ZEBULON - After a 20 minute executive session today, commissioners came back into the meeting and sat in solidarity as Commissioner Tim Daniel spoke for the record about the Grady Ambulance contract. This follows more than a month of discussions that have continued even after Grady signed its annual contract with the county in May. Click here for more.

Thank you to First Bank of Pike for sponsoring Pike County Times’ Breaking News Alerts! First Bank of Pike has been serving customers in Pike County and the surrounding area since 1901 and offers Personal and Business banking with a personal touch. Services include checking, savings, money market, certificates of deposit, and IRA’s. Mobile Banking and Bill Payment services are also available! please let First Bank of Pike know that you appreciate their sponsorship of Breaking News Alerts on Pike County's only FREE online newspaper! If you want to find out about how you can get Breaking News Alerts, click here. Thanks for reading and supporting Pike County Times.com!

ZEBULON - Need help filing taxes, including your federal tax return and state tax return? We're here year-round to provide the tax know-how you need. Looking to find every last available tax deduction to minimize your taxes and maximize your return? We're experts at it.

H&R Block is located at 9219 Hwy 19, Zebulon GA 30295. Right down from Freshway. Give them a call at (770) 567-3840 and tell them that you saw their ad on Pike County Times! Click here for more.

ZEBULON - On July 7, 2020, Spalding County K-9 Deputy Sheriff Matthew Everett was involved in a serious motor vehicle crash while on his way home. Deputy Everett was not at fault in the accident and the entire crash was captured on his in-car camera. Click here for more.

MOLENA - A wreck occurred in Molena around 5:38 p.m. on July 4, 2020. Click here for more.

Douglas Marvin Allen, 78, of Suffolk died at his residence on Friday, July 3, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Cochran Bennett, age 77, of Williamson, passed away July 6, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

ATLANTA - Following weeks of dramatically increased violent crime and property destruction in the City of Atlanta, the July Fourth weekend saw over thirty Georgians wounded by gunfire, including five confirmed dead. Today Governor Kemp issued Executive Order 07.06.20.01, which declares a State of Emergency across Georgia and authorizes the activation of as many as 1,000 Georgia National Guard troops. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Middle Georgia Community Action Agency is offering assistance with heating and cooling bills for those who are eligible and who have not received assistance between November 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - It is with a broken heart that Prayer Power is announcing the cancellation of the 2020 Baccalaureate Service. After much discussion and counseling, we have made this decision out of an abundance of concern and caution for the health and well being of the graduates, their families, and all those participating in the service. Since the Governor extended his executive order until August 11, Prayer Power feels it is only prudent to cancel the service. We pray that all of the graduates understand why we are doing this and that they will follow God's will in their lives.

Prayer Power is planning to have a 2021 Baccalaureate Service, God willing.

ATLANTA - On June 29, 2020, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed two executive orders extending the Public Health State of Emergency and existing COVID-19 safety measures. Click here for more.

Jackie K. Cooper's Entertainment Rundown for this week can be found by clicking here. Jackie also has many movie reviews on his website at www.jackiekcooper.com along with reviews of the latest books, DVDs, television shows and columns on life and living in the South.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 – 9:00 a.m. at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street in Zebulon. There will be a 15 minute Town Hall Meeting prior to the meeting where members of the public can address commissioners prior to the start of the official meeting without getting on an agenda prior. The public is invited to attend this meeting. [Note from the Editor: The Grady Contract will be discussed in the Executive Session.] Click here for more.

ZEBULON - What is freedom to you today? For me, there is freedom to speak in public and with my newspaper and freedom to worship as I choose without fear of imprisonment. It's freedom to go where I please. It's freedom to protest and demand change and vote people into and out of office as well as freedom to condemn those who are stomping on the freedom of others with bricks and bats and threats.

Do we truly appreciate what we have here in our Republic today?

ZEBULON - Interim County Manager Brandon Rogers advised Pike County Times by email of the following on Thursday: "As of late yesterday afternoon Grady agreed to provide the county with 2/24 hour fully staffed ambulance units while discussions over the Emergency Medical Services Agreement are made...." Click here for more.

