6.27.09: The 6.10.09 BOC meeting notes are complete.

6.23.09: The 2nd Annual Pike County Special Olympics page is finished! Click here to see the pictures that Stacy Hilderbrand sent to me!

6.1.09:Pictures from the Relay for Life are online. Click here to see them.

5.25.09:Pictures from Takeo Spikes' visit to the High School are online.

10.24.08:Jackie K. Cooper will be a regular contributor to the Pike County Times with his movie reviews. I will post one movie review per week with a link for readers to check out his other reviews and columns. Let me know what you think!

8.21.08: A link to the county government website is on the Links page. The Post Agenda is on the BOC page as well as minutes from past meetings.

New advertisers are on the advertising bar. When you do business with anyone who advertises on my website, please tell them that you saw their advertisement on the Pike County Times.

The Fourth of July also known as Independence Day is a federal holiday that celebrates our nation's history.

The American Revolution was filled with patriots fighting for liberty in what was to become the United States of America. The original Tea Party took place during the American Revolution.

The Declaration of Independence from England was formally adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776 just two days after the legal separation occurred.

This is a time to remember our history and celebrate our liberty here in the United States. It is also a time reflect and be thankful for the many freedoms that we enjoy.

Don't forget that Independence Day is not just a day to cook out and go to fireworks. Say a prayer for those serving our country overseas and another for their families biding their time until their loved ones can come home.

Remember that freedom comes with a price. It came with a hefty price when we won our independence as a country and it still does today. Freedom isn't free. Celebrate it this weekend.

Anchorage, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin announced today that she will not seek a second term as Governor of the State of Alaska and will relegate the power of governor to Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell in order to serve Alaska’s best interests. Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will move into Parnell’s current role. “People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing's more important to me than our beloved Alaska,” said Governor Palin. “Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine.”

Standing outside her home in Wasilla, Alaska, Governor Palin reflected upon some of the administration’s accomplishments for Alaska as she approaches her final year in office.

“I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is not the easiest path,” said Governor Palin after the announcement. “Once I decided not to run for re-election, I also felt that to embrace the conventional ‘Lame Duck’ status in this particular climate would just be another dose of ‘politics as usual,’ something I campaigned against and will always oppose. It is my duty to always protect our great state. With that in mind, my family and I determined that it is best to make a difference this summer, and I am willing to change things, so that this administration, with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future, can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success. I look forward to helping others – to fight for our state and our country, and campaign for those who believe in smaller government, free enterprise, strong national security, support for our troops, and energy independence.”

The transfer of power will occur following the Governor’s picnic in Fairbanks on July 26. At that point in time, Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell will be sworn in and Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will assume his role as Lieutenant Governor.

Governor Palin will spend July 4th in Juneau.

A baptism service was held at West Central Pre-Release Center in Zebulon on June 21st. Eight women were baptized in a baptistry pool there on site.

Todd Storks, personal evangelist to Pike County Church of Christ, was in charge of the service. He was assisted by Susan, Wesley, and Haley Storks, and Anita Elliott. Mandi Harding also played a big part of this, Todd said.

Todd had been invited by Warden Edd Sanders to come to training sessions for ministering at the Detention Center. This allows Todd to minister at any facility in the State of Georgia.

Todd had been presenting a lesson on the gospel from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. "It started slow and went like wildfire," Todd said.

He had baptized a couple of women the week before and was questioned why they were being baptized. Todd answered their questions and it led to the baptism on June 21st.

"We are blessed," he said. "I can be a mouthpiece and take the gospel to them."

Pictures are on the We Are Pike County page. Thanks to Todd Storks and Warden Edd Sanders for the information contributing to this article and Susan Storks for the contribution of these photos.

I have pictures from the Rock Ranch Fourth of July Celebration that will go online shortly. There has been a baptism I have a story about a baptism ceremony at the West Central Georgia Detention Facility, a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of West Georgia-Pike County Unit from Friendship Presbyterian Church, WTGA Fun 101 out of Thomaston ranked #1 in The Arbitron ratings for our area, the State of Georgia approves Pike County's Hazard Mitigation Plan and sends it off for final approval, and an interview with Tammy Jarrett.

