ZEBULON - Just Because Ministries spoke before Kiwanis on January 19, 2023. This minstry was created" to recognize people in our community who feel left out or unseen by extending kindness and encouragement with the hopes of bringing joy." It is based on Isaiah 6:8: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send And who will go for us' and I said, 'Here I am, Send Me!'" Click here for more.

ZEBULON - On January 8, 2023, the Pike County American Legion Post 197 along with staff and residents of Pike Manor helped celebrate Robert Walther’s 98th birthday. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Zebulon Police Department made two arrests last week. Click here for more.

Mr. Joseph Matthew “Matt” Bullington, age 42, passed away January 15, 2023. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

Jackie K. Cooper's Entertainment Rundown for this week can be found by clicking here. Jackie also has many reviews on his YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/user/JackieKCooper.

ZEBULON - Pike County Sheriff's investigators have arrested two suspects for a theft that occurred at Cadies convenience store on Highway 19. Click here for more.

Jackie K. Cooper's Entertainment Rundown for this week can be found by clicking here. Jackie also has many reviews on his YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/user/JackieKCooper.

GRIFFIN - On Monday, January 16, 2023, Pike County made a trip to Spalding County to see how the Volunteer Reception Center, the Distribution Center, and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) worked so readers would know what to expect when going to volunteer or bring items to help those effected by the tornadoes. Click here for more.

Jackie K. Cooper's Entertainment Rundown for this week can be found by clicking here. Jackie also has many reviews on his YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/user/JackieKCooper.

ZEBULON - The 2023 Lunch and Economic Summit will be held on Thursday, January 26 at 11:30 a.m. at Christ Chapel. Hear insights from nationally known economist, Dr. Roger Tutterow from Kennesaw State University. Event hosted by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.

Pike Works Job Fair will also be held on Thursday, January 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Christ Chapel located at 68 Old Zebulon Road in Zebulon. Event will be hosted by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the Pike County Board of Education. Click here for more.

Jackie K. Cooper's Entertainment Rundown for this week can be found by clicking here. Jackie also has many reviews on his YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/user/JackieKCooper.

ZEBULON - On January 12, 2023, severe weather ripped though several Georgia counties, including Pike. Many of these counties received a Federal Disaster Declaration, however Pike County did not. Pike County is working with Ga Emergency Management to change that. More to come on that. We have received several questions from residents who received some incorrect or conflicting information from the staff at Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Pike Family Connection will meet on Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 9:00 am - 10:00 am In-Person! at Christ Chapel, 68 Old Zebulon Road, Zebulon, GA 30295. The presentation will be "Today's Nursing Landscape" with Lisa Johnson, MSN, RN, Vice President-Chief Nursing Officer at Wellstar Spalding and Sylvan Grove.

Mark your calendar for future Pike Family Connection Meetings:
Mar 2, 2023 - 9:00 AM
Apr 6, 2023 - 9:00 AM
May 4,2023 - 9:00 AM
June 1,2023 -9:00 AM

WILLIAMSON - Connections Matter is an in-person and virtual training designed to engage community members in building caring connections to:
• Improve resiliency,
• Prevent childhood trauma, and
• Understand how our interactions with others can support those who have experienced trauma.
Approved for 4 hours of CEUs: LPCs, LMFTs, LCSW, Law Enforcement, SCEIs, and Bright from the Start.

Eventbrite link to register, click here. This training will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm In-Person! at Church of Joy, 3080 GA-362 W, Williamson, GA 30292

MACON – Mercer University recently announced the President's List and Dean's List for the fall 2022 semester. Inclusion on these lists requires students to meet rigorous GPA standards specific to the college or school within the University.

Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. The University enrolls approximately 9,000 students in 12 schools and colleges - liberal arts and sciences, law, pharmacy, medicine, business, engineering, education, theology, music, nursing, health professions, and professional advancement - on major campuses in Macon and Atlanta, medical school sites in Macon, Savannah and Columbus, and at regional academic centers in Henry and Douglas counties.

The following area students earned a place on the lists:
Concord, Georgia - Kristin Ware, Senior, School of Music, Dean's List
Molena, Georgia - Casance Kendrick, Junior, College of Education, President's List
Molena, Georgia - Marti Sommers, Sophomore, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dean's List
Williamson, Georgia - Quantel Jackson, Junior, School of Business, President's List

GRIFFIN — Spalding County Emergency Management Agency Director Glenn Polk confirmed today that the Red Cross will be contacting residents in the hard-hit areas of Spalding County to let them know if they qualify for assistance. Calls, texts and emails will begin the end of this week and continue over the weekend.

