Boys recovering from fox bites outside Covington school

Submitted by Julie Wolfe, 11Alive Reporter

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013, 8:43am

COVINGTON, Ga. -- Two children were bitten by a grey fox at Rocky Plains Elementary School in Covington.

The fox came onto the playground of the school at around 11:45 a.m. and bit two students at play, said Newton County Animal Control Director Teri Kay-Hooson.

The fox bites punctured the skin of both students.

Brian Stephen, who teaches 4th grade at Rocky Plains, told 11Alive that when the fox appeared on the playground, he started darting around the children who were at recess.

The teacher who was out with the kids called the kids to get back, but the fox had singled out one of the 6-year-old students and bit him, Stephen said.

A paraprofessional kicked the animal off the child, but the fox then bit a second student, also a 6-year-old boy. The parapro kicked the fox off that student, too. It was after the second bite when the fox ran off back into the woods.

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Graduation rates in Newton County

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 10:56am

COVINGTON, Ga. -- Georgia's public high school graduation rate rose slightly to 69.7 percent in 2012, compared to 67.4 percent in 2011, according to data released Tuesday.

The rate of Georgia seniors receiving diplomas has risen by 11 percentage points since 2009, the first year the Georgia Department of Education began tracking graduation data with a new formula.

"I am very pleased that our graduation rate continues to increase, no matter how it is calculated," state superintendent Dr. John Barge said in a statement. "While our graduation rate is still far too low and we have much progress to be made, we are moving in the right direction."

In Newton County, the graduation rate was 76.21 percent -- well above the state average.

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Weekend storms result in flooding, mudslide

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Sunday, May 19th, 2013, 6:15pm

ATLANTA -- Heavy rain throughout much of metro Atlanta resulted in flooding Sunday morning.

11Alive meteorologist Allison Chinchar said certain areas in northeastern Georgia got between 4 and 6 inches of rain, including Forsyth, Hall and north Fulton counties.

PHOTOS | Rain and storm damage -- add your own

The Hall County Sheriff's Office said the Atlanta Road area of Flowery Branch should be avoided, as more than 6 inches of rain shut down the street between Spout Springs and Wade Orr roads. The city of Flowery Branch declared a state of emergency Sunday evening.

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Community Car Show hits Walmart stores for children's health

Submitted by Holly Pennebaker, Community Web Producer

Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 1:28pm

Community Car Show hits Walmart stores for children's health

(WXIA) -- In support of the Children's Miracle Network, all local residents are invited to make their cars a part of the Community Car Show, to be held at several area Walmart stores.

The Community Car Show is set for each Saturday in June, varying by location. Among cars that can be shown, a spokeswoman said the event is looking for luxury vehicles, classic cars, super fast hot rods and high performance cars.

To rent a space, the cost per vehicle is $5.00, which will go directly to Children's Miracle Network to help kids in children's hospitals across the country.

Those car owners who participate may win prizes including a trophy, Walmart gift cards and use of a rental car.

The schedule of Community Car Shows is as follows:

● 1436 DOGWOOD DR SE, CONYERS - 6/1/2013

● 1400 LAWRENCEVILLE HWY, LAWRENCEVILLE - 6/1/2013

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Get skin cancer screenings for free with Kaiser Permanente

Submitted by Holly Pennebaker, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013, 6:08pm

Get skin cancer screenings for free with Kaiser Permanente

ATLANTA -- Kaiser Permanente of Georgia is offering free skin cancer screenings at a couple of locations near Atlanta.

A spokeswoman for Kaiser Permanente said the screenings are here for those spending more time outdoors this spring, and early detection is important to stay protected. All residents are invited.

Further, sun exposure continues to be the leading cause of skin cancer, making the spring and summer months more risky. Kaiser Permanente reminds everyone who plans to be in the sun to always wear sunscreen to protect their skin.

The screenings are being held Wednesday at the Kaiser Permanente Crescent Medical Center in Tucker and at the Kaiser Permanente Cumberland Medical Center on Cumberland Parkway.

Screenings will be given on a first come, first serve basis. Hours are 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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School is (almost!) out in Newton County

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Monday, May 13th, 2013, 11:17am

School is (almost!) out in Newton County

COVINGTON, Ga. -- The last day of school is fast approaching in metro Atlanta, with some districts dismissing as early as this week.

For Newton County Schools, the last day is Friday, May 24.

Other last days of school in the Atlanta area include:

Thursday, May 16
Barrow County

Friday, May 17
Clarke County

Wednesday, May 22
Atlanta Public Schools (traditional)
Cherokee County
Gwinnett County

Thursday, May 23
Clayton County
Cobb County
Decatur City
DeKalb County
Fulton County
Rockdale County

Friday, May 24
Bartow County
Buford City
Carroll County
Coweta County
Fayette County
Floyd County
Forsyth County
Griffin-Spalding County
Marietta City
Paulding County

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Random Acts of Kindness: Kayla Griffith

Submitted by 11Alive News Staff

Monday, May 13th, 2013, 10:17am

COVINGTON, Ga. -- Every morning, we try to brighten your day with a Random Act of Kindness. Today's Random Act is for Kayla from Covington.

Kayla's mother-in-law Sharon thinks of Kayla as her own daughter. Kayla recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, but is struggling to afford all the necessary baby items every new mom needs.

Thanks to a tip from Sharon and an anonymous donation, 11Alive was able to provide Kayla and her baby with a wonderful gift.

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