ZEBULON - There were no contested local races in Pike County. However, there were several hotly contested races that will determine our leadership on a state and federal level. The City of Zebulon also voted on whether or not to allow the "sales by the drink of distilled spirits by retailers, including sales by the drink of distilled spirits on Sundays between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and midnight." Pike County Times is reporting from the Pike County Courthouse tonight both online and by radio for WTGA Fun 101.1 Thomaston radio. Click here for results that were updated the final time after midnight.

ZEBULON - The J. Joel Edwards Public Library is gearing up for another fun-filled summer reading program, following the national theme Libraries Rock. To that end, programs are offered to accommodate all ages, from toddlers to adults throughout June and July. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - This coming Monday, May 28, 2018, Memorial Day, the Legion Family will host the Pike County Memorial Day Observance Program at the south side of the Pike County Courthouse Square in Zebulon, Georgia. You all are invited and highly encouraged to attend this event commencing at 10:00 a.m. This will be an extra-ordinary event for Americans including Veterans and our youth. Click here and scroll down toward the bottom of the page for more information.

Mrs. Caroline Marcella Clements Sauls, age 87, of Milner, passed away May 23, 2018, at her home. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

Mrs. Mary Willene Cato Long, age 88, of Molena, passed away May 22, 2018. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Memorial Day is a time to pause, honor, and remember those who paid the ultimate price to protect America and defend freedom around the world. In Georgia, we have a proud history of supporting our military and their families. Click here for more.

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. [Note from the Editor: Commissioner of Insurance and Secretary of State have been added and District 3 Representative has been updated.]

ZEBULON - Please be advised that Pike County offices will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2018 in observance of Memorial Day. Offices will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, May 29, 2018.

WILLIAMSON - The 2018 Pike County Baccalaureate Service was held at 5 p.m. (graduates should be present by 4:30 p.m.) on Sunday, May 20 at Oak Hill Baptist Church located at 100 Lakeside Drive in Williamson. The message was given by Pastor Josh Gilliam from Second Baptist Church and Special Music was presented by the Oak Hill Praise Team. Contact Ben Maxedon from Prayer Power at prayerpower4u@bellsouth.net to order a disc of over 100 pictures from the event. A few examples are on this page as well. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Graduation is scheduled for Friday night at 8:00 pm. In the event of thunderstorms, we will push back the graduation ceremony start time to no later than 10:00 pm to ensure an 11:00 pm conclusion. If needed, we will have graduation at the stadium on Saturday morning at 10:00 am. We will push back the start time to noon on Saturday if necessary.

If thunderstorms persist, we will move the ceremony to First Assembly of God, 2000 W McIntosh Rd, in Griffin with a 2:00 pm start time.

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.

MacKenzie Virginia Shamy, six weeks, of Thomaston, passed away May 11, 2018 at Upson Regional Medical Center. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

Our Nation grieves with those affected by the shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas. May God heal the injured and may God comfort the wounded, and may God be with the victims and with the victims' families. As a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated on May 18, 2018, 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, May 22, 2018. 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 eighteenth day of May, 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

GRIFFIN - Violation of his oath of office – one of two felony charges for which the Griffin Police Department in 2017 arrested Matthew Boynton, one of its own officers – was reportedly at risk of being dismissed because his sworn oath of office, the signed document, could not be located. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - President John F. Kennedy declared the first Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, 1962, as a tribute to peace officers and in honor of peace officers who, through their courageous deeds, lost their lives or became disabled in the line of duty. This day has been observed in our country annually ever since.

On this day, and every day, it is fitting to honor those peace officers who gave their lives to protect ours, and to thank the law enforcement officers who serve for their dedication and service to our communities.

In accordance with Flag Code section 7(m), the United States flag is to be displayed at half-staff for the entire day in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, Tuesday, May 15, 2018. By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the week in which it falls as "Police Week."