Thank you to First Bank of Pike for sponsoring Pike County Times’ Breaking News Alerts! First Bank of Pike has been serving customers in Pike County and the surrounding area since 1901 and offers Personal and Business banking with a personal touch. Services include checking, savings, money market, certificates of deposit, and IRA’s. Mobile Banking and Bill Payment services are also available! please let First Bank of Pike know that you appreciate their sponsorship of Breaking News Alerts on Pike County's only FREE online newspaper! If you want to find out about how you can get Breaking News Alerts, click here. Thanks for reading and supporting Pike County Times.com!

Mr. Holly Michael “Mike Mike” Hutchinson, age 30, of Molena, passed away July 2, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

Mr. Marvin Edward Ingram, age 78, of Thomaston, passed away July 1, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

Zachary Morris Jones, age 24, of The Rock, Georgia, passed away on June 27, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

ZEBULON - Pike County Times has walked through the hiring of many county managers over the years. Some employments have gone smoothly, and some have not. Pike County has a reputation as a bit of a revolving door of late with the exception of John Hanson staying for six years with Bobby Bickley staying six months before resigning and Ron Alexander resigning after only five months on the job. There was no exposé after Bobby Bickley left; it just wasn’t a good fit for him as county manager. But there were rumors of problems while Ron Alexander was here as county manager. Click here for more.

Thank you to First Bank of Pike for sponsoring Pike County Times’ Breaking News Alerts! First Bank of Pike has been serving customers in Pike County and the surrounding area since 1901 and offers Personal and Business banking with a personal touch. Services include checking, savings, money market, certificates of deposit, and IRA’s. Mobile Banking and Bill Payment services are also available! please let First Bank of Pike know that you appreciate their sponsorship of Breaking News Alerts on Pike County's only FREE online newspaper! If you want to find out about how you can get Breaking News Alerts, click here. Thanks for reading and supporting Pike County Times.com!

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street in Zebulon. There will be a 15 minute Town Hall Meeting prior to the meeting where members of the public can address commissioners prior to the start of the official meeting without getting on an agenda prior. The public is invited to attend this meeting. Click here for more.

WILLIAMSON - At 3:06 P.M. today Pike County deputies responded to a report of an armed robbery at a residence on Coggins Street. Upon speaking with the victim it was determined that he had been robbed of several hundred dollars at gunpoint. It was also learned that the robbery was the result of a drug deal that went bad. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Commissioners Tim Guy, Tim Daniel, Jason Proctor, and Chairman Briar Johnson were at the meeting along with County Clerk Angela Blount, Interim County Manager Brandon Rogers, and County Attorney Rob Morton. Commissioner Jenkins could not make it to the meeting tonight. There were about 15 people in attendance. Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: This meeting is complete.]

ZEBULON - We are excited to announce plans for Fall Baseball, Softball & Football. Please click on the attachment for more information regarding fall registration. Due to Covid-19, plans for the upcoming fall season are subject to change. If you have any questions please contact the recreation office at 770-567-2027. Registration dates for Fall Baseball, Softball & Football will be July 1 thru July 20. All registration must be done online through our web site at www.pikecorec.org.

Mr. William Michael Thomas, age 35, of McDonough, passed away June 18, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

ZEBULON - Amidst everything that has been happening across the world, this weekend was Father’s Day. I hope you all took a moment to recognize, or in some cases, remember, those men who have influenced you along the way. Click here for more.

Mrs. Patsy Jean Price Anderson, age 76, of Thomaston, Georgia passed away June 21, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

ZEBULON - Click on the link below to read the list of roads that have been repaired/repaved through SPLOST and LMIG funds. All SPLOST roads have been completed with the exception of Rosehill Road with the exception of Rosehill Road which is scheduled for completion in the Fall of 2020. All LMIG roads have been completed with the exception of Alabama Road and Old Lifsey Springs Roads which are scheduled to be completed in 2021 and Concord Road which is scheduled to be completed in 2022.

(Thanks to County Clerk Angela Blount, Interim County Manager Brandon Rogers, and Public Works Director Todd Goolsby for answering my open records request so quickly!) Click here to review the .pdf. SPLOST is on the left side of the page and LMIG is on the right.

