Newcomers' Guide 2023-2024

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Community Cornerstones

Highlighting the people and places that have helped shape Newton County

COMMUNITY CORNERSTONES

Linda D. Hays

Serving her hometown

By Phillip B. Hubbard

When Linda D. Hays was growing up in Newton County, the thought of running for political office never crossed her mind. Hays’ path, however, led her to become the Clerk of Superior Court for her hometown — a position she has held since 1983.

Throughout the 40 years she has

served, Hays highlighted there are hard and good aspects of her responsibilities. But the good outweighs the hard.

“In court, we have a lot of really hard, sad cases,” Hays said. “But adoptions are always a real pleasure. It’s so good to see the children and to see that they’ve got a permanent home, a good family and things like that.”

Before running for Clerk of Superior Court, the closest Hays got to being involved in politics was through her dad and by voting.

Hays’ dad kept up with the political climate, whether it be on the local, state or national level and never failed to read the newspaper to keep up with the latest. Other than that, Hays has always been a devoted voter in every election.

While attending Newton County High School, Hays worked her first job at White’s Department Store. She then graduated high school and married her husband, Theron, at 18 years old. They had two children, Marcy and Greg. Looking back on her time growing up in Newton County brings back many fond memories for Hays.

“Everybody seemed to know everybody. We had drug stores, soda fountains and things like that. After school people would go there and congregate. Then we got places like Dairy Queen and Cow Palace,” Hays said. “It was just such a friendly, good place with a beautiful downtown area. And we have lots of stores. So it was just really a good place to grow up.”

One day out of the blue, Jack Morgan, chairman of the Newton County Commission at the time, called Hays to offer her a job. He asked if Hays would

Newton County Superior Court Clerk’s office in conjunction with the Georgia Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) is pleased to offer two new services to the citizens of Newton County.

• Filing Activity Notification System (FANS) provides Georgia citizens with tools to monitor activity regarding their property and records

• eCertification services provides users the ability to electronically request certified Court and Real Estate Records 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

The Clerk of Superior Court is also honored to offer an invaluable service to our veterans by recording and preserving military discharge records, free of charge. Please visit our website, www.alcovycircuit.com, for more information.

Mrs. Linda D. Hays The Clerk of Courts

It is my honor to serve the citizens of Newton County

work a temporary job in the Family and Children’s Services.

Hays accepted and worked there for several months when another position came open for which she applied. But, when going to take the test, something “crazy” happened.

“I was registered for the test,” Hays said. “Got there, and there was no way that they would let me take that test. Every way I turned it was like, ‘No.’ That door just slammed.”

Another door soon opened by way of Morgan again. In 1976, Morgan offered Hays a job to work in the clerk’s office and she accepted. There were just four people working there.

The sitting clerk passed away after just being re-elected and the chief depu-

ty clerk was then appointed to serve the remaining two years.

In the next election in 1982, Hays decided to run for the position and won. She assumed the position in 1983.

Fifty years later, Hays still can’t definitely explain why things played out the way they did.

“It just had to be a God thing with the way everything worked out,” Hays said. “Because the ladies that I met over in the Family and Children’s Services, a couple of their husbands were really into politics and they managed my campaigns. God just really opened this door and put me here. And I met these people, and then they really helped me and they’ve been like lifelong friends.”

Hays’ training and certifications

were completed via an extensive course through the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

Hays has been president of the Superior Court Clerks Association and of the Superior Court Clerk Council of Georgia. She also chaired three committees: Conference, Training and Awards.

Awards earned by Hays include the Stetson Bennett Clerk of the Year and Constitutional Officer of the Year both for the state of Georgia. In 2019, Congressman Hank Johnson awarded Hays with the Pillar of Power Award. A year later, Hays received the F. Barry Wilkes ECLAT Award following her recognition as one of The Covington News’ Unsung Hero honorees in 2021.

On July 12, 2019, Governor Brian Kemp appointed Hays to the Superior Court Clerk Retirement Board.

Recently, Hays and her office added two new services that they offer, too.

First, the e-certification, which provides people a way to request certified court and real estate records 24 hours a day all year long. Then, the Filing Activity Notification System (FANS) for people to oversee activity regarding their property and records.

Now, Hays and her husband have enjoyed nearly 57 years of marriage and they also have four grandchildren and two great granddaughters.

Hays plans to retire from her post next year. But, when asked what advice she would give to somebody aiming for any career path, she pointed back to her willingness to serve.

“I don’t think anybody can be very successful unless they get their wisdom and knowledge from God. That worked for me,” Hays said. “You can’t be a leader unless you serve other people. I think you have to be a people person, and you have to really take on a lot of responsibility and know that you’ve got liability. We’re here to help.”

“It just had to be a God thing with the way everything worked out.”

Linda D. Hays has served as the Clerk of Superior Court since she was first elected in 1983. | Special Photo

For over 104 years, Ramsey Furniture has been home to the Covington area’s largest selection of ne home furnishings. Whether you are searching for traditional, casual, or more contemporary designs, we have over 30,000 square feet of affordable furniture that ts your lifestyle. Browse at your own pace, or allow us to provide you with personal shopping assistance. When you walk through our doors, you will feel right at home. Our helpful staff will listen to your individual vision and help make it a reality. Everyday low prices and rapid delivery will save you time and money. We even offer interest-free nancing for up to 12 months through Synchrony Bank. As a family-owned and locally-operated business since 1919, we proudly provide quality furniture at exceptional pricing that the Ramsey family is known for.

COMMUNITY CORNERSTONES

Ramsey’s Furniture

Century-old Values

By Garrett Pitts

Ramsey’s Furniture has been serving the City of Covington for more than a century now. Throughout that time, it has specialized in top-of-the-line products. Top notch customer service has remained the top priority for Tony Ramsey and his predecessors.

The business being passed down from generation to generation has allowed Ramsey to have a unique perspective operating it today.

