Lowest gas price - May 31

The lowest price for regular fuel is $3.44 at Kroger, located at 5341 Ga. Highway 20 S near Brown Bridge Road.

Take a tour of Baxter’s work site

Construction continues to ramp up at Baxter International's $1 billion manufacturing campus on the Newton-Walton county border, and a handful of senior officials toured local media around the sprawling worksite Wednesday.

Fire destroys Old Mt. Zion Rd. house

A smoke detector saved four lives early Thursday, when a couple was awakened to find their bedroom and the first floor of their house filled with smoke.

We Ride to Provide set for Saturday

Do you ride a motorcycle, like police dogs, or just want to show your support? Then head on down to Porterdale Saturday morning to hang out with Hogs and dogs at the fifth annual We Ride to Provide K9 Memorial Ride.

Homegrown Jazz concert to benefit WSCC

Smooth sounds of jazz under the stars will be heard next week as Homegrown Jazz by the River, hosted by the Washington Street Community Center, makes its annual return.

NCCA hosts summer theme camps

Students in seventh and eighth grades can learn more about a number of career fields this summer by attending a Summer Theme Camp hosted by the Newton College and Career Academy.

Lowest gas price - May 30

The lowest price for regular fuel is $3.53 at BP, located at 6229 Turner Lake Road and Brown Bridge Road.

250 working at Baxter site

Construction continues to ramp up at Baxter International's $1 billion manufacturing campus on the Newton-Walton county border, and a handful of senior officials toured local media around the sprawling worksite Tuesday.

Escort planned for wounded soldier

SPC. Sam Walley, an Auburn, Ga., serviceman who lost an arm and a leg to an IED explosion in June, is making his first visit home, and special escort is planned for him when he returns to Georgia Thursday.

Lowest gas price - May 29

The lowest gas price for regular fuel is $3.47 at BP, located at 5343 Ga. Highway 20 S near Stone Creek Drive.

Foundation awards grants to teachers

BOE to let police use Sharp Stadium

Sharp Stadium may see a little bit more security, as officers with the Covington Police Department will now be able to use the facility for physical fitness purposes. The Newton County Board of Education approved the CPD's request unanimously at its May 21 board meeting.

Four arrested; gang activity alleged

Four people were arrested Wednesday and charged under the Georgia Street Gang Prevention Act after reportedly attempting to attack a 16-year-old boy and his father with brass knuckles.

Fire destroys Porterdale officer's home

Porterdale Police Investigator Doug Clifton had a rough Memorial Day weekend, as he returned to town to find his home and possessions destroyed by an early Sunday morning fire.

Main Street director Kelly resigns

Main Street Covington Director Josephine Kelly has resigned, effective June 7, to pursue starting her own company.

Pedestrian killed identified

The pedestrian hit and killed this morning has been identified as 59-year-old Shirley Ann Reid.

Lowest gas price - April 8

The lowest price for regular gas is $3.39 at QuikTrip, located at 3214 U.S. Highway 278 NW and Emory Street.

Mental health court will help inmates

Some people with schizophrenia, depression and bipolar and anxiety disorders see the world in a fundamentally different way and when they lose touch with reality and experience delusions, they can act out in ways that results in them ending up in jail.

Nelson Heights changes management

The Nelson Heights Community Center is set to get another change in management after an up-and-down existence during which it has consistently faced questions about its purpose, operation and funding.

Crime: Neighbor complains of pantless man

Investigators with the Newton County Sheriff's Office are exploring a complaint made by a woman who said her male neighbor frequently walks around outside naked and touches himself in an inappropriate manner.

Teen work program needs local employers

Alcovy High School senior DeMichael Reid wants to one day own and manage his own auto repair shop, and he's getting a jump start on his dream by interning at a local business, a trend that's becoming ever more popular for high school students.

Water, sewer tap fees to increase

The Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority is raising its fees May 1 on the most common residential water and sewer taps, a move executive director Mike Hopkins said accurately reflects real costs in today's market.

4-H'ers qualify for state BB gun tournament

I spent Saturday morning sitting on the back of a pickup at the Walton County Agricultural Center, listening as the 4-H'ers and parents sat around in safety orange T-shirts waiting on each shooter's turn.

Rep. Johnson holds meet and greet

Local officials and citizens in the area had the opportunity to listen to an update on congress and ask Representative Hank Johnson, congressman of Georgia's Fourth Congressional District, questions on Saturday at a meet and greet held at the historic courthouse.

BOC to re-apply for two grants

The Newton County Juvenile Court received permission from the Board of Commissioners to reapply for two grants.

JROTC annual awards

The annual JROTC awards ceremony was held at the Golden Fleece Masonic Lodge No. 6, March 28. East Side Scottish Rite President Joel Knight was happy with the attendance and said, "We are proud of our community, proud of our students in our high schools and look forward each year to recognizing outstanding JROTC cadets on the east side of Atlanta." The awards ceremony was attended by Albert F. Garner, 33rd, personal rep. to SGIG ...

Lowest gas price - April 5

The lowest price for regular fuel is $3.34 at Kroger, located at 5341 Ga. Highway 20 S near Brown Bridge Road.

Study ranks Georgia counties

A study, which ranked Georgia counties based on its combined health and economic stats, has ranked Newton County in the top 60 and Rockdale County in the top 25 in the state.

County taking bids for lawn contract

Newton County is finally bidding out its lawn care contract, which became a source of controversy this year when it was discovered the current contractor had operated without an up-to-date county business license.

Blood drives scheduled for April

Anyone looking to help save a life by donating blood can do so at upcoming blood drives hosted by the American Red Cross, the largest single supplier of blood and blood products in the U.S.