ZEBULON - Concerned Citizens for Pike County hosted a rally for peace and justice on the courthouse square in Pike County on Sunday, June 14. More than 100 people gathered at this protest. The Sheriff and deputies from the Pike County Sheriff’s Office along with Zebulon Police Department were on the square to talk to protesters as well as provide protection for them as they spoke out for justice right here in Zebulon. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Secretary of State's Office verified the election results on the Friday following the June 9, 2020 election. Here are the final numbers as reported by our Board of Elections here in Pike County. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Pike County deputies assisted in a vehicle pursuit this afternoon that originated in Meriwether County and crossed the county line. Deputies joined the pursuit in the area of River road. Click here for more.

Thank you to First Bank of Pike for sponsoring Pike County Times’ Breaking News Alerts! First Bank of Pike has been serving customers in Pike County and the surrounding area since 1901 and offers Personal and Business banking with a personal touch. If you want to find out about how you can get Breaking News Alerts, click here. Thanks for reading and supporting Pike County Times.com!

ZEBULON - Pike County Parks & Recreation has reopened with a few exceptions. Director Kevin Teate advised Parks & Rec families by letter and sent that letter to the media as well. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Thursday, June 18, the J. Joel Edwards Public Library will be opening its doors to the public to allow patrons access to books, DVDs, and technical services. In order to facilitate the return of patrons to the building, significant changes to the library’s normal operations will be implemented. Library manager, Rosemary Bunn, stated, “Following the recommendations from the Regents Public Library Advisory Council (RPLAC) for “soft” opening procedures, we hope that we will be able to transition from these changes back toward our normal routine operations in due time.” Click here for more.

Commissioners Tim Guy, Tim Daniel, Jason Proctor, and Chairman Briar Johnson were present at the meeting along with County Clerk Angela Blount and County Attorney Rob Morton. Commissioner James Jenkins was not present at the meeting. An Interim County Manager was named in this meeting. Click here to read more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 – 9:00 a.m. at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street in Zebulon. There will be a 15 minute Town Hall Meeting prior to the meeting where members of the public can address commissioners prior to the start of the official meeting without getting on an agenda prior. The public is invited to attend this meeting. County Manager Ron Alexander Resigned at the end of this meeting. Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: This meeting is complete.]

ZEBULON - After an almost 3 hour executive session, County Manager Ron Alexander has tendered an oral resignation to the Pike County Commission. Commissioners voted 3-2 to accept his resignation with commissioners Jenkins and Proctor opposed. There will be a 4 p.m. meeting on Friday consisting of an Executive Session to discuss the county manager position.

Thank you to First Bank of Pike for sponsoring Pike County Times’ Breaking News Alerts! First Bank of Pike has been serving customers in Pike County and the surrounding area since 1901 and offers Personal and Business banking with a personal touch. If you want to find out about how you can get Breaking News Alerts, click here. Thanks for reading and supporting Pike County Times.com!

ZEBULON - These are the results of the June 9, 2020 election including Presidential and Primary elections that were combined together because of COVID-19. These results will remain unofficial until the Secretary of State's Office reviews and gives the final ok on it later this week. Click here for more.

Thank you to First Bank of Pike for sponsoring Pike County Times’ Breaking News Alerts! First Bank of Pike has been serving customers in Pike County and the surrounding area since 1901 and offers Personal and Business banking with a personal touch. If you want to find out about how you can get Breaking News Alerts, click here. Thanks for reading and supporting Pike County Times.com!

ZEBULON - Chief Appraiser Greg Hobbs spoke before commissioners in the April 28, 2020 meeting about the tax assessment that was coming for property owners in Pike County. Scroll down to his notes and then click on the letter that Appraiser Hobbs sent to Pike County Times at my request after that meeting. Tax Commissioner Donna Chapman spoke at the budget meeting tonight and advised that the county is looking at a 12.243 rollback, but the impact of this year's budget is going to be on the homeowner. There hasn’t been a reevaluation in 10 to 15 years when it’s supposed to be done every 3-5 years. Commercial will be done next year, but this year the homeowners will be hurting this year. The deadline for appeals in July 17.

Chief Appraiser Greg Hobbs walked through the process tonight. For people who say overnight my home value went up $100,000, he said that some of them did because they needed to. He asked residents to look at the value and see if that is correct. If there is a problem with the value, let them know. And the value came from surrounding properties in your neighborhood. The tax number hasn’t been set up for the county yet. He asked that residents come to the office and sit down to discuss things if they have questions. The number to the office is 770-567-2002.