Red Cross damage assessment teams have been working with FEMA and cross-referencing applications to see who qualifies. For more information or questions, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

GRIFFIN — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established a Disaster Relief Center (DRC) at the Spalding County Senior Center (885 Memorial Drive in Griffin) to provide recovery resources for individuals and business owners in Griffin, Spalding County as well as other affected counties in the area. The DRC is open daily from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. until further notice. Click here for more.

ATLANTA – Following the disaster declaration for Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Spalding, and Troup counties, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that he is deploying agency staff to set up a Catastrophe Claims Village to assist Georgians who have been impacted by recent severe weather.

At the Catastrophe Claims Village, policyholders can meet face-to-face with professionals in the insurance industry who can help them file a claim or answer any insurance-related questions they may have. The Catastrophe Claims Village will include representatives from the Georgia Department of Insurance, major insurance carriers including Allstate, Auto-Owners, Georgia Farm Bureau, State Farm, USAA, and others...

The village will be held at the Spalding County Senior Center at 885 Memorial Drive in Griffin this Wednesday, January 25th, and Thursday, January 26th, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Read the entire article by clicking here.

ZEBULON - Samaritan's Purse is providing disaster relief in Griffin. Volunteers will work Monday - Saturday. Both teams and individuals are welcome. Minimum Age: Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age or older. Youth, ages 14-15, must be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian and youth, ages 16-17, must be accompanied by an adult chaperone unless the team is registered as a youth group. Youth groups may serve with Samaritan’s Purse and are required to complete a Youth Leader Covenant.

Local / Day Volunteers: If you are local to the area we welcome you to serve for the day. Please contact our site at 470-217-0652 at least 24 hours in advance to be scheduled to serve. Please arrive at our host location: Oak Hill Baptist Church, 100 Lakeside Road, Williamson, GA 30292. Orientation takes place at 7:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will work Monday - Saturday, beginning Sunday, January 15, 2022 at 12:30pm. Day volunteers will need to bring a bagged lunch, water, and hand sanitizer.

Day volunteers are welcome to serve any day, Monday through Saturday, without being scheduled for a specific date. Due to the nature of disaster relief, our schedule must remain fluid. We recommend that you contact the site 24 hours in advance, prior to serving.

Click here for more information.

Mrs. Doris Jones Whaley, age 88, of Molena, passed away January 22, 2023, with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today it will open a Business Recovery Center at noon Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Spalding Senior Center to assist Georgians applying for SBA disaster loan assistance for losses due to severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred on Jan. 12. Click here for more.

Peggy Quarles Wilson, age 79, of Griffin, passed away peacefully at Brightmoor Hospice at 6:34 PM on January 22, 2023. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

TIFTON — A total of 243 students completed the requirements for graduation from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College at the end of the 2022 fall semester. During the fall term, over 2,400 of ABAC’s 3,649 students pursued four-year degrees at ABAC in Biology, Nursing, Agribusiness, Agriculture, Agricultural Communication, Agricultural Education, Business, Environmental Horticulture, History and Government, Natural Resource Management, Rural Community Development, and Writing and Communication as well as ABAC’s two newest majors – Agricultural Technology Management and Criminal Justice. The remainder of the students chose the associate degree path including the popular Associate of Science in Nursing.

ABAC attracted students from 155 of Georgia’s 159 counties, 58 of Florida’s 67 counties, 26 countries, and 16 states including the William Vaughn Bethune from Concord with a Bachelor of Science, Agribusiness, Magna Cum Laude.

Ms. Nadine Reeves Buffington, age 97, of Zebulon, passed away on January 20, 2023. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on January 21, 2023, in Monterey Park, California, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, January 26, 2023. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

On January 19, 2023, Heaven’s gain was our loss as Cheryl Dunn Hammond went to be with the Lord. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

Mr. Jerry Hand, age 82, of Griffin, passed away January 20, 2023, at Brightmoor Hospice in Griffin. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

GRIFFIN - There are opportunities to help with the clean up effort on the ground in Spalding as well as helping out at the Distribution Center that has been set up in Griffin to provide for the needs of those effected by these tornadoes. Volunteers are also needed to answer the Spalding Help Hotline. Click here for more.

Sylvia Joan Prince Spratlin, age 74, of Zebulon, passed away January 17, 2023, at her home.  For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

SPALDING COUNTY - The Georgia DOT advises Spalding County motorists that maintenance crews will be cleaning up storm debris on State Route 16 and Rover Zatella and Pine Hill Road.  Cleanup is scheduled to start Monday, January 23, 2023. Lane closures are expected in this cleanup due to the scope of work; crews will install signage at the site around the work zone. 