I will be working on the county commission meeting from Tuesday tomorrow though Saturday is going to be fun-filled and the laptop won't be open for long--if at all!

There is a ton of things to do this weekend. Fireworks and a parade will be going on in Zebulon with vendors and bands at the Recreation Fields. Send me some pictures if you go because I am going to be out of town all day and would love to see what I am missing. Saturday is going to be a lot of fun here in Zebulon.

Pose for a picture and email it to me as you're cooking out too. And there is a Tea Party in Griffin on Saturday morning. (Go to the Calendar of Events page to find out more about the things that are going on in our area this weekend.)

Sheriff Jimmy Thomas held a press conference this afternoon with attendees from Pike, Lamar, Upson and Atlanta News media. Some new information was learned at the press conference but much of the focus was on reassuring citizens that Investigators believe this to be an isolated incident and that Investigators are following up on several leads on this case in order to make arrests in the case.

The Sheriff said that Investigators still want to speak with an African-American male who is approximately 6'3'' to 6'4" tall with a large build and was last seen wearing a black shirt and blue jeans. They also want to speak to a White male approximately 5'8" to 5'10" weighing approximately 150 to 170 pounds with blue eyes and last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a white design on it. The men may be traveling in a white Pontiac Trans-Am.

"We believe this to be an isolated incident," said Sheriff Thomas, "and that the victims had some connection or knowledge of the suspects." He said that they could not release the information that had led them to this conclusion at this time.

One of the Atlanta reporters asked the Sheriff if it was his contention that this was not a random attack and Sheriff Thomas confirmed this by saying, "That is what the investigation is leading us to at this time."

Motivation for this attack was not released and neither was the cause of death of Mr. Burousas. The Sheriff advised that Investigators were awaiting a copy of the autopsy report from the GBI Crime Lab before releasing the cause of death of Mr. Burousas.

The Sheriff did say that they feel like it was a robbery but don't know what is missing until they can further interview the victim. He did say that the victim is cooperating. [Note from the Editor: Teresa Burousas had been identified through media sources yesterday but was not identified in the press conference today or in any press releases issued from the Pike County Sheriff's Office.]

"We have some pretty positive leads and some good information," he said, "and our Investigators are following up at this time."

Much of the information about the attack is being withheld at this time. There were a lot of questions that were answered with a simple, "No comment."

Sheriff Thomas did say that this is an unusual crime for Pike County. "That's one reason that we want to bring this to the attention of citizens that we don't believe that this is a random incident," he said. "And we do believe that there is some connection there so this is a crime that we don't normally deal with in Pike County."

When asked if other family members are taking precautions, the Sheriff said that they don't feel that anyone else is in jeopardy. He also said that Investigators are questioning anyone acquainted with both victims and that they are following up on those leads.

"Our Investigators have worked tirelessly and surrounding counties have been very supportive," Sheriff Thomas said. He also complimented the GBI for their assistance. "They have been very good to work with."

"We feel very confident that we will be able to make an arrest," he said. When asked by an Atlanta reporter if this was his message to those who would be watching on news casts tonight, the Sheriff replied, "Absolutely."

[Note from the Editor: See story below for more information.]

According to Sheriff Jimmy Thomas, Pike County Deputies responded to a call at 560 Caldwell Bridge Road this afternoon around 4:30 p.m. today.

Upon arrival, deputies found a deceased man in a vehicle at the entrance of the driveway and a female victim who had suffered injuries from her attackers outside of the residence.

According to law enforcement sources at the scene, the dead man has been identified as 61 year-old Jimmie (Buzz) Burousas, Jr. of 560 Caldwell Bridge Road, Concord. He is the son of former Lamar County Chief Magistrate Jimmie Burousas, Sr.

The female victim was identified at Teresa M. Burousas, daughter of Pike County Commission Chairman Douglas Mangham. She was transported by helicopter to Grady Hospital.

A Georgia Bureau of Investigations Crime Scene Unit was on the scene.

