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Covington - Newcomers' Guide - 2026-2027

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NEWCOMERS’Guide

2026-2027

A Special Publication of

The Covington News


Welcome to

COVINGTON Welcome to

COMMUNITY Welcome

Home

@discovercovington @cityofcovingtonga @CovingtonGAHistoricDowntown

@discovercovington @the_cov_ga @CovingtonGAHistoricDowntown Covington City Hall 2194 Emory St. N.W. | Covington 770-385-2000

In case of emergency, call 911 Police (non-emergency): 770-385-2053 Fire (non-emergency): 770-385-2100 Covington Welcome Center discovercovingtonga.com 1143 Oak Street S.E. | Covington cit yofcovington.org 770-385-2077


We strive to work with families to make their visit to Lawnwood Memorial Park meaningful. We understand with you the life of your loved one in a way that is special to you and your family.

Lawnwood Memorial Park

burial, entombment, or ennichement of your loved one in a peaceful, idyllic, and park like surrounding and our newest cremation options insure a place of remembrance for your loved one forever.

1111 Access Road Covington, Georgia “the premier perpetual care cemetery east of Atlanta, proudly providing caring and professional service since 1954”

Phone: 770-787-8314 Website: www.lawnwoodmemorialpark.com Email: info@lawnwoodmemorialpark.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/Lawnwood


Table of Contents 7

A NEW HOME: RETAILERS CHOOSE COVINGTON

10 MIC AND CUE: STAGE 22 LAUNCHING DOWNTOWN SPOTLIGHT 13 NEW STATION, MORE SERVICES: FIRE DEPARTMENT EXPANDING 18 20 YEARS OF SUCCESS: ALCOVY HIGH CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARY 20 ELECTED OFFICIALS 24 SERVICE PROVIDERS 25 EMERGENCY SERVICES 26 SCHOOL/LIBRARY DIRECTORY 28 UPCOMING EVENTS

This magazine is a special publication of

The Covington News a publication operating under the Times Journal Media Group, Marietta, Ga. The News is published each Wednesday and Saturday, and serves as the legal organ of Newton County, Ga. Patrick Graham PUBLISHER pgraham@covnews.com

Garrett Pitts SPORTS EDITOR gpitts@covnews.com

Kevin Hensley MANAGING NEWS EDITOR khensley@covnews.com

Cynthia Blackshear ADVERTISING DIRECTOR cblackshear@covnews.com

Alice Queen CONTRIBUTING WRITER aqueen@covnews.com

Lee Ann Avery OFFICE MANAGER lavery@covnews.com

CONTACT US Mail: P.O. Box 1249, Covington, GA 30015 Phone: 770-787-6397 (NEWS) Website: covnews.com Follow us on social media

30 CHURCH LISTINGS @COVNEWS

Index of Advertisers Berry Tree Service ................................................................................. 19 Bradley’s BBQ .......................................................................................... 7 Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home .......................................................4 City of Covington ............................................INSIDE FRONT COVER City of Oxford ........................................................................................ 23 City of Porterdale ................................................................................. 29 The Clock Tower Escape Room ......................................................... 16 Fletcher’s Jewelry ..................................................................................17 Hays Tractor & Equipment ....................................................................5 Hometown Realty .................................................................................. 15 JC Harwell & Son Funeral Home ........................................................5 Keep Newton Beautiful ....................................................................... 25 Lawnwood Memorial Park .....................................................................4 McKibben Music .................................................................................... 16 Newton County Board of Commissioners ..................................... 22 Newton County Sheriff’s Office ......................................................... 21 Newton County Water & Sewer Authority ..................................... 24 Newton Drive Family Dentistry ............................................................9 Oconee Bridal on the Square .............................................................17 PC After Dark ........................................................................................... 11 Piedmont Newton .............................................INSIDE BACK COVER Sheridan & Associates ......................................................................... 15 Snapping Shoals .............................................................. BACK COVER Step Down Vintage by Pruvella ..........................................................17 Town of Newborn ................................................................................. 23 The UPS Store ....................................................................................... 25 United Bank ..............................................................................................3 Vallant Bank ............................................................................................ 12 Walden’s Restaurant ............................................................................. 16 Wheeler Funeral Home ...................................................................... 28 Wheeler Petuary .................................................................................... 15 Your Sister’s Closet ............................................................................... 16 6  2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE

THE COVINGTON NEWS


A New Home Retailers setting up shop in Covington STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALICE QUEEN COVINGTON – Covington and Newton County are seeing a spate of new retail developments – highlighted by the construction of a new Target store that has been billed as the largest of its kind built in Georgia in more than a decade. The plan will mark the most stores ALDI has opened in one year in its nearly 50-year U.S. history. Development of the new 128,500-square-feet Target is underway at Town Center off Alcovy Road. Developed by Atlanta-based Fuqua Development, the new store will anchor Covington Town Center – joining Publix, multiple restaurants, housing and hotels. Led by the Foxfield Company, Harry Kitchen and the Industrial Development Authority, the

project has been in development for seven years and is viewed as a major milestone in closing in on retail leakage in Newton County – retaining sales tax revenues and creating jobs. The Newton County Industrial Development Authority called the Target development “a generational opportunity for Newton County – a moment when decades of planning and perseverance converge into tangible progress.” The Covington Target is part of the retailer’s effort to add more large-format stores in more markets. According to Target’s website, the goal is “to deliver the best shopping experience to guests in these communities with an open layout, expanded assortment and large backrooms to support our popular same-day fulfillment services.”

The Target store – currently under construction in Covington Town Center – will be one of the largest built in Georgia in the past decade. The retailer plans to open its doors to Newton County consumers next year.

THE COVINGTON NEWS

2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE  7


Wait, there’s more! In addition to Target, Town Center will welcome a number of other retail and commercial businesses this year, including Marshalls, Five Below, Burlington, PetSmart and Texas Roadhouse. A new restaurant in the works for Ga. 142 in Covington is Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar. Based in Augusta, the company plans to open a new location between Tractor Supply and Mavis Tires. Initially permitted in 2021, the restaurant is known for its rustic, beach-shack ambiance and “Beyond Casual Seafood.” Jackson Market on U.S. 278 in Covington – developed last year – continues to draw new retail outlets. In addition to Chicken Salad Chick, Five Guys, Caribou Coffee, Touchdown Wings and more,

8  2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE

a new location for McAlister’s Deli is planned for Jackson Market. Overall, the city of Covington has issued more than 150 business licenses since January of this year – some for existing businesses and others for new enterprises. Among other new businesses that opened their doors this year are Patience Coffee in Clark’s Grove; Headbangers Taphouse and The House of Nosh & Brew – both off U.S. 278 – and The Livery event center on Reynolds Street. In unincorporated Newton County, plans are underway for development of a new ALDI grocery store on Brown Bridge Road. The 20,000-squarefoot store is planned on an undeveloped 3.3-acre lot next door to a Goodyear store and across from Walmart.

