Dear Editor,
Gray has always been great for business. As the owner of Harley Auto Sales LLC, I chose to operate here because of the city’s location, its people, and its business-friendly environment. For years, we’ve sold over 40 vehicles a month, supported local jobs, and played an active role in the local economy.
That changed after the May 14 amendment to Section 66-1 of the municipal code, which bans vehicles over 18,000 pounds — including tractor trailers and any truck with three or more axles — from operating on key roads within the city, including Highways 11, 18, and 44. While there’s a limited delivery exemption, its vague wording and broad enforcement have made Gray appear inaccessible to transport companies — causing a direct and measurable impact on our operations.
What once cost $300 to ship a vehicle, now costs over $1,700. With wholesale margins averaging under $1,000, this kind of increase makes it impossible to continue selling competitively. Since the ordinance passed, our monthly sales have dropped from over 40 to fewer than 8.
Every regulation has a financial cost, and this one has been devastating. It may have been aimed at protecting infrastructure, but it’s hurting the local economy instead.
That’s why I spoke at the July 22 City Council meeting, where I shared these concerns directly. I was encouraged to hear that city officials intend to revise the ordinance to avoid harming businesses like mine.
I’m ready — and hopeful — to see those revisions finalized soon.
Other businesses may not feel the effects yet, but they will. As national logistics systems flag Gray as a restricted or high-cost zone, freight and delivery costs for all goods will increase — and those higher prices will be passed on to local consumers.
If you think prices in Gray are high now — just wait.
I appreciate city leadership for listening. Now is the time to act, clarify the ordinance, and ensure Gray remains a place where small businesses can thrive—not just survive.
Sincerely, Micah William Harley
Reflections
Dear Editor,
The start of a new school year has me reflecting on my years as a public-school educator. Some memories are not good, but the majority are happy and bring a smile to my heart and face. These memories remind me of lessons taught as well as learned. Yes, each school day is a learning experience for our teachers, administrators, bus drivers, and school staff. Some of the lessons learned are really tough, as we realize not everyone is blessed to grow up as we did, having parents who sacrificed to make sure we had what we needed, parents who were involved in our learning, and supported our educational endeavors. I have memories of stories my elementary grade students told me concerning personal family encounters, some undoubtedly embellished by children’s minds. Of course, they declared what they said was the truth. It became my policy to let the parents of my little darlings know that I would not believe everything their children told me about them, and they probably should not believe everything their children told them about me!
Make it a habit to pray for our teachers, administrators, bus drivers and staff. Pray for their health and strength, as well as a spirit love and a sound mind.
Help them to create a good relationship with your children. Pray they understand the impact their attitudes, actions, and tone have on their students. May the impact be positive, for each one is our nation’s future.
Most importantly, each one is a precious soul created for a purpose by our Almighty God. Their job is to guide each one toward their calling in Christ Jesus.
One thing I tried to teach my students was to treat others in the way they want to be treated. In fact, I had the Golden Rule posted on my classroom wall. It was the rule for my classroom. I believe that is the reason I had very few disciplinary issues. Pray for your children and their peers, that they remember and practice the godly principles they have been taught. Ask God to help them be kind and caring, helpful to other people, strong in character, and warriors for Him and the people who need His love. Father, open their hearts to your will, and open their minds to learn new things.
Above all, help them to know who they are as children of God, and give them an unshakable confidence that comes from knowing your love for them.
Heavenly Father, help our children to find their way!
Surround them with good friends and faithful teachers. Let your light shine in their schools and in their hearts.
May school be a positive experience for them–exciting, fun, and full of good opportunities to learn and grow!
Help them to hear your voice and follow you.
Lord, guard and guide them from all the temptations around them. Help them to make good choices. Please continue to point them to You. Place people around them who will influence them towards You, and open their hearts to receive your love and guidance. Parents, remember to pray for yourselves! Life is full of challenges. Ask God to anoint you with abundant wisdom, understanding, and discernment as you parent your child. Job 22:28 states You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways. Because of the power we have as followers of Christ, we have the authority to decree things that align with the Word of God, in the attitude of faith, and they shall be. Hear our prayers, O LORD, as we come before Your Throne and make these decrees on behalf of the students, teachers, administrators, and all who work or volunteer in our school system.
We decree that this new school year will be one of great advancement for Your Kingdom throughout our school system. We decree the Blood of the Passover Lamb to be over every school and every child, teacher, and administrator. We decree that Your angels on assignment will be released to protect and guard every school in Jones County. We decree that every teacher who is a Christian, will be filled with Your Spirit to be a godly example to their students and peers, and that You will give them strategies to be able to speak of You and share their faith in this school year. We decree that no evil shall befall any of the students, teachers, or administrators in our school system.
We decree Isaiah 54:13, that all our children shall be taught of the LORD and great shall be our children’s peace. We decree that You will cast down all imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ in the mind of every student and teacher, according to 2 Corinthians 10:5.
We decree that Holy Spirit is welcomed into every school and the Board Office, to move, work and convict the lives, hearts and minds of every student, teacher, and administrator, and to empower them to do their daily work with love, compassion, and godliness.
We decree that every stronghold of the enemy will be broken and cast out of our school system in Jesus Name! We decree that teachers, administrators, and students that do not know You, will be so convicted by the godly examples shown to them through Your righteous ones, that before the school year ends, they too, will make Jesus Christ their LORD and Savior.
We decree that the family of every child will awaken to who You are, O LORD, and realize their need for a Savior, so that the Love of Christ will fill every child’s home, and the parents will repent of their sins before You, and begin to seek you daily.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for our children in Jones County. They are our most valuable resource.We give our children into Your hands, trusting in Your faithfulness. May Your Hand of Blessing and Protection be on our schools in this new school year! May You be exalted in our schools as never before, for You alone are worthy! O LORD, we give You ALL the Glory, Honor, and Praise in Jesus Mighty Name!
Amen.
Sincerely, Debra Hall
