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Chamber: Promote local film ties
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Covington plays host to several movie and TV projects each year, and the chamber suggested a storefront on the square be dedicated to housing film memorabilia.

Covington-Newton County Chamber of Commerce officials gave their quarterly update to the Covington City Council Monday, and reiterated the tourism revenue boost the film industry brings to Newton County.

"I think there is no reason why we shouldn't set a work session to hammer out some ideas," Mayor Kim Carter said.

In other news, the council again approved applying for a state grant to replace water lines along Geiger Street. If awarded, the $443,000 state grant would require a $110,000 match by the city. The city will pay $52,070 for some materials and engineering expenses, but the remainder of the match will be covered through in-house labor.

The city also approved the first reading of a resolution to charge a $35 fee to pawnshop and precious metal dealers. Details must still be worked out as to whether the fee is to be charged per establishment or, like the $35 alcohol fee, per employee.

The council also approved the first reading of an ordinance that will condemn junk cars and boats, those that no longer run or have proper registration, as eyesores for the community and a health hazard because of rodents.

Eastside High School announces Top 10 graduates for Class of 2025
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Eastside High School has announced the names of the top ten graduates of the Class of 2025. Leading the way are valedictorian, Ian White, and salutatorian, Malachi Scharf. Each of the top ten graduates have exciting prospects ahead of them as they prepare for life after high school.

Eastside High School’s 2025 Top 10 Graduates are:

• Ian White—The valedictorian, Ian plans to attend college and obtain a doctorate in chemical engineering. He selected Mr. Elijah Clark as his top teacher.

• Malachi Scharf—The salutatorian, Malachi plans to major in chemical engineering at Georgia Tech. He chose Mr. Michael Poor as his favorite teacher.

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Malachi Scharf (left) and Ian White (right) are Eastside High School’s 2025 Salutatorian and Valedictorian. - photo by Courtesy of Newton County School System

• Kaiden Blazina—Kaiden plans to attend Georgia College and State University to study biology with plans to become an anesthesiologist or a missionary. Kaiden selected Mrs. Haley Dawkins as his honored teacher.

• Abby Malcom—Abby will be attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in the fall to major in agribusiness. Her goal is to run a floral business. She selected Ms. Sara Beth Hammond as her top teacher.

• Shelby Moore—Shelby plans to attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College to pursue a degree in agricultural education. She selected Ms. Alisa Echols as her top teacher.

• Annalie Parker—Annalie will attend Georgia College & State University with plans to obtain a doctorate and pursue a career in the scientific field. She selected Dr. Catrina Pollard as her favorite teacher.

• Chandler Shurtz—Chandler plans to attend Georgia Tech to study industrial engineering. He selected Mrs. Kelly Elder as his honored teacher.

• Robby Thomas, Jr.—Robby will attend Georgia Tech to study aerospace engineering and astrophysics. His goal is to work for NASA. Robby chose Ms. Kayla Stoddard as his honored teacher.

• Anna Underwood—Anna is attending Georgia State Perimeter to study her core classes with plans to transfer to the University of Georgia. Her career goal is to become an elementary school teacher. She selected Mr. Eric Adams as her top teacher.

• Benjamin Weaver—Benjamin is attending Newberry College to play soccer and study in their pre-vet program before moving on to veterinary school. He selected Mr. Caleb Watson as his honored teacher