News

Laura Dixon was announced as Jones County’s Media Specialist of the year at the March 30 Teacher of the Year event. CONTRIBUTED

Laura Dixon was announced as Jones County’s Media Specialist of the year at the March 30 Teacher of the Year event. CONTRIBUTED

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Media Specialist of the Year

Alaina Clarke
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
TWES educator earns 2023 honor Laura Dixon, media specialist at Turner Woods Elementary School, was chosen as Media Specialist of the Year in Jones County for 2023. Dixon said she grew up in Northwest Georgia near Chattanooga in a small town named LaFayette.
Paytel tablets provide inmates with educational opportunities. CONTRIBUTED

Paytel tablets provide inmates with educational opportunities. CONTRIBUTED

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Inmates given opportunities to learn in jail

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Unlike many law enforcement agencies, the philosophy of Jones County Sheriff’s Office has never been to make money on the backs of the families of inmates residing in its jail.
Smith Communications Business Manager Cassandra Fowler is announced as the 2022 Employee of the Year by President and CEO A. Mark Smith Sr. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Smith Communications Business Manager Cassandra Fowler is announced as the 2022 Employee of the Year by President and CEO A. Mark Smith Sr. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Fowler named employee of the year for Smith Communications

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Smith Communications, parent company for The Eatonton Messenger, Lake Oconee News, The Baldwin Bulletin and The Jones County News, held a company- wide business meeting April 14, at Rock Eagle’s Founders’ Lodge, where Smith Communications Business Manager Cassandra Fowler received the company’s...
Cedric W. Whitehead

Cedric W. Whitehead

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Bond denied for alleged drug trafficker

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
A defendant in a drug trafficking case that started with a traffic stop in Gray was denied bond in Jones County Superior Court last week. Cedric Walter Whitehead was arrested Feb. 12 on multiple charges and was in court April 6, represented by Defense Attorney Melvin Raines, seeking a bond.
Painting the annex, the brown building that sets beside the historic courthouse, has a $45,000 price tag. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Painting the annex, the brown building that sets beside the historic courthouse, has a $45,000 price tag. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Butler Hall’s high demand a good problem

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
One of the downsides of having a top-notch event venue is the requests by community groups and organizations to use it at free or greatly reduced rates. Gray Downtown Development Authority members discussed that issue at the beginning of this month’s meeting.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Real Estate Transactions

News Staff
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
APRIL 7-14, 2023 APRIL 10 Edith Tapley to John Sabo; 258 Lakeview Dr.; parcel J50D00103; $399,900.00 Donald Roberts to Daniel Schellsmidt; 515 Bethlehem Church Rd.; parcel J5500014; $8,000.00 Seprina Thomas and LaMont Thomas to Lacey Taylor; 256 E. Colonial Dr.; parcel J5700081; $155,000.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Crime Watch

News Staff
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
The following information is gleaned from incident reports, which are public record, from the Jones County Sheriff’s Department and Gray Police Department April 1-12, 2023. April 1 Just passing through Sgt.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Superior Court Motions

News Staff
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
APRIL 13, 2023 PLEAS State vs. Che Maxime Goguen – 12 months for the offense criminal trespass. Sentence to be served on probation. State vs. Randy Allen Bates – three years ct. 1: possession methamphetamine, 12 months ct. 2: possession drug related objects.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Jail Report

News Staff
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
APRIL 7-13, 2023 Qylan Marquis Adams, 22, arrested 4/8/23 – possession marijuana less than ounce, suspended registration, suspended or revoked license Brandon Thomas Barton, 45, arrested 4/13/23 – DUI less safe alcohol Larry Wheeler Benton, 47, arrested 4/7/23 – burglary second degree...
Subscribe to