All Stories
Oxford men's win streak continues
The Oxford men's basketball team won its fifth consecutive game and sixth of its last seven Wednesday, defeating the junior varsity squad from Tennessee-Temple 81-62 at Williams Gymnasium.. The Eagles (9-3, 1-0 in GCAA Region 17) were led by former Newton High
Locals players making a name at the college level
McRay starring for LancersFormer Rockdale guard Portia McRay certainly seems to be adjusting well to the college game. McRay, who led the Bulldogs in scoring and to a state tournament berth as a senior, has been excellent in her first year of junior college basketball. In nine games through November
Pujols, Angels agree to $254M, 10-year deal
DALLAS -- Three-time NL MVP Albert Pujols agreed Thursday to a $254 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.. Pujols' contract is the
Five Newton players voted to all-region team
COVINGTON -- Newton's Javonte Williams may not fit into anyone's model of a running back, standing at 5 feet, 7 inches while tipping the scale at 170 pounds. But don't let his size fool you; he is a running back.. Not only did he become the first Newton player to
MARK SHIELDS: GOP should steer clear of Gingrich nomination
A Gingrinch nomination will mean a campaign focused on the wrong issues.
HUCKABY: Gifts not enough to express true feelings at Christmas
Christmas shopping can turn a holiday mood blue.
JACK SIMPSON: Movie gets Hoover wrong
J. Edgar Hoover's private life should not be the subject of rumor and gossip.
FILM FANS: 'Descendants' packs emotional punch
Local Film Fans review the movie of the week, "The Descendants."
DISC SPOTLIGHT: 'The Debt'
Michael Clark reviews "The Debt" Blu-ray disc.
Death row inmate gets new trial because of tweeting juror
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday tossed out a death row inmate's murder conviction and said he deserves a new trial because one juror slept and another tweeted during court proceedings.. Erickson Dimas-Martinez's attorneys had appealed his 2010 murder conviction because a juror sent tweets
City abolishing special electric rate
The city is abolishing an economic development rate for industries and other large electric customers.
55-year-old Covington man charged with sexual exploitation of children, porn
COVINGTON -- A 55-year-old Covington man has been arrested and faces charges involving sexual exploitation of children, according to the Newton County Sheriff's Office.. Johnny Jay Farino, 55, of 295 Berkshire Drive, has been charged with sexual exploitation of children; reporting violations; forfeiture and computer pornography child exploitation
GPC names Jeff Meadors to oversee Dual Enrollment program
Students have more options now to earn college credit while in high school.
Operation Sandbox seeking donations
Operation Sandbox is collecting necessities and treats for troops overseas.
Suspect in Canton girl's slaying held in isolation
A 20-year-old maintenance worker charged with murder is in isolation at the north Georgia jail where he's being held without bond in the beating death of 7-year-old Jorelys Rivera.
Southern Baptists study possible name change
What if Southern Baptists were no longer called Southern Baptists? Would more people walk through church doors?
Coke secret formula gets first new home since 1925
The Coca-Cola Co. has made its secret formula the centerpiece of a new exhibit at its corporate museum, ditching the confines of the bank vault where the list of ingredients had been stored since 1925.
New immigration measure is in all 159 Ga. counties
All 159 Georgia counties will now share fingerprint information with federal immigration authorities to help identify people who are in the country illegally and have committed crimes.
Dec. 9 Newton Blotter
Newton Blotter
Official: Virginia Tech gunman believed to be dead
A law enforcement official says the gunman who fled after killing a police officer on campus is believed to be dead.
