Newton Citizen

Special Olympics closing ceremonies set for Friday

The heavy rains interrupted this year's much-anticipated Special Olympics parade.

At 10 a.m. Monday, Newton County Special Olympics expected to have its opening ceremonies for its spring games to honor the students participating in the annual event.

Now, parents, teachers and volunteers are invited to a special parade at 10 a.m. Friday in the Sharp Gym on Newton Drive in Covington. Instead of Opening Ceremonies, Special Olympics will have Closing Ceremonies.

The torch run by graduating senior Special Olympians from all three Newton County high schools will occur about 11 a.m. in Sharp Gym on Friday.

The Track and Field events will still take place from 10 a.m. to noon today as planned at Eastside High School.

Pedestrian killed crossing street

COVINGTON -- A 53-year-old man was struck and killed by a vehicle as he attempted to cross Washington Street on Saturday afternoon, according to the Georgia State Patrol.

GSP spokesman Gordy Wright said Johnny Eugene Darden of a Washington Street address was apparently attempting to cross the street and go to a nearby grocery store when he stepped into the path of a 1985 Ford Bronco. The accident occurred about 3:40 p.m. near the Carroll Street intersection.

"We don't know why he stepped in front of the vehicle, but it appears to have been an unavoidable collision," Wright said.

He said the driver, a 40-year-old Covington man, is not being charged in connection with the man's death.

Wright added that alcohol was not a factor in the incident.

-- From staff reports