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Crime Watch

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
The following information is gleaned from incident reports, which are public record, from the Jones County Sheriff’s Department and Gray Police Department July 31 – Aug. 6, 2026July 31Speeder with suspended licenseDep. Morgan was working speed enforcement on Hwy.
Georgia Teacher of the Year Charm Mapp speaks at the Aug. 10 Board of Education meeting. Contributed

Georgia Teacher of the Year Charm Mapp speaks at the Aug. 10 Board of Education meeting. Contributed

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Teacher of the Year addresses Board of Education

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Jones County Board of Education members welcomed a community partner and celebrated Georgia’s Teacher of the Year at their August business meeting. The Aug. 10 meeting was called to order by Board Chairman Ginger Bailey, and the opening prayer was led by board member Mike Gordon.
This Week In the Word

This Week In the Word

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This Week In the Word

Pastor & Mrs. Joe L. Ridley
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:8 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war.

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Real Life

–george Sheffield
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
“Be not deceived... fornicators…shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (I Cor 6:9-10).Fornication. All sex outside the bond of Biblical marriage. A fornicator is one who practices fornication.The Greek word for fornication is “porneia “.This is where we get our English word pornography from.

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Sales ratio in compliance for first time in years

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Jones County’s Board of Tax Assessors had good news at their August meeting with a much-improved sales ratio audit from the state and the explanation of a new conservation use value assessment policy.The Aug. 6 meeting was called to order by Board Chairman Dr.

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Preliminary plat approved for new subdivision

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Gray City Council members quickly took care of city business at their August meeting with all council members present.Mayor Ed Barbee called the Aug. 3 meeting to order and led the opening prayer and pledge.
Adam Greene

Adam Greene

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Greene back for 9th year of calling Hounds

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Jones County’s favorite sports broadcaster will be back again this year with Jones County High School alumnus Adam Geene broadcasting the majority of the Greyhounds games for the 2026 football season.This will be Greene’s ninth year in the broadcast booth, and he will be in good company.
The owner of Friendly Gus, Guy Cochran (center), cuts the ribbon at the new store’s Aug. 11 grand opening.

The owner of Friendly Gus, Guy Cochran (center), cuts the ribbon at the new store’s Aug. 11 grand opening.

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Friendly Gus cuts ribbon for new convenience store

Debbie Lurie-Smith
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
The ribbon cutting for the new Friendly Gus located at 240 James Street in Gray was well attended by those who planned to be there and a constant stream of customers who were surprised by the event.The Aug.
Jones County High School graduates Phyllis Kitchens Thurmond (Class of 1981), Chair of the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter, and Bonita J. Jenkins (Class of 1982), 2026 Augusta Walk to End Alzheimer’s Chair, pause for a photo on Capitol Hill during the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C. CONTRIBUTED

Jones County High School graduates Phyllis Kitchens Thurmond (Class of 1981), Chair of the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter, and Bonita J. Jenkins (Class of 1982), 2026 Augusta Walk to End Alzheimer’s Chair, pause for a photo on Capitol Hill during the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C. CONTRIBUTED

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Jones County graduates attend National Alzheimer’s Advocacy Forum

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Two Jones County High School graduates recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to represent not only their respective communities but also their hometown of Gray, Georgia, at the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Advocacy Forum.
Chief of Operations Greg Beni (l-r) received a 5-year service award, Tim Daniel a 15-year award, and Stephen Holloway for 20 years. William Swift (not pictured) was given a 25-year service award .

Chief of Operations Greg Beni (l-r) received a 5-year service award, Tim Daniel a 15-year award, and Stephen Holloway for 20 years. William Swift (not pictured) was given a 25-year service award .

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Firefighters honored at annual appreciation dinner

Story And Photos By Debbie Lurie-smith
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
The annual Jones County Fire Rescue Volunteer Appreciation dinner took place last weekend, recognizing the volunteers who help keep the county safe, with a special remembrance for one of their own.The event took place Aug.
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