THE COVINGTON NEWS


ALDI – which bills itself as the fastestgrowing grocer in the U.S. – announced plans in February to open more than 225 new store locations this year; as part of the next phase of its five-year national growth strategy.

Publix will join Target as the anchors of Town Center. Other new retail and commercial outlets in the works are Marshalls, Five Below, Burlington, PetSmart, and Texas Roadhouse.

THE COVINGTON NEWS

2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE  9


Mic&Cue

Production company opens in downtown STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN HENSLEY COVINGTON – Brian David Barnard and Tommy Walton are living the dream: pursuing their passions and earning a living at the same time.

“We love movies and would be doing something movie-adjacent – or TV – if we weren’t doing this,” Walton added. “We’re just getting started.”

Co-founders of Fuel Films, Inc., the two have moved from office space inside the Newton County Chamber of Commerce to the former home of Ramsey Furniture – just a block removed from the Covington Square, on the corner of Usher and Brown streets.

The production studio alone encompasses 4,000 square feet and was constructed by local firm Georgia Unlimited Roofing & Building.

“We fuel brands and storytelling,” Walton explained. “We’re fueled by our love for our work. We’re fueled by our for-profit work, so that we can do meaningful work for charities – at a discounted rate.”

ABOVE: Brian David Barnard (left) and Tommy Walton have opened Stage 22 in downtown Covington, which features a soundstage and production facilities. Plans to expand the business are in the works. BELOW: Stage 22 features “edit bays” – where post-production personnel can make tweaks to their projects before release

Currently in place is a multi-purpose soundstage, which can be used for everything from professional photoshoots to a staging area for club services; fullyfunctional editing suites; and meeting space. Each component will combine with a planned taproom/ brewery; a beer garden; a food-truck area; and a throwback to a simpler time – a soda stand – all at the same facility. “Everybody keeps asking, ‘How are you doing all those things together and what did you think of that?,’” Barnard shared. “They’re just all things we like.”

10  2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE

“We’re set up to do almost anything,” said Barnard. “Since we set up our offices, we’ve already had two location scouts stop by to look at our stage.” Named after the year Covington was founded, Stage 22 brings a modern feel to the downtown district; while simultaneously maintaining its focus on the heritage of the “Hollywood of the South.” “Previously, this has been such a hotbed for tons and tons of filmwork,” Barnard said. “However, TV shows never really stopped filming here, so it seemed like the perfect location. “We want this to be seen as a large soundstage; and the number matches the Hollywood trend of numbering soundstages.”

Barnard and Walton met while working for Covingtonbased Triple Horse Studios. A graduate of Eastside High School, Walton had just obtained a college degree and was interning with Triple Horse – where Barnard was a full-time employee. The two stayed in touch after THE COVINGTON NEWS


Walton left for his own full-time position elsewhere; Fuel Films, Inc., came to fruition in 2018. The production company has already had significant success. Though the crux of the operation thus far has been generating content for industrial and manufacturing companies like Georgia Pacific and Takeda, Fuel Films sold a movie in 2025, “Down River,” which can be streamed on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Fandango, Google Play, PLEX, Pluto TV, Tubi and YouTube. “We’ve gone from being a for-hire, post-production company to operating as more of a creative agency,” Walton said. “We’ve seen people build production studios; and they sit empty – most of the time. We didn’t necessarily want to take that risk, so we wanted to have a modular space with a taproom. We knew it would pay for itself and that we were going to be efficient with the space.” Barnard and Walton had forecasted the need to expand their operation successfully, scouting properties around Covington until closing on the former home of Ramsey Furniture in September 2025. “We needed a space that wouldn’t keep everyone jammed in one room; while also entertaining clients and one central location to do production,” Barnard said. “If someone wants to come in and rent the whole facility, we’re set up to where we can work from home.” The second phase of Stage 22 – the brewery and soda station – is something Barnard hopes will be open to the public by

Stage 22’s soundstage is equipped to handle everything from professional photoshoots to behind-the-scenes features for television and movie projects.

October 2027. The brewery’s components are currently on standby in the New England area. “All of our associates’ properties are like this,” said Barnard. “This is very community-focused. It’s family-friendly and dogfriendly; we will have a kids zone, where they can hang out while the parents hang out. “You don’t get this kind of vibe from a local bar or dive. We want to provide something for our production company, as well as the community.”

NEIGHBORHOOD!

are you connected? We repair tablets & smart phones! ••••••••• On-Site Service available for home or business ••••••••• Walk-ins are always welcome!

Our staff welcomes the opportunity to serve you!

PC

AfterDark

Computers

6157 Highway 278 NW, Suite 14 • Covington • 770-788-7000 • pcafterdark.com THE COVINGTON NEWS

Stop in and browse our large selection of name brand, quality hardware and software! We specialize in upgrades, computer & printer repair, service & networking! We sell new & used computers, laptops & printers. 2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE  11


Your future starts here, right in Covington.

At Vallant Bank, we’re more than your local branch. We’re your neighbors, partners and advocates for financial growth. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, expanding your business or buying your dream home, we’re here for every step. Visit us at 6124 Hwy. 278 NE or learn more at Vallant.Bank.


New Station, More Services

Municipality expanding availability of emergency detail STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALICE QUEEN

Attendees at the groundbreaking for the Covington Fire Department’s Station 23 were given an opportunity to autograph a sign from an old firetruck, which will hang inside the new station.

COVINGTON – A new public safety facility – designed to provide enhanced services to the community – is expected to come online next summer. Ground was broken in late-July for the new $8 million Covington Fire Department facility on Jackson Ga. , in the southern part of the city. Completion is set for August 2027.

THE COVINGTON NEWS

“We’re excited,” said Covington Fire Chief Joe Doss, who has been with the department nearly three decades. “It’s going to be a great change. I’m glad to have been here to see it. It’s going to be a very good thing for the city and the community.” Station 23 will be a comprehensive public safety facility and will include three bays for fire department vehicles; living quarters with eight

2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE  13


bunks; officers’ quarters; a gym; a training room; warehouse space for fire equipment and supplies; and a public meeting space. A Covington Police Department substation, an office for the fire marshal, and EMS quarters will also be included. A significant addition will be a three-story training tower for firefighters. Doss said the training tower is a “very important” aspect of the new facility because “it ties back into ISO (Insurance Services Office) ratings.”

can offer classes that are now available to firefighters at the Georgia Fire Academy in Forsyth. The fire department is already adding recruits to staff the new fire station. Doss said Station 23 will initially begin with a single crew with four personnel assigned to each shift. Nine of the 12 personnel have already been hired, said Doss, with another three to be hired next July. “The goal, long-term, is to run a second unit out of there,” said Doss.

“If our ISO rating improves, then the community, the citizens’ insurance costs could go down,” Doss pointed out.

A fire engine that will be housed at Station 23 is also on order. Doss said the engine was ordered about a year ago; it takes about three years from the time an order is placed to delivery of a fire engine.

Doss explained that the Insurance Services Office recently changed some of its requirements for training. In years past, fire departments were able to train at surrounding departments that already had training towers. Now, it has become more advantageous for departments to have their own training tower where they can conduct exercises such as search and rescue, high-altitude rescue and victim extrication.

