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Dustin J. Parham

Dustin J. Parham

Drug trafficker pleads guilty, gets 30 years in prison

A defendant arrested in 2020 on multiple charges that included drugs and firearms was sentenced to 30 years in confinement following the entry of two guilty pleas in Jones County Superior Court. Dustin James Parham entered the pleas May 25.
Laura Dixon, media specialist, and Jeffrey Tharpe, principal, have a fifth-grade student, Ava Rogers, cut the ribbon for the book vending machine. ALAINA CLARKE/Staff

Laura Dixon, media specialist, and Jeffrey Tharpe, principal, have a fifth-grade student, Ava Rogers, cut the ribbon for the book vending machine. ALAINA CLARKE/Staff

TWES invests in book vending machine to promote reading

Turner Woods Elementary has invested in a book vending machine, where students can access various books to take home and continue to improve their reading skills. Laura Dixon, media specialist at Turner Woods, said she’s excited for the students to use the book vending machine next school year.
Rick Tipton and his dog Zeke, who was saved from Tipton’s home in the midst of a blaze. CONTRIBUTED

Rick Tipton and his dog Zeke, who was saved from Tipton’s home in the midst of a blaze. CONTRIBUTED

Tipton grateful to community after fire

At a time when many would be complaining about a fire that destroyed his home on Amanda Drive, the only words coming from a retired military veteran are thanks and praise for first responders and members of the community who have stepped up to help.
Vacuum-packed bags of marijuana were found in Cleveland’s home when the search warrant was executed along with firearms, one of which was stolen in Jones County. CONTRIBUTED

Vacuum-packed bags of marijuana were found in Cleveland’s home when the search warrant was executed along with firearms, one of which was stolen in Jones County. CONTRIBUTED

Man arrested on drug, dogfighting charges

A recent drug investigation at a Jones County residence expanded into the discovery of dog fighting and resulted in multiple felony charges for the alleged offender.
Jones County’s newest fire truck, delivered last month, is parked in front of the Emergency Management office. The truck has a 3,000-gallon water capacity, which is three times the county’s other fire engines. CONTRIBUTED

Jones County’s newest fire truck, delivered last month, is parked in front of the Emergency Management office. The truck has a 3,000-gallon water capacity, which is three times the county’s other fire engines. CONTRIBUTED

New fire truck offers triple water capacity

The capacity of Jones County’s newest fire truck makes it a game changer, especially for fighting fires in rural areas of the county. Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Coleman said the county received the new truck last month.

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 May 19-21, 2023. May 19 Over the legal limit Sgt.

Real Estate Transactions

MAY 19-25, 2023 MAY 19 McCarthy Hardwick to Hearthstone Three Real Estate, LLC; 408 Joycliff Terrace; parcel M04C00110A; $77,000.00 Terry Sark to Jonathon Buchanana, Ron Joseph Buchanan and Theresa Kassack Buchanan; 644 Stallings Rd.; parcel J2700035E; $65,000.00 Estate of Herbert E. Martin, Sr.

Superior Court Motions

MAY 25, 2023 PLEAS State vs. Kevin Harden – 20 years for the offense of sexual exploitation of children with the first 19 years served in confinement. The remainder to be served on probation. Defendant is to receive credit for time served. State vs. Dustin James Parham – five years ct.
Kevin Harden

Kevin Harden

Harden enters guilty plea, to serve 19 years

A former Jones County Deputy charged with four counts of sexual exploitation of children entered a negotiated guilty plea in Jones County Superior Court. Kevin Harden, 42, received a 20-year sentence for one count of sexual exploitation of children with 19 of those years to be served in prison.