ZEBULON - There are no contested local races in Pike County. However, there are several hotly contested races that will determine our leadership on a state and federal level. Pike County Times has begun compiling information for voters in order for readers to make an educated decision before voting in the May and November elections. Candidates are encouraged to send a 500 WORD OR LESS press release that tells who they are, why they are running, contact or website information, and any other pertinent information to editor@pikecountytimes.com. I am uploading candidate information as I receive it and will continue to upload throughout the political season. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 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. This meeting is complete.

TYRONE - Senator Marty Harbin Senator has filed paperwork to qualify for a run for a third term in the Georgia State Senate. Harbin, the author of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a bill which he says is needed to protect the religious freedoms of Georgia, stated on Monday, "It has been an honor to serve the people of Fayette, Pike, Lamar, and Spalding Counties these past four years, and I look forward to representing them and defending their values for another term." Harbin further stated, "My record of being a strong conservative voice is well known, and I plan to continue my practice of defending the lives of the unborn, the guns of law abiding citizens, and the religious freedoms of all Georgians." Check out Senator Marty Harbin at www.facebook.com/pg/VoteMartyHarbin or www.votemartyharbin.com.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 – 1:00 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: There is also a meeting tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. that includes the VA Clinic and several other public hearings.]

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!

Jackie's 2 Minute 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.

MEANSVILLE - The next Pike County American Legion Post 197 5K/10K Run/Walk to benefit Veterans will be held in Meansville on Saturday, 5 May 2018. This event is Post 197’s second Run/Walk in Meansville and our seventh overall in Pike County. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Prayer Power of Georgia will sponsor the 18th Pike County celebration of the annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 3, 2018. Please join us for the service at noon on the Pike County Courthouse Square. Click here for more.

MACON - Do you spend weeks each spring eagerly anticipating your income tax refund? When the money finally comes in, is it gone tomorrow? You’re not alone. Many consumers view tax refunds as unplanned bonuses, but it makes more sense to plan for that new chunk of change so it doesn’t go to waste. Click here for more.

Mrs. Imogene Coggins Nixon, age 82, of Concord, passed away April 18, 2018, at Riverside Nursing Center in Thomaston. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

On this solemn day, we mourn the loss of Barbara Bush, an outstanding and memorable woman of character. As a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate of the American family. Mrs. Bush lived a life that reminds us always to cherish our relationships with friends, family, and all acquaintances. In the spirit of the memory of Mrs. Bush, may we always remember to be kind to one another and to put the care of others first.

As a mark of respect for the memory of Barbara Bush, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, 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, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period 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 seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.

DONALD J. TRUMP

ZEBULON - The boys and girls tennis teams celebrated a region championships on April 10th. The Pirates traveled to John Drew Tennis Center in Macon for the Region 4-AAA tournament. The Pirates finished the regular season 11-2 and undefeated in region play with the Lady Pirates at 12-2 and also undefeated in region play. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Students from Pike County Middle School embarked on a historic trip to visit several iconic places that defined the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. The students left the school in early hours to make the four hour trip to their first stop—Selma. Click here for more.

Mrs. Ivy Lockett, age 81, of Williamson, passed away April 14, 2018, at her home. She was the founder and director of Camp Ivy, a camp for children with Type I Diabetes. For 37 years she ran the camp, first in Fayette County for 28 years, and then at Skipstone Academy in Spalding County for 9 years. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, comments on President Trump’s response to Syria’s chemical weapons attack on innocent civilians, and urges the United Nations to prevent Syria from taking its turn as president of the Conference on Disarmament, the UN body that produced the Chemical Weapons Convention. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Planning Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at 7 p.m. at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street in Zebulon. The possible sites for the VA Center will be discussed in this meeting. This also has information about the Special Called Planning Commission Meeting that will also discuss the same agenda as tonight at a later date. The public is invited to attend this meeting. Click here for more.