With completion of Station 23, the Covington Fire Department will have stations strategically located on the north and south sides of the city, as well as the central headquarters on Pace Street. Doss said as the city has grown and calls for fire service have increased, it became apparent that fire response to the south side – particularly through the Historic Square – could be hampered by traffic and other factors.

Doss said the training tower will be an important component of training for both the Covington Fire Department and Newton County Fire Service. The two departments already share a training site on Piper Road. The addition of the training tower is part of a broader plan to provide greater access to training through development of a regional training center – where the departments

Doss said Covington is no longer the “sleepy little town” it was when he started his fire career 28 years ago. “Back then … there might have been a shift or two when you never heard a call,” he said. “We’ve not had that in years and years.”

Ground was broken July 31 on construction of Covington Fire Station 23 on Jackson Ga. .

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THE COVINGTON NEWS


Your pet is part of your family…

OUR MISSION: To provide compassionate care for your beloved companions.

Wheeler PETuary Our Family Serving Yours 78 Chamisa Rd, Covington, GA 30016 www.wheelerpetuary.com

470-205-3000 SERVING 6 COUNTIES

A Proud Contributor to Our Local Humane Society


Discover everything Downtown Covington has to offer! With annual events and great shopping and dining options, there’s something for everyone.

YOUR SISTER’S CLOSET Women’s Consignment Boutique Elizabeth Dougherty 770-788-2804

1106 Monticello St Covington, GA 30014


FLETCHER’S FLETCHER’S JEWELRY, INC. JEWELRY, INC. ON THE ON THE SQUARE SQUARE Diamonds • Watches Diamonds • Watches Gold • Silver Gold • Silver

Your Jewelers Since 1932 Your Jewelers Since 1932 1113 Washington Street 1113 Washington Street Covington, GAGA 30014 Covington, 30014

770-786-2955 770-786-2955

facebook@fletchersjewelry facebook@fletchersjewelry www.fletchersonthesquare.com www.fletchersonthesquare.com

Your Bridal Experience Starts Here! At Oconee Bridal, we’re here to help you find the dress you’ve been dreaming of! Whether you’re looking for timeless, modern, romantic, or completely you—we’re ready to help you say YES to the dress! Oconee Bridal — where your bridal vision comes to life. Walk-ins Welcome  VIP Appointments Available  Easy Online Scheduling Bridal gowns ranging from $1,000–$6,000. A beautiful selection for the Modest Bride by Barbie Anne Bridal. Designers including Casablanca, Allure, Justin Alexander & Maggie Sottero. Mother-Of dresses  Suits & Tuxedos available for purchase or rental Walk in or schedule your appointment online today!

1192 CLARK ST., COVINGTON, GA 30014 | 470.327.2532 | OCONEEBRIDAL@GMAIL.COM | WWW.OCONEEBRIDAL.COM


Anyone who walks through the doors of Alcovy High School are immediately filled with a sense of “Tiger Pride.” The school is celebrating its 20th year in existence.

20 Years of Success Alcovy High celebrating anniversary STORY & PHOTGRAPY BY GARRETT PITTS ALCOVY – Alcovy may be the youngest high school in the county, but the Tiger Pride is celebrating a significant milestone. Students that walked into Alcovy on Aug. 3 for the first day of class helped mark the 20th year of a school that opened its door for the first time in July 2006. Since then, Alcovy has only grown from its original student body count of 1,500. Now, the school sits at just over 2,000 students – and has sent alumni across the state and the nation. Alcovy principal Michael Chapple is only in his second year at the helm, but the significance of the year did not escape him. “To recognize 20 years of Alcovy High School, we started out this year making sure that it was the highlight of the year. For any accomplishment of 20 years, that’s a big thing,” Chapple said. “So we want to celebrate everything that the school has been, the tradition and all the things of the past, as well as looking forward to the future of how we can better Alcovy High School. Even in the community – to have the community embrace the school even more.” Community outreach has one of a few major themes of Chapple’s tenure – and letting people know about Alcovy’s 20th year will serve as a big focus over the next two semesters. As the only high school in the county to not move from its original building, Chapple hopes people from all over Newton County can take the trip down Ga. 36 – where the Tiger Pride 18  2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE

has always resided. Along with the community outreach, another part of celebrating 20 years of Alcovy will come down to the current student body. While every student may not know yet, athletic director Emmanuel Williams hopes the entire student body can come together to celebrate – especially the Class of 2027. “It’s wild, because a lot of students know, but they don’t know,” Williams joked. “We do make them aware that it is the 20th year that the school has been in existence and that their class – and all classes are special – but this class is the 20th year. The excitement on their faces is amazing. “It is like, ‘Oh my God, I am different. I am actually a part of something that is special.’ For the ones that do know, it changes their attitude and their perspective.” The Tigers welcomed their 20th year with another big milestone – the school’s first ever on-campus football stadium. Nicknamed “The Cove,” the stadium will serve as a spot for Alcovy’s football, flag football, soccer, track and fieldm and cross country teams to defend their turf for the first time ever. “It has been great,” Chapple said. “The opportunity to be able to play on your home field – you have a home turf to defend. We’re just trying to rally the students now to make sure they understand, like, ‘Hey, we want you guys to be out here and support because we want to make it tough on the other opponents as they come in.’” THE COVINGTON NEWS


Alcovy’s fierce fanbase now has its own facility to call home, as “The Cove” opened for the 2026-27 sports calendar.

This fall, The Cove will be the setting for one of many celebrations held to highlight year 20 for Alcovy. “We have a committee that we put together – at homecoming, we'll be inviting former alumni back to the school,” Chapple explained. “We did a few social media posts at the beginning of the year that kind of goes through the different times of the twenty years. Some of them talked about yearbooks — we went back and found old yearbooks and posted things that were popular back then that now, you know, kids would be like, ‘What's that?’” Williams noted that along with the assistant principals, longtime Alcovy discipline clerk Kymberli Durden has played a large part in the 20th-year festivities across the school year.

they attended Alcovy. “Our theme this year is really centered around Tiger Pride. So we want people to be proud of Alcovy. So within the next five years, we wanna be seen in the same light as the other two high schools in the district. So we want people to recognize the great things going on at Alcovy in athletics, academics, arts, and all the things that we have here to offer.” “Homecoming will be special,” Williams added. “Homecoming has been planned by one of our assistant principals and someone else who is amazing – coach Durden. There is no doubt in my mind that it is going to be special.”

