Covington News

01/13/2026

Rotarians, Kiwanians, elected officials and citizens alike gathered before the sunrise on Friday morning for the annual Community Prayer Breakfast.

STORY

As 2026 ramps up, members of the Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club of Covington spent last Friday morning together for a time of prayer and reflection.

01/12/2026

Mayor Fleeta Baggett has announced her intent to eventually eliminate property taxes for Covington residents.
STORY

Mayor Fleeta Baggett has announced her intent to eventually eliminate property taxes for Covington residents.

01/12/2026

Dr. Duke Bradley III, superintendent of Newton County Schools, encouraged state legislators to reassess how public schools are funded during this year's Legislative Session during remarks at the Newton County Chamber of Commerce’s Pre-Legislative Breakfast.
STORY

At the Newton County Chamber of Commerce’s Pre-Legislative Breakfast on Jan. 8, Dr. Duke Bradley III, superintendent of Newton County Schools (NCS), voiced his support for state legislators to take a look at how public schools are funded during the upcoming Legislative Session.

01/11/2026

The weekend is almost over, but there’s still plenty of time to grab today’s edition of The Covington News. Copies are available in news stands throughout the county for just $1.

01/09/2026

Just weeks before he is set to face trial for alleged money laundering, elected Chair Marcello Banes now faces new criminal charges.

In a superseding indictment released on Jan. 6, Banes is accused of defrauding the Small Business Administration.

STORY

Just weeks before elected Newton County Chair Marcello Banes is set to stand trial in his ongoing criminal case, new charges have been brought forth against him.

01/09/2026

This story has been updated with a statement from Sharon Henderson's attorney, Gerald A. Griggs.

ATLANTA – With Georgia’s legislative session set to kick off on Monday, Jan. 12, District 113 State Representative Sharon Henderson (D-Covington) has been placed under review by Governor Brian Kemp. The outcome of this review could result in Henderson's suspension from the legislature. On Thursd...

01/09/2026

Gov. Brian Kemp has appointed a review commission that will examine if Rep. Sharon Henderson's criminal indictment “relates to and adversely affects the administration of duties” in office.

This could lead to Henderson being suspended from office while the legislative session is active.

STORY

ATLANTA – With Georgia’s legislative session set to kick off on Monday, Jan. 12, District 113 State Representative Sharon Henderson (D-Covington) has been placed under review by Governor Brian Kemp. The outcome of this review could result in Henderson's suspension from the legislature. On Thursd...

01/08/2026

House District 118 Representative Clint Crowe spoke at the Newton County Chamber of Commerce's Pre-Legislative Breakfast on Thursday morning about some of the priorities of state legislators ahead of the upcoming session.
STORY

With the annual legislative session set to begin on Monday, Jan. 12, the Newton County Chamber of Commerce invited members of the community to hear their state senators and representatives speak on issues of importance for the upcoming year.

01/08/2026

The Newton County Board of Commissioners voted on Jan. 6 to appoint District 5 Commissioner LeAnne Long as vice chair for the 2026 calendar year. Long received the nomination after two commissioners passed on the role.
STORY

The Newton County Board of Commissioners voted on Jan. 6 to appoint District 5 Commissioner LeAnne Long as vice chair for the 2026 calendar year.

01/08/2026

A Newton County Schools bus was responsible for a four-vehicle crash on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Georgia State Patrol. There were "no complaints of injury."

STORY

A four-vehicle crash involving a Newton County Schools school bus led to some traffic jams on Wednesday afternoon, but no “complaints of injury,” according to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).The crash happened on Jan. 7 at approximately 2:50 p.m. on Georgia 81 near Wynfield Drive in Porterdale.

01/08/2026

Eastside defensive coordinator Jason Tester has been hired as the newest head coach of Johns Creek.The school made an announcement on Wednesday through a news release on their website.