Brian Knapp
An award-winning writer and editor based in Social Circle, Brian Knapp has spent the last 25 years as a journalist. He grew up in Covington and graduated from Newton High School in 1996. Brian went on to serve as sports editor and managing editor of The Covington News before accepting a position as features editor for Sherdog.com, the largest mixed martial arts website in the world. His work has appeared on ESPN.com and FoxSports.com and in Real Fighter, ChopTalk, Ultimate MMA and Sports Spectrum magazines. Brian was named editor of The Newton Community Magazine in 2018. He married his wife, Holly, in 2001. They have two sons, Gehrig and Gibson.
World Traveler
Nothing—not even a life-altering battle with Crohn’s disease—could stop Erron Maxey from pursuing his dream of playing professional basketball. The 40-year-old has now suited up in 15 different countries. by
Bathed in Red and Black
Sanford Stadium, a 93,000-seat shrine to college football in the south, rests at the epicenter of University of Georgia fandom. Though the man whose name it bears was born in
Diamond King
Tim Hyers has traveled an unlikely path, from second-round draft pick out of Newton High School to hitting coach for the World Series champion Boston Red Sox. by Brian Knapp
Talent for the Game
Amman Dewberry has every intention of becoming the first baseball player out of Peachtree Academy to reach the NCAA Division I level, and a stellar junior season with the Panthers
Building Bridges
When Marquis Gilstrap retired as a professional basketball player, he packaged together his knowledge and experience, brought them home and started opening doors for the next generation.
A Crucible Unlike Any Other
Former Eastside High School wrestler Cody Durden pushed all his chips to the center of the table and bet on himself in the cutthroat world of mixed martial arts.
Faith, Football and Finance
Once a star running back at Georgia Tech, Jerry Mays discovered a career in banking through a series of divine appointments and eventually settled in Newton County with his wife and two children.
A Love That Lasts
Butch and Linda Betts will celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary in June. In a day and age when divorce has become more the norm than the exception, their enduring relationship stands as a testament to the power of love, faith and compromise.
Designing Tunes
John Johnson’s musical genius draws aspiring singers and songwriters to Newton County from all over the world.