News

Hootie the Hound envisioned by Justin Kelly. CONTRIBUTED

Hootie the Hound envisioned by Justin Kelly. CONTRIBUTED

High school mascot was first of Kelly’s successes

Greenberry Moore
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Justin Kelly unofficially began his career in sales and marketing in high school, and he hasn’t slowed down since.Kelly, now the owner of Gray Dairy Queen Grill and Chill and Slim Chickens, explained last week how Jones County High came to have a mascot.
Kameron Kimsey with performs with his acoustic at a recent event. Despite a diagnosis of autism and blindness at an early age, he continues to use his talents to give back to others. CONTRIBUTED

Kameron Kimsey with performs with his acoustic at a recent event. Despite a diagnosis of autism and blindness at an early age, he continues to use his talents to give back to others. CONTRIBUTED

Kimsey overcomes challenges to excel in music

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The wisdom of Mr. Rogers says to look for the helpers. A recent interview with Chris Pope, the owner of Music Medix, identified an unexpected helper.Kameron Reid Kimsey is 26 years old and was diagnosed with bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia at age two. He was diagnosed with autism at age three.
Proposed arena aimed at bringing events

Proposed arena aimed at bringing events

Proposed arena aimed at bringing events

Greenberry Moore
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Jones County will have a new multi-purpose facility in the near future, Justin Kelly revealed last week.Kelly, owner of Gray Dairy Queen Grill and Chill, announced that the arena will be located in the county and should be open within three years.
Emma Warren displays the “Honor and Remember” and “Honor and Sacrifice” flags with a request they be purchased and flown in Jones County. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Emma Warren displays the “Honor and Remember” and “Honor and Sacrifice” flags with a request they be purchased and flown in Jones County. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Board appointments delayed; flags honoring service presented

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The Jones County Board of Commissioners encountered a hiccup in the appointment of members of the Historic Preservation Commission at their second meeting in February.Chairman Chris Weidner called the Feb.
Night to Shine 2026

Night to Shine 2026

Night to Shine 2026

Photos By Brandy Round
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Night to Shine was hosted by Bradley Baptist Church Feb. 13, welcoming 131 guests from ages 14 to 69.Guests enjoyed a prom experience, including photos, dinner, dancing, a limo ride, make up, flowers, a balloon drop and being crowned kings and queens.

Real Estate Transactions

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
FEB. 24-26, 2026FEB. 24AGM Properties, LLC to John Chadwick Adkins and Jordan Chase Adkins; Tr. 6 Salem Church Miller Rd.; 19.7 acres; parcel portion of J4700086; $137,900.00 Robie Swinford to Daniel Gossett; 210 Cheehaw Tr. Parcel 12-A, Chehaw Woods Subd.; Ph.

Superior Court Motions

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
FEB. 25-26, 2026PLEASState vs. April Wheeler – one year ct. 1: obstruction of officer, 12 months ct. 2: simple battery. Counts to run concurrently for total of one year. Credit for time served 10/26/24 – 10/26/25.State vs. April Shontell Wheeler – one year for the offense of obstruction of officer.

Crime Watch

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The following information is gleaned from incident reports, which are public record, from the Jones County Sheriff’s Department and Gray Police Department Feb. 16-21, 2026Feb. 16“You know I’m drunk”Dep. Dominguez was on patrol in the area of Joycliff Rd. near New Clinton Rd.
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