Newton Citizen
Celebration of Community
While the Conyers City Council handled a full agenda of policy and planning items during its March 18 meeting, the night’s most unified moments came in recognizing the people who continue to shape Conyers from the ground up. At the center of that...
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SPORTS, PAGE A8 stars for Newton Rams baseball
CONYERS — What started as a small group of residents waving signs on a street corner has grown into a weekly gathering — and now, part of a nationwide movement. Every Saturday, a group calling themselves the Center Street Irregulars meets at the...
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Community mourns loss of ‘Officer Henry’
COVINGTON — The youngest member of the Covington Police Department’s ranks lost his battle with a rare form of leukemia Monday. Honorary Officer Henry Taylor was 6 years old. Covington Mayor Fleeta Baggett, who had a special bond with Officer Henry,...
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Porterdale mourns loss of former mayor Arline Chapman
PORTERDALE — Arline Chapman, who served as mayor of Porterdale for 12 years, died Thursday. As a sign of respect and gratitude for her service, the city will fly its flags at half-staff for 12 days, representing each year of her service. Mayor Michael...
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A new voice on Council
On a weeknight in Conyers, Anthony Garcia Pacheco’s world can look like a juggling act: city emails on one screen, his toddler’s voice in the background, and a steady stream of calls from residents trying to sort rumor from reality. As Conyers’ first...
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Ballots set for primary elections
COVINGTON — Ballots are set for the May 19 general primary elections following the close of qualifying Friday. Two incumbents on the Newton County Board of Commissioners will face opposition in their bids for re-election in the primary...
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Turning the Capitol green
decades-long tradition continued Thursday, Feb. 26 in Atlanta as Georgia 4-H’ers turned the halls of the Capitol green and experienced the civic process in real time. Elected officials joined more than 700 youth, staff, volunteers and supporters to...
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Pine Street Elementary exploring responsible use of AI
Gifted students at Pine Street Elementary are already exploring the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the classroom, offering Rockdale County Board of Education members a glimpse into how emerging technology is being thoughtfully integrated...
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PRESERVING HISTORY
As Salem Campground approaches its 200th anniversary, an effort is underway to ensure that the Newton County landmark continues its mission well into its next century. Salem Campground, located on Salem Road, has been gathering the faithful for a week...
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Residents urge part-time aide for Conyers mayor
CONYERS — Public commenters at the Feb. 18 Conyers City Council meeting urged support for Mayor Connie Alsobrook to receive parttime administrative assistance, saying the growing demands of the office justify additional support staff. Two residents...
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CHILI CHAMPIONS
There were no sirens and no flashing lights. Just simmering pots and friendly rivalry at the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Chili Cook-Off on Feb. 12. The internal event was an opportunity for deputies, command staff, detention officers and...
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Pi Nu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi builds legacy of service
CONYERS — As Black History Month highlights the institutions and individuals who have shaped African American communities, the Pi Nu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity exemplifies how historically Black organizations continue to serve, mentor and...
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‘Games Afoot’
The New Depot Players are excited to present Ken Ludwig’s “Games Afoot (or Holmes for the Holidays)”, a comedic murder mystery set in 1936. After a recent attempt on his life, the actor William Gillette (played by Bob Winstead), hosts a Christmas...
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FOOTBALL AND CHEERLEADING SIGN-UPS
LITTLE CUPID CARNIVAL A Little Cupid Carnival is Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Johnson Park Recreation Center. Attendees are encouraged to work red or pink. Activities include carnival-style games, crafts and sweet surprises. It’s for...
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Conyers Rotary honors STAR students, teachers
The 2026 STAR Students and Teachers for Rockdale County were honored by the Rotary Club of Conyers on Jan. 29 in a celebration held at the Conyers- Rockdale Nancy Guinn Memorial Library. The STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Student award...
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Officials watching out for sale of Social Circle warehouse
COVINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security is apparently moving forward with a plan to purchase and convert warehouses around the country into detention facilities for immigrants awaiting deportation, and local officials are watching out for signs...
