Student absenteeism a persistent problem, but Georgia is doing better than most

When COVID-19 struck, schools closed, students “attended” from home, and too many got out of the habit of going to school when the doors reopened.In 2022, nearly a quarter of Georgia’s students had absenteeism rates high enough to be considered “chronic” — nearly double the rate before the...

Jail Report

JULY 24-31, 2026Cameron Jacob Allen, 34, arrested 7/24/26 - driving without license, driving unsafe/improperly equipped vehicleJaycobe Kanye Bryant, 44, arrested 7/25/26 - probation violation for fingerprintable charge felonyMarcello Santana Clover, 19, arrested 7/24/26 - impeding the flow of...

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 July 19, 2026July 19Stolen BBQ suppliesDep. Hammond was dispatched to a local business in reference to a shoplifting call.

Real Estate Transactions

JULY 27-29, 2026JULY 27James Steven Crutchfield to Tall Shadows Farm LLC, parcel J1200001; $450,000.00.JULY 28Randy R. Eaton to Steven C. Stancil, Stewart Farm Road; parcel portion of J4600031B; land district 6; 57.88 acres; land lot 158, 181, 182; Tr B2; PB 23/702; $393,584.00.Donna Carol NeSmith,...

EarliPoint program can help identify autism spectrum disorder

Jones County Family Connection recently hosted a program about new help for families with questions about the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder at the Jones County Health Department.

Marco’s Pizza bringing fresh energy to Jones County

A family-owned business built on perseverance, opportunity and community connection is continuing to make its mark in Jones County.Marco’s Pizza, located at 198 W. Clinton Street in Gray, opened its doors in June 2023, expanding from a successful operation in Madison that was purchased by Ryan...

Another former lawmaker pleads guilty to pandemic fraud

A third former Georgia lawmaker has pleaded guilty to unemployment assistance fraud in federal court in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.Sharon Henderson, 67, of Covington, pleaded guilty Thursday to making false statements to fraudulently obtain thousands of dollars from the federal...

Barbee awarded for commitment to excellence in public service

Gray Mayor Ed Barbee received the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute’s Certificate of Dedication during the Georgia Municipal Association’s Annual Convention in Savannah June 28.The Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, a cooperative effort of GMA and the University of Georgia’s...

Roberts Station: A forgotten community remembered

When we take time to reflect on the things that really matter in our lives, we realize that one of the most important topics of our existence is family.