Click here for more information from the April 28, 2020 Board of Commissioners Meeting. Click here to read a copy of a letter read before the commissioners by the Chief Assessor in the April 28, 2020 BOC meeting.

MOLENA - Introducing the first sponsor of Pike County Times’ Breaking News Alerts! First Bank of Pike has been serving customers in Pike County and the surrounding area since 1901 and offers Personal and Business banking with a personal touch. Services include checking, savings, money market, certificates of deposit, and IRA’s. Mobile Banking and Bill Payment services are also available! Click here for more. Please let First Bank of Pike know that you appreciate their sponsorship of Breaking News Alerts on Pike County's only FREE online newspaper! at www.firstbankofpike.com/. Tell them Pike County Times sent you!

1. CALL TO ORDER .................................................................................... Chairman J. Briar Johnson
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA - (O.C.G A. § 50-14-1 (e) (1))
3. NEW BUSINESS: WORKSHOP – FY 2020-2021 Budget
4. ADJOURNMENT

The public is invited to attend.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street in Zebulon. There will be a 15 minute Town Hall Meeting prior to the meeting where members of the public can address commissioners prior to the start of the official meeting without getting on an agenda prior. The public is invited to attend this meeting. Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: This meeting is complete.]

The EPD burning restrictions go into effect May 1 and last through the summer months until October 1 each year. For more information visit the Georgia Forestry Commission’s web site at https://gatrees.org/ or call your local office of the Georgia Forestry Commission at (770)227-5522 or (706)646-6011. You can also contact the Georgia Environmental Protection Division at (404)362-2671.

ZEBULON - The Georgia Forestry Commission is warning landowners to beware of an internet scam purporting to issue burn permits. The only way to secure a legal burn permit in Georgia is to get one online at GaTrees.org, by calling 1-877-OK2-BURN or by contacting a local office of the GFC. In some cases, a burn permit may need to be obtained from local county or city officials/offices, based on local ordinances. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Parks & Recreation Authority Board met on Thursday night in order to make some very difficult decisions on recreational sports in our community. Decisions were made about spring sports, the Soccer Complex Walking Track, when to reopen the complex, and the 2020 Pride of Pike Independence Day Celebration. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Note from Tax Commissioner Donna Chapman: We have been closed to the public for over a month now. We have been open the past to weeks by appointment only for title transfers. Unless Pike County has a major increase in the number of positive for the covid19 virus, we plan to reopen on Monday, May 11th.

Unfortunately we will only be able to allow 3 people into our office at time. We are trying to maintain the 6 foot rule as well as trying to protect our taxpayers and employees. Keep in mind that when there are 3 people in the office, you will have to stand outside and wait for your turn. We greatly appreciate you patience and understanding.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 – 9:00 a.m. at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street in Zebulon. There will be a 15 minute Town Hall Meeting prior to the meeting where members of the public can address commissioners prior to the start of the official meeting without getting on an agenda prior. The public is invited to attend this meeting. Click here for more.

CONCORD - Pike County has experienced some higher than average rains so far this year. Concord Road just past Bottoms Road washed out in March of this year. The county is working with the state to get this section of road repaired. Pike County Public Works has submitted designs to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and this will soon be going out for bid. Restructuring will include repaving the road crossing after it is repaired and including safety rails.

GDOT will be funding the project. Keep an eye on county commission meeting agendas and post agendas for more information on the finalization of this project. (Note from the Editor: Thank you to County Manager Ron Alexander for returning my call so quickly today!)

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on April 28, 2020 – 6:30 p.m. at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street in Zebulon. There will be a 15 minute Town Hall Meeting prior to the meeting where members of the public can address commissioners prior to the start of the official meeting without getting on an agenda prior. The public is invited to attend this meeting. [Note from the Editor: This meeting is complete.] Click here for more.

ZEBULON - County Manager Ron Alexander wrote a letter regarding the closure of public offices in Pike County earlier today. An accompanying public notice was given to all offices to hang on their doors and a notice was sent out about the cancellation of the next night meeting at the end of the month. Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: This article has been updated on April 27, 2020, but the best policy is to call before just showing up at an office to find out their policies.]

Thank you to First Bank of Pike for sponsoring Pike County Times’ Breaking News Alerts! If you want to find out about how you can get Breaking News Alerts, click here. Thanks for reading and supporting Pike County Times.com!