MOLENA – On Wednesday, April 4, 2018, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was requested by the Pike County Sheriff’s Office to investigate an officer involved shooting. Click here for more.

WILLIAMSON - Pike County Fire Department personnel responded to an emergency call about a fire at 399 Overlook Trail in Williamson on the evening of Saturday, April 7, 2018. Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: The cause of this fire was ruled to be accidental.]

Mrs. Florence Adele Warnock Dougherty, age 82, of Satsuma, FL, passed away at her daughter’s home in Barnesville For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

ZEBULON - Pike County Sheriff’s Deputies are on the scene of a Deputy involved shooting on Roberts Quarters Road. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The City of Molena will host a Business Owners Meeting on Monday, April 2, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall in Molena, Georgia. The agenda includes the following: Introductions, Warm Up Exercise, Brainstorming, Discussion, Molena City Council Goals, and Take Away Items. The next Regular Meeting is April 9th, 2018 at 6:30pm.

Jackie's 2 Minute 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.

MACON - Online purchase scams are now the riskiest form of consumer fraud, according to a new BBB report. In 2017, consumers reported more than 47,000 scams to BBB Scam Tracker (BBB.org/ScamTracker). BBB analyzed this information using its unique BBB Scam Risk Index to determine the riskiest scams based on exposure, susceptibility, and monetary loss. Click here for more.

Mr. Michael David Smith, age 44, of Williamson, passed away March 28, 2018, at his home. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on March 27, 2018 – 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. This meeting is complete.

ATLANTA - The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 752, sponsored by Sen. Marty Harbin (R – Tyrone), on Tuesday, March 27, 2018. SR 752 urges Congress to repeal the Johnson Amendment and allow churches to participate in political activism. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Around 2:20 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, a chase that began in Upson County ended in Pike County on Highway 18 at mile marker 18. The chase only lasted about 15 minutes and ended with the driver being booked into Pike County and then transported to Upson County. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street in Zebulon. There was 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 - Around 8:44 a.m. this morning, a Pike County Deputy's patrol car went off of the road and came to rest down an embankment on Williamson/Zebulon Road at Drew Allen Road. Click here for more.

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH - During week 11 there was MODERATE influenza-like illness intensity with REGIONAL occurrences throughout Georgia.
• Outpatient Illness Surveillance (ILINet): The proportion of outpatient visits for ILI was 3.5%, which is above the regional baseline of 1.9%.
• Geographic Spread of Influenza: The geographic spread of influenza in Georgia was REGIONAL during week 11.
• Metro Area Hospitalizations: There were 14 hospitalizations due to influ-enza infection during week 11. There have been 2,723 hospitalizations due to influenza so far this season.
• Influenza Related Deaths: As of week 11, there have been 137 confirmed influenza-associated deaths (4 pediatric) for the 2017-2018 season.
• Viral Surveillance: Of the 483 specimens tested by Georgia clinical labora-tories reporting to the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) during week 11, 63 (13%) were positive for influenza. Public Health Laboratories tested 11 specimens during week 11, 0 specimens was positive for influenza.
• Reported Influenza Outbreaks: There have been 159 influenza outbreaks reported to DPH so far this season.
• RSV Viral Surveillance: Of the 291 specimens tested and reported by the Georgia Public Health Laboratory (GPHL) and the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories during week 11, the percent positive of ALL laboratory tests was 8%.

THOMASTON - Billy D’s Community Fitness, Inc. has opened the studio at 106 N. Green Street in Thomaston. A variety of classes are offered for all ages! Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Pike County Sheriff’s Office Investigators concluded a five month long investigation into a scam operation which has resulted in the arrests of two men. Billy Daniels Sr., 70 years of age from Zebulon, and George Veal, 52 years of age from Milledgeville, were arrested yesterday and charged with Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO). Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Collier’s Community Services Inc. is a 501c3 non profit organization which provide meals to needy families on a weekly basis and is looking to expanding our services to children in need. “Collier’s Lunchbag Ministries” will provide nutritious meals over the weekend for children. Click here for more.

ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Department of Transportation announces a public information and detour open house to discuss the proposed plans to reconstruct the existing traditional interchange at I-75 and SR 20 into a diverging diamond interchange (DDI). The purpose of the open house is to allow the public the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed project and the associated detour required during construction. Click here for more information including a YouTube video from a diverging diamond in Springfield, Missouri where my family visited in October of last year. It's different but seems to work. Check it out and let the DOT know what you think!

MEANSVILLE - Shortly before 8 pm Tuesday, March 13, 2018 PCFD personnel responded to reported fully involved structure fire at 1440 McCard Lake Road, Meansville. Personnel and apparatus from all seven county stations responded as well as mutual aid from Meansville and Lamar County Fire Departments. click here for more information. [Note from the Editor: This fire was ruled accidental.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 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. This meeting is complete.

ZEBULON - The next Pike County American Legion Post 197 5K/10K Run/Walk to benefit Veterans will be held in Zebulon on Saturday, 24 February 2018. This event is Post 197’s second Run/Walk in Zebulon and our sixth overall in Pike County. The Sons of the American Legion Pike County Squadron 197 and the American Legion Auxiliary Pike County Unit 197 will be having a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser that morning as well at the Legion Post 197 located at 645 Meansville Street on Saturday, February 24, 2018 from 8 am - 11:30 am. The proceeds will go towards the programs that help our veterans and their families in our community. This event will coincide with the American Legion Pike County Post 197 Run/Walk. Click here for more including pictures!

ZEBULON - On Tuesday, February 13, 2018, some of the members Hope 4 Tomorrow Optimist Club were able to witness Mayor Bobby Blalock sign in an affect that the City of Zebulon recognized every first Thursday in February as Optimist Day. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Pike County Times has followed the May 23, 2017 complaint of inappropriate contact between Brian Crow, who is no longer a teacher in the Pike County School System, and a female student since the story became public in May. Crow has since resigned from the Pike County School System, the case was presented to the Grand Jury and No Billed due to a lack of cooperation from the alleged victim in this case according to the District Attorney, and the case has gone before the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) to determine whether there would be sanctions against Crow's teaching certification. The PSC met this month and made a decision on this case. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The DOT has advised the county that it is putting in deceleration lanes at Hughley Road and Hwy 109 East in the northbound side lanes for those who are turning. This is a needed addition to our roads.

MEANSVILLE - Pike County has been notified by contractor CW Matthews that Williams Mill Road Bridge will be closed beginning January 29, 2018 for bridge replacement. UPDATED: This project is projected to take about six months.

On Saturday, 11 November 2017, the Pike County American Legion Family will be hosting the Pike County Veterans Day Program on the south side of the Pike County Courthouse Square in Zebulon, Georgia. The public is invited to attend this event commencing at 11:00 a.m. Click here for more.

JAPAN - A contract was issued for bid out of the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka, Site Singapore (FLCYS) for Archeological Survey and Remains Recovery Work in Northeast India late last year that was awarded in May of 2017. The solicitation was specifically to follow up on recovery of remains of WWII service members from sites in Northeast India. [Note from the Editor: This article came about because I have been covering the recovery of 1st Lt. Robert Eugene Oxford from the WWII crash site for "Hot as Hell" in India for the past 10 years.] 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!

WILLIAMSON - Full Blown Firearms is a faith-based Christian company that is family owned, family oriented and kid friendly. They offer classes and a range where you can shoot for a reasonable price. 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. 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!

BARNESVILLE - Horst Stables, located in Barnesville, is your home for Amish Made Products. Horst Stables, owned by Woody Horst, has products in a local storefront as well as operating at a local Farmer's Market. Click here for more information about Horst Stables. Please tell Woody Horst that you read about Horst Stables on Pike County Times!