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Members of the Stanford family — Marcus (l-r), Jeff, Kandy, Ansley and Amber — in the body shop office after the business reopened last week. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Members of the Stanford family — Marcus (l-r), Jeff, Kandy, Ansley and Amber — in the body shop office after the business reopened last week. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Stan’s Body Shop reopens after devastating fire

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
A local business that has served its Jones County customers for five decades reopened its doors last week after eight months of restoration due to a devastating fire.Stan’s Body Shop opened its doors April 20 for the first time since the July 6, 2025, blaze that shut it down.

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Grand jury indicts drug trafficking, firearm cases

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
See full list in Open Records >> Page B5A Jones County Grand Jury brought back true bills for every count presented to them by law enforcement during its April 7 session.The 30 bills of indictment included 11 drug charges, five of which involved firearms in addition to the drug charges.
War Days come to Old Clinton this weekend

War Days come to Old Clinton this weekend

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War Days come to Old Clinton this weekend

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Old Clinton War Days is this weekend, beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday with battle reenactment events taking place at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.The camp is open, rain or shine.
Judge Rutherford at her 2020 swearing-in with husband Boyce (second from right) and children Luke and Lauren CONTRIBUTED

Judge Rutherford at her 2020 swearing-in with husband Boyce (second from right) and children Luke and Lauren CONTRIBUTED

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Rutherford believes she is where she was meant to be

Greenberry Moore
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Kelli Cobb and Boyce Rutherford knew each other in kindergarten days, but they took their time getting to the altar to say “I do.” They began dating in the 11th grade and married 10-plus years and a few temporary separations later.
DDA considers options for former gas station

DDA considers options for former gas station

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DDA considers options for former gas station

News Staff
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Gray Downtown Development Authority members brainstormed their vison for a new business in the heart of downtown during their April meeting. The April 13 meeting was called to order by Chairman Sherri Rollins, and DDA member David Tufts led the opening prayer.
The Jones County News salutes the local Veteran of the Week

The Jones County News salutes the local Veteran of the Week

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The Jones County News salutes the local Veteran of the Week

News Staff
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
John C. Childs Sr. is the local veteran of the week. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1945, in the 701st Tank Battalion, Company C, during World War II. He was a combat veteran, serving in many places in Europe, including Utah Beach.Do you know a veteran we can feature?
Manning Brothers: More than half a century of innovative food service

Manning Brothers: More than half a century of innovative food service

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Manning Brothers: More than half a century of innovative food service

News Staff
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Great people meet challenges with innovative solutions, and we’ve been there. Whatever your food service opportunity, we’ve likely seen it—and solved it—before. At Manning Brothers, you are served by people with real-world, frontline experience.
Spring Cleanup a success under KJB leadership

Spring Cleanup a success under KJB leadership

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Spring Cleanup a success under KJB leadership

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Last month’s Spring Cleanup was a transition event for Keep Jones Beautiful leadership and a success for beautifying the community.The March 28 event was the last for KJB outgoing director Mallory Lunsford and the first for incoming director Abigail Barton.

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Real Life

News Staff
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
–George Sheffield My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?--Mt 27:46 At 12 noon on Calvary, a strange darkness fell across the land. This wasn’t a solar eclipse because there was a Passover full moon. It wasn’t a rainstorm. Not one of the gospels mention rain or clouds or a storm.
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