ZEBULON - County Manager Ron Alexander advised all regular county employees by email on Friday afternoon that they would be going back to work on Monday. This has now been changed to Monday, May 4th instead of today. [Note from the Editor on April 27: There is a note from the editor in the article that explains this mix up.] Click here for more.

Thank you to First Bank of Pike for sponsoring Pike County Times’ Breaking News Alerts! If you want to find out about how you can get Breaking News Alerts, click here. Thanks for reading and supporting Pike County Times.com!

ZEBULON - Chief Magistrate Marcia Callaway-Ingram advised that the Pike County Magistrate Court's office will continue to provide services by appointment only or through alternative service options that do not require a face to face encounter. "As we come under the rules and orders of the Supreme Court of Georgia, and consistent with Chief Justice Harold Melton’s statewide judicial emergency declaration, your Magistrate office will continue our health-safety precautions and alternative service options at least through Wednesday, May 13," she said. "Your Magistrate staff is successfully handling your business via these alternatives, and we remain available to assist you personally, by appointment, when needed."

Please visit their website at magistratepikega.com or call 770-567-2004 if you have questions, concerns, or wish to schedule an appointment.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold a special called meeting on Monday, April 20, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street in Zebulon. PLEASE NOTE: Pike County Board of Commissioners will be following and enforcing the Executive Orders issued by Governor Brian Kemp due to the COVID-19 virus. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - If you appreciate hometown news from www.PikeCountyTimes.com, please consider donating to help pay for the time that goes into the in depth reporting that you see there. If you are interested in becoming a breaking news subscriber, click here for all of the details that you need to know. An annual donation of $25 or more will get an email or text message sent to you with breaking news as it happens. There is a link in purple at the bottom of each page on www.PikeCountyTimes.com that enables donations through PayPal. Donations can also be sent through the mail to Pike County Times, PO Box 843, Zebulon GA 30295, delivered in person, or you can call me with a credit card and I can email or mail a receipt to you.

Are you a business owner? Pike County Times can showcase your business and business events for a price that is very competitive with readers in several counties. Pike County Times is free to read for anyone who would like to read about news that affects Pike County, but there are costs that go with this business. And that doesn't include the amount of time that it takes to do in-depth reporting and put info into an article for readers. Do you like what you're reading? Please make a contribution to support it. As always, thanks for reading and supporting your hometown online newspaper!

ZEBULON - SJ Land Surveying specializes in land surveying, planning, and subdivision design. Thank you to SJ Reeves Land Surveying for helping provide your news for free on Pike County Times!

Call Steve J. Reeves RLS at 770-584-5203 or email him at sjreevessurveying@gmail.com and tell him that you saw his ad on Pike County Times!

GRIFFIN - Thank you to Food Depot for advertising with Pike County Times! There are two convenient locations at 1201 West Taylor Street and 816 North Hill Street. Click here for more great deals from Food Depot. Please tell them that you read about this and other deals on Pike County Times!

ZEBULON - Pike County Magistrate Court remains open for business (although closed to public walk-in), with adaptations to keep folks safe and flatten the curve of COVID-19. Rest assured that we are working hard at the State and local branches of government to keep up with the rapidly changing recommendations in this time of uncertainty. Click here for more.

ATLANTA - The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health, will begin to provide a list of COVID-19 cases in each jurisdiction to 911 centers this week. Click here for more.

BARNESVILLE - Spring graduates for Gordon State College received information recently regarding a virtual ceremony scheduled on the original date of graduation, May 15 at 9 a.m. Graduates will be recognized online and the ceremony will be accessible to the families and friends of the graduates. An on-campus ceremony is also planned for these students to walk across the stage to receive their diploma on August 9, pending CDC guidelines for the Coronavirus group gatherings have been lifted. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Pike County Times was contacted by a homeless woman from Texas at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. She is living in a vehicle in a parking lot because she is disabled and has nowhere else that she can go because of a situation that is not under her control involving the loss of her disability. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting on Thursday, April 2, 2020 – 5:00 p.m. at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street in Zebulon. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Pike County Times received this letter from Pike Countryside Sanitation, Inc. this afternoon in regard to the Transfer Station and Recycling Center. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street in Zebulon. There will be a 15 minute Town Hall Meeting prior to the meeting where members of the public can address commissioners prior to the start of the official meeting without getting on an agenda prior. The public is invited to attend this meeting. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Pike County Times received an update on the VA Clinic from Zebulon City Administrator Larry Mitchum. He advised that a memorandum of understanding has been signed to provide water and sewer to the facility. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on February 25, 2020 – 6:30 p.m. at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street in Zebulon. There will be a 15 minute Town Hall Meeting prior to the meeting where members of the public can address commissioners prior to the start of the official meeting without getting on an agenda prior. The public is invited to attend this meeting. Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: The meeting is complete.]

