News

County, BOE approve rollback millage rates

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
The Jones County Board of Commissioners and Jones County Board of Education rolled back tax rates for property owners in almost simultaneous meetings last week.Commissioners lowered the tax rate for the unincorporated area of the county by 1.737 mills and for those living in Gray by 1.842 mills.
Sponsors for the Aug. 28 event were Presenting Sponsor Cadence Bank, Tri-County EMC, Delong’s and Ayers Real Estate. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Sponsors for the Aug. 28 event were Presenting Sponsor Cadence Bank, Tri-County EMC, Delong’s and Ayers Real Estate. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Local leaders share updates on state of the community

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
The Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce hosted a State of the Community event last week that was well attended by Chamber members and interested residents.Chamber Board Chairman Wesley Casteel welcomed attendees, and lunch was catered by Surcheros. Desert was catered by Ava Kate’s Confections.
Doctors Jake Jenkins (l-r), Kenneth Kay and Scott Silliman in front of the dental office located at 250 W. Clinton Street. Jenkins and Silliman recently joined the office to assist Kay and expand services. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Doctors Jake Jenkins (l-r), Kenneth Kay and Scott Silliman in front of the dental office located at 250 W. Clinton Street. Jenkins and Silliman recently joined the office to assist Kay and expand services. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Dr. Kay adds new dentists, office space to serve community

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Dr. Kenneth Kay recently announced the expansion of his dental practice in Gray that includes more office space and two additional dentists.

ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS

News Staff
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Tyler Stewart played a sizeable role on special teams in Temple’s season-opening 42-10 against UMASS, returning one punt for 24 yards and running back three kicks for a combined 50 yards. The Owls host Oklahoma next week, where Zion Ragins is among the receivers in the rotation.
The Coulter family some years ago: (l-r) Tonya Knowles, Terri Robertson, Bobby, Tammy Coulter, Tisha Amerson and Joyce in the front. CONTRIBUTED

The Coulter family some years ago: (l-r) Tonya Knowles, Terri Robertson, Bobby, Tammy Coulter, Tisha Amerson and Joyce in the front. CONTRIBUTED

Coulter recalls years of his, family’s service to help county

Greenberry Moore
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Individuals and even families who provide valuable services don’t always make the headlines, and Bobby Coulter’s clan is a perfect example of that truism.Coulter and his wife and daughters were volunteers in the Jones County Fire-Rescue Department for years, answering hundreds of emergency calls.

Important dates

News Staff
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
• Oct.6: Last day to register to vote for Nov. 4 election• Oct.14: Early voting begins • Oct.18: Mandatory Saturday voting • Oct.24: Last day to accept absentee ballot applications• Oct.25: Mandatory Saturday voting • Oct.31: Last day of early voting • Nov.4: Election Day
Twenty-eight local leaders, including elected officials from Jones County and Gray, authority members, business owners and school system employees at the Aug. 12 Georgia Academy Economic Development class. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Twenty-eight local leaders, including elected officials from Jones County and Gray, authority members, business owners and school system employees at the Aug. 12 Georgia Academy Economic Development class. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Georgia Academy comes to Jones County

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
The importance of the training of elected officials and community leaders has been at the heart of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development since its creation in 1993.
A journey of perseverance, service and Faith

A journey of perseverance, service and Faith

A journey of perseverance, service and Faith

Dr. Barbara West
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
“An Educator, Leader, and Community Servant Inspiring Jones County and Beyond” The Jones County community proudly celebrates Dr. Barbara West—an accomplished educator, mentor, and dedicated servant leader—whose remarkable journey continues to inspire generations across Georgia and beyond.
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