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Bryan Hutchinson of First Environmental interviews a student at Jones County High School. CONTRIBUTED

Bryan Hutchinson of First Environmental interviews a student at Jones County High School. CONTRIBUTED

Mock interviews give students head start on career prep

Bethany Tapee-ward
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Jones County High School students gained valuable realworld experience through two days of mock interviews that brought local industry leaders onto campus.Approximately 470 students sat for interviews with nearly 40 professionals from 26 businesses and organizations on January 22 and February 3.
Administrative Coordinator Brittany Marks and Capt. Shane Moody with the certification plaque. CONTRIBUTED

Administrative Coordinator Brittany Marks and Capt. Shane Moody with the certification plaque. CONTRIBUTED

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JCSO earns new certification designed for sheriffs

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The Jones County Sheriff’s Office added a new accreditation plaque to its wall to add to six previously received from the Georgia State Certification program.
Norfleet steps up as only challenger to incumbents

Norfleet steps up as only challenger to incumbents

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Norfleet steps up as only challenger to incumbents

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Qualifying is over for the only three positions up for election May 19 for the Jones County Board of Education with only one of the incumbents being challenged.All three incumbents, Chairman Ginger Bailey, District 1 representative Mike Gordon and District 3 representative Dr.
Hootie the Hound envisioned by Justin Kelly. CONTRIBUTED

Hootie the Hound envisioned by Justin Kelly. CONTRIBUTED

High school mascot was first of Kelly’s successes

Greenberry Moore
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Justin Kelly unofficially began his career in sales and marketing in high school, and he hasn’t slowed down since.Kelly, now the owner of Gray Dairy Queen Grill and Chill and Slim Chickens, explained last week how Jones County High came to have a mascot.
Kameron Kimsey with performs with his acoustic at a recent event. Despite a diagnosis of autism and blindness at an early age, he continues to use his talents to give back to others. CONTRIBUTED

Kameron Kimsey with performs with his acoustic at a recent event. Despite a diagnosis of autism and blindness at an early age, he continues to use his talents to give back to others. CONTRIBUTED

Kimsey overcomes challenges to excel in music

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The wisdom of Mr. Rogers says to look for the helpers. A recent interview with Chris Pope, the owner of Music Medix, identified an unexpected helper.Kameron Reid Kimsey is 26 years old and was diagnosed with bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia at age two. He was diagnosed with autism at age three.
Proposed arena aimed at bringing events

Proposed arena aimed at bringing events

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Proposed arena aimed at bringing events

Greenberry Moore
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Jones County will have a new multi-purpose facility in the near future, Justin Kelly revealed last week.Kelly, owner of Gray Dairy Queen Grill and Chill, announced that the arena will be located in the county and should be open within three years.
Emma Warren displays the “Honor and Remember” and “Honor and Sacrifice” flags with a request they be purchased and flown in Jones County. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Emma Warren displays the “Honor and Remember” and “Honor and Sacrifice” flags with a request they be purchased and flown in Jones County. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

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Board appointments delayed; flags honoring service presented

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The Jones County Board of Commissioners encountered a hiccup in the appointment of members of the Historic Preservation Commission at their second meeting in February.Chairman Chris Weidner called the Feb.
Night to Shine 2026

Night to Shine 2026

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Night to Shine 2026

Photos By Brandy Round
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Night to Shine was hosted by Bradley Baptist Church Feb. 13, welcoming 131 guests from ages 14 to 69.Guests enjoyed a prom experience, including photos, dinner, dancing, a limo ride, make up, flowers, a balloon drop and being crowned kings and queens.
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