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Snow caps off Weather Awareness Week
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Weather awareness week might end today but the precautions needed to ensure safety last all year long.

According to Jody Nolan, Deputy Director for Newton County’s Emergency Management Agency, it is important for residents to focus on several things to prepare themselves and their family for the possibility of inclement weather. One thing Nolan stressed is that a weather radio should be a staple in every household. While the city of Covington does have severe weather warning sirens that are alerted by 911, in the event of something like a tornado, those would be hard to hear even living close by, and residents in the county would not hear them at all. Weather radios are alerted by the National Weather Service, which means they would have more up to the minute information.

"The purchase and placement of a weather radio is just as critical these days as a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm in the home," he said. "It’s kind of like a weather warning alarm clock and it’s a very small price to pay (usually about $20)," Nolan said. "They have a battery backup and broadcast the current weather condition on a continuous basis so you can use them at any time. There is also a special code for the county you live in so you can know the conditions in the county at all times."

Another important thing Nolan suggested is that everyone has at least three days worth of food and water for each family member available should the weather situation become dire. And for those who take medication — especially life-sustaining medication — or are on oxygen, Nolan recommends keeping extra medication and bottled oxygen on hand in case transportation to a pharmacy isn’t possible.

"We also recommend that people have an emergency kit they can get to quickly," said Nolan. "Something with personal information, medical history, cash — possibly even some food and medications. We just want to encourage people to prepare themselves," he said.

Nolan recommended visiting www.ready.gov to learn how to put together a personal kit and one for businesses. Additionally, much information can be found at www.gema.state.ga.us about how to become and remain prepared.

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