JULIE WELLS: Among the lights, parties and presents, make room for Jesus at Christmas
For the month of December, I have the privilege of teaching the little ones at City of David Covenant Church about the birth of our holy Savior.. We, the other teachers at the church, all rotate throughout the year and sign up to teach a month or two during the
TONY ELDER: It's time to prioritize getting your heart right with God
Have you been able to get out and enjoy any of the various Christmas activities in your community this year?. Last week my wife and I ventured out with our daughter and grandkids to the Olde Town Christmas Party in Conyers. It turned out to be one of those quaint
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY: Those grieving at the holidays may honor lost loved ones by helping the needy
Q: This is the first holiday season for my family since my father passed away. I'm dreading Christmas because I am afraid it will be so emotional, especially for my mom. What can I do to make it easier for her?. Juli: I am so sorry for you loss. Grieving
JOE LAGUARDIA: Even in hard times, Advent points to the light of Christmas
In the Nov. 29 issue of The Christian Century, the Reverend Bill Goetler writes about a homeless man, Danny, whom he befriended one winter season. Bill writes about Danny's comings and goings and their random meetings in the neighborhood.. In their happenstance meetings in the neighborhood, Danny asks for things
JAMES BEHRENS: Advent offers an array of scriptural stories that reveal the scope of human desire
The wish for something or someone begins as soon as we enter this life and does not cease until the moment we breathe our last breath. It is desire. It burns within us all of our lives and, who knows, it may well enflame the ethereal stuff of our spirits
ORRIN MORRIS: Lily-of-the-valley symbolizes purity, and is a treasured gift
In the middle of the 19th century, a gospel tune was written entitled "The Lily of the Valley." Based on Song of Solomon 2:1 it reads,"I have found a friend in Jesus,. He's everything to me,. He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;. The Lily of
St. Simon's Episcopal hosts bluegrass concert benefit
Proceeds from concert to support local shelter for domestic violence victims
With Dona Bopp and The Angel Biscuits, The Skeeters and The East Dixie Boys on stage, one can be assured of a good-time bluegrass concert this weekend as St. Simon's Episcopal Church hosts a community-wide benefit for Project Renewal. The Sunday afternoon concert begins at 4 and admission
JOHN PEARRELL: Some wonder, should Christians celebrate Christmas?
Every Christmas, without fail, someone will ask me if Christians should celebrate Christmas.. Generally, the idea that we should not celebrate it comes from either the concept that the holiday has become so commercial as to have lost its true meaning (and should we propagate that commercialism?) or from the
Local 90-year-olds still have spring in their step
L.C. Warren Jr. will soon be 94 and he'll tell you without hesitation his secret to longeviity.
Changes to mortgage rules offer scammers a chance to cheat homeowers
Homeowners who are "under water" with their mortgages can refinance under the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), but the Better Business Bureau is warning consumers that banks and mortgage companies aren't the only ones gearing up for the rush of applications.. "Whenever there is a new or updated government program
Sherwood Forest mini-golf to hold toy drive
Sherwood Forest Family Entertainment Center, located at 1047 Flat Shoals Road in Conyers, will host a toy donation day on Dec. 17.. Each patron who brings in one new, unwrapped toy will receive one free round of miniature golf.. Toys will be donated to the Toys for Tots program. Also
Local real estate agent joins Keller Williams
Mackey Whitmire, a real estate agent for 12 years, recently joined the Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Metro East Market Center, located at 2012 Eastview Parkway, Building 3, Suite 110, in Conyers. He is an active life member of the Million Dollar Club.. Whitmire holds a bachelor's degree from the University
Divine Decadent Catering in Conyers serves gourmet cooking, varied menu
Carolyn Hoyte has worked in the law and real estate professions but the Conyers resident thinks she's finally found a way to make a living doing something she loves -- entertaining guests with her culinary skills.. Hoyte recently launched her new business Divine Decadent Catering & Event Planning. Based in Conyers