FAYETTE - Fayette residents are receiving negative political mailers directed against Sen. Marty Harbin, (R) Tyrone, incumbent candidate for Georgia Senate District 16. A mailer received this week depicts Harbin as a “Swamp Creature.” People on both sides of the political aisle are criticizing the smear tactics in social media. Perhaps you’re wondering who’s paying for the mailers? [Note from the Editor: Pike County is receiving the same negative political mailers because we are also in District 16.] Click here for more.

Mrs. June Elaine Leonard Rivera, age 70, of Williamson, passed away May 10, 2018, at Providence Health Care in Thomaston. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

ZEBULON - This was a three vehicle accident involving five people around 4:33 p.m. today. According to the Pike County Fire Department, an SUV carrying a lawnmower on a trailer was hit head-on by another vehicle on Hwy 19 just south of Smoot's. Click here for more. There is also information on how you can receive breaking news alerts like this one.

ZEBULON - Pike County Parks & Recreation Authority will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 14, 2018 at 7:30pm at the PCPRA Complex in Baseball Press Box, Twin Oaks Road. On the agenda is the following: a Treasurer and Director's Report, Sports/Programs Report, Approve/Deny selection of a Firm from the four finalists to produce a Park Master Plan for the PCPRA Recreation Complex, Recreation Board Members’ terms expiring June 30, 2018, Approve/Deny to submit to the Board of Commissioners as an Impact Fee Project, Renovation of the Football Equipment Room, FY 2018/19 Budget, Personnel Report and Other Business.

MOLENA - The Molena City Council will hold its regular monthly council meeting on Monday, May 14, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in Molena, Georgia. On the agenda is the following: Chief of Police Report, Financial Report, Reports from Council and Committees, the Mayor's Report, Old and New Business, Executive Session, and Council Comments. The next regular meeting will be held on June 11, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.

Mr. Richard James “Rich” McLaughlin, age 67, of Griffin, passed away May 7, 2018. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

Mr. Rufus Claude Garner, age 56, of Griffin, passed away May 8, 2018, at his home. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

Mr. John Anthony “Tony” Head, age 57, passed away May 5, 2018. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

ZEBULON - This week, a Pike County jury convicted Bill Whitley, Jr. of Theft by Taking, Burglary in the First Degree, and Criminal Attempt at Burglary in the First Degree. Click here for more.

Marie Rawls Lawrence, age 67, of Williamson, passed away April 7, 2018, at Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

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. [This meeting is complete.]

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.

Sue Speer Anderson, of Concord, formerly of Oxford, passed away on April 29, 2018. For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

GRIFFIN - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Crime Lab on Thursday conducted an autopsy on Griffin City Court Judge Bill Johnston. 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.

STATESBORO - Governor Nathan Deal made Georgia the 16th state in the nation to enact a law banning drivers from having a cellphone in their hand when he signed House Bill 673 Wednesday afternoon in Statesboro. When the law takes effect on July 1 of this year, drivers will no longer be allowed to have a phone in their hand or supported by any part of their body. Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: Read the bottom of this Breaking News Article if you would like to receive Breaking News Articles like this.]

GRIFFIN - The GRIP has confirmed that Griffin City Court Judge Bill Johnston has died. Johnston was found deceased Tuesday afternoon at his Spalding County residence. Click here for more.

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.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners has changed their meeting time of Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 9:00 am to Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 9:00 am, the location remains the same at the Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street, Zebulon, Georgia.

WASHINGTON DC – U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and David Perdue, R-Ga., today applauded the Senate confirmation of two longtime law enforcement officers to fill two U.S. Marshal vacancies in Georgia. John Cary Bittick of Forsyth, Ga., was confirmed as U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Georgia and David L. Lyons of Savannah, Ga., was confirmed as U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Georgia. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - County Manager John Hanson advised that Planning and Zoning Director David Allen has tendered his resignation effective May 18, 2018. 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.

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!

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.

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.]

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 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.

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.]

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 - 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 - 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.

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!