By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Publix donates to help hungry
Publix-donation
Mark Holihan, district manager of Publix, and (far right) Melissa Elam, store manager at the Brown Bridge Road location, present a check to (center) Doris Strickland, executive director of the Covington-Newton County United Way. - photo by Submitted Photo
Staff Report
Updated: Jun 1, 2014, 2:00 AM
Published: May 31, 2014, 10:59 PM

Publix and its employees are doing their part to feed the hungry in Newton County.

Publix donated $1,099 to the Covington-Newton County United Way to purchase food for the less fortunate in the county, and workers also helped send a truckload of food to the Salvation Army food pantry.

In addition, the Publix Foundation donated $18,600 to the United Way to be given to the various local nonprofit agencies the United Way supports.

United Way Executive Director Doris Strickland said Publix is a huge supporter of the United Way, noting that the company’s 102 local employees donated $24,000 to the United Way through employee deductions.
Newton County native charged with threatening school in Warren County
Mason Garrett taught at Warren County High School
mason garrett
Mason Garrett, a Newton County man, was arrested for making terroristic threats at Warren County High School. Photo via McDuffie County Sheriff's Office.
Kate Verity
Updated: May 9, 2025, 9:23 PM
Published: May 9, 2025, 9:14 PM

WARREN COUNTY — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested a Newton County native who taught at a school 75 miles east of Covington.

Mason Garrett, 22, was arrested on April 29 for making verbal threats at Warren County High School (WCHS), where he is a teacher. 

According to a press release from the GBI, Garrett – a 2020 Alcovy High School graduate –  allegedly made verbal threats to shoot staff and students at WCHS. The incident reportedly occurred on school premises on April 24.

“On Monday, April 28, 2025, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer requested the GBI to investigate a potential incident involving terroristic threats and acts made by a teacher at the school,” the press release states.

The following day, the GBI arrested Garrett and charged him with one felony count of terroristic threats and acts. He was booked into the McDuffie County Jail.

The GBI is continuing to investigate the situation. Following the investigation, Garrett will be prosecuted in the Toombs Judicial Circuit.

The GBI requests that anyone with information call 706-595-2575. Additionally, anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or on the See Something, Send Something mobile app.