“I am in three generations of selling to people now. The people I sold to when it started, I am now selling to their grandchildren,” Ramsey said. “Building relationships is why people come back. They know who I am, and they know who we are, they know the product. They do not come in asking to see [specific] companies, they just want to see our mattresses because they know that what I sell I stand behind.”

The original Ramsey’s Furniture opened in 1919 by C.D. Ramsey. Fourth generation Tony Ramsey has been running the store since 1997 when he took over the business from his cousin, Sam Ramsey, who also served as the Covington mayor.

Ramsey’s is still located where it has always been, right off the Covington Square. It owns the building across the street, too, which allows the store to offer more of a selection for its customers.

Tony Ramsey can still remember how his involvement with the business originally came to be.

“[Sam and I] were talking at the Salem Campground in the summer of 1997 and he said he could really use somebody, and we got to talking,” Tony Ramsey said. “I drove over here from [Newnan] for three years and I finally moved my family here in 2000, this became home for my kids.”

While owning the store for the past 26 years, Ramsey has noticed changes within the furniture business.

Ramsey pointed to how the use of technology has ushered in. As a result, the new ways to view and purchase products have been altered significantly.

“[The furniture industry] has changed more in the last five to 10 years than it has changed in the last 30-40 years,” Ramsey said. “With the onslaught of e-commerce and the information people have at their fingertips and what people have available to them just sitting on the couch. Your competition is not the person or people in the next town, it is the keyboard.”

Ramsey’s has adapted to the different methods by offering customers the ability to view their products online. It showcases different pieces for any home with descriptions for every item listed on the website.

Despite the challenges that Ramsey’s face due to it now being easier than ever to buy from the big retailers online, Ramsey believes his store still goes above and beyond with service, establishing strong bonds within the community.

As a family-owned business, Ramsey’s Furniture did experience down periods during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ramsey felt like his store was less prioritized than the bigger name-brand stores in the area.

Ramsey’s Furniture has served generations of Newton County customers since 1919. |

Photo by Garrett Pitts

“You can be an independent dealer like we are, but you must be important to the vendors. During COVID, we were pushed over, and we were not really important to them,” Ramsey said. “It was taking us 12 months to get the product, when it should only be 45 days.”

Ramsey always stays on top of which brands or models he offers for purchase. If he knows the quality is not up to his standards, he won’t sell it.

The goal for Ramsey’s is to sell the highest quality items for affordable prices, which, along with the customer service, has been one of the main reasons Ramsey’s Furniture has become a mainstay in downtown Covington.

Ramsey’s Furniture passed their 100th anniversary in 2019 and are four years into the next century ahead. Now in 2023, Ramsey still holds many of the same values and looks within the store that was there in years past.

Ramsey stressed that no matter what other changes may come and go, the quality of product and customer service will remain the forefront of Ramsey’s Furniture operations.

“There is an expectation when you shop with us that these are better goods than some of the stores that are nearby and we pride ourselves on that,” Ramsey said. “If you go into a big box store, you may never see the same guy ever again. He may have helped you but if you come back in six months he may not be there. If you come back here, it will be familiar.”

COMMUNITY CORNERSTONES

Mack McKibben

Utilizing Innate Talents

By Emily Rose Hamby

Behind McKibben Music lies a musical mastermind who has worked with household names in the industry and made a living off of his innate talents. Graced with the gift of perfect pitch and his intrinsic ability of improvisation, Mack McKibben remains humble and grounded, prioritizing community and family above all else.

“[Family is] the most precious thing on this planet that you got,” McKibben said. “I wouldn’t trade this for all the popularity and all the money in the world. Just being right here – I mean, the community. We [have] a big family.”

Born in Social Circle and moving to Covington at the age of 10, McKibben has remained a lifelong resident of Newton County.

“It was one of the best times to grow up,” McKibben said. “I look back on that time a lot and think about how music came together for me and how it was a salvation and helped kind of catapult me through some difficult times.”

After picking up the piano at the age of five, his mother felt compelled to sign him up for lessons, starting a lifelong

passion and eventual career for her son.

“That lasted about two or three months,” McKibben said. “When I’d go to my music lesson, the teacher would play it for me and I’d pick it out when I got home by ear. I never learned how to read music.”

Looking up to music legends such as Billy Preston, Floyd Cramer and Michael McDonald, McKibben sharpened his piano skills by adopting practice techniques and methods that best suited his learning style.

“I could hear [the] chordal structure that they were using,” McKibben said. “I would bring that song to the table and try to figure out what they were doing. Back then, all we had was vinyls. You would get that needle and try to find, ‘Where was that on there?’ By the time you get through, it’s skipping all over the place.”

While playing junior varsity football as a high school freshman, McKibben was presented with the opportunity to play piano at a party for a senior who was running for student body president.

“One day I was walking off the field after the party that I played for,” McKibben said. “[The party host] walked up behind me and said, ‘Mack, why don’t you just stick with your piano?’ I thought that was pretty good advice because I [was] getting beat up pretty bad.”

Following his gut instinct since childhood and adhering to the advice from his high school pupil, McKibben pursued music as a career, remembering what initially inspired him to do so.

“I really wanted to play when I was a kid in church,” McKibben said. “I wanted to play an offertory. They wouldn’t let me do it. I couldn’t read. I couldn’t play what they wanted to hear. For that reason, I left pretty much and said, ‘Well, I’m going to pursue music, but I’m gonna pursue it where people appreciate it.’”

After marrying his wife, Deborah, at the ripe age of 20, McKibben’s music career was finding great success, however, as a father of five, he vowed to prioritize family, no matter what professional offers were waved in his face.

“When I’d go to my music lesson, the teacher would play it for me and I’d pick it out when I got home by ear. I never learned how to read music.”

“I was not a road guy. I couldn’t imagine leaving my family,” McKibben said. “That wasn’t my idea of being a musician. I was a guitar player, too and I taught guitar for the Recreation Department. I was playing clubs at night, six nights a week and then I’d get up about one o’clock and teach.”

