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Former chief appraiser Tony George stands in front of the Jones County Board of Tax Assessors.

Former chief appraiser Tony George stands in front of the Jones County Board of Tax Assessors.

Chief appraiser fired after four-hour-long meeting

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Jones County’s chief tax appraiser was fired at the conclusion of a Feb. 20 called meeting that lasted more than four hours. The motion to remove Tony George was made by Jones County Board of Tax Assessors member Joe Rutledge.
Georgia Senate backs bill to increase state child care tax credit

Georgia Senate backs bill to increase state child care tax credit

Georgia Senate backs bill to increase state child care tax credit

Ty Tagami
Thursday, February 20, 2025
ATLANTA – The Georgia Senate unanimously backed a bill Wednesday that would give parents of young children a bigger tax break.The goal of Senate Bill 89 is to help more parents stay in the workforce, said the chief sponsor, Sen. Brian Strickland, R-McDonough.
Jones County JROTC cadets with State Sen. Rick Williams during their recent visit to the Capitol.

Jones County JROTC cadets with State Sen. Rick Williams during their recent visit to the Capitol.

11 JROTC cadets visit Georgia Capitol

Brandy Round
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Eleven Jones County High School Greyhound Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Cadets visited the Capitol for Youth in Government Day at the Capitol Feb. 4.The cadets, other JROTC units, the Georgia Girl Scouts, and advocacy groups all were present at the capitol.
Cliff and Valerie Douglas inside Faith Ann’s Antiques and More located at 250 W. Clinton St. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Cliff and Valerie Douglas inside Faith Ann’s Antiques and More located at 250 W. Clinton St. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Faith Ann’s antiques a lifelong dream for owner

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
The owner of Gray’s newest antique shop is living a dream that started with family and continues to be a family affair.Faith Ann’s Antiques had its ribbon cutting and official grand opening Feb. 4, but the store, located at 250 West Clinton Street, opened in September.
Jones County High School Head Football Coach Justin Montgomery (left) is congratulated by JCHS Principal Dennis Woolfolk after the Feb. 11 introduction. SEE MORE ON THE NEW COACH IN SPORTS >> PAGE C1 DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Jones County High School Head Football Coach Justin Montgomery (left) is congratulated by JCHS Principal Dennis Woolfolk after the Feb. 11 introduction. SEE MORE ON THE NEW COACH IN SPORTS >> PAGE C1 DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

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Montgomery introduced at BOE meeting

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
The February meeting of the Jones County Board of Education was packed with information from student teachers, the Jones County High School College and Career Academy, community comments and was topped off with the hiring of a new head football coach.
Eesha Kumar

Eesha Kumar

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Kumar hired as new assistant district attorney

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Jones County’s newest assistant district attorney is enjoying the Jones County office and the experience of working in the rural community.Eesha Kumar was born in Atlanta and grew up in Cumming. She attended college at UGA and first focused on pre-med.

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DDA planning for another year of economic success

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
February’s meeting of the Gray Downtown Development Authority looked toward another successful year for economic development in the City of Gray.The Feb. 10 meeting was called to order by DDA Chairman Sherri Rollins.
Georgia House taking the lead on school safety

Georgia House taking the lead on school safety

Georgia House taking the lead on school safety

Dave Williams
Sunday, February 16, 2025
ATLANTA - The state House of Representatives passed legislation last year offering tax credits to Georgians who buy safe firearm storage devices such as trigger locks and gun safes, but the bill died in the state Senate.
This photo of the unoccupied boat is how Jeff Everett learned of the couple that is presumed drowned in Lake Oconee.

This photo of the unoccupied boat is how Jeff Everett learned of the couple that is presumed drowned in Lake Oconee.

Putnam Sheriff takes over investigation of boating incident on Lake Oconee

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, February 13, 2025
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has now taken over the investigation of the abandoned boat found Saturday on Lake Oconee, the woman whose body was recovered by the Dept. of Natural Resources game wardens, and the missing man who was believed to have been with her on the boat.
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