National economic headwinds blow through Georgia, though job outlook steady for now

National economic headwinds driven in part by politics will continue suppressing Georgia’s economy while raising the risk of recession, says a new economic forecast from a business think tank at the University of Georgia.

COUNTY RECREATION

Baseball and softball registration is underway for both the Highway 18 and Highway 49 complexes.Jones County Little League registration for the 2026 season at Highway 18 ballpark is now open online and extends through Jan. 31. In-person registration will take place at the Knox Civic Center on Jan.

Jail Report

DEC.

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 Dec. 5-10, 2025.Dec. 5No licenseDep. Sullivan was patrolling the area of Joycliff Rd. and Old Stagecoach Rd.

2025 Christmas Parade

Commission Chairman Chris Weidner in front of the county’s float that won the Best use of Theme award at the Dec. 9 Gray Christmas Parade.

Fleeing police leads to multiple indictments

Jones County’s Grand Jury convened for the final time in 2025 and were presented with 24 cases by the Ocmulgee Circuit District Attorney’s Office, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Gray Police Department and Georgia State Patrol.Jury members met Dec.

Tax assessors office, vendor wrapping up revaluation

The Jones County Tax Assessors department has come a long way over the past year with updates at the December board meeting reporting all on track to meet upcoming deadlines.Board Chairman Leigh Stanford called the Dec.

Zoning updates moving forward for industries

Jones County Commissioners hosted the third work session for the purpose of implementing protections in the event of the construction of data centers in the county last week.The Dec. 8 session was called to order by the vice chairman Sam Kitchens in the absence of Chairman Chris Weidner.

Briley enjoying results of career change later in life

Jason Briley experienced a couple of ups and downs early in his professional career, but the end result has been nothing but positive.

‘Go Light the World’ has connection to Live Nativity

Katie Hart Smith’s newest book, “Go Light the World,” has an unexpected Jones County connection that includes her friendship with the coordinator of the annual Live Nativity as well as the event itself.Smith is a Georgia-based author, columnist and speaker.