Monday is the national holiday set aside to mark the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but Covington and Newton County residents will honor Dr. King today with a celebratory service at 3 p.m. at Porter Memorial Auditorium at Newton High School.

It’s a great way for our community to join together and celebrate its successes as well as Dr. King’s legacy.

Two honors will be presented, the I Have a Dream award to a local person who exemplifies the philosophy of Dr. King, and the Trailblazer award, which will be given to a Newton County resident known for community service. The Rev. Sharma D. Lewis will be the keynote speaker for the 26th annual event.

Too many county residents have been isolated for too much of the week because of the snow and ice storm and the icy roads left in its aftermath. The King Day celebration is an opportunity for you to get out and get involved and help Dr. King’s dream to live on.