COVINGTON, Ga. -The Covington News announced former staff writer Darryl Welch is rejoining the paper as its new managing editor.

"I'm excited to be returning to The News", Welch said. "Owner Patrick Graham and Publisher Madison Graham Allen are committed to providing this community with a first-class newspaper and I'm grateful for the opportunity to help them achieve that goal.

"Local news matters and since 1865 The Covington News has been the go-to source for stories that impact this community. We're going to work hard to continue that long tradition and I'm looking forward to rejoining the talented team on Usher Street to help make it happen."

Welch's first day is Jan. 6. He previously worked at the paper from 2017-2019.