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Ezell Brown honored with Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award
ezell brown
Sheriff Ezell Brown was honored with the Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award by Rep. Sharon Henderson on Sunday. - photo by Michael Bandoo
Staff Report
Published: Oct 22, 2024, 2:53 PM

On Oct. 20, 2024, Sheriff Ezell Brown was honored with the Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award during a church service at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Covington, Ga. 

The Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award, the highest honor a citizen can receive, was signed by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and presented by Rep. Sharon Henderson of District 113. It recognizes Brown’s lifelong dedication and commitment to the Newton County community and the state of Georgia.

In addition to this prestigious award, Brown was presented with a proclamation signed by Rep. Henderson. The proclamation acknowledges his vital role in law enforcement and his commitment to the safety and well-being of Georgia’s citizens.

“I am truly humbled by these recognitions,” Brown said. “It has been my life’s mission to serve and protect this community, and I am honored to be recognized in such a meaningful way.”

With more than 50 years of service in law enforcement, Brown’s career has been marked by his commitment to justice, public safety and community outreach. In 2008, he made history as the first African American to serve as sheriff of Newton County. His leadership and dedication continue to have a profound impact on the lives of citizens across Newton County and the state of Georgia.
Rotary Clubs of Monroe and Covington come together for a veteran's new home
rotary covington and monroe
Staff Report
Published: Mar 25, 2025, 3:19 PM

The Rotary Clubs of Monroe and Covington pitched in to support Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity’s Veteran’s Build in Monroe, GA, on March 8, by providing financial contributions and volunteer labor to help build a home for Nickolas Garrett, a U.S. military veteran and single parent. 

Both Rotary clubs demonstrated their commitment to service by donating $1,000 each toward the construction of the home, working alongside Habitat staff and community volunteers.

With the price of housing, Garrett felt that home ownership was beyond his grasp. Then, he was chosen for Habitat’s Veteran Build Program, and his dream came true. 

“I’m truly blessed and I’m just excited to be part of this process, honestly,” Garrett said. “For my daughter to be able to grow up and have a place to call home is a miracle.”

“Rotary is filled with people of action,” said Tarrence Houston, Rotary Club of Covington president. “As Rotarians, we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. By joining hands with other clubs, we can increase our impact in our communities and around the world.

“Together, we are helping to provide a family with a safe and comfortable place of their own. It’s the ‘American Dream’ fulfilled.”

Leading the initiative were Matthew Whitley of the Monroe Rotary Club and Phil Lanier of the Covington Rotary Club. Both men spearheaded efforts to raise awareness about Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide affordable housing and support for veterans in need.

“This is what Rotary is all about,” Lanier said. “It’s coming together to serve others with both contributions and sweat.”

The Rotary Clubs of Monroe and Covington encourage others in their respective communities to help Habitat for Humanity through donations, volunteering, or advocacy. To learn more about how to get involved, visit www.habitatgwinnett.org.