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Tyler settles in as county EMA director

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Jones County’s Emergency Management Director is originally from Nashville but is part of a family with deep roots in the community.Jessica Tyler was appointed Jones County’s EMA Director June 1 after achieving her certification.
Sam Kitchens speaks at the Oct. 16 Pizza and Politics event hosted by the Jones County Republican Party. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Sam Kitchens speaks at the Oct. 16 Pizza and Politics event hosted by the Jones County Republican Party. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Importance of SPLOST continuation discussed at Pizza & Politics event

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
An informational session sponsored by the Jones County Republican Party presented the opportunity to find out more about the upcoming renewal of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax and more.It is important to note the SPLOST vote on the Nov. 4 ballot is not a new tax.
Kenneth Kitchens Jr.

Kenneth Kitchens Jr.

Shooter arrested; victim released from hospital

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
An ongoing feud between a shooter and victim appears to be at the root of a shooting that took place last week in Jones County.Kenneth Don Kitchens Jr., 30, was arrested Oct. 16 and charged with one count of aggravated assault.
Sheriff of the Year Jud Smith (center) receives the plaque in his honor from Jones County Sheriff Butch Reece at the 12th Annual Georgia Sheriff’s Salute held in Jones County Oct. 16. SEE STORY AND PHOTOS >> PAGE A9 CONTRIBUTED

Sheriff of the Year Jud Smith (center) receives the plaque in his honor from Jones County Sheriff Butch Reece at the 12th Annual Georgia Sheriff’s Salute held in Jones County Oct. 16. SEE STORY AND PHOTOS >> PAGE A9 CONTRIBUTED

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2025 Sheriff’s Salute

News Staff
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
2025 Sheriff’s Salutete
Terry Favors with his daughter Haley

Terry Favors with his daughter Haley

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Favors announces campaign for re-election

News Staff
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
My name is Terry Favors, and I’ve proudly called Gray home for the past 22 years. I’ve built a life here with my family and served this community for 16 years as your City Councilman for District 4.
Tink’s perfection

Tink’s perfection

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Tink’s perfection

Ronda Rich
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Sometimes when my husband, John Tinker, finishes writing a television script, he will skip down the stairs to find me.It’s funny but I can tell his mood or what kind of news he is going to deliver by the gait he uses as he tumbles down the stairs.
Newspaper week a salute to local journalism

Newspaper week a salute to local journalism

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Newspaper week a salute to local journalism

Dick Yarbrough
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I am a week late getting to this because I wanted to share my experiences of being in Iraq 20 years ago with the brave men and women of Georgia’s 48th Brigade Combat Team and meeting an IED (a bad guy’s homemade bomb) up close and personal.

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Georgia begins COVID-19 vaccination

Ty Tagami
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Local health departments are giving COVID-19 shots while supplies last, with more vaccine expected to arrive next week.The Georgia Department of Public Health began vaccinating after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new COVID-19 immunization recommendations Monday.

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Small town development

News Staff
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Dear Editor,Traditional, incremental small-town development offers long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits that far exceed the short-lived gains of largescale industrial projects or big box retail stores. One of the clearest advantages is in terms of value-peracre.
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