McKibben’s choice to remain a family man in the comfort of his hometown did not limit his opportunities. His resume is nothing short of impressive, working with the Atlanta Rhythm Section’s Barry Bailey, J.R. Cobb and Buddy Buie, Percy Sledge, Dennis Yost and the Classics IV, The Temptations and The Impressions.

Playing as a sideman for musicians when they came to Atlanta was the method in which McKibben supported his family. To prepare for his gigs, McKibben learned his part by ear from records and vinyls.

“If you wanted to be successful in that time, you needed to not only know how to read, you needed to have a little bit of the ear. That’s what I had the most of, the ear. I could hear it, and I’d know it. I played outside of the line in all of it. I was [always] wanting to draw outside of the line and not stay in the box.”

McKibben’s talents and interests expand beyond performing. Before opening McKibben Music in 2007, he dabbled in songwriting and established himself as a piano salesman, tuner and mover. Throughout all his achievements, McKibben’s favorite career endeavor is where he found his ultimate purpose.

“The store. This is it,” McKibben said. “When I opened this store, [I] was going through some difficult times. I looked at my life and finally I realized why I was here. I knew that there was a purpose for me being here and it’s not just to sell instruments and it’s not to teach lessons, but it’s basically to be here. We have so many come in and just talk and they need to talk. So I look at this as a ministry more than a job.”

Since opening McKibben Music nearly 16 years ago, the store has accumulated around 250 students. From there, McKibben has made an impact on the community through music, from creating the Drive Time band and performing at events on the Square to presenting a free Christmas musical for over a decade.

“We have met so many fantastic people,” McKibben said. “There’s more than just music going on here. There’s this purpose. It’s life. It’s trying to give life back. And music is one of the greatest languages you can learn. There’s no way I could do it without God.”

McKibben Music has accumulated approximately 250 students over the last 16 years. | Photo by Emily Rose Hamby

Alcovy CASA

Changing a Child’s Story

By DJ Moore

Alcovy Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a non-profit organization that always keeps one mission in mind — Change a child’s story.

In fact, when you access the organization’s website, that mantra is displayed in the top left of the screen. The mission statement further explains the meaning behind that.

“Alcovy CASA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in foster care in Newton and Walton counties,” the statement reads. “By advocating for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, our volunteers amplify each child’s voice and help change a child’s story.”

The organization has Sharon Gustafson as its Newton County advocacy coordinator, Kathy Suber as the Walton County advocacy coordinator and Melanie Mainor being the advocate trainer.

Lindsay Dycus serves as Alcovy CASA’s executive director, too, and explained how special it is to work for such a cause.

“CASA volunteers are not people that are social workers, and they are not folks that have a background in child welfare,” executive director Lindsay Dycus said. “That is the beautiful thing about being a CASA because people are coming in here with no knowledge.”

A plethora of volunteers assist with Alcovy CASA’s mission throughout the year, too.

In addition to the support of the team and volunteers, Dycus highlighted the support from the court system in Newton County as someone to thank for what makes the county different and unique from other counties.

“We have a community that really does work together in the social work field,” Dycus said. “And usually that isn’t the case where everybody in the courts, our CASA, DFACs, the lawyers etc., is involved in caring for the children in the county.”

The future of the Alcovy CASA is something that director Dycus wants to see grow sooner rather than later. And a visitation center may be the key to progressing the future of Alcovy CASA.

Dycus stressed that children and parents who experience constant visitation while the child is in foster care are significantly more likely to have a better experience and to get more service while in foster care. And they are more likely to be united than the ones who do not get constant visitation.

“We are looking to provide another service by providing a visitation center, where it offers a child friendly room. We can offer authorized visitation between the children that are in foster care and their biolog-

VOLUNTEERING A FEW HOURS A MONTH can forever change a child’s story. Be that volunteer!

DID YOU KNOW…

Recently, Alcovy CASA was awarded the Georgia CASA Innovative Affiliate Award for the I Am CASA, Ask Me Why campaign. | Special Photo

ical parents,” Dycus said. “It would be a setting where it is a home setting. And visitation keeps parents engaged when it feels hopeless.”

Alcovy CASA served 120 children in 2022, while having 50 community volunteers. Currently, there are about 300 children in care. and 62 children through the months of April through June with 41 active volunteers.

Alcovy CASA was recently recognized for their efforts as well. It won the Georgia CASA Innovative Affiliate Award for the ‘I Am CASA, Ask Me Why’ campaign. Dycus was also one of four elected to the Georgia CASA Board of Directors in early 2023.

To get involved in the Alcovy CASA is very simple, which only requires to visit alcovycasa. org and gather information on how to get involved. There are ways to donate on the website as well.

“It is really rewarding to serve the 120 children and each of those 120 children are served by a volunteer,” Dycus said. “It is a devoted and caring adult for a one on one with that child. The amazing thing about that child is that the volunteer stays with that child from start to finish.”

Flemmie Pitts

For local historian and activist Flemmie Pitts, hardwork has been an integral part in preserving Newton County’s Black history, while also providing opportunities for today’s youth.

As one of the kick-starters for the Washington Street Community Center’s renovations in the 1980s and 1990s, Pitts’ motivation comes from a personal sentiment.

“Through all of my trials and tribulations, I found out what my calling [is],” Pitts said. “That’s what I tell the kids. Once you realize what God created you for, you just do it. He [is] gonna take care of you every day. But other people don’t see it that way.

“Newton County [has] a lot of history,” Pitts said. “A lot of Black and White history but much of the Black history has never been told, which I think that’s what put me as an activist. I call this the rock of the Black community.”

Born in Atlanta in 1941, Pitts’ familial roots in Newton County extends multiple generations, establishing in the early 1800s. Pitts was introduced to the county at four years old, when he began working on his grandfather’s farm, located near what is now labeled as the Hub.