“We want to just highlight those things,” Williams noted. “So we plan on doing multiple celebrations throughout the year to get people involved in celebrating the 20 years.” Chapple and Williams are both fairly new to the school, but the admin duo has been instrumental in reshaping the image of Alcovy High School. “When I came in last year, one of the things that I did was to rebrand Alcovy,” Chapple said. “We changed our logo. We're looking forward to changing the culture. We're looking forward to just being a part of the community. We want the students to be proud that they graduate from Alcovy – that THE COVINGTON NEWS

2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE  19


ELECTED OFFICIALS of Newton County ALCOVY JUDICIAL CIRCUIT SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES Chief Judge Layla H. Zon Office Address: Judge Horace J. Johnson Jr. Judicial Center 1132 Usher Street, Room 208 Covington, GA 30014 Phone:770-784-2180 Judge Randy McGinley Office Address: Walton County Government Building 303 S. Hammond Drive, Suite 221 Monroe, GA 30655 Phone: 770-267-1339

NEWTON COUNTY CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATES

DISTRICT ATTORNEY Amber Bennett Dally, District Attorney Newton County District Attorney’s Office: 1132 Usher Street, Room 313 Covington, GA 30014 Phone: 770-784-2070 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

U.S. Rep. Everton Blair 13th Congressional District District office: 5 Gresham Landing, Ste A Stockbridge, GA, 30281 ph: (770) 210-5073

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, R 10th Congressional District District office: 100 Court St. Monroe, GA 30655 Phone:770-207-1776

NEWTON COUNTY CORONER Kimberly Griggs, Coroner Office Address: Newton County Coroner’s Office 1124 Clark Street Covington, GA 30014 Phone: 678-625-1218

NEWTON COUNTY GENERAL ASSEMBLY DELEGATES Judge Jeffrey L. Foster Office Address: Walton County Government Building 303 S. Hammond Drive, Suite 221 Monroe, GA 30655 Phone: 770-267-1339

Judge Cheveda D. Mccamy Office Address: Judge Horace J. Johnson, Jr. Judicial Center 1132 Usher Street, Room 220 Covington, GA 30014 Phone:770-784-2080

Judge G. Kevin Morris Office Address: Walton County Government Building 303 S. Hammond Drive, Suite 221 Monroe, GA 30655 Phone: 770-267-1339

Rep. Sharon Henderson Georgia’s 113th District

Rep. Tim Fleming Georgia’s 114th District

Rep. Clint Crowe Georgia’s 118th District

Sen. Gail Davenport Georgia’s 17th District

Sen. Tonya Anderson Georgia’s 43rd District

NEWTON COUNTY CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS Melanie Bell, Probate Judge Office Address: Judge Horace J. Johnson Jr. Judicial Center 1132 Usher Street, Rm 148, Covington, GA 30014 Phone:770-784-2045

Stephanie Finnie, Clerk of Superior Court Office Address: Judge Horace J. Johnson Jr. Judicial Center 1132 Usher Street Room 338 Covington, GA 30014 Phone:770-784-2035

Ezell Brown, Sheriff Office Address: Newton County Sheriff’s Office 15151 Alcovy Road NE Covington, GA 30014 Phone: 678-625-1401

Brent Bennett, Tax Commissioner 1113 Usher St NW # 101, Covington, GA 30014 Phone:770-784-2020

NEWTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Marcello Banes Chair

Stan Edwards Commissioner District 1

20  2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE

T. Demond Mason Commissioner District 2

Andre Cooper Interim Commissioner District 3

J.C. Henderson Commissioner District 4

LeAnne Long Commissioner District 5

THE COVINGTON NEWS


NEWTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Dr. Duke Bradley Ill

Trey Bailey

Eddie Johnson

Shakila Henderson-Baker

Anderson Bailey

Abigail Coggin

Superintendent

District 1

District 2

District 3

District 4

District 5

The Newton County Board of Commissioners is responsible for establishing county policies and for setting the county budget. The board adopts the county budget and authorizes expenditures. The board also approves or denies zoning throughout the county. Six members constitute the Board of Commissioners. The county is divided into five commission districts. The district commissioners are elected by district and the chairman is elected countywide. They all serve staggered four-year terms. All work sessions at board meetings are called and posted as needed. Agendas of all meetings are made available through the county clerk’s office. The Board of Commissioners meets every first and third Tuesday of each month at the Historic Courthouse on the Covington Square, located at 1124 Clark Street. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1527, Covington, GA 30015 Phone: 770-784-2000

THE COVINGTON NEWS

The Newton County Board of Education generally meets twice each month, once in a work session and once in a regularly scheduled meeting. Exceptions occur during the months of April, June and July, when the Board meets only once. The Board of Education adopts a meeting schedule each January and those dates are published by the Newton County School System Public Relations Department. Board work sessions and meetings are held at 7 p.m. and are open to the public. The Board meets in executive session at 6 p.m. prior to each work session and monthly meeting. Executive sessions are not open to the public as they include discussions on potential litigation, personnel issues, and future real estate acquisitions. Other called Board meetings are scheduled as necessary to approve bids, hear appeals, and discuss budget issues and other matters that require immediate Board action. Board members also attend training workshops and district and state meetings throughout the school year. Meetings are held at the Newton County School System Administrative Services building, located at 2109 Newton Drive NE, Covington, Georgia 30014, and begin promptly at 7 p.m. Contact: 770-787-1330

2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE  21


CITY OF COVINGTON

Fleeta Baggett Mayor

Dwayne Turner Council Post 1 East Ward

Travis Moore Council Post 2 East Ward

Jared Rutberg Council Post 3 East Ward

The Covington City Council meets every first and third Monday night at 6:30 p.m. inside the council’s meeting room at city hall, located at 2194 Emory Street NW.

Kim Johnson Council Post 1 West Ward

Charika Davis Council Post 2 West Ward

Anthony Henderson Council Post 3 West Ward

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1527, Covington, GA 30015 Phone: 770-385-2000 Email: questions@cityofcovington.org

CITY OF OXFORD

David Eady Mayor

Erik Oliver Council Post 1

George Holt Council Post 2

Laura Mccanless Council Post 3

The Oxford City Council meets every first Monday of the month and holds a work session every third Monday at city hall, located at 110 W. Clark St., Oxford, GA 30054

Mike Ready Council Post 4

Jim Windham Council Post 5

Jeff Wearing Council Post 6

Mailing Address: 110 W. Clark St., Oxford, GA 30054 Phone: 770-786-7004 Email: comments@oxf ordgeorgia.org

Connect with

Newton County Attend meetings the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month Watch at youtube.com/newtoncountygovernment Discover on Facebook/newtoncountyga Engage with the Notify Newton App Visit newtoncountygov.com

22  2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE

Notify Newton App

THE COVINGTON NEWS


Porterdale City Council meets for regular meetings the first Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m., with work sessions on the second Tuesday and fourth Thursday, at City Hall, 2400 Main St., Porterdale, GA 30014.

CITY OF PORTERDALE

Michael Patterson Mayor

Rebekah Sewell Council Post 1

Halima Muhammad Council Post 2

Leigh Canada Council Post 3

Newborn Town Council meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, located at 4224 Ga. 142. Work sessions are scheduled as needed.

