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Scouts dedicate tree for 100th anniversary Last Updated: 10:54 PM 03/10/10 - On Monday afternoon, scouts, troop leaders, their families and local officials gathered on the Square in downtown Covington to dedicate a tree to the community in celebration of the Boy Scout’s of America’s 100th anniversary. Local scouts made the symbolic gesture of turning dirt for a Willow Oak tree that will be planted on the periphery of the Square in downtown Covington. Pictured are, left to right, Taylor Green with Venture Crew 222; Dalyn Overton, with Cub Scout Pack 747; and Jake McCarthy, with Cub Scout Pack 4511, who were joined by a host of scout leaders, scouts and local officials. (Full Story)
CPD presents $2,000 to Rotary Club Last Updated: 10:47 PM 03/10/10 - Covington Police Chief Stacey Cotton, representing Covington Police Department’s Police Who Care Fund, recently presented a check for $2,000 to Covington Rotary Club President Alice Queen. The funds will be used to purchase two Rotary Shelter boxes to be sent to earthquake-ravaged Haiti. The boxes will provide shelter for up to 20 people. The Rotary Club has also donated five boxes to the cause, making a total of seven boxes from Covington. CPD officers looking on are, from left, Officer Oscar Rogers, Officer John Seabolt and Sgt. Chris Cain. (Full Story)
Good eats: NCSS honors National Breakfast Week Be the first to comment Last Updated: 10:36 PM 03/10/10 - Students and staff in the Newton County School System are celebrating the most important meal of the day this week. (Full Story)
Plans for drag strip could stop 9 Comments Last Updated: 10:32 PM 03/10/10 - State Rep. Doug Holt has crafted legislation that could de-annex property in Newton County from the city of Social Circle, putting the brakes on plans of one property owner to develop a drag strip there. (Full Story)
Property owner to submit new drag strip plans 1 Comment Last Updated: 10:29 PM 03/10/10 - The property owner seeking rezoning that would permit a drag strip in Social Circle said he plans to withdraw his rezoning request and seek to reapply in 30 to 45 days with amended site plans that should address many residents’ concerns. (Full Story)
Officials ID victim in duplex fire Last Updated: 10:26 PM 03/10/10 - The Covington Fire Department has identified the victim of a fire on Capes Drive on Friday afternoon as 64-year-old Jerry Allen Smith. (Full Story)
More Headlines

City won’t go after trail grant
23 Comments
Victim filed court order against boyfriend
23 Comments
Council speaks on trail grant opposition
12 Comments
Police: Man kills self hours after shooting girlfriend
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Newton ineligible for state funding
9 Comments
Plans for drag strip could stop
9 Comments

Delta group pays tribute to fallen soldiers
A group of Delta Air Lines employees has made a commitment to honor and recognize members of the military who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Clayton CASA welcomes new volunteers
The Clayton County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, which provides volunteer advocates to children involved in deprivation cases, has reached a milestone.
Officials condemn 10 College Park apartments
Clayton County Code Enforcement officers have condemned 10 units in a College Park apartment complex, and more may face a similar fate as inspections continue, according to a spokesman for the Clayton County Fire Department, on Wednesday.
Jonesboro mock trial team braces for ‘state’
After weeks of focused practices, several members of the mostly novice Jonesboro High School mock trial team say they will be a little nervous –– but still fearless –– heading into the Georgia Mock Trial Competition this weekend.
Clayton Schools set for second gallery opening
Clayton County Public Schools will host its second Academic Gallery Opening on Tuesday, March 16, from 5 p.m., to 7 p.m., at the Clayton County Public Schools Central Administration Complex, 1058 Fifth Ave., in Jonesboro.
Riverdale hires attorney to probe ethics complaint
The Riverdale City Council voted this week to hire Dahlonega attorney, Bruce Edenfield, to investigate an ethics complaint filed by Councilman Kenny Ruffin against Councilman Wayne Hall over alleged abuses of a city-issued credit card and claims of other improprieties.