ZEBULON - This Library Board Meeting was attended by Gillian Appleton (Chair), Joy Walker, Patty Talley, Anthony Vinson (Secretary), Kathy Zellner, Library Manager Rosemary Bunn, and FRRLS Representative Natalie Marshall. Patsy Page came in after the meeting started. Attempted to bring Cynthia in by phone. Visitors: Rhonda Morgan, Becky Watts. Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: I have not attended Library Board meetings for some time--and it's a good thing! Read through this meeting to the note in blue and you will understand why. They are doing a great job!]

ZEBULON - With a comment from the public before the meeting and some discussion regarding legalities in the official meeting, the Pike County Board of Commissioners voted this morning to approve a resolution declaring Pike County as a Second Amendment Sanctuary County. The vote was approved with all five commissioners voting yes. Click here for more.

Thank you to First Bank of Pike for sponsoring Pike County Times’ Breaking News Alerts! First Bank of Pike has been serving customers in Pike County and the surrounding area since 1901 and offers Personal and Business banking with a personal touch. If you want to find out about how you can get Breaking News Alerts, click here. Thanks for reading and supporting Pike County Times.com!

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on January 28, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street in Zebulon. There will be a 15 minute Town Hall Meeting prior to the meeting where members of the public can address commissioners prior to the start of the official meeting without getting on an agenda prior. The public is invited to attend this meeting. Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: This meeting is complete.]

ZEBULON - HB 734 is entitled the "Ethics in Journalism Act" and is supposed to create journalism ethics board that will govern media entities throughout the state of Georgia. This letter basically walks through my reasons that the legislation is bad and encourages any who are already signed onto this legislation to walk away from it. This legislation is in clear violation of not one but two constitutions, and it deserves a very loud rebuke in the public square. Click here for more.

[Note from the Editor: This editorial was written last year and still stands against this terrible legislation that is in the hopper for this year. I sent my Entreaty for Common Sense every single co-sponsor on this legislation and did not receive even one response. You can monitor this legislation through Georgia General Assembly by clicking here.]

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on January 8, 2020 – 9:00 a.m. at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street in Zebulon. There will be a 15 minute Town Hall Meeting prior to the meeting where members of the public can address commissioners prior to the start of the official meeting without getting on an agenda prior to the beginning of the meeting. The public is invited to attend this meeting. Click here for more.

GRIFFIN- This is the fourth in a series of articles about the Griffin Police Department and its interactions with the local media. It would be helpful for readers to read Parts I, II, and III prior to reading Part IV. Click here for more.

GRIFFIN - This is the continuation of an in depth series investigating interactions between the Griffin Police Department and the media. It would be helpful for readers to read Parts I and II prior to reading Part III which is based on an interview of Chief Yates of the Griffin Police Department. Click here for more.

GRIFFIN - Pike County Times had some issues receiving press releases from the Griffin Police Department (PD) earlier this year. In the course of trying to work with the PD to obtain these press releases by email, the public information officer (PIO) for the PD made a derogatory comment about a member of the local news media complaining of being treated unfairly. Click here for more.

GRIFFIN - Pike County Times has covered news for Griffin and Spalding County when time allowed over the past several years. This investigation began because the Griffin Police Department (PD) began issuing press releases only on Facebook and not to the press at the end of January of 2019. The policy has since changed, then changed back, and then changed again, but lately Griffin PD has begun issuing regular press releases to the press again. In the course of this discussion over whether something can be called a “press release” if it is not issued and sent to the press, Pike County Times decided to investigate whether there was a difference in how the local and Atlanta media were treated as well as seeing if any news media were singled out for special treatment. This is the first part of a series of articles. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Do you enjoy reading Pike County Times for FREE? Please say thank you to those who advertise with me and provide this service to you. How can you say thank you? You can help Pike County Times by doing business with each of these advertisers and making sure that they know that you appreciate their support of your free, independent online newspaper -- Pike County Times.