Bruce Carter Council Post 4

Lowell Chambers Council Post 5

TOWN OF NEWBORN

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 667, Porterdale, GA 30070 Phone: 770-786-2217

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 247, Newborn, GA 30056 Phone: 770-787-1660

TOWN OF MANSFIELD

Blair Northen Mayor

Monica Sagastizado Council Post 1

Gregg Ellwanger Mayor

Helen Robertson Council Post 2

CITY OF SOCIAL CIRCLE

David Keener Mayor

Adam Conavay Council District 3

Traysa Price Council District 1

Steve Shelton Council District 4

THE COVINGTON NEWS

Tyson Jackson Council District 2

The Social Circle City Council meets regularly on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. inside the City Community Room located at 138 East Hightower Trail. City Hall is located at 166 N. Cherokee Rd.

Robert Bratton Council Post 1

Brandon Hays Council Post 3

Tom Krieger Council Post 2

Cain Williamson Council Post 3

Scott Colyn Council Post 4

Mansfield City Council meetings are held the second Monday of each month, with work sessions the first Monday, inside the Mansifeld Community Center. City Hall is located at 3146 State Hwy 11.

Michael Caw Council Post 4

Fred Purvis Council Post 5

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 35, 3146 Hwy 11 S., Mansfield, GA 30055-0035 Phone: 770-785-7235

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 310 166 N Cherokee Road, Social Circle, GA 30025 Phone: 770-464-2380 Email: manager@socialcirclega.gov

2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE  23


SERVICE PROVIDERS BASED ON LOCATION The following is a listing of ways to contact water utilities in Newton County. Your provider will vary, depending on where you live: Newton County Water & Sewerage Authority 770-787-1375 www.ncwsa.us https: //ncwsa.us/customer-service/ City of Covington 770-385-2000

City of Oxford 770-786-7004

City of Mansfield 770-786-7235

City of Porterdale 770-786-2217

City of Newborn 770-787-1660

24  2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE

THE COVINGTON NEWS


EMERGENCY SERVICE EMERGENCY SERVICE County Fire Service EMERGENCY SERVICESNewton Covington Police Department EMERGENCY SERVICE EMERGENCY SERVICES 4136-A U.S. Hwy.Fire 278Service Newton County Covington Police Department 13183 Harland Dr NE

Covington Police Department 13183 Harland Dr NE 770-786-7605 Covington Police Department Covington Police Department Covington Police Department 13183 770-786-7605 Harland Dr NE Covington Police Department 13183 770-786-7605 Harland Dr NE 13183 Harland Dr NE 13183 Harland Dr NE 770-786-7605 770-786-7605 770-786-7605 Porterdale Police Department 2602 Main St., Porterdale Porterdale Police Department 770-786-2226 Porterdale 2602 Main St., Police Porterdale Department 770-786-2226 Porterdale Police Department Porterdale Police Department 2602 Main St., Porterdale Porterdale Police Department 2602 Main St., Porterdale 770-786-2226 2602 Main St., Porterdale 2602 Main St., Porterdale 770-786-2226 770-786-2226

770-786-2226

Oxford Police Department 110 W. Clark St., Oxford Oxford Police Department 110 W. Clark St., Oxford 770-788-1390 Oxford Police Department 770-788-1390 Oxford Police Department 110 W.Department Clark St., Oxford Oxford Police Oxford Department 110Police W. St., Oxford 770-788-1390 110 W. Clark St.,Clark Oxford 110 W.770-788-1390 Clark St., Oxford 770-788-1390

770-788-1390

Social Circle Police Department Social Circle Police Department 138 E Hightower Trail, Social Circle; 770-464-2366 Social 138 E Hightower Circle Police Trail, Department Social Circle Police Department 138 Social E Hightower Circle; 770-464-2366 Trail, Social Circle Police Department Social Circle Police Department 138 E Hightower Trail, Social Circle; 770-464-2366 138 E Hightower Trail,Trail, 138 E Social Hightower Circle; 770-464-2366 Social Circle; 770-464-2366

Social Circle; 770-464-2366

LITTER CONTROL PROGRAM

LITTER...IT COSTS YOU.

Adopt-aMile Any family, organization, business, club, or other group can adopt-a-mile! Participating groups agree to clean up roadside litter along their adopted mile 4 times per year.

Visit KNB’s website:

www.keepnewtonbeautiful.org or call to sign up or to get more information Keep Newton Beautiful Covington, G 30014

Signs are erected to Phone: 770- -20 5 advertise and acknowledge THE COVINGTON NEWS groups who participate. Email: lriley@co.newton.ga.us THE COVINGTON NEWS

THE COVINGTON NEWS THE COVINGTON THE COVINGTON NEWS NEWS THE COVINGTON NEWS THE COVINGTON NEWS

770-784-2116 4136-A Newton U.S. County Hwy.Fire 278Service 770-784-2116 Newton County Fire Service Newton County Fire 4136-A U.S. Hwy. 278Service Newton County Fire Service 4136-A U.S. Hwy. 278 770-784-2116 4136-A U.S. Hwy. 278 4136-A U.S. Hwy. 278 770-784-2116 770-784-2116

770-784-2116

Covington Fire Department 2101 Pace St., Covington FireCovington Department Covington Fire Department 770-385-2100 Covington 2101 Pace St., Fire Covington Department 2101 Pace St., Covington 770-385-2100 Covington FireCovington Department 2101 Pace St., Covington Fire Department 770-385-2100 2101 Pace St., Covington 770-385-2100 2101 Pace St., Covington 770-385-2100 770-385-2100 Social Circle Fire Department Social Circle Fire Department 165165 East Hightower Trail, Social Circle East Hightower Trail, Social Social Circle Fire Department 770-464-0621 Social 165 East Circle Hightower Fire Department Trail, Social Circle Circle 770-464-0621 Social Circle Fire Department 165 East Hightower Trail, Social Circle Social Circle Fire Department 770-464-0621 165 East Hightower Trail, Social 770-464-0621 165 East Hightower Trail, Social Circle Circle 770-464-0621 770-464-0621 Newton County Sheriff’s Newton County Sheriff’s Office Office Newton County Sheriff’s Office 15151 Alcovy Road NE 15151 Alcovy Road NE General Information | 678-625-1400 Newton 15151 Alcovy County Road Sheriff’s NE Office General Information Jail Information | 678-625-1420 Newton County Sheriff’s 15151 General Alcovy Information Road NE | 678-625-1400 Newton County Sheriff’s Office Office 678-625-1400 Jail Information | 678-625-1420 15151 Alcovy General Information | 678-625-1400 15151 Alcovy Road NERoad NE General Information |I 678-625-1400 Jail Information | 678-625-1420 Jail Information 678-625-1420 General Information | 678-625-1400 Jail Information | 678-625-1420 Jail Information | 678-625-1420 Covington – Newton County 911 Center Covington - Newton County 911 Covington – Newton 911 Center 11234 Alcovy Road NECounty Emergency: Center Covington 11234 Alcovy –9-1-1 Newton Road NECounty 911 Center Non-Emergency: 678-342-8790 Covington –9-1-1 Newton County 911 Center 11234 Emergency: Alcovy Road NE911 11234 Alcovy Road NE Covington – Newton County Center Non-Emergency: 678-342-8790 11234 Alcovy Road NE Emergency: 9-1-1 11234 Alcovy Road NE 9-1-1 Emergency: Emergency: Non-Emergency: Emergency: 9-1-1 9-1-1678-342-8790 Non-Emergency: 678-342-8790 Non-Emergency: 678-342-8790 Non-Emergency: 678-342-8790