"The Sheriff's Office is currently following up on leads [on this case]," said Sheriff Thomas.

Investigators want to speak with an African-American male who is approximately 6 feet tall with a large build and was last seen wearing a black shirt and blue jeans. They also want to speak to a White male approximately 5'8" to 5'10" weighing approximately 150 to 170 pounds with blue eyes and last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a white design on it. The men may be travelling in a white Pontiac Trans-Am.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Division of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office at 770-567-8431.

Thanks to Greg S. Williams from the Barnesville Dispatch for information contributing to this article and the crime scene photo.

[Note from the Editor: Please keep this entire family in your prayers as Investigators are working to find out what happened.]

Update 7.2.09:

According to Sheriff Thomas, Teresa has been released from Grady Memorial Hospital.

"We belive this to be an isolated incident and that the victims had some connection or knowledge of the suspects," said Sheriff Thomas.

The case is still under investigation and the Sheriff's Office is releasing information as leads in the case develops.

“My Sister’s Keeper” (Warner Brothers)

Not A Keeper

“My Sister’s Keeper” reemphasizes a truism we should all know by now – don’t read the book before you see the movie! In most instances the book is going to be better and the movie is going to disappoint. That is certainly true in this case because the novel MY SISTER’S KEEPER by Jodi Picoult was head and shoulders above this pathetic attempt to cash in on that story.

The movie seems to be a wallow in misery. Brian and Sara Fitzgerald (Jason Patric and Cameron Diaz) have three children. The oldest is Brian (Evan Ellingson), who is dyslexic; next is Kate (Sofia Vassilieava) who has leukemia; third is Anna (Abigail Breslin) who is the donor child created to give parts and fluids to her ailing sister.

One day Anna appears at the office of Campbell Alexander (Alec Baldwin) and says she wants to sue her parents to be medically emancipated. She doesn’t want to give a kidney to her sister yet her parents say she must. Campbell takes the case which pits him against Sara who acts as her own attorney.

The court case should be the central focus of the film but it isn’t. Kate’s illness is. You get back and forth through time in order to see how she and the family have suffered. This leads to confusion about what is happening when. In one scene Sara shaves her head bald and in the next she has a head full of hair again.

There are also musical montages that are supposed to create misty-eyed moments, but they don’t. The basic premise of the movie is sad enough without any artificial prods to get more tears from you.

Diaz is amazingly unlikable in her role as the mother. This is one of the most likeable actresses in Hollywood but no warmth shines through here. Patric is totally wasted as Brian. This father is an absentee parent for the most part and is background material even when he is there.

Vassilieava is convincing in her role as the dying girl and Ellingson gives good support. Breslin, well you never buy who she is or what she is trying to do. Baldwin is sincere in his role and Joan Cusack has a few good moments as the judge hearing the case.

The movie is rated PG-13 for profanity and mature situations.

Nick Cassavetes directs the movie with no concept of depth or emotion. The characters are shallow; the situations are contrived; and the ending is a rip off. Why didn’t he stick with Picoult’s ending?

Jodi Picoult’s novel is full of heart and tragedy. The film version skims off the story and places it wafer thin on the screen. It is a movie that makes you feel manipulated, and that is not a good feeling.

I scored “My Sister’s Keeper” a turned loose 5 out of 10.

©2009 Jackie K. Cooper

Official Website

Jackie has many movie reviews on his website at www.jackiekcooper.com including "Transformers:The Fallen".

Jackie also has reviews of the latest books, DVDs, television shows as well as columns on life and living in the South.

The Georgia Forestry Commission begins taking applications for seedling orders July 1 for the fall and winter planting season.

All Georgia Forestry Commission tree seedlings are adapted to Georgia’s unique climate and soils. They have been cultured to provide a fibrous root system, large stem diameter, and abundant energy reserves to insure the best possible survival and growth. Seedlings are sold as bareroot and should be planted as soon as possible.

Weekly deliveries to GFC county offices begin the first week of December and continue through February.

Payment must accompany each order. For orders of 20,000 or more, a 10 percent down payment will reserve trees until November 15, at which time full payment must be received.

