Lynn Hobbs lynn@msgrnews.com Four more arrests were recently made in connection with raids of businesses in January by area law enforcement, bringing the total number of arrests to 17 in Putnam County, according to authorities. Two of the arrestees were out of the country, yet turned themselves in at the sheriff’s office last week.

A Jones County man arrested for aggravated assault was granted bond in Superior Court last week. Michael Todd Randall was arrested April 14 following the report of a family disturbance.

The entry and success of 11 Jones County FFA and 4H students at the Georgia Junior Livestock Show earlier this year is the product of a relationship that has come full circle. It would be hard to estimate the number of students Mark Smith has taught how to take care of and show calves during his 27 years as an agriculture teacher at Jones County High School.

The debate over a tax break the data center industry has enjoyed in Georgia for the last six years has moved from the General Assembly to the governor's office. The legislature passed a bill during this year's session suspending for two years a state sales tax exemption on purchases of data center equipment aimed at attracting more data centers to Georgia.

National Wildfire Awareness Month dedicates the month of May to prevention and preparedness. While wildfires may not be prevalent in all states, we all need to be aware and alert. Wildfires can occur in every state, and as mobile as our lifestyles have become, we all need to be prepared.

The following information is gleaned from incident reports, which are public record, from the Jones County Sheriff’s Department and Gray Police Department April 26 - May 1, 2024. APRIL 26 Entering auto Deputy Shurley was dispatched to a residence in reference to an entering auto.

MAY 2, 2024 PLEAS State vs. Alexis Danae Howard-Khan – seven days for the lesser included offense of theft by taking misdemeanor.

Traffic citations filed with the Jones County Probate Court for April 26 – May 2, 2024 Driving without a tag (2) Operating vehicle without valid tag/decal (4) Driving with suspended license – 1st (1) Operating commercial vehicle without valid license (1) Instruction or restricted temporary permit (1) No insurance (1) Suspended registration, cancellation – 1st (5) Speeding (10) DUI – 1st offense (1) DUI – 2nd offense (1) Passing in no-passing zone – no accident (2) Following too closely – no accident (1) Failure to stop at stop sign (1) Tag light required (1) Taillights/lenses required (1) Safety belts violation (adults) (1).

APRIL 26 – MAY 1, 2024 Jones County ($11,199.56) City of Gray ($354.07) River North ($229.20) Total tags ($11,782.83).

APRIL 26 – MAY 2, 2024 4/26/24 Jay Barnes $1,453.82 4/29/24 Michael Nestler $542.00 4/29/24 Cedar Creek Land & Development LLC $392.00.