News

K9 officers assist in locating the suspect following the Jan. 2 pursuit. CONTRIBUTED

K9 officers assist in locating the suspect following the Jan. 2 pursuit. CONTRIBUTED

Driver of stolen truck tracked down, arrested

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
An Atlanta man wanted for stealing a truck was apprehended in Jones County at the conclusion of a high-speed vehicle chase that was followed by a foot chase.Vantavious Merritt, 47, was arrested Jan.
Probate Judge Lewis Patterson gives the oath of office to councilmen Terrell Fulford (left), Terry Favors (white shirt, then l-r), David Tufts and Ikea Simmons before the Jan. 5 council meeting. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Probate Judge Lewis Patterson gives the oath of office to councilmen Terrell Fulford (left), Terry Favors (white shirt, then l-r), David Tufts and Ikea Simmons before the Jan. 5 council meeting. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

City officials take oaths with new council member

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Gray’s Mayor and Council were sworn in and took care of all the first of the year business at their January meeting.The first order of business was the oath of office for Mayor Ed Barbee given by Probate Judge Lewis Patterson.
Public Works employee John Simmons (second from right) is presented with a plaque for his work on the county’s Christmas float by Chairman Chris Weidner surrounded by Jones County commissioners. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Public Works employee John Simmons (second from right) is presented with a plaque for his work on the county’s Christmas float by Chairman Chris Weidner surrounded by Jones County commissioners. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

BOC awards bid for Highway 49 water expansion

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
The first January meeting for the Jones County Board of Commissioners had positive news about the coming year concerning multiple ongoing projects.Board Chairman Chris Weidner called the Jan. 6 meeting to order, and the prayer and pledge were led by Tim Ingram.
The Beans with some nice catches. CONTRIBUTED

The Beans with some nice catches. CONTRIBUTED

Bean knew what he wanted; knows now what’s needed

Greenberry Moore
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
It is doubtful that most five-year-olds really know what path they will be following later in life, but Dr. Rusty Bean declares he definitely knew at that age what he would be doing as an adult.Bean, 65, grew up on Wesleyan Drive in Macon.

For Dr. Rusty Bean

Dr. Jennifer Proctor
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Thirty years with steady hands, a listening heart, a healer’s art, mending bodies, calming fears, compassion present from the start.From puppies’ first unsure hello to old friends eased with grace, you practiced medicine with mercy and kindness set the pace.

Church extends appreciation for kindness

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Gray express heartfelt gratitude for the kindness and sympathy shown by their neighbors following two recent tragedies affecting church members across the nation.President Russell M.

CORRECTION

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Jones County and Middle Georgia attorney Ashley Brodie and her (then) finance, Sean Brodie, also an attorney, used a little imagination to announce what was supposed to be their engagement (in 2012). They invited friends to an engagement party to share their news.

Crime Watch

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The following information is gleaned from incident reports, which are public record, from the Jones County Sheriff’s Department and Gray Police Department Dec. 26-27, 2025.Dec. 26Discharge of firearmDep. Shurley was dispatched to a residence in the area of Hwy. 18 East in reference to gunshots.

Real Estate Transactions

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
DEC. 2931, 2025DEC. 29Billy Wayne Taylor Jr. to United Bank as Custodian for Matthew Ty Reno Roth IRA; 241 Childs Rd.; 1 acre; parcel J5300186; $60,000.00 Bebe R. Parker to Stephanie Ethel Parker; Woodland and Turner Woods Roads; 320.7 acres; parcel J38137, J46180; $300,864.
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