If you’re anything like me, it is probably Sunday morning and you are probably sprawled out on the couch with a cup of coffee flipping through the weekend edition of your favorite community newspaper – The Covington News, of course. Sunday mornings, for me, are the time to sit down, turn off the electronics and completely gorge myself in hard copies of newspapers from all over the country. 

There are several ways to read through a newspaper, but my preferred method is arms stretched out with both pages open. If you’re doing just that, you’ll notice something very special on the adjacent page. 

This week is the first week to vote for the 2019 Best of Newton recipients and the ballot is ready. Pull out your pen and get to work. 

This year’s ballot is a little different than year’s past. We have narrowed down some of the categories to make sure each one is relevant to the Newton County community. We have also added an outside drop off location so votes can be submitted to our office outside of normal business hours. It is right outside of our main entrance and can be used at any time to cast your vote.

Being named the Best of Newton County is a title that should not be taken lightly. This is not something The Covington News selects in house. It is something that is completely earned by the hard work of the community’s local businesses and organizations. 

The winner of each category will be featured in a special magazine put out by the newspaper recognizing them for the accomplishment, while also giving them the opportunity to brand themselves as the best in the community in whatever they specialize in. 

We aren’t as strict as the Newton County Board of Elections when it comes to campaigning for the coveted “Best of” title. We actually encourage it! Start spreading the word and encourage all of your customers, members or visitors to vote for your business or organization. There is no limit to how many votes can be cast by a single person. The only rule is that it must be turned in on the same newsprint you see in this week’s edition of The Covington News. 

The ballot will run for a total of five weeks before voting closes. If you’re a subscriber to The News (which you most definitely should be), that means you will have five ballots mailed to your house. Fill them out and either drop them off or mail them to our office (1166 Usher St., Covington GA 30014). 

Did I mention there is a prize for you – the voter? Yes, we are also giving out cold hard cash to a Best of Newton voter, so make sure to get your ballot in for your chance to win as well. 

Happy voting!

Jackie Gutknecht is the editor and publisher of The Covington News. She can be reached at jgutknecht@covnews.com or 770-728-1409. Twitter: @jackieg1991