County tax rate, budget set for FY2024

Jones County Board of Commissioners set next year’s budget and the county’s tax rate for 2023, with a little good news for taxpayers, at a called meeting last week. The Aug. 24 meeting was called to order by Board Chairman Chris Weidner. He also led the opening prayer and pledge.

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 Aug. 17-20, 2023. Aug. 17 Been drinking? Deputy Shurley was dispatched to GA Hwy. 11 in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

Jail Report

AUG.

Superior Court Motions

AUG. 17, 2023 PLEAS State vs. Nolan Isaac Albrycht – 12 months for the lesser included offense of obscene telephone contact with a minor. Sentence to be served on probation. State vs. Rashad Anthony Lay – 20 years ct. 1: voluntary manslaughter, five years ct.

Real Estate Transactions

AUG. 18-24, 2023 AUG. 18 CGP Gray (Clinton) TB, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Co. to Rave RE LLC; 217 West Clinton St.; parcel G0700052; $2,703,000.00 AUG. 21 Andrew Mathis, III to Milton Whipple; 221 Paterson Rd.; parcel J6900028; $37,500.00 AUG. 23 Eddie Sharp Jr.

SPORTS BRIEFS

Chastain, Conner Recognized as Coaches of the Week Two Greyhound football coaches were honored as a result of Jones County’s 44-19 win Friday against Dacula.

Murder trial averted with negotiated guilty plea

The defendant in a murder trial scheduled to begin Monday opted to enter a guilty plea and avoid the possibility of a sentence of life without parole. Rashad Anthony Lay, 27, was in Jones County Superior Court Aug.

Tri-CoGo, county break ground on fiber expansion

A groundbreaking and pizza party was held in a Jones County neighborhood last week to announce the expansion of broadband internet service.

Barbee battling to get back to mayor’s duties

Courage, bravery and strength of character are qualities that show up during times of adversity, and they are certainly evident at the Barbee household.

BOC considers funding requests from department heads

Jones County Commissioners agreed to fund a majority of the special requests made by department heads for the coming year using several different sources. Board Chairman Chris Weidner called the Aug. 15 meeting to order, and the opening prayer and pledge were led by Pastor Olanda DeShazier of Mt.