When: Starting Monday, January 23, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: on State Route 16 and Rover Zatella and Pine Hill Road Other areas will have cleanup crews and traffic interruptions will be to a minimal. These are still work zones and urge the public to slow down and pay attention to messaging. Meriwether Co.these will be minimum traffic interruptions SR 362 milepost 0-13 SR 74 to SR 41 SR 100 just north of Greenville SR 41 North of Greenville   I-75 Spalding Co Line mile post 207 to Ext. 212 no lane closure just working from the shoulder Same for I-85 and I-185

ZEBULON - Click on the Calendar of Events page to see community events including February's events at the Little White House. (Pssst! There's a free entry day in there!)

You can send your community events to editor @ pikecountytimes.com.

GRIFFIN - Here are some highlights from today's press conference in Spalding County. Click here for more.

WILLIAMSON - A strong line of thunderstorms came through Georgia on January 12, 2023 that spawned tornadoes in north and central Georgia. The NWS states that per radar data, aerial surveys, and ground surveys, it has been determined that there were three tornadoes on the ground simultaneously in Southwest Spalding and Northwestern Pike Counties. These tornadoes can be traced all of the way back to the Selma, Alabama tornado. 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!

BARNESVILLE - Barnesville Church of the Nazarene will be a collection site for those affected by the recent tornadoes that swept through our surrounding areas starting Wednesday, January 18th. Penny Hutson is working in coordination with the Distribution Center in Griffin as a drop-off point that will distribute items to those in need since that is the main donation center tornado victims. Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: This site will be closed on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Thanks to all who have donated to the Spalding County storm victims!]

On January 14, 2023, Clara Duncan Turner passed away peacefully at the age of 96. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

Pastor Ellison William Brannon, Sr., age 81, of Molena, passed away January 13, 2023. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

WILLIAMSON - A line of storms came through Georgia on January 12, 2023 that left damage in its wake. Locally, LaGrange, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, and Butts County all have damage from a tornado that left residents with damaged houses and businesses. Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: This has been updated to include a number to call for help clearing citizens' property as well as a way to help citizens clear their property. Local donation sites are listed as well.]

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 MLK Jr. parade line up starts at 9:30 am at Fullers Chapel Methodist Church Old Meansville Road on Monday, January 16. Parade starts at 10:00 am. Marvin Hollis is the Grand Marshal. Our theme is "Educating The Dream, Advocating The Dream, and Activating The Dream."

We’re inviting all participants to join us, we will have walkers, vehicles, horses, motorcycles, vans, etc. [Note from the Editor: You don't have to call anyone to participate. Just show up at the church.]

Gary Charles Bryant, age 71, of Pike County, passed away January 12, 2023. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

ATLANTA - On January 13, 2023, Sen. Marty Harbin (R - Tyrone) was reinstated to serve as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Government Oversight. “I am so honored to be selected by Lt. Governor Burt Jones and the Senate Committee on Assignments to continue to serve as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Government Oversight,” said. Sen. Harbin. “I am looking forward to serving alongside my fellow committee members to continue to pass important legislation during course of the 2023 Legislative Session. As a committee, we will work tirelessly to make certain that the tax dollars of all Georgia citizens are distributed fairly and that our government programs and institutions stay within their constitutional guidelines.”

In addition to serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Government Oversight, Sen. Harbin will serve as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor and the Senate Committee on Retirement. He will also serve as a member of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Natural Resources and the Environment.

Sen. Marty Harbin serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Government Oversight. He represents the 16th Senate District which includes Lamar, Spalding and Pike counties and a portion Fayette County. He may be reached at 404.656.0078 or by email at marty.harbin@senate.ga.gov.

ZEBULON - Griffin City Manager Jessica O’Connor is urging residents to stay home to enable emergency personnel to respond to the most immediate storm-related needs and prevent further injuries and damage. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Griffin-Spalding County School System has announced that schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 13. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Please be advised that Pike County offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2023 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Offices will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.

Mrs. Rachel Norris McClelland, age 83 of Williamson, passed away January 10, at her home. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

Jennifer Mary Williams, age 60, of Williamson, passed away January 10, 2023, at her home. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

Jackie K. Cooper's Entertainment Rundown for this week can be found by clicking here. Jackie also has many reviews on his YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/user/JackieKCooper.

ATLANTA - Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones and the Senate Committee on Assignments announced new standing committee chairs for the first session of the 157th Georgia General Assembly.  Click here for more.

Jackie K. Cooper's Entertainment Rundown for this week can be found by clicking here. Jackie also has many reviews on his YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/user/JackieKCooper.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners and the Planning and Zoning Board will hold a workshop in Courtroom 2 for the purpose of Review and Discussion of Ordnances related to Building and Zoning. The public is welcome to attend.