Project on Lilburn road expected to ease commute
LILBURN — Officials say one road project could mean a lot to improve both the safety and aesthetics of one of Gwinnett’s major thoroughfares.
Reed opts not to run for House
LAWRENCEVILLE — Former Christian Coalition director Ralph Reed will not run for Congress. Reed, who lives in Duluth, said he has decided against a race for the District 7 seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. John Linder, saying he would devote his time to the Faith and Freedom Coalition to help other races.
Judge bans release of hiker pics
ATLANTA — A Georgia judge barred state authorities from releasing the crime scene and autopsy photos of a 24-year-old University of Georgia graduate who was slain while hiking.
Officials plan gas leak fix
TUCKER — Utility officials will test an idea to stop methane leaking from a nearby landfill from building up in underground vaults.
‘Perfect’ timing brings Harvey Fierstein to Gwinnett
LAWRENCEVILLE — Harvey Fierstein will be in Atlanta next week performing the lead role in the musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” Before the musical’s Atlanta engagement concludes, the Broadway legend will be seated in the audience at the Aurora Theatre for a matinee showing of the Tony Award-nominated musical “A Catered Affair,” for which he penned the book.
Ralph Reed not running for congress
LAWRENCEVILLE — Former Christian Coalition director Ralph Reed will not run for Congress.

Delta group pays tribute to fallen soldiers
A group of Delta Air Lines employees has made a commitment to honor and recognize members of the military who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
HMC, Piedmont Health explore partnership
Henry Medical Center (HMC) has joined forces with Piedmont Healthcare to examine the possibility of working together more closely in the future.
Georgians owed millions in 2006 tax refunds
Nearly 46,000 Georgia workers may be able to grab a piece of more than $42 million in unclaimed 2006 tax refunds, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
New economic development projects in Locust Grove
Locust Grove has attracted two new developments, which are expected to provide an economic boost to the city.
Vehicle sought in connection with burglary
Henry County Police are seeking for the public’s help in identifying three men suspected of burglarizing a home.
Police: Teen stole video games in burglary
A teenager is in the Henry County Jail on $22,500 bond, charged with stealing video games and equipment from a McDonough home.

Chamber of Commerce holds 2010 Awards Banquet
The Butts County Chamber of Commerce held a festive celebration of the Butts County community and of the special people who make it a community to celebrate at the Fellowship Hall of Jackson United Methodist Church on Saturday evening.
Beauty and poise highlighted at annual Miss JHS Pageant
Seventeen young ladies took the stage on Saturday evening, February 27, and filled the Rufus Adams Auditorium with their contagious confidence and zest for life. Proud mothers and fathers, extended family, friends and other admirers filled the audience to support them as they showcased their fashion, public speaking, and stage presence talents.
No indictment reached against Overbey
On Aug. 3, 2009, Maj. Mike Overbey resigned his position with the Butts County Sheriff's Office (BCSO), citing personal reasons. His resignation was effective immediately.
Kicking off the Great American Clean-up of Butts County
Everyone hates trash; everyone wants someone else to do something about it. But roadways, parks, and lakesides only get cleaned up--and stay clean--when the members of a community pull together to make it happen.
Newspaper's parent company has new name
Southern Community Newspapers Incorporated is the new name of the parent company of the Jackson Progress-Argus.
Community Collaborative works to improve Butts County's Quality of Life
According to University of Georgia statistics, Butts County's per capita income in 2007 was $23,944. The state's per capita income was $33, 499.

Making a buzz: Super speller heads to state bee
CONYERS — Seventh-grader Jaire Duncan gets to miss his classes at Memorial Middle School next week, but he won’t be slacking off at home. On March 19, he will compete in the state’s annual spelling bee competition at Georgia State University.
Vets Park available for rental
CONYERS — Rockdale County updated its parks and recreation fee schedule to add the Georgia Veterans Memorial Park among facilities available for group rentals.
Study offers alternative to coal plant
CONYERS — There is a cheaper, cleaner and even a job-generating alternative to building a coal plant to address increased energy demands, according to an alliance of advocacy groups that presented its findings this week to the Snapping Shoals EMC board of directors.
Cooperative Extension offers classes for spring
CONYERS — With warmer weather and longer days ahead as spring nears, the Rockdale County Cooperative Extension Service is offering classes on yard maintenance, gardening and other outdoor activities.
Conyers begins to bloom
Flowers like these daffodils on Scott Street in Conyers began coming out this week with the warm weather as another sign of the coming of spring.
Retired educators offer college scholarship
CONYERS — Applications are being accepted through the end of the month for the annual the Henry Gibbs scholarship by the Rockdale Retired Educators Association to help college students who are pursuing a major in education.

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