drug charges Friday after authorities allegedly found him passed out in his car with a gun in his lap at a Honey Creek gas station.

Accident on I-20 west in Conyers blocks lanes, backs up traffic

IN BRIEF: A crash on Interstate 20 westbound, just after the West Avenue exit, or exit 80, in Rockdale County has at least three lanes blocked off. Traffic is backed up at least to Ga. Highway 138. Deputies and first responders are on the scene; no fatalities reported. Drivers are advised to use alternate routes.

Lowest gas price - May 1

The lowest price for regular fuel is $3.45 at Kroger, located at 5341 Ga. Highway 20 S near Brown Bridge Road.

Culinary student heads to nationals

Two students who attend Newton College and Career Academy won awards at the SkillsUSA Georgia State Leadership and Skills Conference, and one of the students has a chance to compete at the national level this summer, with the help of the community.

Bernardi sees opportunities

Courtney Bernardi grew up wanting to be an attorney and developed a passion for politics in college, and she's combined those interests in her new profession, navigating complex incentive agreements and building consensus among elected officials to help land industries.

Tandem bike rally to bring tourism

The 15th annual Georgia Tandem Rally is returning to Covington May 16-19, and 133 tandem teams of cyclists will hit the streets and spend tens of thousands of dollars in Newton and surrounding counties during one of the county's larger tourism events of the year.

Career Academy hosts film festival

The Video Broadcasting program at the Newton College and Career Academy will host a film festival May 2 that showcases films produced by students at the academy.

BOE approves more cuts

Faced with more reductions to their revenue, the Newton County Board of Education was forced to make more cuts to its budget in an effort to make up for approximately $6.3 million in expected revenue that the system will not receive.

Men break into house, tie up both residents

Officers from the Covington Police Department are searching for two men who reportedly broke into a home early Thursday morning and tied up the occupants before robbing them.

Fore a good cause

Almost 50 people braved the drizzly conditions Thursday afternoon in order to play in the inaugural Richard Rawlins Golf Classic - a fundraiser organized by members of the Covington Kiwanis Club to benefit the Miracle Field and the Newton County Foundation for Educational Excellence.

It’s not too late to take advantage of first-time home buyer tax credit

Time is running out on the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit, but eligible home buyers can still get the credit if they act quickly.

Friends of Newton Parks tackle Chimney Park

The Friends of Newton Parks is expecting to host more than 100 volunteers tomorrow at Chimney Park, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a day of cleaning, lunch and playing.

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.