Discounts are available for orders of 100,000 pines or 10,000 hardwoods.

For more information contact your local Georgia Forestry Commission Office or visit www.gatrees.org for prices and species available.

VI. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONERS, DEPARTMENTS, COMMITTEES AND AUTHORITIES
    A. Monthly Reports submitted from County Departments and County Authorities
    B. County Manager Report presentation to Commissioners
         1. Discussion of meeting with IDA and Chris Hough of Yancey Brothers to discuss growth issues that exist for them on Ethridge Mills Park
         2. Discussion of the Pike County Community Service Ordinance § 35.05 which was created in 1984
         3. Floor replacement in the courthouse. Discussion of the two estimates received from Zebulon Flooring
             a. Remove the old tile and replace with an inlaid
             b. Overlay the floor with indoor/outdoor carpet
         4. Update report from the prior Board of Commissioners meeting
         5. Review and discuss the subject of purchasing the van referenced in the attached materials. This would be purchased from the existing Building and Grounds budget.
    C. Commissioners Report
    D. County Attorney Report

VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
         1. Partial Update to the Pike County Comprehensive Plan and Resolution Authorizing the Transmittal of the Partial Update to the McIntosh Trail Regional Development Center and to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
         2. SUB09-01 (Ingram & LaGrand Lumber Company) - Preliminary Plat of a 19-lot single family residential subdivision on 122.27 acres located on the north side of West Fossett Road and the east and west sides of Harris Road.

VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
         1. July 8th, schedule a joint meeting of the city mayors to finalize the inter-governmental agreements.
         2. Discussion of the Recreation Authority’s soccer lighting project

IX. NEW BUSINESS
         1. Appoint four (4) members to the Recreation Authority.
         2. Discussion of the 2010 LARP list.
         3. FY 2009 Budget Amendment #6-Increasing Inmate Medical and the Inmate Housing line item for payment of an invoice for inmate care at a local hospital.
         4. Robert Page has requested a tax refund in the amount of $85.83.
         5. Discussion of closing the Project Bond account of the 2006 S.P.L.O.S.T.
         6. Discuss establishing a set driveway construction fee when requested of the Public Works Department.

X. EXECUTIVE SESSION
    -Personnel-Discussion of appointment of the Building and Grounds Maintenance Supervisor pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(6)
    -Acquisition of Real Estate pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(4)

XI. PUBLIC COMMENT- (Limited to 5 minutes per person)
    None

XII. ADJOURNMENT

Update 7.2.09:

The budget hearing began at 5 p.m. They didn't go through this line by line again but discussed various depts and started going through this dept by dept.

I got to see the Pike County Capital Improvements Program Proposal which is basically planning ahead for replacements to capital improvements--vehicles, equipment, etc.--for the next four to six years. It is nice to see everthing in the county separated and identified by dept. Each item had a shelf life and potential replacement date on a schedule so that the county does not get stuck with several major purchases in one year. Computer replacement was a big item since the county still has some 256k computers that run very slowly when they are loaded down with necessary programs to get work done.

The Capital Replacement Schedule gives a description of each item with replacement cost and mileage (if applicable) and a specific year to replace the item. "...replacements are scheduled based on the mechanical or structural condition and/or the anticipated useful life of the item."

One item that will be planned for over the next couple of budget years is the replacement of the touch screen voting machines. They are required to be replaced every ten years. If all 49 machines are replaced in the fiscal year (FY) 2012, it will cost $178,875 all at once. The CM recommended putting a portion in the 2010 and 2011 budgets as well.

The commissioners are examining this program and will address it at the budget workshop listed below. They are being responsible with this in making sure that old Sheriff's Office cars are passed down to other depts so there is fiscal responsibility to the citizens. Voting machines and computers are two big items that will be discussed at that workshop as well.

This is a very thorough assessment of the equipment and vehicles in the county. Everyone who had a part in putting this together is to be commended for their hard work because this has been sorely needed.