MARYVILLE, TN - Local student at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, has made the Dean's List for the fall 2022 semester. Consideration for the Dean's List is open to full-time students who have a grade point average of at least 3.6 in all work undertaken, no grade below a "C" and no incompletes for the semester.

Among those named to the Dean's List is Elizabeth Harvey of Williamson, GA. Harvey is a graduate of Bentonville High School.

  A private liberal arts college located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, Maryville College has educated students for more than 200 years to be giving citizens and gifted leaders and to study everything, so that they are prepared for anything. 

Jackie K. Cooper's Entertainment Rundown for this week can be found by clicking here. Jackie also has many reviews on his YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/user/JackieKCooper.

NEWNAN - The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Newnan, GA. The Coweta County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on January 9, 2023. Click here for more.

Jackie K. Cooper's Entertainment Rundown for this week can be found by clicking here. Jackie also has many reviews on his YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/user/JackieKCooper.

JACKSON - General Beauregard Lee, Georgia’s Official Weather Prognosticator, will make his prediction from his home at Dauset Trails Nature Center, on Thursday, February 2, 2023. The ceremony, which starts at 7:30 a.m., is open to the public. Click here for more.

Sebastian Hall Arnold, age 23, passed away with his girlfriend, Rylee Lester, January 5, 2023, in a tragic automobile accident. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) today released the following statement after being sworn in for his fourth term representing Georgia’s Third District in the House of Representatives. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Pike County Times had about 74,000 visits over the past year with a little more by computer (38,900+) than phone (35,000+). That evens out to a little over 6,000 visitors per month for a newspaper that has never been in print and began when online newspapers were not the norm. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 – 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 - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 9 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 - During the early morning hours of January 6, 2023 reports of 14 vehicles were broken into, in the area of Pine Street, Ackerson Street, and Franklin Street. 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 Zebulon City Council held a Special Called Meeting on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 with the only item on the agenda being an Executive Session regarding personnel. When they came back into session, there was a 3-1 vote with Council Member Dewey Yarbrough opposed to put the Assistant Chief of Police on salary. Overtime that is planned into the budget will be used to pay for this. Discussion that some budget line items may need to be tweaked. It was also mentioned that state law has been passed regarding food trucks. This will have to be reviewed before the upcoming January 10 meeting. [Note from the Editor: It sounds like the Chief of Police wanted to make his Assistant Chief salaried instead of hourly. Council Member Yarbrough explained his no vote after the meeting to Pike County Times by saying that the Chief was put in place to be the head of the Police Department, and they "can't micromanage the police."]

ZEBULON - On December 15, 2022, the Zebulon City Council met at 6 p.m. in the GMC Classroom to hold a public hearing on a rezoning application for the property located on the east side of Highway 19 South between Ruth's Restaurant and the veterinary clinic. The application was a request to change from the current Central Downtown - Highway Commercial (CD-HC) zoning to Multi-Family Residential (MFR).

The public hearing was held with a discussion by the City Council at the close of the hearing. According to the Post Agenda, after discussion of concerns for the safety of children, a motion to deny the Rezoning Application was made by Yarbrough. Second was made by Nalls who stated the Zoning Proposal would result in a use which will or could cause an excessive or burdensome use of existing streets, transportation facilities, utilities, or schools. The motion to deny the application carried 4-0.

Click here for to read more about the proposal for "Garden Style Apartment Community consisting of 120 market rate rental units in 5 buildings" with five buildings that are three stories tall and contain 24 apartments in each building along with parking, garage storage, a walking trail and gazebo along with green space.

ZEBULON - On Friday, October 7, 2022, an Atlanta TV station broke the news that Zebulon Police Chief Jonathan Hemphill had been pulled over by Molena police officers on August 25, 2022 and acted disrespectful to the officers involved in the traffic stop. This series of articles chronicles the incident all of the way to the punishment that was rendered by Zebulon City Council. 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!

CONCORD - Have you seen Thor? He is a 9 year old Presa Canario, and his family misses him very much. Maybe you’ve petted Thor in the back of his Dad’s truck or petted Thor all dressed up and walking around with his Dad at events all over the county. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - On Wednesday, the Pike County Board of Commissioners imposed a 90-day moratorium on all new major and minor subdivisions and any building permits related thereto in a 5-0 decision. Pike County Times will have more on this when the write up on the meeting is completed.

