News

County returns remnant property, invests money

Jones County Commissioners took care of business in a calm, uneventful meeting last week, which has not been the norm lately.Chairman Chris Weidner called the Feb. 18 meeting to order, and Commissioner Sam Kitchens led the opening prayer and pledge.
The Meat Locker opens its doors to the community

The Meat Locker opens its doors to the community

The Meat Locker opens its doors to the community

The Meat Locker, a new family-owned and community-focused market, will officially open its doors on February 27th at 6:00 AM. Owned by Darin and Lisa Simmons, the store promises to offer fresh, high-quality meats, produce, and more, with a commitment to maintaining that small-town family atmosphere.

Superior Court Motions

FEB. 20, 2025PLEASState vs. Timothy Lee Winters Jr. – 12 months for the offense of theft by shoplifting.Credit for time served from 8/18/23 and 5/25/24 – 5/25/24. Sentence to be served on probation.State vs. Ariel Tanishee Stephens – 30 days for the offense of driving while license suspended.

Crime Watch

The following information is gleaned from incident reports, which are public record, from the Jones County Sheriff’s Department and Gray Police Department Feb. 14-20, 2025.Feb. 14Two active warrantsDeputy Brown was on Highway 49 when he was contacted by Inv.

Real Estate Transactions

FEB. 14-20, 2025FEB. 14Cheyenne Zammit to Nicole Weprek; 2004 Graham Rd.; parcel J6400144; $204,900.00FEB. 18Melissa D. Brown to Dale Gerard Eich and Katrina S. Eich; 945 GA Hwy. 22 E Tract 2-B PB 23/435; 13.761 acres; parcel J39A00016A; $675,000.

Jail Report

FEB. 14-21, 2025Eric Joseph Batchelor, 46, arrested 2/19/25 – probation violation for fingerprintable charge felonyChaunce Michael Braun, 29, arrested 2/20/25 – Henry CoHunter Harrison Bridges, 22, arrested 2/16/25 - probation violation for fingerprintable charge misdemeanorEdward Jerome Broadus Jr.
The Newberry family surrounds James Newberry (second from left) at the Feb. 13 meeting and annual banquet of Jones County History and Heritage after he was named the Hamilton-Williams Preservationist of the Year for 2024. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

The Newberry family surrounds James Newberry (second from left) at the Feb. 13 meeting and annual banquet of Jones County History and Heritage after he was named the Hamilton-Williams Preservationist of the Year for 2024. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Newberry wins historic preservation award

Jones County History and Heritage celebrated a young man whose love of history began as a teenager and has continued throughout his college and professional career.
Former Jones County chief appraiser Tony George speaks to the Board of Tax Assessors at a Feb. 20 called meeting. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/ Staff

Former Jones County chief appraiser Tony George speaks to the Board of Tax Assessors at a Feb. 20 called meeting. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/ Staff

Chief appraiser fired by tax assessors board

The Jones County Board of Tax Assessors got down to business quickly at a called meeting last week with a clear goal of correcting problems in the tax assessors office.The Feb.