BOC Meeting 6:30 p.m.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and all usual procedures were followed. A couple of items were added: Resolution endorsing for Judge Chris Edwards for the Georgia Supreme Court and subdividing the Health Dept to include a separate part of WIC were added to New Business, and Personnel County Manager was added to the Executive Session.

V. INVITED GUEST
    1. Frank King to discuss S.P.L.O.S.T. referendum status and schedule.

Remember the fallen heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom during this July 4th holiday weekend.Our "Hero of the Week" remembers those who fell on Independence Day during 2007 and 2008. 1st Lt. Daniel Farkas, 42, Brooklyn, NY - Pfc. Steven A. Davis, 23, Woodbridge, VA - Chief Warrant Officer Scott A.M. Oswell, 33, Washington - Pfc. Andrew T. Engstrom, 22, Slaton, TX

Click Here To View The Site: www.ThankYouSoldier.com.

We shipped another "Hero Pack" this week bringing our new total to 205. Amazing effort and all of you are to be thanked for your support of this project! (There are another 6 being prepped for next week.) We also crossed the 8,000 mark on web site visits since May 2008! So thank you for helping to spread the web site too!

We have a new email posted from one of our "Hero Pack" and Letters Project recipients Sgt. James Marshall thanking all of us for taking time to support him. You can find it on our "Letters from the Field" section of the site and I encourage you to check out all of the responses we have received so far.

Don't forget ... Minimus offers a special ThankYouSoldier discount of 5% on all orders and Free Shipping on any order over $20 if you want to have a few items drop-shipped to us for the care packages. You can find all the information you need as well as the case-sensitive coupon code on our web site under the "Sponsors" link. It's fast, easy, no standing in line ... and you support a great project!

You can also still support this project on our web site by clicking the secure "Donate" button and all donations are tax deductible.

God Bless America,
Jonathan Gates
Support@ThankYouSoldier.com. Facebook Link.
Twitter.
YouTube.

ThankYouSoldier is an official mission of East Highland United Methodist Church, Columbus, Georgia and is covered under the non-profit statue as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, your donation is tax deductible in accordance with applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Pike County Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 9:00 am has been cancelled.

The Pike County Board of Commissioners will be holding a budget workshop on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 4:00 pm in the Commissioners meeting room, 79 Jackson Street, Zebulon GA.

The Pike County Board of Commissioners will be holding a public workshop on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 4:00 pm in the Commissioners meeting room, 79 Jackson Street, Zebulon GA. This workshop will discuss the proposed gas line to the Industrial Corridor on U.S. Highway 41.

JULY 1 BRINGS NEW LAWS

A number of new laws go into effect July 1 and here is a brief review.

SB 14 - Prohibits Superintendent or School Board Members from serving with an immediate family member as principal, assistant principal or central staff.

HB 149 - Allows high school juniors and seniors to attend college and receive high school credit. ("Move on When Ready")

HB 243 - Sunsets National Board Certification program, grandfathers in those already awarded or in pipeline

HB 193 - Allows local school boards to use total hours instead of total days in meeting the 180 day mandatory attendance.

HB 280 - Increases step pay for beginning and existing science and math teachers.

HB 86 - Requires proof of citizenship in registering to vote

HB 228 - Creates new department of Behavioral Health and moves Public Health to Dept. of Community Health

SB 196 - Creates a misdemeanor when a driver has a collision caused by a right of way violation involving bicycles, motorcyclists

HB 160 - Increased driver's license reinstatement fees, but "Super Speeder" provisions begin Jan. 1, 2010.

EDUCATION FUNDING HURTS SOME MORE THAN OTHERS - FORMULA DRIVEN K-12 EDUCATION AND HIGHER EDUCATION GROW DESPITE BUDGET CUTS--GAINS FOR GROWING SYSTEMS

Although education makes up a large part of the state budget, the cuts to K-12 education have been significantly less than cuts to other agencies. Fast growing systems have been the main recipient of the new funds.