THOMASTON - Danny Shumate from CGA Comp is the webmaster for Pike County Times. Danny designed Pike County Times as you see it today and has taught me how to hand code this entire website. (He truly has the patience of a saint because I am NOT a programmer.) He helped me with a complete revamp of Pike County Times in 2007 and again in 2011. Danny can put together a website for your business. From a basic website to a website full of bling, CGA Comp can help you promote your business on the world wide web at a price that is right for your budget. Danny Shumate at CGA Comp can be reached at 706-741-5929. Tell him that the Pike County Times sent you!

ZEBULON - Standing in line at a business counter and need something to do? How about looking at the ads on the screen provided by Southern Digital Captive Audience Advertising. This advertising combines digital signage with advertising for your business in local businesses on a big screen tv. For more information about how you can showcase your business through captive audience advertising, call 770-616-5412. Tell them that the Pike County Times sent you!

ZEBULON - NO WEEDS. NO BUGS. NO PROBLEMS. Pike Pest Management is owned and operated by Mark Andrade. Pike Pest Management has a special for Pike County Times readers. Mention that you saw their advertisement on Pike County Times and ask for 10% off of your initial service. Call Pike Pest Management at 770-567-FLEA (3532) for all of your pest control needs! Tell them that the Pike County Times sent you!

BARNESVILLE - Looking For a Good Chiropractor? Mid Georgia Chiropractic is owned by Mark Fink from Pike County. His business is located on 818A College Drive, Barnesville right down from Subway. I have been going to him for more than fifteen years. Mid Georgia Chiropractic is now open on Thursdays and closed on Fridays. New hours are: Mondays 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 3 p.m.; and Wednesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 to 6 p.m. Mid Georgia Chiropractic is now closed on Fridays and remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Call Mid Georgia Chiropractic at 770-358-2003 for more information. Tell them that Pike County Times sent you!

ZEBULON - Prayer Power of Georgia, Inc. is a faith based 501(c)3 private foundation dedicated to developing and maturing the spiritual lives of those in our community, as we aspire to fulfill the Great Commission. Through educational materials, instructional programs, and community leadership in discipleship, Prayer Power of Georgia shall demonstrate and promote a richer more fulfilling spiritual and prayer life in our community. Prayer Power sponsors the annual National Day of Prayer and Pike County Baccalaureate Graduation event each year as well as awarding the Saints in Light and Faith Awards each year. Click here to find out more about Prayer Power of Georgia, Inc. and get signed up to receive daily devotionals.

ZEBULON - The Moody-Daniel Funeral Home is independent and locally-owned by the Moody Family and has been serving families since 1982. Currently, owned and operated by Terrell and Sherri Moody and Tim Daniel, the firm was founded by Terrell’s parents, Charles and Betty Moody. Tim Daniel joined the Moody family in 2012, and the funeral home became Moody-Daniel Funeral Home and Cremation Services. It continues to be a family-centered firm. The words, “our family serving your family” are at the heart of everything we do." For more information about Moody-Daniel Funeral Home, click here or call 770-567-8642. Tell them that you read about Moody-Daniel Funeral Home on Pike County Times!

CONCORD - Pike Countryside Sanitation, the oldest and largest sanitation service in Pike County, is available for all of your recycling and sanitation needs. Pike Countryside Sanitation. It specializes in 20, 30, and 40 yard industrial roll-off containers and has 2, 4, 6, and 8 yard front load containers too. Pike Countryside Sanitation provides curb and home pick up in Pike, Meriweither, and Spalding Counties. Call 770-884-0088 and tell them that Pike County Times sent you!

ZEBULON - Racquethause South Fitness Club provides total healthcare fitness in Zebulon. You won't get the body that you want overnight, but with hard work and dedication, you will get it soon enough. Let us help! Racquethause South offers equipment to work out at your own pace, trainers, and classes of all types to fit all kinds of lifestyles. Step class, Yoga, Crossfit, Spin, Bootcamp, and Silver Sneakers are just a few of the classes that we offer! You can check out Racquethause South on Facebook or drop by and see what they have to offer at 11500 Hwy 19 North in Zebulon. Call Racquethause South at 770-567-4487 to find out what specials they are running for new members. Tell them that Becky Watts at Pike County Times sent you! You may even see me there!

