Back to profile

Jay Jones

Stories by Jay

Rockdale Hospital Authority mulls creation of foundation

The Hospital Authority of Rockdale County is considering advantages of forming a non-profit foundation for its grant programs.

Motorola awarded Rockdale public safety radio contract

Rockdale County will move forward on a $5 million contract to upgrade its public safety radio system despite public opposition leading up to the vote by the Board of Commissioners.

Water Authority disagrees with RWR budget

Water and Sewerage Authority members questioned spending in Rockdale Water Resources' proposed 2012 budget Tuesday and said administrators misled them during budget discussions.

Rockdale ethics ordinance going back to drawing board

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners will take up revising the county's ethics ordinance this month with the goal of getting into compliance with the local law.

Past due accounts weigh down Rockdale's storm water utility

Collection of bad debt was called into question by the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners as the county's stormwater fund presented a $2.2 million 2012 budget that carries a significant amount of uncollected billing.

RWR proposes $25.1 million budget for 2012

Rockdale Water Resources officials presented a $25.175 million budget for 2012 to county commissioners Tuesday. The proposed budget is 3 percent greater than last year's budget, but less than actual 2011 revenue and has no rate increases for customers.

Paul supporters clash with Rockdale GOP

Ron Paul supporters cried foul after some of them were not selected as delegates by the local Republican Party during this past weekend's mass precinct meetings.

Rockdale gets proposal for public safety radio upgrade

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners received a recommendation Tuesday to approve $5 million for upgrading the county's emergency 911 radio network as opponents questioned the cost and lack of a bid process.

Tease photo

Barge visits Pine St. Elementary for School of Excellence award

Georgia School Superintendent John Barge visited Pine Street Elementary School Friday to congratulate students and staff members for being named a 2011 Georgia School of Excellence in Student Achievement.

Tease photo

Eagle Scouts, Gold Award Scouts recognized

Eagle Scouts and Gold Award Scouts from Rockdale and Newton counties were honored Thursday for their achievement by the Rotary Club of Rockdale County during the club's annual recognition banquet.

Rabon gets life without parole in murder rape conviction

Travis Rabon will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being sentenced Thursday to life without parole for the murder of one woman and the rape of another in 2008.

Tease photo

Arbor Day offers best time to plant trees

Today is Arbor Day in Georgia and residents are encouraged to plant trees now to give them the best chance to establish themselves in time for warmer weather.

Rockdale Sr. Center receives $19,950 transportation grant

Rockdale County Senior Services announced it has received $19,950 in grant funds from the Atlanta Regional Commission that will triple transportation access for local senior citizens.

Mapp family offers $25,000 reward in search for teen's killer

The family of Dequavious Mapp has offered a reward of $25,000 for anyone providing information that will lead to a conviction in the Conyers teen's shooting death at a crowded house party in 2010.

Tease photo

Wilson seeks second term as Rockdale clerk of courts

Rockdale County Clerk of Courts Ruth Wilson announced Monday she will seek reelection to office this year.

Early in-person voting begins for presidential preference, Sunday alcohol sales

Rockdale County residents now have the option to vote in person early for the March 6 Presidential Preference Primary and local referendums on Sunday alcohol sales.

Conyers, Pratt enter into talks for garbage pickup contract

City officials said Monday they are in the final stages of negotiations with Pratt Industries to take over solid waste pick up services for residential and commercial customers.

Tease photo

Rockdale resident Williams announces run for Ga. House

Educator and Rockdale County resident Doreen Williams announced recently she will run for the Georgia House 92nd District seat this year.

Legislation to address Rockdale Election Board

Local legislation scheduled to be introduced at the Georgia General Assembly in the coming days will address membership appointments to the Rockdale County Board of Elections and Voter Registration.

Tease photo

Rockdale sheriff announces re-election bid

Rockdale County Sheriff Jeff Wigington made it official by announcing Wednesday he will run for reelection to a fifth term this year.

Four students arrested in Salem High fight

Seven Salem High School students were involved in a Tuesday morning brawl that resulted in the arrest of four individuals.

Tease photo

Nesbitt called on campaign material gaffe

Recent campaign materials distributed by Rockdale County Commissioner Oz Nesbitt appears to be in violation of state ethics laws that restrict use of government property and employees in a political campaign.

Tease photo

Rockdale fire fighters train at Horse Park

Rockdale County firefighters found a great opportunity to sharpen their skills while also helping Rockdale Career Academy students with the donation of a former administratve office building at the Georgia International Horse Park for training purposes.

Tease photo

Rockdale resident Vaughn announces run for Congress

Motivational speaker and pastor Chris Vaughn said job creation will be a hallmark of his campaign after he recently announced he is running for the Fourth Congressional District seat.

Tease photo

Fire destroys Conyers house, family displaced

A house at the corner of Irwin Bridge Road and Green Valley Drive was destroyed by fire Friday morning.

Tease photo

Fire destroys Conyers house, family displaced

A house at the corner of Irwin Bridge Road and Green Valley Drive was destroyed by fire Friday morning.