Mamie Lou Scarborough
Mrs. Mamie Lou Scarborough of Oxford, passed away December 7, 2011, at the age of 93. She was born in Wrightsville, GA, on March 6, 1918, to the late Dr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Harris. Mrs. Scarborough was a resident of Oxford, since 1957, and was a member of Covington Christian Church. She retired from the Newton County School System, in 1980, after having taught at both Porterdale and Palmer Stone Elementary Schools. She enjoyed camping and needlework. Mrs. Scarborough was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Wallace A. Scarborough. Survivors include her daughter, Deborah Vicory of Suwanee; sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne, Sr., and Eleanor Scarborough of Oxford, Tommy and Dale Scarborough of Covington; grandchildren, Wayne, Jr., and Sandra Scarborough of Monroe, Stephanie Scarborough of Lawrenceville, Beth and Mike Bryan of Covington, Matt and Nikki Scarborough of Marietta, Andria and Nathan Knight of Washington, D.C., Joey and Kyra Vicory of Lawrenceville, Tony Vicory of Suwanee, Amy Hicks, Justin Hicks; great-grandchildren, Lee and Billy Scarborough, Judah and Elisha Knight, Katie and Jake Bryan, Max and Roman Scarborough; brother, Thomas Harris of Sandersville, GA. Funeral Services for Mrs. Scarborough will be held Saturday, December 10, 2011, 2:00 PM, at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, with Pastor Tim Bolen officiating, and entombment following in Memory Chapel Mausoleum at Lawnwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, December 9, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Flowers are accepted, or donations may be made to a charity of choice; or Covington Christian Church, 141 Highway 142 East, Covington, GA 30014. www.caldwellandcowan.com to place online condolences 770-786-7062
Joseph Ward
Joseph “J. C.” Ward, passed away December 8 at age 100. He was a much-loved and longtime resident of Covington, having moved here in 1950 to establish Ward’s Accounting Service. He operated until 1980, when he retired and turned the business over to his son and son-in-law. He and his wife later established Candle Light Bridal Shop on the Square in Covington. He was born in Gladeville, TN, which he always referred to as “The Garden Spot of the World”. After finishing school, he moved to Dalton, GA, where he became a successful businessman. In Dalton, he met and married Oma Jean Cochran in 1935. They were married for 64 years until her death in 1999. Mr. Ward was preceded in death by his sisters, Vera, Stella Mae, Mary Sue; and brothers, Lofton Ward, Bennie Ward, Martin J. Ward, Dan Ward. Survivors include his children and their spouses: Kent Ward of Dunwoody, Joel Ward Poole, Phyllis and Lance Chaple, all of Covington and Abra and Lisa Ward of Conyers; a sister, Virginia Harris of Hermitage, TN; 10 grandchildren and their spouses: Kent Ward Jr. of Edmond, OK, Katie Chaple and Travis Denton of Atlanta, Joseph and Madonna Poole of Atlanta, Eve Chaple of Covington, Stephanie and Steve Strickland of Dacula, GA, Will Chaple of Covington, Zach and Lisa Ward of Covington, Nicole and Ryan Mitchell of Cartersville, Lauren Ward of Conyers and Alex and Kristyn Chaple of Cincinatti, OH; and 8 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services for Mr. J.C. Ward will be held Sunday, December, 11, 2011, 2:30 PM, at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with Odell Cochran officiating, and interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, December 10, from 7:00-9:00 PM. www.caldwellandcowan.com to place online condolences 770-786-7062
Joe James
Mr. Joe Robert James, age 69 of Conyers, died Wednesday, December 7, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Gladys James. He is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Tony and Jone James, Conyers, Gene and Carol James, Heflin, AL; nieces, Libba James, Keri Little; nephews, Scott James, Ryan James; great-niece, Frankie James; great-nephews, Davis Little, Peyton Little, Wilson James. Mr. James was the caregiver for his parents during their latter years. He retired from the Internal Revenue Service with 30 years of service and later worked part-time with his friend, Art McLendon. He was a long-time member of Conyers First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at Scot Ward’s Green Meadow Chapel with Dr. John Beyers officiating; interment will follow at East View Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 1 until 3 p.m. prior to the service. Contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.