[Note from the Editor: I asked for a clarification to be sure that I have things down correctly. Planning and Development Director Jeremy Gilbert said this: “The moratorium is for new submittals of minor and major subdivision plats and the building permits for new subdivision plats that have not already been approved. If a plat has already been approved then a building permit can still be issued. However, if a plat is in the process now they can continue with the approval process but would not be able to pull building permits until the moratorium is lifted. We are still accepting rezoning, special exception and variance applications as normal. Any existing residential rezoning application that we have will still be heard for the zoning but they will not be able to submit the preliminary or final plat until after the moratorium ends. Currently the moratorium is set for 90 days or until the impact fees are evaluated and any changes are approved by the BOC.”]

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 - Zebulon City Council voted unanimously against this rezoning application.

The Zebulon Planning and Zoning/City of Zebulon Design Review Committee met on November 1, 2022 to hold a public hearing to discuss the application for rezoning of the property identified as Tax Map/Parcel 076B 066, which is located on the east side of Highway 19 South, Zebulon, Georgia between Ruth's Restaurant and the vet's office on the other side. 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 - On Friday, October 7, 2022, an Atlanta TV station broke the news that Zebulon Police Chief Jonathan Hemphill had been pulled over by Molena police officers on August 25, 2022 and acted disrespectful to the officers involved in the pullover. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - 8,642 of 13,891 of Pike County’s registered voters cast their ballots in the US Senate Runoff on December 6, 2022. 7,453 voted for Herschel Walker Jr. (Republican) and 1,184 voted from Raphael Warnock (Democrat). Click here for turnout percentages and totals.

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!

WILLIAMSON - The Williamson City Council met on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 7 p.m. Present were: Mayor Steve Fry, Council members Angela Martin, Tom Brown, Carol Berry, Steve Davis, City Attorney Rob Morton, City Clerk Pamela Schoentag, and Librarian Milla Riggins. Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: This meeting is complete.]

[Note from the Editor: This page has been updated with a letter of concern from a council member to Pike County Times on 12.2.22.]

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 – 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. The checks for the Christmas Tree and Fireworks are discussed in this meeting. There is also a discussion of Peach State Aerodrome and apartments in the last 10 parcels there, a special exception in Meansville that was denied, and several items of note in the county manager, commissioners, and county attorney section of the meeting.]

ZEBULON - It's 16 years since that first blog post about the morning county commission meeting went on Pike County Times on November 6, 2006. Since then, Pike County Times has attended more than 500 meetings--I'm pretty sure that I low balled that amount!--and attended countless events to capture memories and support our commmunity as we reach out to others and share hugs and stories of our lives with those around us.

It's not always fun as I get the inevitable, "Who called you?" as I walk into a meeting where I don't normally attend, but the events that I get to attend and seeing our community and representatives work together for the good of the county is worth every single minute of what I do! It has definitely been a memorable journey! I am thankful beyond measure to all who encourage and support what I do.

Please let my advertisers know that you appreciate their support of this online community newspaper with your business and your thanks. They are the reason that I am able to pour countless hours into the articles that readers are able to see for free. I'm hoping to spend some time catching up on pictures and events on Pike County Times over the next month or so. Until then, you can see pictures on my personal and Pike County Times' FB pages. If you enjoy READING LOCAL NEWS for FREE, consider buying an advertisement for your business or sending a donation to support Pike County Times. www.pikecountytimes.com/adpricing.html has all your info!

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ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 – 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. [Note from the Editor: This meeting is complete.]

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 – 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 - Pike County had a 66.28% turnout. 9,446 votes were cast out of 14,251 possible voters. This is 100% of the unofficial and incomplete vote. Click here for more. Early results are at the top of the page with final results at the bottom of the page.

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!

CONCORD - Seven set of speed bumps have recently been installed in the Hilltop Community. This is the result of a long discussion between community leaders and Pike County government that began with a community block grant to improve the community and ended with speed bumps on repaved roads that will slow down traffic that is no longer having to dodge pot holes. The end result will be slowed traffic along with much needed improvements to the Hilltop Community. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - On Friday, October 7, 2022, an Atlanta news station broke the news that Zebulon Police Chief Jonathan Hemphill had been pulled over by Molena police officers on August 25, 2022 and acted for being disrespectful to the officers involved in the pullover. 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 Tuesday, September 27, 2022 – 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 - The Pike County Board of Commissioners set the budget earlier this year and recently held public hearings on the proposed 2022 property tax increase. The millage rate would have been set at 13.236 mills which would have been an increase of 16.93% over last year. 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 be meeting in a Special Called Meeting to approve the budget on Wednesday October 5, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. after the final Public Budget Hearing at 6 p.m. on the same night. The public is invited to attend both meetings. The public is invited to speak about the proposed tax increase in the 6 p.m. meeting.