By Emily Rose Hamby

After moving to the area, Pitts attended several schools: Grave’s Chapel, Washington Street School and R.L. Cousins High School. All of said schools provided education to Black students specifically. While in high school, however, Pitts made the decision to drop out.

“My mom was just a day worker,” Pitts said. “Food was slacking in the house. She had four boys. I left

‘Dream to reality’

[R.L.] Cousins, one of my distant cousins was there. And he really didn’t have to do it, [but] he followed me. I told him, ‘I gotta go, I gotta go find a job, help my mom.’ I could hear her crying at night.”

The day he left school, Pitts hitchhiked up Old Atlanta Highway to the City of Avondale Estates in Atlanta, where he found work at a car lot. Pitts said he will never forget the guy who hired him to clean up the cars.

Carpooling to work each day with friends, Pitts’ decision to sacrifice an education to help his family paid off. In 1964, Pitts started working as a janitor at Ford Motor Company’s Hapeville plant. At the time, custodial jobs were the only positions Ford offered to Black people.

“All the [Ford] plants [were] integrated except Louisiana and Atlanta,” Pitts said. “When I went to work out there, we had [a] separate water fountain to drink out of, although we cleaned them all up. But then by 1965, they integrated the plant.”

Following integration, Pitts can recall the changes it brought forth in the workplace.

“It was a big change. Most all the [Black men] at any

“A lot of [Black people] were educated on this hill. Doctors, professors, lawyers, you name it.”

Flemmie Pitts has dedicated the majority of his life to volunteering and helping others.

| Photo by Emily Rose Hamby

plant [were] janitors,” Pitts said. “Opportunity opened up, they could then go to production on a lot of other jobs. Some of them did, but I didn’t. I always do the ‘Wait and see attitude.’”

Pitts worked with Ford for 32 years and retired in the mid 1990s.

Upon retirement, rest was not on Pitts’ agenda. The restoration and refurbishment of his former school — now the Washington Street Community Center — was one of his top priorities for the sake of providing others with something he sacrificed.

“A lot of [Black people] were educated on this hill. Doctors, professors, lawyers, you name it,” Pitts said. “You can be educated and still be unemployed, but you [have] a better chance, I guess. I ain’t gonna say I got lucky, God was just on my side. People look out for you. God can make way for people, too.”

Pitts visits the Washington Street Community Center daily, mentoring approximately 42 children. He previously served as the center’s president on the board of directors.

Years removed, Pitts’ status as a role model has never deviated.

“I’m everything,” Pitts said. “Somewhere you gotta be disciplined. Some of them we just can’t help. But the one you can, that’s what makes you proud. Many of them you can take off the street and you can help.”

Aside from his service at Washington Street, Pitts has served his community in other facets, such as holding positions as a trustee chairman at his church for 23 years and on the recreation commission in 2000. As a husband and father of one, Pitts — a “people person’’ — continues to find joy in being around the people of Newton County.

“My legacy [is] for youth and older people,” Pitts said. “Being around them and the energy, it helps you and your body and everything. When you’re out there with them, you’re more mobile.

“Everybody’s gotta have a place to call home. And everybody can’t leave home.”

“Everybody’s gotta have a place to call home. And everybody can’t leave home.”

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Southern Heartland Art Gallery

A Canvas for the Community

By Phillip B. Hubbard

with 13 artists and has grown to approximately 150 members.

In 2004, though, Southern Heartland moved into its current location on the historic Covington Square on Monticello Street.

Elise Hammond, one of the founding members of Southern Heartland, explained the significance of the move.

“Since we started in 1985, we never had any place to call our own. No place we could meet,” Hammond said. “We met at libraries and such, but we always wanted a place to show our art to be able to have classes and hold our meetings, and even offer our space to other groups to meet in.”

Thirteen artists met at the Depot Restaurant to discuss the possibility and they all committed. As Hammond put it, “it’s been a success.”

Southern Heartland is a non-profit organization that serves as the source for the visual arts community in Newton County. It also reaches people in surrounding areas such as Walton, Morgan and others.

Though Hammond highlighted the 2004 move as a success, it has not always been smooth sailing.

Southern Heartland has weathered the 2008 economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic that lasted for a significant amount of time. Nevertheless, the artists

Hammond credited the foundational pieces of Newton County that have provided great assistance.

“We get a lot of support from the community. We used to have people that would come in who lived here forever, and they had never been here,” Hammond said.

“Because they just would notice it. And then once they came in and saw what we had, then they started coming back here for their gifts and all because everything was unique and orig-

Featured on the walls and shelves of Southern Heartland are a plethora of art options. It offers acrylic, water color, mosaics, metal smithing, jewelry, beading, glass, textiles, pottery, sculpture, photography

Thanks to Covington being considered the “HollyThe Dukes of HazVampire Diaries being filmed on location — people from all over have visited

Hammond remembers people visiting from Japan, France, Italy, China and various other places.

Cindy Murphy, another artist who is a part of the gallery, believes that the quality of the work helps Southern Heartland and its success.

“The art has to speak to a person. It has to make a connection,” Murphy said. “It stirs like an emotion or a memory in somebody when they see it.”

Southern Heartland hosts different events throughout the year, too.

It has the Christmas Market, the patriotic contest from Memorial Day to July 4, a spring show called “Art and Bloom,” and a photo club showing. Coming up next is the 17th annual Artful Harvest, which is from Mon-

Elise Hammond (top) and Cindy Murphy (bottom) both showcase their work in the Southern Heartland Art Gallery, located off of the Covington Square since 2004

| Photos by Phillip B. Hubbard

day, Sept. 11 to Thursday, Oct. 12.

In addition to the events, Southern Heartland gives out scholarships to a local graduating senior going into the field of fine arts.

Artists who are a part of Southern Heartland host classes and workshops as well Tuesday-Saturday.

