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Police search for suspect in Tuesday armed robbery
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Covington Police are looking for a gun-wielding bandit who tried to rob the Dollar General on U.S. Highway 278 on Tuesday.

An employee told officers that the man had come up to the register with a package of T-shirts. As she rang up the purchase, he drew a handgun from his waistband and ordered her to give him all of the money.

The clerk told the would-be robber that all of the money was in the safe and she was unable to open it. He said he didn’t want to hurt her and ordered her to the ground, then ran out without the money or the T-shirts.

A witness told officers that she had seen a white SUV parked beside the store with its engine running and the lights on. As she entered the store she saw the man run out and get into the SUV, which was then driven off westbound on Highway 278. She was unsure if there was another person in the vehicle.

The bandit is described as a black male with a medium complexion, roughly 5-foot-9-inches tall, a slim build, twists in his hair, wearing a black coat, white shirt and blue jeans. Witnesses say he was driving a newer model SUV, possibly foreign, mid-size with silver vents on the front fender.

Evidence was taken from the store, including the package of shirts that he touched and surveillance video. Police are asking that anyone with information contact them at (770) 786-7605 or online at www.covingtonpolice.com. Tips can be given anonymously.

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