Local teen deaths have increased

Georgia ranks 39th out of 50 states for overall child and family wellbeing, according to the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book, released recently by the Annie E.Casey Foundation.According to Jones County Family Connection Coordinator Joy Carr, Jones County experienced encouraging improvements in economic...

Real Life

The miracle of Jesus walking on water actually contains 4 miracles.Miracle #1 is Jesus walking on water.Miracle #2 is Peter walking on water--Mt C14.Miracle #3 is that the storm immediately stopped when Jesus entered the boat--Mt C14.Miracle #4 is they immediately arrived on shore to Capernaum.

This Week In the Word

Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. John 17:11 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world.

Real Estate Transactions

AUG. 21-27, 2026AUG. 21AJ Properties of Georgia, LLC to Emily Kathryn Smith; 425 Sandy Ct., Lot 44, Jones Crossing Subd., Ph. 4; parcel J65E00127; $185,000.00 Kimray, LLC to Sean J. Hammer and Elizabeth R. Hammer; 204 Creekside Dr. Lot 111, Blk.

Superior Court Motions

AUG. 24, 2026PLEASState vs. Rodney Latrelle Bount - five years for the offense of possession of firearm by convicted felon. Sentence to be served on probation.

Jail Report

AUG. 21-28, 2026Calvin Marquess Brown, 35, arrested 8/28/26 probation violation for fingerprintable charge felonyKevin Devante Collins, 34, arrested 8/25/26 probation violation for fingerprintable charge misdemeanorTeon Ladarius Fort, 19, arrested 8/24/26 probation violation for fingerprintable...

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 Aug. 16-21, 2026Aug. 16Thief in the areaLt. Carr was dispatched to a local residence in reference to a burglary.

TAX TALK

Tentative county rollback rate adopted with 9%-plus growth after revaluationThe good news is there will not be an increase in the 2026 tax rate, but the hope for a significant tax rollback by the Jones County Board of Commissioners does not appear to be happening this year.Board members held a...

Burglar found guilty at trial; to serve 10 years in prison

A Macon man received a sentence of 25 years with the first 10 years to serve following a trial last week in Jones County Superior Court.John Derrick Rowland, 44, was found guilty Aug. 26 on all three of the counts he was facing: burglary in the first degree, criminal attempt to commit a felony and...

BOC discusses budget, looks for CHIP grant applicants

Jones County Commissioners began preparations for setting the county’s tax rate and adopted an operating resolution at their second Tuesday meeting.Board Chairman Chris Weidner called the Aug. 18 meeting to order and also led the opening prayer and pledge.The meeting was preceded by a work session...