On Tuesday, Jackie Kelly holds an Open Studio session from 1-7 p.m. Hammond teaches Youth Art Class from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays as well as a multimedia class on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to Noon.

Every Friday there is a Paint Party with Donnie Williams from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which is free and a part of Southern Heartland’s giving back to the community. Lastly, at 11 a.m. on Saturdays, there is a class called “Exploring Acrylics” with Margaret Warfield.

Hammond believes that Southern Heartland is “supposed to be

here” and called it a “God thing.”

But now, closing in on 40 years of existence as well as 20 years being on the Square, Hammond continues to enjoy everything Southern Heartland has to offer.

“Someone will come in and they’ll be admiring your work and you’ll engage them in conversation. And the next thing you know, they’ll have commissioned you to do a painting for them,” Hammond said. “Being able to meet the public face-to-face is rewarding on many levels. So to me, it’s a win-win situation.”

Ricky Vaughn

A Love for Sports

By Phillip B. Hubbard

Growing up in a sports family set the course for Ricky Vaughn to work with the Newton County Recreation Department for more than 55 years. Part of his work includes beginning the recreation department’s relationship with Dixie Boys Baseball.

Vaughn was instrumental in bringing Dixie Boys Baseball to Newton County in 1979 when he was just 26 years old. Since then, his involvement with Dixie Boys Baseball includes his work as an umpire, coach, assistant state director. Currently, Newton County hosts five World Series.

On Aug. 17, 2022 Vaughn was celebrated for his efforts by being selected as a Class of 2022 Hall of Fame member for the organization. The recognition meant the world to Vaughn.

“It’s nice to be honored,” Vaughn said. “Working in recreation your whole life like I have, you don’t get a whole lot of recognition. It’s a big honor for someone to say, ‘Hey, we appreciate what you’ve done.’”

But Vaughn’s contributions to Dixie Boys Baseball is just the tip of the iceberg. Vaughn’s passion for sports began long before.

Where It All Started

Being from the Stewart Community off of Highway 36, Vaughn was raised in a sports family as his dad, Lindsey Vaughn, was a minor league pitcher. Vaughn’s earliest sports memories revolve around his dad as he would travel a lot with Lindsey.

In fact, Vaughn’s love of sports, particularly the Braves, was huge during his childhood. Hank Aaron was Vaughn’s favorite baseball player, too.

“I’ve been a sports nut,” Vaughn said. “I learned how to read by reading the sports pages. Back then, it was hard to follow because there was no TV.”

Vaughn falling in love with sports at an early age set up his future aspirations and career path.

He played Little League baseball in the 1960’s and later played one year of baseball and basketball in high school. Vaughn graduated from Newton County Comprehensive High School in 1971.

Upon graduation, Vaughn coached his first recreation team at 18 years old in 1971. He umpired for a few years and coached a team from 1971-1990. Vaughn captured his first state championship as a coach in 1976 when the department was affiliated with Georgia Recreation & Parks Association (GRPA).

Such success sparked the conversation for the department to look for a new connection with the baseball programs.

“State was as far as you could go in GRPA,” Vaughn said. “Dixie was basically what we were looking for. It was typically our size where we could compete. They offered district and state tournaments and a World Series. So, that attracted us and we decided to go with them.”

Even so, Vaughn didn’t foresee the connection lasting as long as it has.

“I think it was a trial basis, at first,” Vaughn said.

“I learned how to read by reading the sports pages. Back then, it was hard to follow because there was no TV.”

Making A Difference

In 1990, Tommy Hailey, who was friends with Vaughn from childhood, was hired as the Newton County Recreation Department Director. Vaughn had a twohour discussion with Hailey about a job, and Hailey hired Vaughn to be the department’s athletic director.

The decision to hire Vaughn was a no-brainer for Hailey.

“We needed a good athletic director, and there wasn’t a better athletic director than Ricky in the state of Georgia,” Hailey said. “And he’s done remarkable things.”

Vaughn remembers a lot of community members being “discontented” with how athletic events were run at the time. He came in and made immediate changes to

improve the department’s chances at success.

“I got out there and said, ‘Hey, this is how we’re going to do it. We’re not going to fuss and fight out here,’ which was what they were doing,” Vaughn said. “I said, ‘We’re going to be organized. We’re doing X,Y and Z. And we had some success at it.”

Vaughn served as athletic director for 24 years and retired in 2014 from his full-time post. But that hasn’t stopped him from providing help to the department as a volunteer.

To this day, Vaughn still coaches football, basketball, baseball and softball. And, like his time as athletic director, Vaughn goes above and beyond to assist any way he can.

In fact, Vaughn coached three basketball teams at once to help the department fulfill its seasons.

Newton County Recreation Department’s athletic manager Horace Stroud, who Vaughn hired in 1997, has a close relationship with Vaughn. So much so that Vaughn is Stroud’s daughter Kyla’s Godfather.

“He’s a pillar in this community,” Stroud said. “He’s coached generations of kids and everybody just has a soft spot for Ricky. Everybody loves him.”

Though Vaughn’s love for sports sparked his interest in volunteering and working at the department, it’s been the bond he has built over the years that keeps him coming back.

“[The best part about coaching] is the relationship with the kids and it’s not even close,” Vaughn said. “While you’re in it, you’re trying to teach, let them have fun and win.”

Loving On His ‘Grandkids’

Nowadays, as a result of the rapport he has built among the youth of

“Let’s try this and see how it works, but we loved it.”

Newton County, Vaughn can be seen at local high school sporting events cheering on his former players.

Vaughn calls his former players his “grandkids.” And he feels like his attendance at their high school games is just continuing their bond.

“I just love watching them play, especially knowing them and seeing them come from here,” Vaughn said. “Then, you throw in my love of sports, it’s just natural. And it means a lot for someone to walk up to me and say, ‘How are you doing, coach Ricky?’ That shows you they remember you and you did something good for them.”

