Kari Apted
Kari Apted has been writing for The Newton Community Magazine since its inception. She began writing professionally in 2005 when her work was chosen to appear in "Operation Homecoming: Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Home Front, in the Words of U.S. Troops and Their Families," an anthology sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Kari’s portfolio now includes blogs, feature stories, humorous newspaper columns and a plethora of home design articles. She’s currently working on her first book. Kari adores her husband, Donnie, their four mostly-grown children, and the family’s pack of rescued mutts. When she isn’t writing, Kari loves creating artwork, traveling, and hosting paint-and-sip parties.
Little Fish, Big Fun
The small town of Newborn in eastern Newton County celebrates an unlikely local resident every April: the lowly hornyhead fish. The annual Hornyhead Fish Festival features a fishing tournament with
Life with Lupus
Makayla Cosby was a picture of good health until mysterious symptoms appeared at the tender age of 7. After extensive testing, her family learned she had childhood onset lupus. Cosby
Cooking Up a Legacy
For over 50 years, restaurateur Jim Stalvey owned and operated over a dozen dining establishments in Covington and surrounding areas. The late Newton County icon not only enjoyed serving food but
‘He Always Took Care of His People’
by Kari Apted Jim Stalvey left a positive mark on Newton County and an unforgettable impression on those in the restaurant industry. Even Chick-fil-A dedicated its sign to him after
Signs of the Times
For all its horrors, the coronavirus pandemic forced society into necessary innovations from which many benefit. It drew new gifts out of Robert and April Chapman’s children, as they tapped
Seven Acres of Freedom
Lisa Kario saw an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream when she moved to Newton County from Connecticut two decades ago, so she purchased a farm and began populating it
‘As Human as Possible’
After Judge Horace J. Johnson tragically died from COVID-19 in July 2020, Oxford College decided to rename Language Hall in honor of one of the school’s most distinguished graduates. On
A Place ‘Where Friends Meet’
City Pharmacy brings the delight of fine dining to downtown Covington through the distinctive vision of owner Tedo Stone. by Kari Apted You may initially find City Pharmacy’s name perplexing,
Planting Seeds
Visitors to The Square on Mondays around lunchtime will notice a white and purple tent advertising ‘Free Prayer.’ Awaken His Church, the brainchild of Holly Hayes and Tarita Kuhns, started