Walmart has hired around 100 employees - 75 percent of which are full time - for its new store at the intersection of Brown Bridge and Salem roads.

Several hundred applicants showed up at Prospect United Methodist Church Dec. 21 for the opening of Walmart's hiring center, and they've continued to come, Prospect Pastor Ronny Brannen told the Newton County Board of Commissioners Tuesday.

Brannen said news crews showed up to film the large crowds the first few days, and Walmart hired sheriff's deputies and organized the parking lot to improve traffic flow.

Walmart is hiring a total of 250 employees before its opening March 14. The hiring center will be open through January from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. People are encouraged to first apply online at walmartstores.com/careers, but those without Internet access can apply at the church. Follow-up interviews will be conducted at the church.

Chairman Kathy Morgan said she was told there is a two-month training process for all new employees. She also said the manager position for the store, which was given to Newton resident Ron Tillman, was competitively bid and Tillman beat out several other applicants.

The Walmart Supercenter will be 170,000 square feet.