Vaughn has been grateful for all the support and acknowledgement of his dedication to assisting multiple facets of the Newton County Recreation Department. Vaughn even stated that he has been “shocked” by the outpouring of appreciation by the

IT’S TIME ROTARY

Join Rotary and make a difference.

The Rotary Club of Covington is part of an international membership organization made up of people who share a passion and commitment to enhancing communities and improving lives across the globe.

With more than 60 members locally, joining Rotary means be a part of a professional network of community leaders looking to make a difference.

local community on his induction to the Dixie Boys Baseball Hall of Fame.

“I would never live anywhere else,” Vaughn said. “I have lifelong friends and these kids I’ve here. It’s

where I grew up, and I take pride in that. It’s a caring community and always has been.”

This story was originally published in the September 3-4 edition of The Covington News.

Ricky Vaughn (far left) has coached a plethora of teams in his 55-plus years of working with the Newton County Recreation Department. | Special Photo

COMMUNITY CORNERSTONES

Young-Levett Funeral Home

Generational Service

By Emily Rose Hamby

Young-Levett Funeral Home’s history has spanned over 80 years and three generations. Now owned by Lanier and Dana Levett, the two family dynasties in the industry continue to provide families with reputable and hospitable services.

“We’re a funeral service, but we’re event planners, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” Lanier said. “We’re planning a celebration. One of the things that we pride ourselves on is that we will take that family by the hand and walk them through that process.”

In 1938, Dana’s grandparents, Daniel and Grace Young, opened Young Funeral Home in Monroe. They followed by opening their second location in Covington by 1961.

Lanier’s grandfather, Gregory W. Levett Sr., was employed by the Youngs, teaching everything he knew to his son, Gregory. As a result, Gregory opened his family business, Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, in 1990 in Scottsdale.

Lanier believes his path was “destined” to serve families in this capacity.

“When my father started our funeral home, I was seven years old and from that point to now, this is all I’ve ever done my entire life,” Lanier said. “So I was kind of destined to be in the funeral service.”

After meeting at an industry function in 1995, Lanier and Dana got married one year later. Despite their families being so close, the two had never met prior.

“It’s interesting because our families have been connected all through the years,” Lanier said. “So our families knew one another, but I never knew my wife.”

While Dana helped her mother, Ariel, run Young Funeral Home, the Levetts made the decision to purchase the business when Ariel decided to retire in 2013.

The two combined to establish their own legacy with Young-Levett Funeral Home.

Young-Levett maintains a level of familiarity and personability. With around 18 part-time and full-time employees and a considerable pool of clientele, Young-Levett works diligently to ensure every family is taken care of.

“Almost all of my funerals I’m able to attend,” Lanier said. “Almost all of my family arrangements I’m able to make, or if I’m not able to attend the service, at some point through that whole process, the family has seen either my wife or

Young-Levett Funeral Home has been serving families of Newton County since 2013. | Photo by Emily Rose Hamby

myself. The same level of service that my wife and I want to give, our employees give that same type of service. Regardless of which one of my directors is meeting with the family, we want that experience to be seamless.”

Because Lanier has experienced both ends of the spectrum with his family’s large-scale funeral business in the suburbs of Atlanta and the smaller, localized Young-Levett, implementing a “personal touch” into each service is top priority.

Although they have been presented with the opportunity to grow larger and expand their facilities throughout Newton County, the Levetts enjoy being a part of a small community, especially since their business is conveniently located right off the Square.

“I could build a big, elaborate Taj Mahal if I chose to do so, but I wanted to give it that home feel when you walk through our doors,” Lanier said. “We want to make you feel like you’re sitting in your living room and I think that helps take some of the stings away where it doesn’t feel so commercialized. That’s kind of the feel I was trying to capture

when we started.”

Though dealing with the loss of loved ones is oftentimes highly emotional and difficult to process, helping ease the pain of their clients is what fuels Young-Levett to offer their support for grieving families.

When looking to the future of Young-Levett Funeral Home, Lanier hopes for longevity. Though Lanier and Dana’s two daughters do not have interest in taking on the family business when the time comes, Lanier plans on prolonging Young-Levett for as long as possible.

As for now, Young-Levett Funeral Home will keep operating as they have been for the last 10 years.

“Continuing to offer extraordinary services,” Lanier said. “Staying engaged in the community. Being involved. Getting to know the people that we don’t serve and people that we hope to serve at some point when death should occur. Trying to stay connected with the community.”

T. Lanier Levett & Dana Sullivan Levett

“When my father started our funeral home, I was seven years old and from that point to now, this is all I’ve ever done my entire life.”

Andy Irwin

A Storyteller at Heart

By Garrett Pitts

Andy Irwin has traveled all over the country as a storyteller and a singer-songwriter. However, no matter where he’s gone, he remembers where it all started.

Being a Covington native, Irwin was known for making jokes in school and imitating his teachers and friends. He graduated college and left Newton County to begin his career as a comedian in Orlando, Florida.

Irwin’s comedy career evolved into his desire for storytelling as well as singing and songwriting.

After spending time in both industries, Irwin’s love for both grew but he spoke about the key differences between both.

“Storytelling allows me not to worry about how many laughs per minute I am getting,” Irwin said. “Storytelling affords me the ability to get into the picture making brains of my listeners. I try to help the listener form the picture themselves.”

In October, Irwin will be attending the National Storytelling Festival, marking his 12th year as a featured teller. It’s an event that Irwin looks forward to each year.

“It is always a kick to be able to perform in front of a large group. 10,000 people come to Jonesboro, Tennessee for the festival that is divided into large tents,” Irwin said. “It is thrilling. We get to be very famous in a little town in Tennessee once a year.”

Irwin also journeys around to do speaking events and other performances across the country, including being a guest artist at LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York, being a keynote speaker and performer at the Library of Congress-Viburnum, Foundation Conference on Family Literacy, a guest writer performer with the Georgia Tech Glee Club and a guest composer with the Amherst College Men’s Double Quartet.

