Thank you John Middleton for your 14 years of service as Newton County’s Manager.

This is your last week serving the people of Newton County, with a Aug. 31 retirement date.

The county gathered in your honor Wednesday to celebrate a terrific career, and we were happy to be there to wish you well.

In a position that has had trouble with its defined role, you were able to work with the chairman and commissioners to move the county toward economic growth as county manager. The way this county is headed is due in part to your hard work.

You accepted the role of county manager after coming to Newton County as finance director and then moved to administrative officer. You left your mark on the county.

We thank you.