1. CALL TO ORDER .................................................................... ….Chairman Briar Johnson
2. INVOCATION…………………………………………………………...…Silent Invocation
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ........................................................ Chairman Briar Johnson
4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA - (O.C.G A. 50-14-1 (e) (1))
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Consider Resolution to Adopt the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Pike County Tax Levy.
b. Consider authorization for the Chairman to sign the Resolution to adopt the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Pike County Tax Levy.
6. EXECUTIVE SESSION - NONE
7. ADJOURNMENT
Agenda subject to revision.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners announces its intention to increase the 2022 property taxes that will levy this year by 16.93 percent over the rollback millage rate. Click here to read more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 - 9:00 AM 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. It includes discussion on SPLOST roads, has a note in blue about a suggestion that our librarians keep an better eye on what books are included at our library, and our part-time animal control position went from part-time to full-time.]

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will meet on Monday, September 19, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. in the Board of Commissioners Conference Room to discuss the possible acquisition of real property pursuant to O.C.G.A. 50-14-3 (b)(1).

From the Post Agenda: The Pike County Board of Commissioners held a Special Called Meeting on Tuesday, September 19, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Board of Commissioners Office, 331 Thomaston Street, Zebulon. Vice-Chairman Tim Daniel convened the meeting and Commissioners Tim Guy, Jason Proctor and James Jenkins attended. County Manager Brandon Rogers was also present. (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1(e) (2)) Due to unforeseen circumstances, County Attorney Rob Morton and County Clerk Angela Blount were not present. Chairman Briar Johnson arrived at 4:35 p.m. The meeting was called to order and the discussion took place in Executive Session with a vote to enter Regular Session and a vote to adjourn at 5:52 p.m. [Note from the Editor: I did not attend this meeting. At some point, a decision will be made in closed session and announced after commissioners come back into session.]

ZEBULON - Pike County voters will be deciding whether to increase the exemption of school taxes for residents who are 62 years of age or older in the upcoming November 2022 election. 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!

MEANSVILLE - Meansville History Night at City Hall will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. The public is invited to see what the town looked like beginning in the early 1900’s and see some of the industry and crops grown in the area. We will also have some local pottery and military biographies of POW and MIA military from the Meansville area.

If you would like to submit additional military biographies and pictures, please contact Janet Milby Minter on Facebook or send a note to Pike County Times or text/call me at 770-468-7583.

The public is invited to attend this drop in event.

ZEBULON - The Board of Commissioners have cancelled their regular monthly meeting scheduled for October 12, 2022 due to conflicting schedules with the Courts.

Pike County Times began receiving messages about Noah’s Ark in Locust Grove not too long after a flock of wild black vultures was diagnosed with avian influenza. Since then, concerns about the animals there as well other underlying concerns about the current members of the board at Noah’s Ark have flooded social media. 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!

WILLIAMSON - Council Members Stephen Levin, Angela Martin, Tom Brown, and Carol Berry acting as Mayor Pro Tem are present along with City Attorney Rob Morton. Council Member Steve Davis and Mayor Fry were not present at the meeting. County Manager Brandon Rogers and Commissioner James Jenkins are also present. Members of the public were there as well. Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: This meeting is complete.]

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 – 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 - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 – 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. This is the meeting with discussion about the Christmas Tree and fireworks expenditures.]

[Note from the Editor: This article was updated on 8.8.22 to include more information on the fireworks expenditure including minutes from the Pike County Bicentennial Committee regarding the expenditure. The update is in highlighted blue just like this note.]

The Williamson City Council held a Special Called Meeting on July 25, 2022 at 6 p.m. Two items were on the agenda of this special called meeting: discussion of a contract that had been awarded for cleaning the library and city hall and a council member's resignation from duties on the water system. Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: This meeting is complete.]

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 - The City of Zebulon is in the process of annexing the new VA Clinic into the city limits of Zebulon. The VA Clinic is completed now, though it is not open quite yet, and that is the final step that was needed to begin this process that began many years ago with an agreement between the City of Zebulon and the Pike County Water and Sewer Authority. Click here for more.

UPDATED 7.23.22: Rumors are rampant that a halfway house for a substance abuse treatment is coming to Pike County based on the advertisement for the annexation of the VA clinic from Pike County into the City of Zebulon. Pike County Times spoke to the City of Zebulon and was advised that because the VA Clinic will be offering substance abuse treatment at the facility, there is specific language from OCGA 36-66-4(f) that is required to be in the public hearing announcement as follows: "...both the posted notice and the published notice shall include a prominent statement that the proposed zoning decision relates to or will allow the location of a halfway house, drug rehabilitation cetner, or other facility for treatment of drug dependency..." The City of Zebulon advised as follows: "The VA facility is not considered to be a halfway house as it does not have the capacity to house patients overnight for any type of treatment."