COMMUNITY CORNERSTONES

While in the Covington and Oxford areas, Irwin spent time as the Artist-In-Residence with Emory University’s Oxford College’s theater department.

Irwin shared the love he has for all of his countless acts and performances, noting that it drives him. For Irwin, creating his own stories and characters is more enjoyable and natural for him rather than working on previous stories.

“Learning unoriginal material is hard. Writing material and keeping material fresh is challenging,” Irwin said. “I have to have four hours of new material a year, but it is fun. Even the professional show-off has to do grown up work.”

Irwin has invested many years into his storytelling ability. Along the way, there have been other people

“I have to have four hours of new material a year, but it is fun. Even the professional show-off has to do grown up work.”

Andy Irwin has travelled across the country as a storyteller as well as a singer-songwriter. | Special Photo

Irwin has looked up to for motivation in all areas.

“Nat McKinnon always inspires me; he is as good a person and musician as they come. From the storytelling angle, I have always been inspired by Tommy Smothers and Lilly Tomlin, they are both big influences,” Irwin said. “The storytelling community Is full of kind people, and I am in the joy business.”

Despite traveling the country and introducing people to many of his stories and characters, such as his 85-year old aunt, Marguerite Van Camp, Irwin still holds a special place in his heart for his hometown of Covington.

As Irwin continues to be sought after across the country for his storytelling, his love for his hometown will never change.

“There is growth [in Covington], but a lot of it is smart growth, coming from benevolent leadership in the community,” Irwin said. “It is diverse, growing, and vibrant. I go to a lot of towns where the town square is one-third to two-thirds empty, and that Is not the way it is in Covington. It is thriving and growing.

“I take great pride in Covington, Georgia. The diversity in Covington warms my heart. Being from the new south is important to me.”

COMMUNITY CORNERSTONES

Nutrenitee Salon & Spa

Preserving History

By Emily Rose Hamby

Located right off of the Square, 1116 Floyd Street has been utilized as a hair salon for decades. The late Bertha Goss’ beauty salon — originally called Bertha’s Beauty Salon — occupied the storefront for almost 50 years.

Then, Diane Boswell bought the space nearly five years ago and opened Nutrenitee Salon and Spa. Since its inception, Boswell has worked to establish the salon as a staple in Covington.

“I’m not just here for the money,” Boswell said.” I have a passion for making people feel good, look good. If I can make a person feel good just by the words that I speak, not just because I curled their hair or gave them the best haircut that they had ever had in life. If I can speak some positive words to them to uplift them, to encourage them, to send them out and let them know that they are beautiful, not just on the outside, but on the inside.”

Boswell discovered her passion for doing hair as a little girl among her nine sisters, beginning by practicing on her dolls.

“We would get dolls for Christmas and by Dec. 27, the doll didn’t have any hair,” Boswell said. “Hair

Nutrenitee Salon & Spa continues the legacy of Bertha Goss’ Beauty Salon in the same location off of the Covington Square.

| Photo by Emily Rose Hamby

was gone. I have an identical twin sister so, she and I would get together and come up with ways that we could cut the doll’s hair. We’d go sneak the scissors from my mom. We’d get that knife from the kitchen… anything to cut hair. I was drawn to hair. Anybody I saw with hair, I wanted to touch it.”

Boswell’s history with the location of her storefront on Floyd Street extends past her ownership. It dates back to the first time she got her hair professionally styled.

She saved money throughout her childhood in pursuit of her hairstylist dream. Then, Boswell attended Southern Beauty Academy and found work at the same salon.

Nutrenitee Salon and Spa’s origin began in 2000 on Lions Club Road in Madison, Georgia. Behind the name lies a deeper meaning to Boswell, who is strong in her faith.

“I’m a Christian, I’m a believer. I believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” Boswell said. “At that time, I was in a hard place and believing that God was gonna do it for me. I was over my client’s head and, as I was praying, Nutrenitee came to my mind. Immediately, it was like, it’s the new trends and I style them to the T, but with the help of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, which equals Nutrenitee.”

Nearly 18 years later, Nutrenitee relocated to 1116 Floyd Street along with its large variety of loyal clients. The salon’s clientele has been solidified through feeling a sense of connection and comfortability with Boswell.

“What sets [Nutrenitee] apart from the rest is, it’s a ministry,” Boswell said. “I’m not for the crowd. I can have one salon. I can have one client in here at a time. And I think that’s why God has blessed me. Because that’s his will that he has for me to speak life into women. I love women. I love everybody. But to speak to a woman, because I’m a woman, I know how I feel and I can give my heart to them. My salon is small. It wasn’t intended to be big and to draw a lot of crowds.”

Nutrenitee has two employees, Boswell and another hair stylist, who provide services such as hair cutting, braiding, natural hairstyles, relaxed hairstyles, silk presses and more. Typically, no more than one or two customers are in the salon at a time. That’s an expectation Boswell has set in order to make each

individual feel special and to ensure quality results.

With Covington and Newton County continuing to grow and evolve, Nutrenitee is happy to be a part of the community. Not only that, but Boswell aims to take Nutrenitee to greater heights.

Boswell believes the help of the community, her faith and the steep history are three crucial factors to help accomplish that goal.

“I’m so thankful and grateful to be part of Newton County. Beautiful people, they do their job. They made sure that when I opened those doors, it was going to be safety for me as well as my clients or for anyone that walked through that door,” Boswell said. “It was a hair salon run by the late Bertha Goss. She ran it for almost 50 years and that’s what we want to keep it, a beauty salon, because there’s so much history here. So many memories here.”

“We would get dolls for Christmas and by Dec. 27, the doll didn’t have any hair.”

Elected Officials

ALCOVY JUDICIAL CIRCUIT SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES

Judge W. Kendall Wynne, Jr.

