ATLANTA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp issued the following statement regarding litigation against Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and the City Council: “I sued the City of Atlanta to immediately stop the shuttering of local businesses and protect local workers from economic instability. For weeks, we have worked in good faith with Mayor Bottoms, and she agreed to abandon the city’s Phase One roll-back plan, which included business closures and a shelter in place order. Unfortunately, the Mayor has made it clear that she will not agree to a settlement that safeguards the rights of private property owners in Georgia. Given this stalemate in negotiations, we will address this very issue in the next Executive Order. We will continue to protect the lives and livelihoods of all Georgians.”

In light of Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms' concession regarding the city’s Phase One roll-back plan and following her refusal in mediation to further negotiate a compromise, the Attorney General’s Office has filed to withdraw our pending lawsuit. The Governor’s current Executive Order expires this Saturday, August 15, at which time he will issue a new order with relevant language.

Mr. Lee Newton Middlebrooks III, age 75, of Meansville, passed away August 13, 2020, at his home. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

BUTTS, LAMAR, AND MONROE COUNTIES - Crews are currently milling and resurfacing 13 miles of Interstate 75 in Butts. Lamar and Monroe Counties will be closing two lanes of traffic in both directions from the Georgia 36/Barnesville interchange (exit 201) to milepost 195 (just before the Johnstonville Road interchange at exit 193) through upcoming weekends starting Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, weather permitting. The closures are necessary to protect workers doing specialized concrete and asphalt work in the lanes, giving them space to complete their tasks efficiently. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 12, 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. Items of note on the agenda include the opening of sealed bids for ambulance service in Pike County and awarding of the bid on the Concord Road Culvert. Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: This meeting is complete.]

ZEBULON - Have you participated in the Census yet? Your answer directly affects the amount of state and federal funds that can be allocated to our cities and Pike County over the next 10 years including possible funds for broadband. Click here for more.

ATLANTA - Georgia’s State Election Board unanimously voted to approve a rule authorizing the Secretary of State’s upcoming online absentee ballot request form portal. The online portal, which is currently undergoing testing, will make it easier for both Georgia voters to request absentee ballots in the future and for county officials to process the dramatic increase in absentee ballots seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - On Saturday, August 8, 2020, about 50 people gathered in front of the 9th Grade Academy in Zebulon for the annual school prayer walk for Pike County. Proper social distancing was observed, and many wore masks as well. Click here for more.

GRIFFIN - Much of my Office’s work is in the public eye. We regularly conduct trials and hearings that anyone can attend. Some of these cases become a topic for local media and social media discussion groups, and some even attract national media attention. But these cases are just a snapshot of what happens daily. Click here for more.

You are invited to a Pirate Staffing Hiring Event every Wednesday from 9 am to 12 Noon located at 463 McLaughlin Road, Greenville Georgia 30222. *Bring 2 forms of identification with you. And you can also apply on Monday and start working the next day by going to their office in Newnan. Click here for more.

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

ZEBULON - Due to the rising COVID-19 numbers in Pike County and surrounding areas, the library respectfully requests the support of the public in wearing face coverings at all times while they are inside the library. Library assistant manager, Alyssa Williams, stated, “It’s very important to us that we are able to provide needed services to our patrons with as much comfort as possible; however, our main concern and responsibility right now is to keep our patrons, our community, and ourselves safe.” Click here for more.

Ms. Sandra (Sandy) Ann Beach went to be with the Lord on July 17, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

LIFSEY SPRINGS - Work will begin on Lifsey Springs Road culvert replacement beginning Monday, August 10, 2020. The road will be closed at this location and should be back open by the end of that week, August 14, 2020.

ZEBULON - Are you receiving an emailed copy of the exclusive newsletter of the Pike County Extension Service? This month's newsletter tells about safely canning tomatoes that can be eaten all year round, being a part of the Great Georgia Pollinator Census, ornamental planting on septic drainfields, and has an update for our Pike County 4-H. If you would like to receive a copy of the monthly newsletter, please email your local UGA Extension Agent, Brooklyne Wassel at brooklyne.wassel@uga.edu. You can also contact her by phone at 770-567-2010. Please tell her that you found this information on Pike County Times! Click here to read this month's newsletter.