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‘Tony had a love for the city’
Visitation and funeral services are planned Wednesday for former Conyers police chief and city manager Tony Lucas, 72, of Greensboro, who died Jan. 22. Visitation is Wednesday, Feb. 4 from noon to 3 p.m., followed by funeral services at Scott Ward...
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Rockdalenewton com
COVINGTON — Sam and Loucy Hay were honored Thursday night as the R.O. Arnold Award recipients. The award was presented at the Newton County Chamber of Commerce’s 75th Annual Meeting held at Ohco District. The Arnold Award is recognized as the...
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GrAnd OPEnInG
Rockdale County Fire Station No. 5 first opened in 1987 and in the nearly 40 years since then, the county has grown by leaps and bounds and so has the demand for emergency services. But thanks to Rockdale County voters, through the special purpose...
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Roberson: Continue to build on Dr. King’s dream
COVINGTON — In his keynote address at the 41st Annual Newton County Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday observance, Emorja Roberson, encouraged those attending to not simply celebrate the promise of MLK’s dream, but to push it forward toward greater...
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Rockdale County Parks and recreation events round-up
A glance at some upcoming Rockdale County Parks and Recreation events: —A Zumba Glow Party is scheduled Friday, Jan. 23 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Johnson Park Recreation Center, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers. It’s free and is for all ages. For more...
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Banes faces new charges of defrauding the Small Business Administration
COVINGTON — Legal troubles continue to mount for suspended Newton County Commission chairman Marcello Banes. New charges were added to his federal indictment Jan. 6, alleging that in 2020 and 2021 he defrauded the Small Business Administration of...
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RIGHt On trACK Milligan to perform pre-race concert, Page B1
COVINGTON — A 180-day moratorium on data center permit applications was put into place Monday by the Covington City Council. The council also initiated an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance pertaining to data centers. Planning and Development...
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New Year’s Eve checkpoints target impaired driving across Newton County
COVINGTON — The Newton County Sheriff’s Office reported seven DUI arrests as a result of New Year’s Eve checkpoints conducted from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. The checkpoints were a coordinated effort between the NCSO, the Covington Police Department and the...
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DA’s Office will not prosecute in Magnolia Heights shooting
COVINGTON — A man who shot and killed an intruder at a Covington apartment complex will not face prosecution under Georgia’s “defense-of-habitation law,” according to the Newton County District Attorney’s Office. In a 10-page letter explaining the...
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Stories that made headlines in Newton County in 2025
Pressure for data center development — and resistance to that pressure — dominated the headlines in Newton County in 2025. Over the course of the year, local officials and residents expressed growing concern about the number of data center projects...
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Conyers employees earn special recognitions
At the 2025 City of Conyers Christmas Party, the city honored five winners of the inaugural Employee Awards for their dedication, innovation and service. A glance at each winner: Chase Childers — Innovator Award “He has created lasting improvements...
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Newton School System foresees budgeting challenges
COVINGTON — Four trends in school funding will present challenges to the Newton County School System in the upcoming budget process, according to Chief Financial Officer Erica Robinson. “Our budget directly impacts every decision we make, from the...
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Police Who Care
COVINGTON — Thirty kids walked into Walmart on Hazelbrand Road with a timid nature, but left smiling and laughing on Dec. 9. That is the effect Covington Police Department’s Police Who Care Christmas Shop With A Cop has on children from Alcovy CASA,...
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‘Better prepared to learn, grow and thrive’
C.J. Hicks Elementary School and Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS), in partnership with Kaiser Permanente and Goodr, celebrated the opening of an innovative, on-campus grocery store designed to provide free, fresh food and groceries to students and...
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Investing in classrooms
COVINGTON — Snapping Shoals EMC continues to invest in Newton County classrooms, awarding $15,000 in Bright Ideas grants to support innovative instructional projects across the district. Funded through unclaimed capital credits, these grants empower...
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Parading into the holiday season
The sky was gray but spirits were bright Saturday morning as the 2025 edition of the Covington Christmas Parade stepped off from Legion Field. Dozens of entrants marched in light rainfall down Floyd Street to the Square before turning up Conyers Street...
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