A sure sign of spring here in Covington and Newton County is the sweet smell of Vidalia onions.
There's no question we've had a successful run of economic development deals in Newton County over the past couple of years.
"Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
"I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."
One of the highlights of every spring in Covington is to hear the sound of music on the square at noon every Thursday in May.
It was announced last week that Newton County's unemployment rate for March had dropped to 9.4 percent, the lowest it has been since the economic downturn started in 2008.
Andrea Smith, owner of Square Perk Cafe, had an idea, as many of us do from time to time. However, she did something different - she acted on it.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
Unfortunately, in today's society, more attention is paid to the bad that our young people do than the good.
The folks who live in Mansfield received a real shock Friday as an unexpected smack from Mother Nature rolled through a portion of their small town. For more details, you can go to CovNews.com to see pictures and a video of the storm.
At its annual retreat, city officials talked about turning the American Legion Field located behind the YMCA into a place that could be used for entertainment and other social events that would benefit local citizens.
Last week, Dr. Gary Mathews, superintendent of schools for Newton County, reopened the search for a new principal for Alcovy High School.
 If a toddler touches a hot stove, it's because they don't know any better. Sure, maybe your Mama or Daddy warned you, but sometimes those concepts don't sink in with the very young.
 As citizens we should all be interested in local government all the time. As a matter of fact, most of us, myself included, only become interested when some event or report catches our attention.
Before Fox News and other cable news stations, which today have overtaken the traditional news programs run by ABC, NBC and CBS, there was CNN. CNN out of Atlanta set the pace for what TV news has become today.
For weeks we were bombarded on every TV station and in every major newspaper by the Obama administration's urgency on passing an economic stimulus package. We heard that if the bill wasn't rushed through Congress, we would doom the United States and our way of life.
Again, we are proud this month to be highlighting the accomplishments and leadership of our local black residents, who through their perserverance, have helped make Newton County a place that we are proud to call home. One such person is Forrest Sawyer Jr.
During the last few months, we have on many occasions heard of the surplus the city of Covington currently has. We salute the efforts and leadership of past councils as well as the current administration, and City Manager Steve Horton and his staff on their efforts in fostering this surplus.
Christmas came early this year for 19 local nonprofit groups.
The Newton County Board of Commissioners made a wise decision at their last meeting.
 Do not despair. You haven't made reservations or romantic plans for tomorrow's big holiday? Maybe you're short on cash and need a fun alternative date idea? Better yet, you need a family-friendly option because all the baby sitters are taken. Congratulations: this column grants you free entry to the Newton Classic Livestock Show at 10 a.m. on Valentine's Day. That's right - everyone ...
We've been in our new house for three weeks and some folks have already found us.
 In a recent interview Education Secretary Arne Duncan promised more data-gathering and testing as the way to improve academic performance.  
We believe the hope and success of our country's future rests squarely on the shoulders of our young people.
The President of the United States and the leaders of the Democratic party in Congress and their staffs have been running around the country and sounding the alarm on the national airways, that if the stimulus program proposed by them and filled up with pork by them does not pass, that we as a country are doomed.
 The 2009 legislative session completed day 15 on Feb. 6 with bills passing through the chamber this week which will provide for tax relief and child safety. I support these pieces of legislation and look forward to their implementation. Unfortunately, even with the good work in those areas, very bad budget news has dominated the week at your capitol.
 I can pride myself on two recent, major accomplishments. Both have to do with my fondness for down-home Southern cooking. I favor down-home Southern cooking because I am from a down-home Southern home. That, and it tastes good.