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Moderator William Mathews Jr. (left) at the April 27 forum for the Board of Education Chairman Election with candidates Ginger Bailey (middle) and Marilyn Norfleet. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Moderator William Mathews Jr. (left) at the April 27 forum for the Board of Education Chairman Election with candidates Ginger Bailey (middle) and Marilyn Norfleet. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

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Bailey, Norfleet take questions about race for BOE chair

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
The forum for candidates for chairman of the Jones County Board of Education was held last week with the event available to be viewed in its entirety on the Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
Cameren Banks

Cameren Banks

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Driver found guilty of murder seeks new trial

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
A defendant from a 2022 murder trial, facing life imprisonment, was in Jones County Superior Court last week seeking a new trial.Cameren Myles Banks and his attorney Eric C. Crawford appeared in the courtroom April 30 via Zoom.
Board of Education Chair Ginger Bailey (left) and challenger Marilyn Norfleet answer questions in the community room at JCHS.

Board of Education Chair Ginger Bailey (left) and challenger Marilyn Norfleet answer questions in the community room at JCHS.

Candidates for Board of Education Chair answer questions after forum

News Staff
Monday, May 4, 2026
Many questions were submitted during the recent candidate forum for Chair of the Jones County Board of Education that were not able to be addressed due to time constraints. The candidates' written answers are below. Ginger Bailey, incumbentHow publicized is the superintendent hiring process?
The Haneys in 2024. CONTRIBUTED

The Haneys in 2024. CONTRIBUTED

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Haney has enjoyed life thus far, counting on more

Greenberry Moore
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Rev. John Haney has been in the ministry 46 of his 73 years, but he is no longer active as a pastor. He plans to stay that way for at least the next 20 years, and he fully expects to be around at age 93.“I plan to,” he declared without hesitation recently. “My mother died four years ago at 97.

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BOC discusses package sales after 2024 referendum

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Jones County Commissioners discussed the rules for package liquor sales in Jones County for the first time in 11 months with more work needed before applications for permits can be accepted.The liquor store work session preceded the third Tuesday Board meeting April 21.
Grease Monkey: Standing apart from competition

Grease Monkey: Standing apart from competition

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Grease Monkey: Standing apart from competition

News Staff
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Grease Monkey, a locally owned automobile service, recently opened its doors at 101 Walmart Dr. in Eatonton.“We opened this location in 2023 built on customer service,” said James Painter, co-owner of Grease Monkey.

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Council saves on insurance, has no interest in package sales

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
The City of Gray’s meeting of all committees was preceded by a called meeting to take care of the city’s property insurance renewal.The April 20 called meeting was brought to order by Mayor Ed Barbee, and he turned the meeting over to the city’s insurance broker, Tom McEachern.

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Real Life

–george Sheffield
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
“But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life“--Jn 4:14 A new water tower has been erected in Jones County.
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