United Problem Solvers

The UPS Store™ Locally Owned and Operated Mark & Kathy Lord

770-876-3288

Newton Plaza ~ 3142 Hwy 278 NW Covington, GA 30014

store6787@theupsstore.com

2025 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE 2025 NEWCOMERS’ NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE GUIDE 2025

2025 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE 2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE  25 2025 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE 2025 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE 49


Schools & libraries across the county

N

ewton County is home to some of the best educational institutions in the state of Georgia. NEWTON COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

East Newton Elementary School 2286 Dixie Road Phone: (770) 784-2973 Fax: (770) 784-2976 Fairview Elementary School 3325 Fairview Road Phone: (770) 786-2636 Fax: (770) 784-2938 Flint Hill Elementary School 1300 Airport Road Phone: (770) 784-2969 Fax: (770) 784-2994 Heard-Mixon Elementary School 14110 Ga. 36 Phone: (770) 784-2980 Fax: (770) 784-2984 Live Oak Elementary School 500 Kirkland Road Phone: (678) 625-6654 Fax: (678) 625-6021 26  2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE

Livingston Elementary School 3657 Ga. 81 South Phone: (770) 784-2930 Fax: (678) 625-6230

South Salem Elementary School 5355 Salem Road Phone: (678) 342-5907 Fax: (678) 342 -5908

Mansfield Elementary School 45 East Third Avenue Phone: (770) 784-2948 Fax: (770) 784-2995

West Newton Elementary School 13387 Brown Bridge Road Phone: (770) 385-6472 Fax: (770) 385-6475

Middle Ridge Elementary School 11649 South Covington Bypass Road Phone: (770)-385-6463 Fax: (770) -385-6466

Clements Middle School 66 Jack Neely Road Phone: (770) 784-2992 Fax: (770) 784-2992

Oak Hill Elementary School 6243 Ga. 212 Phone: ( 770) 385-6906 Fax: (770) 385-6069 Porterdale Elementary School 45 Ram Drive Phone: (770) 784-2928 Fax: (770) 784-2993 Rocky Plains Elementary School 5300 Ga. 162 South Phone: (770) 784-4987 Fax: (770) 784-4988

Cousins Middle School 8187 Carlton Trail N.W. Phone: (770) 786-7311 Fax: (770) 784-2991 Indian Creek Middle School 11051 South Covington By-Pass Road Phone: ( 770) 385-6453 Fax: (770) 385-6456 Liberty Middle School 5225 Salem Road Phone: (678) 625-6617 Fax: (678) 625-6200

THE COVINGTON NEWS


Veterans Memorial Middle School 13357 Brown Bridge Road Phone: (770) 385-6893 Fax: (770) 385-6899 Alcovy High School 14567 Ga. 36 Phone: (770) 784-4995 Fax: (770) 784-4996 Eastside High School 140 Ga. 142 Phone: (770) 784-2920 Fax: (770) 784-2918

Georgia State University Newton Campus 239 Cedar Lane Phone: (770) 278-1200 perimeter.gsu.edu/about-perimetercollege/our-campuses/newton/ Georgia Piedmont Technical College Newton Campus 16200 Alcovy Road Phone: (404) 297-9522 gptc.edu/future-students/locations/ PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Newton High School 1 Ram Way Phone: (770) 787-2250 Fax: ( 770) 784-2957

Alpha Omega Preparatory Academy 3824 Salem Road Phone: (770) 788-7100 alphaomegaprep.com/

Newton County Theme School at Ficquett 2207 Williams Street Phone: ( 770) 784-2959 Fax: (770) 784 -2963

Covington Academy 396 Elks Club Road Phone: (678) 625-9025 covingtonacademy.com

Mainstay Academy 1110 N. Emory Street Phone: (770) 385-6878 Fax: (678) 625-6287 Newton College & Career Academy 144 Ram Drive Phone: 678-625 -6769 Fax: (678) -625-6041 RISE Academy 10714 Bypass Road, Suite 3 Phone: (678) 625-6826 Fax: (678) 625-6370 ra.newtoncountyschools.org WALTON COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM Social Circle High School 154 Alcova Dr. Social Circle, GA 30025 Phone: (770) 464-2611 Fax: (770) 464-2612 COLLEGES Oxford College of Emory University 110 Few Circle Phone: (770) 784-8888 oxford.emory.edu/

THE COVINGTON NEWS

Grace Christian Academy 1705 Access Rd Phone: (770) 385-7390 Montessori School of Covington 4108 Summers St. Phone: (770) 788-7779 montessori-covington.org Peachtree Academy 14101 Ga. 278 E Phone: (770) 860-8900 peachtreeacademy.com Providence Classical Christian School 252 Byrd Road, Oxford Phone: (770) 788-6618

The Jeanette Adams Zeigler Library located in Newborn City Hall offers limited services including borrowing books and movies, story times for children, computers for public use and internet access as well as answering general questions. 4224 Ga. 142, Newborn Phone: 770-787-1126 Monday and Wednesday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Porter Memorial Branch Library is a full-service branch of the Newton County Library System. The 18,000-square-foot LEED building is named in honor of James Hyde Porter and features adult and children books, audio books, DVDs and music CDs, public computing with internet access, plus a teen room, quiet room, study rooms, meeting room and conference room. 6191 Ga. 212, Covington Phone: 678-729-1388 Monday and Wednesday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. UNCLE REMUS LIBRARY SYSTEM W.H. Stanton Memorial Library 407 W. Hightower Trail, Social Circle Phone: 770-464-2444 Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

NEWTON COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM The Covington Branch Library is a full-service public library and serves as the headquarters for the Newton County Library System in Covington. 7116 Floyd St. NE., Covington Phone: 770-787-3231 Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE  27


UPCOMING EVENTS OCTOBER THURSDAY, 1ST X Live at Lunch Concert on the Square: Sebastian Tartas and Shaw Coggin, noon – 1 p.m., at Covington Square Park. Piedmont Newton will be offering free flu shots for ages 12 and older. X Food Truck Thursday, 3-7 p.m., Oxford Farmers Market (915 Emory St.)

28  2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE

THURSDAY, 8TH

FRIDAY, 9TH

Watson St., Oxford).

X Live at Lunch Concert on the Square: Midnite Cruzer, noon – 1 p.m., at Covington Square Park. Piedmont Newton will be offering free flu shots for ages 12 and older.

X Live at Legion Concert: The Evolution of Beyonce, 7-9 p.m., at Legion Field (3173 Mill St., Covington). Gates open at 6 p.m. No tents allowed. Food trucks on-site. Bring a chair or blanket for seating.

X Pickin’ in the Park, 6-8:30 p.m., at the Newborn Town Park (4224 Ga. 142).

