The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate and to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today's paper is in honor of the 34 years and 10 months service that Steve Horton has dedicated for the citizens of Covington, Newton County and the state.
Steve, as we all know, is a modest and humble man; we are certain he would have been just as happy had we not produced today's edition.

A man who has given his heart and soul into ensuring that, in spite of the economic despair that surrounds us, the city of Covington is on a solid base and ready to move forward into the future.

As a prominent member of our community, we know Steve to be nothing but transparent and honorable.

We also know that behind every honorable man stands with him an honorable wife and family. We are grateful for their help in giving Steve the support and courage to help make major decisions that have helped guide us all for over three decades of leadership.

Steve would have liked to have stepped down sooner and begin his well deserved retirement spending time on the West coast. However, he has agreed to assist our current Mayor Ronnie Johnston get his feet firmly planted into his new leadership role.

Regardless of whatever the circumstances, he quietly led this city with a firm and steady hand.

We are going to miss Steve Horton. He was the right leader at the right time and has been wise enough to know that just as the late General Douglas MacArthur said on his redirect that old soldiers don't die they just fade away. We know for sure that old city managers just don't die either; they just fade away in order to enjoy the fruits of their labor knowing that they served their community well.

Thanks Steve you were and are the best.