The votes are in and Newton County’s 2012 Hometown Hero is Porterdale Police Lt. Jason Cripps. The runner-up is Sylvia Ashong.

Cripps was initially named a Hometown Hero after jumping in the 40-degree Yellow River to save a 60-year-old man who had jumped into the icy water. This was a one who had once reportedly threatened to kill Cripps.

Ashong is a foster mother who fought to keep three young children together rather than have them split up and put into foster homes. She was the runner-up.

This is the third year The Covington News has partnered with General Mills to honor a Hometown Hero. Cripps and Ashong were given plaques and gift baskets from General Mills, and were treated to a breakfast in their honor, catered by the culinary students at the Newton College and Career Academy. 

Read Jason Cripps' original story here: http://www.covnews.com/archives/35123/

Read about Sylvia Ashong here: http://www.covnews.com/archives/29183/