News

Sheriff Butch Reece congratulates Capt. Ed Bailey following his recent promotion. CONTRIBUTED

Sheriff Butch Reece congratulates Capt. Ed Bailey following his recent promotion. CONTRIBUTED

Leaders step into new roles at sheriff’s office

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The retirement of two high-ranking officers at the Jones County Sheriff’s Office was the catalyst for a refocus on department leadership and training.Capt. Kenny Allen, who headed criminal investigations, and investigator Lt. Gerry Nelson both retired in December with 25 years of service.
Dames Ferry Elementary Principal Wes Cavendar and Asst. Principal Kristin Jones accept their school’s award. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Dames Ferry Elementary Principal Wes Cavendar and Asst. Principal Kristin Jones accept their school’s award. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

State superintendent presents awards to local schools

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods came to Jones County to personally present Literacy Leader and Math Leader awards to three elementary and one middle school last week.Jones County School Superintendent Dr.

College Achievements

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Georgia College and State UniversityThe following local students graduated Winter 2025: Bethany Tapee of Gray, Harlee Langford of Gray, Natalie Wommack of Gray, Rachel Lumpkin of Gray, Taylor Pruitt of Gray and Tessa Butler of Juliette.

Real Life

–george Sheffield
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
On March 28, at 10am, we will have the 3rd “Walk With The Cross” event. We will walk from the gazebo at Carol’s Park down the sidewalk to in front of Ingles. There Pastor Randy Darnell will speak a short devotional, after which we will walk back to Carol’s Park. It’s a silent walk. No talking.
The Preeminence of Christ

The Preeminence of Christ

The Preeminence of Christ

Pastor & Mrs. Joe L. Ridley
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Council approves new roof; Main Street Gray accredited

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The March business meeting of Gray City Council members was brief but included a visit from the new superintendent of the Jones County School System.The March 2 meeting was called to order by Mayor Ed Barbee. Instead of his mayor’s report, Barbee introduced JCSS Superintendent Dr. Jessica Graves.
The Feb. 27 program featured Megan Western (center) with 13 WMAZ. Western is surrounded by Lawanda Hough (l-r), Shanna Underwood-Stephens, Charm Mapp and Trinity Pace. CONTRIBUTED

The Feb. 27 program featured Megan Western (center) with 13 WMAZ. Western is surrounded by Lawanda Hough (l-r), Shanna Underwood-Stephens, Charm Mapp and Trinity Pace. CONTRIBUTED

Clifton Ridge hosts Black History Month program

Bethany Tapee-ward
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Clifton Ridge Middle School held a school-wide Black History Month program in the gym, featuring speeches, performances, and student presentations centered on culture, history, and the arts.The Feb. 27 program was emceed by Megan Western, a journalist with 13WMAZ.
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