X Oxford Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m., 915 Emory St.

SATURDAY, 10TH X Faith & Blue, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., at Asbury Street Park (104 W.

THURSDAY, 15TH X Live at Lunch Concert on the Square: Eddie Hinton, noon – 1 p.m., at Covington Square Park. Piedmont Newton will be offering free flu shots for ages 12 and older.

THE COVINGTON NEWS


X Oxford Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m., 915 Emory St.

FRIDAY, 16TH X Movie at the Park, 6:30 p.m., at Asbury Street Park (104 W. Watson St., Oxford). The feature will be “Toy Story 5.” Bring a chair or blanket for seating.

SATURDAY, 17TH X Community Yard Sale, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Town of Newborn Maintenance Barn (4346 Ga. 142). $10 to sell; provide your own table. X Covington Fall Festival, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., on the Covington Square. Over 80 vendors; games; a petting zoo; food; and rides will be on-hand.

THURSDAY, 22ND X Live at Lunch Concert on the Square: Tragic Love, noon – 1 p.m., at Covington Square Park. X Oxford Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m., 915 Emory St.

THE COVINGTON NEWS

SATURDAY, 24TH X Trunk-or-Treat, 3-6 p.m., at the Oxford Farmers Market (915 Emory St.)

THURSDAY, 29TH X Oxford Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m., 915 Emory St.

SATURDAY, 31ST X Trick-or-Treat on Legion Field, 2-4 p.m., 3173 Mill St. Music, food and activities for kids.

DECEMBER THURSDAY, 3RD X Food Truck Thursday, 3-7 p.m., Oxford Farmers Market (915 Emory St.)

SATURDAY, 5TH X Covington Christmas Parade, 10 a.m. Route begins at Legion Field (3173 Mill St.) and continues through Covington Square.

Custom trees decorated by families, businesses and organizers. Held in conjunction with the annual Mistletoe Market, which features craft makers, bakers and artisans.

SATURDAY, 12TH X Oxford Winter Fest, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Oxford Farmers Market (915 Emory St.).

X Lights at Legion, 6 p.m., 3173 Mill St.

NOVEMBER THURSDAY, 5TH X Food Truck Thursday, 3-7 p.m., Oxford Farmers Market (915 Emory St.)

WEDNESDAY, 11TH X Veterans Day Ceremony, 11 a.m. – noon, Covington Square. Presented by American Legion Post 32.

THURSDAY, 19TH

Make your next event a starring attraction at the Porterdale Gym! Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, graduations, reunions, receptions, and more. Featured in The Vampire Diaries, Sweet Magnolias, and other productions, our gym offers a unique blend of Hollywood charm and Porterdale history for your special celebration. Contact us today for rental information!

• Lighting of the Square, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Covington Square. Performances by children’s choirs; an appearance by Santa Claus; and the lighting of the square’s annual Christmas tree.

2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE  29


CHURCH DIRECTORY

BAPTIST

Bethel Grove Baptist Church 10728 Flat Shoals Rd. Covington, GA 30016 770-786-6630 Bethlehem Baptist Church 2177 Usher St. Covington, GA 30014 770-786-8299 Canaan Baptist Church 5581 Salem Rd. Covington, GA 30016 770-786-8885

Solid Rock Church 70 Social Circle Rd. Social Circle, GA 30025 770-784-0982

The Baptist Tabernacle 10119 Access Rd. Covington, GA 30014 770-786-7775 The Church at Haynes Creek 1242 Mount Zion Rd. Oxford, GA 30054 678-733-1136

Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal 4140 Clark St. SW Covington, GA 30014 770-786-3278 LATTER DAY SAINTS The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 10235 Eagle Dr. Covington, GA 30014 770-626-8100

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Calvary Community Church 120 Crowell Rd. Conyers, GA 30094 770-787-0511 Dovestone Church 13230 Lochridge Blvd. Covington, GA 30014 Eastridge Church East Campus 863 HWY 142 Covington, GA 30014

Revive Church 2117 Pace St. Covington, GA 30014 770-880-1386

Good Hope Baptist, INC. 1142 HWY 162 Covington, GA 30016 770-787-4928

Salt + Light Christian Church 141 HWY 142 Covington, GA 30014 770-786-1021

High Point Baptist Church 12025 Hwy 36 Covington, GA 30014 770-786-5985 Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church 2051 Henderson Mill Rd. Covington, GA 30014

Zion Baptist Church 7037 HWY 212 Covington, GA 30016 770-786-6767

Mansfield Baptist Church 101 Woodlawn Rd. Mansfield, GA 30055 770-787-0723

CATHOLIC St. Augustine 11524 Ga. 278 E, Covington, GA 30014 770-787-1064 CHURCH OF CHRIST Oak Hill Church of Christ 195 Snapping Shoals Rd. Covington, GA 30016 678-658-0565 EPISCOPALIAN

Newton Baptist Church 720 Jack Neely Rd. Covington, GA 30016 770-788-7868

Graves Chapel AME Church 1575 Alcovy Trestle Rd. Social Circle, GA 30025 770-787-2510

Oxford Baptist Church 305 Emory St. Oxford, GA 30054 770-786-8132

Mt. Zion AME Church 119 Fifth Avenue Mansfield, GA 30055

Rock Creek Baptist Church 3761 County Line Rd. Mansfield, GA 30015 404-441-9100 Sims Chapel Baptist Church 61 Sims Chapel Rd. Covington, GA 30014 770-728-1068

New Beginning Full Gospel Ministries 453 Oxford Rd. Oxford, GA 30054

Prospect Church at Oak Hill 6752 HWY 212 Covington, GA 30016 770-786-6303

Covington’s Calvary Baptist Church 4228 Mill St. NE Covington, GA 30014 770-786-3216

New Hope Baptist Church 2207 Brown St. SW Covington, GA 30014 770-786-1709

Mt. Tabor Bible Church 33 Mt Zion Road Oxford, GA 30054 770-787-9087

New Life Praise Center 8111 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington, GA 30014 770-815-3601

Church 213 1675 HWY 213 Covington, GA 30014 770-385-6304

New Growth Baptist Church 75 Greers Dairy Rd. Covington, GA 30014 470-444-1191

Life Now Church 14200 HWY 36 Covington, GA 30014 770-450-0500 lifenowcov.org

Murray Memorial CME Church 4100 West St. NW Covington, GA 30014 770-786-5474 Poplar Hill AME Church 623 Poplar Hill Rd. Covington, GA 30014 770-787-4954

30  2026 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE

770-786-2048 METHODIST Allen Memorial United Methodist Church 803 Whatcoat Street Oxford, GA 30054 770-786-7414 Covington First United Methodist Church 1113 Conyers St. SW Covington, GA 30014 770-786-7305 Grace United Methodist Church 3145 Washington St. Covington, GA 30015 770-787-0517 Lovejoy United Methodist Church 12835 HWY 36 Covington, GA 30014 770-786-7907 Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church 12862 US HWY 278 Social Circle, GA 30025 770-787-6376 Shiloh Methodist Church 10 Almon Church Rd. Covington, GA 30014 Wesley Methodist Church of Covington 14101 HWY 278 E. Covington, GA 30014 www.wesleycovington.org