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!

MEANSVILLE - On Saturday, July 16, 2022, Pike County Times was notified about a possible situation in Pike County regarding 30 dogs in a pen that did not have food and water, and there was a video that was trending on social media that documented the situation. >Pike County Times contacted Animal Control Officer Tanya Perkins today in order to gather information about past offenses that date back to 2020. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - NEXT STEPS! The Good Neighbor Project - Literacy, Mental Health, and Poverty with Elia Hernandez-Moreno, National Program Director of Communication Across Barriers. The meeting will be on Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 9:00 am - 10:00 am. Join Us In-Person or Virtual! The meeting will be held at Christ Chapel located at 68 Old Zebulon Rd. in Zebulon, GA 30295. Virtual - Pike Family Connection ZOOM Meeting. Zoom Link will be available on June 1, 2022.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW TO ATTEND Future Pike Family Connection Meetings:
Jun 2, 2022 09:00 AM
Aug 4, 2022 09:00 AM
Sep 1, 2022 09:00 AM
Oct 6, 2022 09:00 AM
Nov 3, 2022 09:00 AM
Dec 1, 2022 09:00 AM
Jan 5, 2023 09:00 AM
Feb 2, 2023 09:00 AM
Mar 2, 2023 09:00 AM
Apr 6, 2023 09:00 AM
May 4, 2023 09:00 AM
Jun 1, 2023 09:00 AM Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, May 26, 2022 – 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 - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 – 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.

There were 2 department heads and me in the audience. All 5 commissioners, county clerk, county attorney, and county manager were also present. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold a special called meeting to on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street in Zebulon. The public is invited to attend this meeting. The agenda is as follows:
1. CALL TO ORDER .... Chairman Briar Johnson
2. INVOCATION .... Silent Invocation
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE .... Chairman Briar Johnson
4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA - (O.C.G A. 50-14-1 (e) (1))
5. COUNTY MANAGER’S BUDGET OVERVIEW AND Q/A SESSION .... Brandon Rogers
6. PUBLIC HEARING a. FY 2022-2023 Budget .... Discussion and Comments
7. ADJOURNMENT
Agenda subject to revision.
Click here to view a copy of the budget from the past meeting.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners held this meeting on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 – 8:00 a.m. at the Pike County Chamber of Commerce in Zebulon. There was a Special Called Meeting for an executive sesion that was held after this meeting too. The write up has begun and will continue until it is complete. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 – 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. P.S. The boat ramp at Flat Shoals is on this meeting agenda with both Tom Morgan and Walker Chandler on the agenda to speak. If you would like to make your opinion known, either get there for the Town Hall---which is only from 6:15 to 6:30 (no one else is allowed to speak in the meeting unless they are on the agenda)--or send an email to the County Clerk by noon tomorrow at ablount@pikecoga.com. Click here for more.

CONCORD – Pike County Times received a phone call that the county was removing the rocks at the boat ramp at Flat Shoals and traveled there to see the end of the removal and replacement of rocks where heavy equipment was used to pick up the riprap—-basically rocks placed to help prevent erosion a distance back from the edge of the water. However, the driveway remains in place. 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!

CONCORD – Pike County Times received a phone call that the county was removing the rocks at the boat ramp at Flat Shoals and traveled there to see the end of the removal and replacement of rocks where heavy equipment was used to pick up the riprap—-basically rocks placed to help prevent erosion a distance back from the edge of the water. However, the driveway remains in place. 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 Wednesday, March 9, 2022 – 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 - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 - 6:30 PM 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 - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 – 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.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 – 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 - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, December 23, 2021 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 - There will be a Special Called Meeting to discuss and approve or deny the Pike County Redistricting Map on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 8 a.m. I expect this to be a short meeting. The public is invited to attend.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 – 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 - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 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.

ZEBULON - There will be a special called meeting of the Pike County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. The following two items are on the agenda: a. Consider Resolution to adopt Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Pike County Tax Levy. and b. Consider authorization for the Chairman to sign the Resolution to adopt the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Pike County Tax Levy. The public is invited to attend what will likely be a very short meeting.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will had a Special Called Meeting on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. for purpose of Discussion of American Rescue Plan projects. Water? Sewer? Protective equipment for our fire fighters? Broadband for the area on the south end of the county that will not be covered by Southern Rivers? Pike County will be receiving $3.6 million in ARP funds that will need to be spent in the next several years. The State of Georgia is also putting out funds for projects, and there was discussion of applying for grants under specific projects that match their criteria before the August 31 deadline. What does the Board want to pursue? Pike County Times will be there to find out tonight.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 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.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners held a Special Called Meeting on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street, Zebulon, Georgia. Click here for more.

