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Number of fatal accidents increases in 2025

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The number of Jones County motor vehicle fatalities increased by two in 2025 over the number of deaths for the two previous years.At the conclusion of December, the number of fatalities was six with two of those occurring during the last month of the year.

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Real Life

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
–George Sheffield “…forgetting the things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before “-Phil 3:13 During 2025, I’m sure we all made mistakes, committed sins we now regret.

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Two fatal accidents recorded in December

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Jones County had two traffic fatalities in December, less than a week apart, both with unusual circumstances.Louis Michael Ryan, 78, of Macon, died Dec. 22 of injuries that resulted from an accident involving a 2012 Ford Escape and the bicycle he was riding.
Gray Police Officers Michael Holloway (l-r), Henry Thayer and Capt. Jacob Hunnicutt with JCHS students Ella Carr and Jamie Cocking surrounding the driver safety posters displayed in the halls of Jones County High School. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Gray Police Officers Michael Holloway (l-r), Henry Thayer and Capt. Jacob Hunnicutt with JCHS students Ella Carr and Jamie Cocking surrounding the driver safety posters displayed in the halls of Jones County High School. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

Art students, Gray Police collaborate on driver safety

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The halls of Jones County High School are filled with safe driving posters created by art students as part of a driver’s safety campaign by the Gray Police Department following the receipt of a highway safety grant.

Man survives being struck by train while walking

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
A Jones County man survived being hit by train while on a walk with his dog not far from his home.A report of the incident by Jones County Deputy Thomas Sullivan states he was dispatched to the area of Griswoldville Road and the railroad tracks a few minutes after 2 p.m. Dec. 21.
YEAR IN REVIEW 2025

YEAR IN REVIEW 2025

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YEAR IN REVIEW 2025

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The beginning of July 2025 will be remembered by the community due to a July 3 vehicle accident fatality followed days later by a July 6 arson and suicide at a local body shop.
Newberry practices the violin in 2002. CONTRIBUTED

Newberry practices the violin in 2002. CONTRIBUTED

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Looking back at 2025 spotlight subjects

Greenberry Moore
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
(Author’s note: Most weeks I write a feature article spotlighting a different individual. This week I offer some unusual and/or interesting snips and tidbits from stories you may have read in the past.)Local prominent attorney Charlie Newberry once, among other many activities, played the violin.
The Jones County News salutes the local Veteran of the Week

The Jones County News salutes the local Veteran of the Week

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The Jones County News salutes the local Veteran of the Week

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Atwell Bell is the local veteran of the week. He was a storekeeper 3rd class in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Vestal from 19351939. Bell was born July 18, 1917.Do you know a veteran we can feature? Email us at articles@ jcnews. com or call 478-986-3929.
Grease Monkey

Grease Monkey

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Grease Monkey:

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
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.
Inmates, including one awaiting trial for murder, back in custody after escape

Inmates, including one awaiting trial for murder, back in custody after escape

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Inmates, including one awaiting trial for murder, back in custody after escape

Ty Tagami
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
A federal inmate awaiting trial for murder slipped from the DeKalb County Jail but was swiftly captured in South Florida with two other escapees, federal authorities said Friday.Stevenson Charles, 24, and Yusuf Minor, 31, made initial appearances in federal court in Fort Lauderdale Tuesday.
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