News
Debbie Lurie-Smith
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.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
BOE estimates $76.7M in funding as budget process begins
Debbie Lurie-Smith
The Jones County Board of Education has begun its budget process for 2024 and is on track for its adoption next week.
The board met for a called meeting May 25 to go over the figures for the upcoming school year.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
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
Alaina Clarke
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.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Tipton grateful to community after fire
Debbie Lurie-Smith
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.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
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
Debbie Lurie-Smith
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.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
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
Debbie Lurie-Smith
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.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Crime Watch
News Staff
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.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Real Estate Transactions
News Staff
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.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Superior Court Motions
News Staff
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.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Harden enters guilty plea, to serve 19 years
Debbie Lurie-Smith
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.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023