MACON - For years, BBB has warned consumers against doing business with callers and online companies who don’t have a valid physical address. Scammers, never easily deterred, have found a way to associate an address with their shady dealings, and this has led to the birth of even more scams. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - An emergency call about a fire at the old Train Depot in Zebulon went out last night about 6:15 p.m. The Pike County Fire Department responded within minutes and put out the flames before too much damage was done to the 19th century building. Here is a glimpse of what happens when a citizen sees something and makes a phone call to take care of what could have been a huge historical loss for Pike County. Click here for more.

BARNESVILLE - Mascots play an important role in an institution’s identity and have been known to change over time. As Gordon State College continues its story, a new ambassador and spirit mark were revealed Wednesday during the college’s Student Success Summit. The primary GSC spirit mark logo includes a stag head with the Gordon State Highlanders wordmark and is symbolic of the institution’s history, steadfast reputation for excellence, inclusion and commitment. The circle G logo will be used for the academic face of the college. Click here for more.

Mr. Richard Joseph Phillips, Jr., age 49, of Meansville, passed away August 2, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, Representative Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) introduced H.R. 7857, the Connect America Now (CAN) Act. This legislation would incentivize rural-focused internet service providers with tax advantages that would allow them to buy underinvested networks and expand their gigabit capability. It also provides states with another financing mechanism for broadband infrastructure.

“As our country continues to battle the global pandemic, broadband access has become increasingly important. Broadband is an essential 21st century infrastructure, but many rural communities do not have access to this critical tool and the opportunities it provides,” said Rep. Ferguson. “Broadband delivers important tools to our healthcare system through telehealth and connects patients directly to their healthcare providers from the security of their own homes.”

“As many businesses move to telework to allow for social distancing during this global pandemic, broadband empowers employees in rural communities to participate in the workforce. Also in the event there is any disruption to our education system, it is critically important to give students the ability for online and distance learning.”

BARNESVILLE - After spending the summer semester online and the majority of the employees working remotely, Gordon State College resumed normal operating hours Monday as the institution prepares for the first day of fall semester, which begins on August 12. Gordon also received additional personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) provided for The University System of Georgia (USG) to distribute to its 26 institutions ahead of this month’s return to on-campus instruction. Click here for more.

The Molena City Council will meet on Monday, August 10, 2020 at 6 p.m. for a regular monthly council meeting. On the agenda is the following, I – PUBLIC COMMENTS, II – CALL TO ORDER, III – PLEDGE/INVOCATION, IV – APPROVAL OF AGENDA, V – APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting July 13, 2020, Molena Jail Renovations Workshop August 3, 2020, and Budget Workshop August 3, 2020, VI - INVITED GUESTS: Pedenville Pike Properties LLC- Alley Between Spring Road and Grubbs Street, VII – CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT: Public Safety - 1. # of Calls & Citations, 2. Status of Vehicles & Mileage, 3. Financial Report, VIII – REPORTS FROM COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES: Buildings, Streets and Grounds- Allison Turner, Public Safety- Damon Riggins, Ways & Means- Glenn Beckham, Water- Jennifer Riggins, IX – MAYOR’S REPORT: Playground Equipment, X – OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS: SPLOST/LMIG, USDA Grants, City Zoning Ordinances, Metal Building Demo, Floor Repair, Windows in Clerk’s Office, Records Storage Room, Part Time Grounds Worker, Chlorine Feed Repairs, XI – NEW BUSINESS: Molena Jail Renovations, Pay Raise for Dyke McMichael, City Clerk Hiring, Part Time Grounds Worker Hiring, Signature Card, Schedule September Budget Workshop, XII – EXECUTIVE SESSION, XIII – COUNCIL COMMENTS, XIV – NEXT REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 AT 6:00 P.M., and XV - ADJOURNMENT.

ATLANTA - On July 31, 2020, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed two executive orders extending the Public Health State of Emergency and existing COVID-19 safety measures. Click here for more.