BARNESVILLE — In February, Southern Rivers Energy (SRE) announced its partnership with Conexon Connect to build a fiber network alongside its electric distribution system to bring high-speed internet services to SRE members. Since then, staff on both sides have been working diligently on the network design, engineering and establishing roles for the project. 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 a Special Called Meeting on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. to approve/deny the second reading of the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Budget. The public is invited to attend.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 – 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.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 – 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.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 – 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 - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 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.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 9 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 - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, November 19, 2020 – 6:30 p.m. (Meeting date changed from November 24, 2020 to November 19, 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. [Note from the Editor: The solar farm was approved with stipulations that included additional setbacks and a 5 year 3rd party review of decommission bond. I have not finished up on this meeting yet. It was 2 hours long.] Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 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.

ZEBULON - There will be a Board of Commissioners Special Called Meeting on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 9 a.m. in the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, located at 16001 Barnesville Street, Zebulon, Georgia. *We encourage that attendees follow recommended Covid-19 guidelines which include staying home if you are ill/not feeling well, washing your hands, maintaining social distancing, and wearing a face covering (recommended but not required)*
1. CALL TO ORDER - Chairman Briar Johnson
2. INVOCATION - Silent Invocation
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -. Chairman Briar Johnson
4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA - (O.C.G A. 50-14-1 (e) (1))
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Consider Resolution to adopt Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Pike County Tax Levy.
b. Consider authorization for the Chairman to sign the Resolution to adopt the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Pike County Tax Levy.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Agenda subject to revision.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold a workshop on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 5 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.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 29, 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. You may join the meeting electronically via ZOOM Meeting ID: 646 718 0067 Password: 6nve0c Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Pike County Times became acquainted with Clayton Kuhles from MIA Recoveries, Inc. because of his work to bring home the airmen from the "Hot as Hell" crash that brought WWII Bombardier 1st Lt. Robert "Eugene" Oxford home to Concord in 2017. Kuhles discovered the crash site in 2006 in a remote part of India and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) brought home remains from 1st Lt. Oxford. You can read more about his long journey home to Concord in 2017 by clicking here.

Pike County Times reported that the DPAA awarded a high bidder with a contract for Northeastern India Recovery Work in 2017. The solicitation was specifically to follow up on recovery of remains of WWII service members from sites in Northeast India where Kuhles had a lot of experience in recovery and a bid that was $428,000 less than the company who was awarded the contract. Kuhles placed a complaint with the Naval Inspector General, and Pike County Times placed a FOIA for information pertaining to this contract.

Pike County Times received an emailed letter from the Department of Defense FOIA Division advising that it regretted the delay in completing the request and asking if Pike County Times would still like to receive the information that has been requested along with its current caseload of 3,486 requests on August 28, 2020. (This request was one of 2,961 open requests on July 9, 2019.) The letter read as follows: "...we understand that due to the passage of time and changing needs of requesters, it is possible that you no longer have an interest in the documents you requested. Therefore, we ask that you review your enclosed request and confirm your continued interest in the requested information September 30, 2020." Pike County Times sent a letter authorizing the continuation of this FOIA by email today. When the information is finally received, Pike County Times will review and update the article. Click here to read the original articles. Part I is at the bottom of the page with Part II at the top as an update.

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 - 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.

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 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.

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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 four part series of articles. Click here for more.

UPDATE 12.1.21: Nothing has changed. Persecution of one reporter continues by the Griffin Police Department, and the City of Griffin continues to allow it.

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 - 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 - 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!

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!

Call Steve J. Reeves Land Surveying 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.

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!

ZEBULON - We're different... and it's on purpose. We are open 7 days a week, with extended hours, and no appointment required. Primary care for the entire family at your convenience. Most insurance is accepted. We also have low self-pay rates.

We practice complete and comprehensive medicine with in-house lab testing and x-ray. We have a very diverse family of providers from different fields of medicine like urgent care, cardiology, othopedic, vascular, and more! We have the capabilities to provide most urgent care needs in a family practice setting.

Family Health Clinic of Pike County is located at 230 Plaza Drive in Zebulon. (Across from Moody-Daniel Funeral Home and Cremation Services.) Find out more at www.fhcares.net

Tell them that you read about Family Health Clinic on Pike County Times.com!

CONCORD - The R.F. Strickland Building is a historical event center located in Concord, Georgia. This building has been beautifully restored to host events such as weddings, reunions, parties, ballroom dancing and much more.

For availability and rental rates text or call 678-544-3935 or by email at deputyclerk.concord@gmail.com. Click here to see more photos.