Georgia Senate panel approves referendum on sports betting, casinos

Casinos are back on the table in the General Assembly. The state Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee approved a proposed constitutional amendment late Thursday calling for Georgia voters to decide whether to legalize not only sports betting but casino gambling.

Howe pleads guilty, sentenced to 25 years for rape

An 18-year old Jones County man received a sentence of 25 years to serve following a plea of guilty to the charge of rape. Dakota Thomas Ryan Howe entered his plea in Jones County Superior Court Feb. 15.

Shooter receives 10-year sentence

One of two defendants in a 2022 case involving a shooting at a Jones County recreation center gym entered a guilty plea to the resulting aggravated assault charges and received a 10-year sentence. Tyshun A. Gilmore was in Jones County Superior Court Feb. 15 to enter his negotiated plea.

College Achievements

Georgia College and State University The following local students made the Georgia College and State University Dean’s List for Fall 2023 semester: Tylan Dixon-Brazier of Haddock, Abigail Dugger of Haddock, Jordan Feagin of Gordon, Colin Hall of Macon, Laci Rawlins of Macon, Dawson Robinson of...

Real Life

–George Sheffield “Put off concerning the former lifestyle the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts…and put on the new man” (Eph 4:22,24) Toby Keith sang Don’t Let The Old Man In, referring to aging.

Jail Report

FEB. 16-23, 2024 Cameron Thomas Anthony, 24, arrested 2/16/24 – possession schedule IV narcotic, possession methamphetamine, possession schedule I narcotic, probation violation for fingerprintable charge felony Heather R.

Real Estate Transactions

FEB. 2-8, 2024 FEB. 16 Joshua B. Hardy to Keirsten Rutherford and Jacob Rutherford, 2235 Plantation Drive, parcel number J56B00046, $333,000.00. FEB.

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. 16-18, 2024. Feb. 16 Blunt in her bra Officer Josey was patrolling the area of Gray Hwy.

BOC approves mapping of indigent cemetery

Questions about Jones County’s indigent cemetery were once again a major topic at the Board of Commissioners’ second Tuesday meeting. Board Chairman Chris Weidner called the Feb. 20 meeting to order, and the prayer and pledge were led by Julie King.

STAR student, teacher recognized by Kiwanis

Evan McGalliard is the Jones County High School STAR Student for 2024. McGalliard chose Morgan Jarvis, a teacher at the Jones County High School, as the STAR Teacher for 2024. The Jones County Kiwanis Club sponsors the program and honored McGalliard and Jarvis at their meeting Feb.