Mrs. Brenda Swilley Walton Anderson, age 76, of Molena, passed away August 1, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

Mrs. Rosie Lee Flynn Shelton, age 79, of Hampton, passed away July 20, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

The Pike County Development Authority will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 8 a.m. in the lobby area of the Chamber in order to allow participants to spread out. Masks are not required, but if you have not felt well prior to the meeting, please do not attend. This meeting is to address several items of general business.

Miss Frances Hill, age 85, of Thomaston, passed away July 29, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

SPALDING - A vehicle pursuit Thursday night involving the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office ended in Lamar County at approximately 7:20 p.m. when a deputy performed a PIT maneuver. Click here for more.

Ronnie Aaron Kempson, age 74, of Concord, passed away July 30, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

SPALDING - Griffin Police Department Officer Amanda Frix and Officer Erin McAdams continue to recover from injuries sustained when their patrol car was struck by a commercial truck. Click here for more.

Ms. Patricia Anne Dickerson went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 30, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

ZEBULON - After spending more than an hour in Executive Session tonight, Pike County Commissioners returned to Regular Session and made two motions. The first regarding the county manager and the second on the ambulance contract. [Note from the Editor: This article has been updated again today. 7.30.20] Click here for more.

Mrs. Helen Landers Caraway, age 95, of Meansville, passed away July 27, 2020, at Riverside Healthcare in Thomaston. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

GRIFFIN - At approximately 5:30 am on July 28, 2020 two Griffin Police Officers, traveling in the same patrol vehicle, were struck by a commercial vehicle traveling west at the intersection of Ga. Hwy. 16 and Hammond Drive. Preliminary investigations reveals that the commercial vehicle ran the red light and struck the patrol vehicle on the driver’s side, continued west and overturned. Click here for more.

SPALDING - A protest in support of the Black Lives Matter movement is underway at the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office. Organized by community activist Ray Harps-Muhammad, the protest is in response to an incident that occurred Friday night at Griffin Skate Inn. The family of a 14-year-old girl alleges she was slapped in the face by 63-year-old Tommy Scott, a Griffin Skate Inn security guard, after the teen admittedly slapped his cell phone from his hand. Click here for more.

Pike Family Connection will meet on Thursday, August 6 from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Christ Chapel in Zebulon. Christ Chapel is located at 68 Old Zebulon Road on Hwy 19 across from the 9th Grade Academy. Pike Family Connection will honoring Sara Jones a Freshman from the 9th Grade Academy. Sara was our 2020 Pike County Optimist Club Essay and Oratory Winner. There will be a brief presentation about the Pike Broadband Project by Kimberly Smith and Rebekah Hanson. The main topic will be Mental Wellness and Health Trends Impacting Communities during COVID-19 Journey by Dr. Ken Koon, Behavioral Health Link.

You can also join the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy online on Monday, August 3, 2020 from 9:00 - 10:30am for a Virtual Screening of RESILIENCE: THE BIOLOGY OF STRESS AND THE SCIENCE OF HOPE, a film chronicling the promising beginnings of a national movement to prevent childhood trauma, treat Toxic Stress, and greatly improve the health of future generations. Following the film we will present information on Connections Matter Georgia, our new initiative in partnership with Prevent Child Abuse GA, designed to engage community members in building caring connections to improve resiliency, prevent childhood trauma, and understand how our interactions can mitigate the impact of ACE's. Learn how you can bring this training to your community! REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/Region4-Resilience.

Pike Family Connection meets on the first Thursday of each month, and everyone is welcome to attend. It will also be on FB Live. It is recommended that attendees follow DPH/CDC guidelines regarding social distancing. Hand sanitizer and a limited amount of face masks will be available. Find out more about Pike Family Connection through their FB link: www.facebook.com/connectpike/. Thank you to Pike Family Connection for supporting hometown news.

The Pike County Sheriff's Office responded to a noise complaint at 9:07 p.m. last night in north Pike County to find people shooting Tannerite. There were no injuries and no complaints of damage to neighboring properties.

