COVINGTON, Ga. - Danny Stone resigned from the Newton County Industrial Development Authority Jan. 17 after more than 10 years of service on the board. 

According to Stone's resignation letter, he has served as the chairman of the IDA since March 2010. 

"This decision has not been easy, but I have decided that it is time to allow someone else assume my seat on the authority," he wrote in his resignation letter. 

Covington Mayor Ronnie Johnston, who serves as the vice chairman of the IDA, thanked Stone for his service Wednesday afternoon during the Covington City Council meeting. 

"I just personally want to make a comment about  Mr. Stone and his service to this community," Johnston said. "I believe his overall service to the community is closer to 17 years. He used to be a commissioner at one point and time, he's been on the rec. board, he's done just a lot of work for the county and the community.

"As you know, this is not a paid job, so I just wanted to publically thank him for his service to the community."