Newton Community Calendar
Dec. 9
Daisy Arnold
Daisy Watkins Lord Arnold, age 83 of Loganville, GA passed away December 5, 2011. Arrangements by Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, (770) 786-7062, (770) 784-5582 (24 hr. obituary line) www.caldwellandcowan.com
Rockdale dog rescued after trapped in a well for a week
CONYERS -- This dog's tale ended happily when Rockdale County fire fighters and Animal Control officers rescued a dog that had been trapped in a well for a week in north Rockdale County.
Newton County READS moves to new office
The Covington/Newton County Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new offices for Newton County READS at 4118 Herring St. at the Family Resource Center East. Newton County READS is a non-profit, volunteer-based literacy organization that proviides literacy programs for Newton County adults who want to improve their reading skills, prepare to earn a GED certificate or to learn English as a second language. For more information or to volunteer, call 678-342-7943. Special photo
St. Simon's Episcopal hosts bluegrass concert benefit
With Dona Bopp and The Angel Biscuits, The Skeeters and The East Dixie Boys on stage, one can be assured of a good-time bluegrass concert this weekend as St. Simon's Episcopal Church hosts a community-wide benefit for Project Renewal. The Sunday afternoon concert begins at 4 and admission is free, but a $10 donation is requested.
TONY ELDER: It's time to prioritize getting your heart right with God
Have you been able to get out and enjoy any of the various Christmas activities in your community this year?
Henderson only hold-out on redistricting maps
COVINGTON - J.C. Henderson isn't giving up ground as the only elected official from the Board of Commissioners and Board of Education who opposes two proposed redistricting maps.
Animal experts urge protection of pets during holidays
COVINGTON -- It's only natural to want to include all those you love in holiday festivities, including family pets. But holiday decorations, feasting and traveling pose some very real dangers to animals, and pet owners need to be aware of how to keep their animals safe this time of year.
Walk of Heroes flag ceremony postponed
CONYERS — The unserviceable flag disposal ceremony planned for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Georgia Veterans War Memorial is cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, according to organizers.
JACK SIMPSON: Movie gets Hoover wrong
The new J. Edgar Hoover movie has renewed speculation about the director being gay and abusive of power. For years his enemies have continued to downgrade his contributions to law enforcement. Since he isn’t here to defend himself, it has become easier to besmirch his reputation and vilify him. This helps sell books, newspapers and movies.
MARK SHIELDS: GOP should steer clear of Gingrich nomination
“No man is good enough to be president,” wisely observed Abraham Lincoln, one of the nation’s greatest, “but someone has to be.”
Oxford men's win streak continues
OXFORD The Oxford men's basketball team won its fifth consecutive game and sixth of its last seven Wednesday, defeating the junior varsity squad from Tennessee-Temple 81-62 at Williams Gymnasium.
FILM FANS: 'Descendants' packs emotional punch
EDITOR'S NOTE: Film Fans features local residents reviewing the film of the week: "The Descendants." Want to be a film fan? Email features@gwinnettdailypost.com.
DISC SPOTLIGHT: 'The Debt'
The Debt Blu-ray (R)
Donald Davenport
Donald Frank Davenport, Sr., of Loganville, GA passed away December 7, 2011. Arrangements by Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, (770) 786-7062, (770) 784-5582 (24 hr. obituary line) www.caldwellandcowan.com
Shirley Burgess
Mrs. Shirley Burgess, 69, of Mineral Bluff, GA formerly of Covington, GA passed away December 5, 2011. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 23, 1942 to the late ...
Adrian Lawrence
Adrian Mason Lawrence, age 68, of Cumming, GA, passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2011. She is preceded in death by her husband, of 28 years, Pat Lawrence; parents, G.L. and ...
Robert Kelley
Mr. Robert “Bob” Kelley, 74, of Conyers formerly of Boston, Massachusetts passed away December 2, 2011. Mr. Kelley was born in Boston on October 13, 1937 and was ...