Office Address:

Judge Horace J. Johnson Jr. Judicial Center

1132 Usher Street, Room 208

Covington, GA 30014 Phone: 770-788-3781

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 Dr. Suite 221 Monroe, GA 30655

Phone: 770-267-1339

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

NEWTON COUNTY CORONER DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Randy McGinley, 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.

Tommy Davis, Coroner Office Address:

Newton County Coroner’s Office 1124 Clark Street

Covington, GA 30014

Phone: 678-625-1218

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

Ezell Brown, Sheriff

Office Address:

Newton County Sheriff’s Office

15151 Alcovy Road NE

Covington, GA 30014

Phone: 678-625-1401

Linda D. Hays, Clerk of Courts

Office Address:

Judge Horace J. Johnson Jr. Judicial Center

1132 Usher Street Room 338

Covington, GA 30014

Phone: 770-784-2035

Marcus Jordan, Tax Commissioner

Office Address:

1113 Usher St NW # 101, Covington, GA 30014

Phone: 770-784-2020

NEWTON COUNTY CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATES

U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Lithonia 4th Congressional District District office:

5240 Snapfinger Park Drive, Ste. 140 Decatur, GA 30035

Phone: 770-987-2291

Website: https://hankjohnson.house.gov

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

Phone: 770-207-1776

Website: https://collins.house.gov

NEWTON COUNTY GENERAL ASSEMBLY DELEGATES

Georgia’s 114th District

Georgia’s 17th

Rep. Tim Fleming

Sen. Brian Strickland

District

Rep. Sharon Henderson Georgia’s 113th District

Sen. Tonya Anderson Georgia’s 43rd District

Rep. Doreen Carter Georgia’s 93rd District

Learn more about Newton County’s General Assembly delegates at www.legis.ga.gov.

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 com -

mission 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

Marcello Banes Chairman

Alana Sanders Commissioner District 3

Stan Edwards Commissioner District 1

J.C. Henderson Commissioner District 4

T. Demond Mason Commissioner District 2

Ronnie Cowan Commissioner District 5

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.

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1527

Covington, GA 30015 Phone: 770-385-2000

Email: questions@cityofcovington.org

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

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

“A Town with Characters”

Mayor: Gregg Ellwanger

Mayor Pro Tem: Tom Krieger

Council Members: Rob Bratton, Denise Spitler,Cain Williamson

Clerk: Elisa Rowe

Assistant Clerks: Leata Sears, Jaye Henderson

Public Works Department: Donald Clement, Ernest Horton, Darren Mitchell

Gregg Ellwanger Mayor Cain Williamson Council Post 3

Robert Bratton Council Post 1

Denise Spitler Council Post 4

Tom Krieger Council Post 2

Steve Horton Mayor

Anthony Henderson Council Post 3 West Ward

Don Floyd Council Post 3 East Ward

Susie Keck Council Post 1 East Ward

Kenneth Morgan Council Post 1 West Ward

Fleeta Baggett Council Post 2 East Ward

Charika Davis Council Post 2 West Ward

Home of the Hornyhead Fishing Tournament Jeanette Adams Zeigler Public Library ~ Come Read With Us!

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.

Mailing Address: City of Mansfield PO Box 35 3146 Hwy 11 S. Mansfield, GA 30055-0035

Phone: 770-786-7235

GEORGIA

Mayor:

GW Davis Jr

Council Members:

Helen Robertson • Blair Northen

Marty Smallwood • Fred Purvis • Scott Colyn

It’s Fun to Be Outdoors in Mansfield!

F Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center

F The Burge Plantation

F Cricket Frog Trail

F Nonie Needham Nature Trail

F Beaver Park

F Short Drive to Jackson Lake

The Oxford City Council meets every first Monday of the month and holds a work session every third Monday at city hall at

David Eady Mayor

Laura McCanless Council Post 3 Jeff Wearing Council Post 6

Jim Windham Council Post 5

George Holt Council Post 2

Erik Oliver Council Post 1

Mike Ready Council Post 4

G.W. Davis Jr. Mayor

Marty Smallwood Council Post 1

Helen Robertson Council Post 2

Scott Colyn Council Post 4

Blair Northen Council Post 3 Fred Purvis Council Post 5

Paddle Your Way to Porterdale, Georgia

Arline Chapman Mayor

Patterson Council Post 3

Kay Piper Council Post 1

Jill Minnoia Council Post 4

Linda Finger Council Post 2

Lowell Chambers Council Post 5

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 (pictured left) is located at 166 N Cherokee Road.

Mailing Address: P O Box 310 166 N Cherokee Road

Social Circle, GA 30025

Phone: 770-464-2380

Email: manager@socialcirclega.gov

David Keener Mayor

Steve Shelton Council District 4

Nathan Boyd Council District 3

Tyson Jackson Council District 2

Traysa Price Council District 1

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

Benjamin Roundtree Interim Superintendent

Shakila Henderson-Baker District 3

Trey Bailey District 1

Anderson Bailey District 4

Eddie Johnson District 2

Abigail Coggin District 5

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 Mansfield

770-786-7235

City of Newborn

770-787-1660

City of Oxford:

770-786-7004

City of Porterdale

770-786-2217

Newton County Water & Sewerage Authority

Our mission is to provide our customers with clean safe drinking water while re-claiming wastewater in an environmentally sound manner while focusing on cost efficiency and value oriented service.

Proudly Serving Our Customers for 53 Years.

Covington Police Department

13183 Harland Dr NE 770-786-7605

Porterdale Police Department 2602 Main St., Porterdale 770-786-2226

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

Covington Fire Department 2101 Pace St., Covington 770-385-2100

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

Social Circle Fire Department 165 East Hightower Trail, Social Circle 770-464-0621

Newton County Sheriff’s Office 15151 Alcovy Road NE

General Information | 678-625-1400

Jail Information | 678-625-1420

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

Covington – Newton County 911 Center 11234 Alcovy Road NE

Emergency: 9-1-1

Non-Emergency: 678-342-8790

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