Gaither’s Church INC 1375 Newton Factory Bridge Rd. Covington, GA 30014 770-786-6001 Harvest Church 2075 HWY 212 Covington, GA 30016 770-787-7275 Higher Praise Tabernacle 3915 HWY 162 Covington, GA 30016 higherpraisetabernacle@gmail.com Hilltop Holiness Church 417 HWY 81 SW Covington, GA 30014 770-787-6244

Stewart Community Church 13645 HWY 36 Covington, GA 30014 connectwithus@ stewartcommunitychurch.com The Church Covington 11975 HWY 142 N. Oxford, GA 30054 770-786-7293 The Gathering 140 HWY 142 Covington, GA 30014 803-348-1024 The Gathering Spot Church 303 Fincher Rd. Covington, GA 30016 678-660-3913 PRESBYTERIAN

Hope Church of Newton 2104 Washington St. SW Covington, GA 30014 404-918-9326

Christ Cornerstone Church 1020 Oak Hill Rd. Covington, GA 30016 770-786-7762

Julia A. Porter Church 3 Cotton Ave. Porterdale, GA 30014 770-786-6149

First Presbyterian Church Covington 1169 Clark St. SW Covington, GA 30014 770-786-7321

Legacy Church 15105 HWY 36 Covington, GA 30014 www.legacycommunity.org

Gum Creek Church 2700 Gum Creek Rd. Oxford, GA 30054 770-786-8301 Luther Hays Presbyterian Church 90 Hayston Rd. Mansfield, GA 30

THE COVINGTON NEWS


Schedule your your mammogram mammogram today. today. Schedule TheAmerican AmericanCollege Collegeof ofRadiology Radiology(ACR) (ACR)guidelines guidelinesrecommend recommendaaabaseline baselinemammogram mammogramat atthe theage ageof of40 40and and The The American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines recommend baseline mammogram at the age of 40 and a yearly screening afterwards for women of average risk. aa yearly yearly screening screening afterwards afterwards for for women women of of average average risk. risk. Empoweryourself yourselfand andbook bookyour yourmammogram mammogramtoday todayat atpiedmont.org/mammo piedmont.org/mammoor orschedule scheduleon onthe thePiedmont Piedmont Empower Empower yourself and book your mammogram today at piedmont.org/mammo or schedule on the Piedmont MyChartpatient patientportal. portal. MyChart MyChart patient portal. TakeylaNicole NicoleWilliams, Williams,M.D. M.D.is isaaaboard-certified board-certifiedGeneral GeneralSurgeon Surgeonwith withfellowship fellowshiptraining trainingin in Takeyla Takeyla Nicole Williams, M.D. is board-certified General Surgeon with fellowship training in Breast Surgical Oncology, has dedicated her career to providing exceptional care to patients. Breast Breast Surgical Surgical Oncology, Oncology, has has dedicated dedicated her her career career to to providing providing exceptional exceptional care care to to patients. patients. Followingher hermedical medicaldegree, degree,Dr. Dr.Williams Williamscompleted completedaaapreliminary preliminaryyear yearin ingeneral generalsurgery surgeryat atEast East Following Following her medical degree, Dr. Williams completed preliminary year in general surgery at East TennesseeState StateUniversity University(ETSU) (ETSU)in inJune June2011. 2011.Her Herdedication dedicationand andexceptional exceptionalperformance performanceearned earned Tennessee State University (ETSU) in June 2011. Her dedication and exceptional performance earned Tennessee herthe theprestigious prestigiousEric EricR. R.Manahan ManahanOutstanding OutstandingSurgical SurgicalResident ResidentAward, Award,an anhonorary honoraryrecognition recognition her her the prestigious Eric R. Manahan Outstanding Surgical Resident Award, an honorary recognition bestowed annually upon a senior resident for outstanding surgical house officer skills. Additionally, bestowed bestowed annually annually upon upon aa senior senior resident resident for for outstanding outstanding surgical surgical house house officer officer skills. skills. Additionally, Additionally, shewas wasappointed appointedas asthe the2015-2016 2015-2016administrative administrativechief chiefresident residentduring duringher herfive-year five-yearresidency. residency. she she was appointed as the 2015-2016 administrative chief resident during her five-year residency. TakeylaNicole Nicole Takeyla Takeyla Nicole Williams, M.D. Williams, Williams,M.D. M.D.

Dr.Williams’ Williams’expertise expertiseand andcommitment commitmenthave haveled ledher herback backhome hometo tojoin joinPiedmont PiedmontPrimary PrimaryCare Careat at Dr. Williams’ expertise and commitment have led her back home to join Piedmont Primary Care at Dr. Eastside, where she currently specializes in treating benign and malignant diseases of the breast. Eastside, Eastside, where where she she currently currently specializes specializes in in treating treating benign benign and and malignant malignant diseases diseases of of the the breast. breast.

PiedmontNewton NewtonOncology OncologyLocations: Locations: Piedmont Piedmont Newton Oncology Locations: PiedmontPrimary PrimaryCare Care Piedmont Piedmont Primary Care at Eastside Crossing at Eastside Crossing at Eastside Crossing

PiedmontNewton NewtonWomen’s Women’s Piedmont Piedmont Newton Women’s Diagnostic Center Diagnostic Center Diagnostic Center

PiedmontPhysicians PhysiciansMedical Medical Piedmont Piedmont Physicians Medical Oncology Newton Oncology Newton Oncology Newton

9202Highway Highway278 278NE NE 9202 9202 Highway 278 NE Covington,Georgia Georgia30014 30014 Covington, Covington, Georgia 30014

4181Hospital HospitalDrive, Drive,Suite Suite301 301 4181 4181 Hospital Drive, Suite 301 Covington,Georgia Georgia30014 30014 Covington, Covington, Georgia 30014

5126Hospital HospitalDrive, Drive,Suite Suite102 102 5126 5126 Hospital Drive, Suite 102 Covington,Georgia Georgia30014 30014 Covington, Covington, Georgia 30014

P:678.342.8660 678.342.8660 P: P: 678.342.8660

P:770.786.7053 770.786.7053 P: P: 770.786.7053

P:770.385.4453 770.385.4453 P: P: 770.385.4453


We exist to serve you,

OUR MEMBERS Snapping Shoals EMC (SSEMC) is a notfor-profit electric cooperative serving over 112,000 members across an eight-county area in metro Atlanta. Unlike investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives are owned by the people they serve. That means SSEMC exists to provide reliable, affordable electric service to its members rather than generate profits for outside shareholders. SSEMC was founded in 1938, when electricity was still unavailable to many rural Georgia communities. Local residents came together to bring power to homes, farms and businesses that other utilities had not reached. What began as a grassroots effort to “turn on the lights” in the countryside has grown into one of Georgia’s largest electric cooperatives while remaining rooted in the same principles that guided its founding in 1938.


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