HAMPTON - Full Blown Firearms is a faith-based Christian company that is family owned, family oriented and kid friendly. Call Brad Ward at Full Blown Firearms at 678-463-8155 for all of your firearm needs or check out http://www.fullblownfirearms.com for more details about training and gunsmithing and follow Full Blown Firearms on Facebook.

Full Blown Firearms is located at 1074 Bear Creek Blvd, Suite L in Hampton just south of the racetrack. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 8 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Call Brad Ward at Full Blown Firearms at 678-463-8155 for all of your firearm needs. Tell him that you read about Full Blown Firearms on Pike County Times.com!

MOLENA - Introducing the first sponsor of Pike County Times’ Breaking News Alerts! First Bank of Pike has been serving customers in Pike County and the surrounding area since 1901 and offers Personal and Business banking with a personal touch. Services include checking, savings, money market, certificates of deposit, and IRA’s. Mobile Banking and Bill Payment services are also available! Click here for more. Please let First Bank of Pike know that you appreciate their sponsorship of Breaking News Alerts on Pike County's only FREE online newspaper! at www.firstbankofpike.com/. Tell them Pike County Times sent you!

GRIFFIN - Thank you to Food Depot for advertising with Pike County Times! There are two convenient locations at 1201 West Taylor Street and 816 North Hill Street. Click here for more great deals from Food Depot. Please tell them that you read about this and other deals on Pike County Times!

ZEBULON - SJ Land Surveying specializes in land surveying, planning, and subdivision design. Thank you to SJ Reeves Land Surveying for helping provide your news for free on Pike County Times!

SJ Reeves Land Surveying is located at 11491 Highway 19 North in Zebulon. Call Steve J. Reeves RLS at 770-584-5203 or email him at sjreevessurveying@gmail.com and tell him that you saw his ad on Pike County Times!

CONCORD - Let us be your 1st Choice for all of your electrical, heating and air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, alarm systems and more! We also install and service alarm systems for the discriminating building owner. 1st Choice Mechanical provides residential and commercial HVAC and electrical installation and service.

We are licensed and insured. Click here for more.

GRIFFIN - The Sellers Law Firm is located at 100 South Hill Street Ste 502 in Griffin, Georgia and specializes in Criminal Defense/DUI, Family Law, Personal Injury, Simple Wills, Social Security Disability and Worker's Compensation.

Please tell them thank you for supporting Pike County Times! Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Need tires? Call 770-567-8333 and see what Rooster's Garage can do for you. They can mount and balance your tires right here in Zebulon. Looking for a car or truck that is reasonably priced right here in Pike County? Do you need an oil change or have a windshield that needs to be replaced? Do you need brake work? What about paint and body on your vehicle? Rooster's Garage is the place to go! Thank you to Pike County Times' newest advertiser who is helping keep Pike County Times FREE to readers. Click here for more.

GRIFFIN - Looking for a complete wellness care for your cats and dogs including preventative and diagnostic services? Look no further than North Griffin Animal Hospital located at 1799 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223. Does your pet need surgery including spay or a neuter, urgent care, or dental work? The experienced vets and techs of North Griffin Animal Hospital would love the opportunity to provide this much-needed care for your beloved pet.

Call NGAH at 770-227-4125 to set up an appointment. Click on their advertisement on the right side of the page to read more about them on their website. Tell them that the Pike County Times sent you!

MOLENA - If you need some work done around your house from decks and porches to flooring and handmade cabinets, all Anthony Reagan at Reagan Remodeling. He has 40 years of experience that he can put to work for you! Click here to see examples of his work.

If you're looking for quality work, look no further than Reagan Remodeling. Anthony Reagan from Reagan Remodeling has 40 years of experience. And he's local! Give Anthony a call at 404-886-8508 for an appointment or estimate. Tell him that you saw his work on Pike County Times!

WILLIAMSON - Has the recent rain made your driveway a mess? Do you need rock or sand for a foundation or other project around your home or barn? Call Brad Armistead at (678) 588-9465 and find out how easy it is to have a delivery made! Southern Rock, Sand, and Gravel is locally owned and operated. Click here for more.