We said goodbye this past month to three very good civic leaders.

John Howard, who served on council and recently as chairman of the Airport Authority, and his wife have moved from Covington. Howard was an honest, fair politician who would look you in the eye and explain his positions. Unfortunately, his type of political and personal character is not as valued today as it once was.

We will miss him, and we wish the Howards a beautiful and peaceful new life.

Josephine Kelly for 12 years led a very successful Main Street program; she helped to keep our town square active and full of tourists.

The key to her success was that she was willing to roll up her sleeves and do things herself. She found out that though everyone wants a Main Street program to be successful, few were willing to put their own efforts into ensuring that it happened. Kelly did make sure it happened.

She will be starting her own business. We wish her success and hope that she will still make her talents available to other groups in the city.

Clara Deemer has been Mrs. Tourism for Covington and Newton County. She poured her heart and soul into promoting our area.

In retirement, she told us, she plans to spend her time doing things with her family, especially her grandchildren.

We wish her well.