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

CONCORD - On Thursday, July 23, the Concord City Council and the Mayor held an open meeting at City Hall in which the 2020 Concord Country Jubilee. The Concord Jubilee is held in October of each 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. 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 Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire Tuesday, July 21 on Reidsboro Rd. Flames and smoke were showing from a corner roof area on arrival. Click here for more.

Pike County Parks & Recreation Authority has extended the 2020 Fall Baseball and Softball Registration through August 3. To register please visit www.pikecorec.org or for more information call the recreation office at 770-567-2027.

WASHINGTON DC – Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad F. Wolf recently hosted the inaugural meeting of the Department’s China Working Group. The Group’s purpose is to holistically articulate, prioritize, and coordinate the Department’s response to evolving threats to the Homeland posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Click here for more.

ATLANTA - Hasher Jallal Taheb has been sentenced for attempting an attack upon the White House. Taheb also planned attacks on the Statue of Liberty, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and a synagogue. Click here for more.

Mrs. Ola Mae Kimbril Helms, age 93, of the Hampton area, passed away July 22, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

WASHINGTON DC - “We’re deploying every tool, resource, and power at our disposal to protect our seniors and Americans of every age and background,” said President Donald J. Trump Click here for more.

GRIFFIN - There are some stories that must be brought out of the darkness and into the light. Timothy Coggins’ murder is one of those stories. His family suffered for 34 years with silence surrounding his case. In 2017, the case was reopened, and on this past Friday night, Tim’s story was told to America. Click here for more.

Mrs. Lorine Whitman Mitchell, age 75, of Manchester, passed away July 5, 2020. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

ZEBULON - Pike Countryside is now accepting E-WASTE free of charge at the recycling center. Click here for more.

SPALDING - On Wednesday, July 8, 2020, Spalding County resident Patrick Finnegan, 23, was charged with three counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children (Possession of Child Pornography) by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit (CEACC). GBI was assisted with the arrest of Finnegan by the Griffin Police Department. Click here for more.

THOMASTON - To avoid of large gatherings as part of Georgia’s efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19, a recorded presentation showcasing progress on the I-75 Commercial Vehicle Lanes project has been released to the public which provides a status update from Georgia Department of Transportation's (Georgia DOT) program manager Matthew Fowler. The recorded presentation was posted to the project web page on Thursday, July 16, 2020. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Pike County Times has walked through the hiring of many county managers over the years. Some employments have gone smoothly, and some have not. Pike County has a reputation as a bit of a revolving door of late with the exception of John Hanson staying for six years. Ron Alexander applied for employment at Garden City, Georgia as the Director of Building Safety on July 16, 2014 and resigned from there at the end of December in 2019 and began working in Pike County just two weeks later. 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 American Legion Post 197 is sponsoring and seeking nominations for a Pike County Law Enforcement, a Firefighter, and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)/Paramedic of the Year Awards. This initiative is a first for Post 197. To be eligible for the award, one must be currently serving in law enforcement (Sheriff’s Office, City Police Department, GA Dept of Public Safety, GA Bureau of Investigations, or GA Dept of Corrections), fire fighter (County Fire Department or Volunteer City Fire Department), or Emergence Medical Service EMT or Fire Dept Paramedic. Candidates must either reside or serve in Pike County. Requests for nomination should include current resident address, location of duty/service, current title, rank, and job description, past positions/titles with dates, degrees and training (schools or academies), community volunteer activities, and names of family members. Most of these items can be pulled from a good resume. The nominating person needs to explain why this person deserves to be recognized. Lastly, the nominating person needs to include phone number and/or email address for potential coordination.

Nomination packets can be emailed to Bryan Richardson, Post 197 Commander at rich5060@bellsouth.net no later than 15 August 2020. Contacts will be quickly notified if their nominee has been selected. The Award Ceremony will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at the Moody-Daniel Funeral Home. For answers to any questions, contact Bryan Richardson by email at rich5060@bellsouth.net or by phone at 678-764-2611.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The public is invited to attend.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are licensed and insured. Click here for more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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