Heritage resource officer faces allegation of inappropiate relationship with student

A school resource officer has been placed on administrative leave in the wake of allegations that he may have been involved in a relationship with a student.

Conyers ponders bids to take over garbage collections

The Conyers City Council is expected to decide next month on outsourcing garbage pickup service in the city after hearing proposals from three companies.

Heritage resource officer faces allegation of inappropiate relationship with student

Heritage High School administrators asked the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office to look into allegations that the school's resource officer may have had an inappropriate relationship with a student.

Tease photo

Guardman accused of bank robbery enters guilty plea

One of the two Georgia Army National Guardsmen accused of being involved in a 2010 armed robbery of a local credit union pleaded guilty Tuesday in Rockdale County Superior Court.

Tease photo

Rockdale jury finds Rabon guilty of murder, rape in 2008 incident

Travis Rabon faces a sentence of life without parole after a Rockdale County jury found him guilty in 10 of 12 charges against him including murder of one woman and the rape of another in 2008.

Tease photo

Guardman accused of bank robbery enters guilty plea

One of the two Georgia Army National Guardsmen accused of a 2010 armed robbery of a local credit union pleaded guilty Tuesday in Rockdale County Superior Court.

Tease photo

Rockdale jury finds Rabon guilty of murder, rape in 2008 incident

Travis Rabon faces a sentence of life without parole after a Rockdale County jury found him guilty in 10 of 12 charges against him including murder of one woman and the rape of another in 2008.

Judge rules against parents interview use in child murder trial

A judge told prosecutors Tuesday they could not use the interview of William Stewart in his murder trial in the 2010 death of his 5-month old son because it were done improperly.

Tease photo

Closing arguments heard in Rockdale murder, rape trial

The jury was given the case Tuesday in the Travis Rabon murder and rape trial after closing arguments from the prosecutor and defense attorney where they asked "who do you believe."

Tease photo

Rabon denies killing woman in Rockdale rape, murder trial

Travis Santell Rabon took the witness stand Monday during his trial where he is accused of raping and murdering one woman and raping another in his Conyers apartment in 2008.

Conyers officials set 2012 strategy at retreat

A new year brings a new set of issues. That was the message the Conyers City Council had during an annual retreat this weekend as they sought to find ways to improve service and quality of life while encouraging business growth.

Oden uses State of the County speech to emphasize economic development efforts

Business and economic development were the highlights provided by Rockdale County Commission Chairman Richard Oden Thursday during the annual State of the County address.

Tease photo

Rebuild, reunite and re-energize

Oden uses State of the County speech to emphasize economic development efforts

Business and economic development were the highlights provided by Rockdale County Commission Chairman Richard Oden Thursday during the annual State of the County address.

Plant Washington project in question after EMC drops support

Officials with Snapping Shoals EMC said Thursday they are still committed to moving forward on a billion-dollar, coal burning power plant after Cobb EMC decided to leave the partnership on the project.

Tease photo

Smiley announce run for Rockdale BOC seat

Local resident and a regular at Rockdale County government meetings Sam Smiley tossed his hat in the ring for the post 1 seat on the county Board of Commissioners.

Tease photo

Conyers Police prepares for recertification

City officials expect the Conyers Police Department will regain its state recertification by the end of February and new national accreditation by the end of this year.

Tease photo

Smiley announces run for Rockdale BOC seat

Local resident and a regular at Rockdale County government meetings Sam Smiley tossed his hat in the ring for the post 1 seat on the county Board of Commissioners.

Tease photo

Boyle recognized for lifetime achievement by Chamber

Local realtor Ethel Boyle received the A.R. "Gus" Barksdale Lifetime Achievement Award Tuesday for her work in the community and service on several boards and authorities.

Tease photo

Harrison takes helm at Chamber of Commerce

Rockdale Chamber calls on residents to ‘Shop Local’

Local publisher Lorraine Harrison took over as chairwoman of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and said the public will learn more about the importance of shopping locally as part of a new initiative this year.

Rockdale candidates to participate in teen debate

The Good News Notebook will host a local candidate debate Friday geared toward teenagers at the A.R. "Gus" Barksdale Boys and Girls Club

Tease photo

Todd named chairman of Rockdale Elections Board

Former state courts judge William Todd was approved by a 2-0 vote Monday to become the next chairman of the Rockdale County Board of Elections that many said hoped would mean a new beginning after almost two years of controversy.

Legislators consider tougher laws on metal theft

Sen. Ronald Ramsey has co-sponsored legislation in the Georgia Senate that is aimed at curbing metal theft in Georgia.

Absentee voting begins today for presidential primary

Absentee voting by mail begins today for the Presidential Preference Primary and two local referendums on Sunday alcohol sales.

Tease photo

Oden to focus on what lies ahead in 2012 for State of the County address

Rockdale County Commission Chairman Richard Oden plans to focus on the future in his fourth State of the County address next week with the theme "Reuniting, Rebuilding and Reenergizing Rockdale."

Prev