Now is the time to shop locally.

If you take the time, you will discover that Covington has not only a beautiful downtown area but a functional one as well.

Park your car and take a walk through downtown Covington. Shoppers can purchase fresh vegetables, first-class furniture, gardening supplies, fresh baked goods, fine foods and kitchen supplies, great meals and old fashioned ice cream.

You can even purchase flowers for your sweetheart.

You don't have to drive very far to find a multitude of restaurants, fast food places, groceries and even a big box store or two.

You can, with ease, get your prescriptions filled and even buy your gas locally.

Instead of wasting your gas racing up the interstate looking for a used or new vehicle, you can probably find as good a deal or better shopping at our three major car dealerships.

Newton County even has one of the finest hospitals in the state.

The money you will save by shopping locally will also help you meet your other obligations

We encourage each of you, especially with the busy shopping season upon us, to stay at home this year. Take the time to meet your neighbors and enjoy a little healthful walking.

Remember a portion of the money you spend here stays here. It is multiplied many times over and used for our schools, recreation and future development.

Shop locally; it's a habit that you can get used to.