We hear you

A few years ago, we made a decision to stop the Sunday comics and cease publishing an evening TV guide.

Impressive improvement

It is gratifying to see the 2012 graduation rate in Newton County schools grow so rapidly from the low point it dropped to just three short years ago.

Defective government

"Hold on, my friends, to the Constitution and to the Republic for which it stands. Miracles do not cluster, and what has happened once in 6,000 years, may not happen again. Hold on to the Constitution, for if the American Constitution should fail, there will be anarchy throughout the world."

New superintendent

Graduates

County budget

The Newton County Board of Commissioners has a tough task in front of them as usual, deciding how to make expenses meet revenues, but we'll say what we've said for each of the past few years - this is still not the time to raise taxes.

Some thoughts

Last week, two young lives were snuffed out on Interstate 20. A 19-year-old and a 7-month-old baby will never know what it's like to grow old.

New superintendent

On Tuesday night, the Newton County Board of Education will choose Dr. Gary Mathews' successor as superintendent of the Newton County School System.

Mother’s Day

"The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."

Making the grade

In Wednesday's paper, we ran a story explaining what the new state school assessment model means to students and other citizens of Newton County.

Good moves

The Covington City Council has made two practical decisions that could contribute to economic growth in the future.

The morning-after pill

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, 1.3 million babies a year are aborted in the U.S. That is a staggering number.

Social Circle

If you were driving through the main street in Social Circle and blinked twice, you might miss the physical heart of the city.

Rotary

A sure sign of spring here in Covington and Newton County is the sweet smell of Vidalia onions.

Development

There's no question we've had a successful run of economic development deals in Newton County over the past couple of years.

True Christmas spirit

Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and the love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God.

Christmas question

This year, it feels like the holiday shopping season has been in effect since August. One member of our editorial board went to local stores looking for a particular kind of outdoor Christmas lighting, only to find that it was already sold out.

Guns and hypocrisy

One of the ordinary modes, by which tyrants accomplish their purposes without resistance, is, by disarming the people, and making it an offense to keep arms.

You always need water

The Newton County Board of Commissioners recently approved a $21 million state loan to build Bear Creek Reservoir and the associated dam.

Mathews' retirement

Superintendent Gary Mathews last week officially announced his plans to retire. We're sorry for the community to hear that we'll be losing our top official, who is leaving after starting our school system on the path to success one small step at a time.

Unemployment

It was reported last week that unemployment in Newton County was down slightly. In September, the jobless rate was 9.6 percent; October's figure was 9.5 percent.

Christmas Parade

This weekend, you won't have to go too far to get yourself in the Christmas spirit. The Covington Lions and Main Street Covington will present the community's annual Christmas parade Saturday starting at 11 a.m. and departing from Newton Drive.

Disgust amid celebration

We know this is one of the most important weeks of the year for many you. Not because of a $500 million Powerball jackpot, the looming fiscal cliff nor the test of a new type of nuclear engine with big promise. This weekend the Georgia Bulldogs take on the hated Alabama Crimson Tide with the winner earning a spot in the national championship. The game has stirred pride in the heart of many in the ...

Tis the Season

I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver. - Maya Angelou Even though Thanksgiving is almost a week old, we know some of our readers are still complaining about how they ate too much, while others are discussing and rehashing the craziness that comes from the annual gathering of the relatives. Those of us who can participate in those discussions are truly blessed. Unfortunately, there are neighbors among ...

Tobacco ban

"Cigarettes are not a part of human behavior, they are a habit." - Joe Eszterhas The Newton Recreation Commission is recommending a total ban on cigarette products at the county's parks and recreation facilities. Recreation Director Tommy Hailey presented the proposal to the Newton County Board of Commissioners Tuesday. We're in favor of the ban and don't think it's much different than the ban on drinking alcohol at some public facilities. However, smoking tobacco is ...

Industry win-win

Sometimes, even though you lose the big prize, you still come out a winner. Hillphoenix announced this week that it's going to consolidate at least some of its U.S. holdings in Conyers instead of Covington. However, the refrigeration products company did not decide to close its Covington plant as was expected, and instead will invest $2 million in additional upgrades to the plant. Mayor Ronnie Johnston said he thought the fact the Covington plant is ...

A note of thanks

Dear Editor: I want to thank everyone who has made a donation, prayed and lifted us up during this time. We have found that this town has some of the most caring people we have ever met. During the yardsale fundraiser for my kidney fund last weekend, it was truly overwhelming at the people who came out to help. We are so blessed to have each of you in our lives. Every dime that was donated, every amount of time you spent has truly been appreciated.

A changed outlook

We hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving yesterday, and you took the time to remember and celebrate the good things that have affected your life.

Shop locally

We know that some of you have been caught up in the almost mass hysteria of this early morning and the rest of the day.

A helping holiday hand

As Black Friday continues its takeover of Thanksgiving Day, a holiday that's traditionally been one of overeating and relaxation (at least for the non-cooks) is finding itself overrun by hustle and bustle.