Enrollment in K-12 education has continued to increase as Georgia's population has grown. Since 2001, Georgia's K-12 student population has grown by 14%, or 200,000 students, while K-12 funding has grown by 38%. In FY10, K-12 education overall makes up about 40% of the state funds in the budget. The FY10 budget appropriates $7.39 billion in state funds to the Department of Education, in addition to $413.1 million in federal stimulus budget stabilization funds. State funds appropriated to the Department of Education over the past five years are as follows:

Possibly as soon as today, Gov. Sonny Perdue will have a short list of nominees who want to be Georgia’s next Supreme Court justice.

Last year, Chief Justice Leah Ward infuriated state Democrats —- and some key supporters —- when she announced she was retiring at the end of June, letting Perdue pick the next justice.

Sears’ term would have run through 2010, but she is leaving to practice law, work for a think tank and teach at the University of Georgia law school.

On Monday and Tuesday, the state Judicial Nominating Commission interviewed 38 people who are applying for the job. As soon as today, the panel will send Perdue a short list of its nominees —- although the governor is not bound by it when making the appointment.

The coveted seat on the state’s high court attracted an impressive field of state judges, prosecutors, lawmakers, state officials and trial lawyers.

Perdue has no set timetable for making his decision, spokesman Bert Brantley said. After he gets the short list, Perdue will interview each nominee individually. “He is taking this very seriously,” Brantley said.

[Note from the Editor: Many from this neck of the woods are hoping the Judge Chris Edwards is on this short list. The Pike County Commission voted to send a resolution of support for Judge Edwards at last night's BOC meeting.]

Update: Here is the short list from Peach Pundit.com. These guys are usually on top of what is going on and the author said he had found three sources with the same nine names.

Stephen Louis A. Dillard, Attorney, James, Bates, Pope & Spivey
James P. Kelly, III, Atlanta solo practitioner
David E. Nahmias, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Samuel D. Ozburn, Alcovy Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge
William M. Ray, II, Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge
Craig L. Schwall Sr., Fulton County Superior Court Judge
Mary Staley, Cobb County Superior Court Judge
Benjamin W. Studdard III, Henry County State Court Chief Judge
Rocco E. Testani, Litigation partner at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan in Atlanta

Update 7.2.09: James R. Osborne, Paulding County Superior Court Judge was removed from this list and Samuel D. Ozburn, Alcovy Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge has been added according to Peach Pundit.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., has been appointed to the Board of Visitors of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be appointed to the Board of Visitors of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy,” Isakson. “The academy prepares promising young men and women to serve as leaders in the maritime industry and the armed services.”

As a member of the Board of Visitors, Isakson will visit the academy annually and make recommendations on the operation of the academy. The academy, which is operated by the Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation, was dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1943. Its college level, four-year program is fully accredited. More than 21,700 academy graduates have served the maritime industry and the Armed Forces both at sea and ashore.

The board consists of one senator appointed by the Vice President; two senators appointed by the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation; one member of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the House; three members of the House of Representatives appointed jointly by the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and by the chairman of the House Committee on National Security.

As a U.S. senator, Isakson also has a role in nominating students to the Merchant Marine Academy. The annual nomination of young people to all of our nation’s military academies is the responsibility of each Member of Congress. Those nominees who are accepted into the academies are awarded full four-year scholarships, which are valued around $400,000 each on average and include tuition, books, board, medical and dental care. Since his election to the Senate in 2004, some 120 Isakson nominees have been accepted into U.S. military academies.

I want to say a special thank you to Margie Trammell, who has been covering meetings that I cannot attend for many months now, and to Carol Bass, who just started covering meetings that I cannot attend. There is so much going on that no one person could cover it all. (I don't know how Tammy Jarrett covered as many of the meetings that she did!)

I have stated before that this is a community newspaper and contributions like that of Carol and Margie as well as the many pictures, text messages, and heads up's for stories are a huge help as we are all working together as a community to keep government transparent and let those who have done something great in our community get a needed pat on the back for a job well done.

I could not keep this website up to date without community help. Thank you for supporting The Pike County Times with your advertisements, encouragement, and news tips. I could not do this without you.

Don called this meeting to order around 7 pm and started things rolling with a brief synopsis of the budget process and how it works addressing the necessary elements which are a list of proposed expenses and a list of how to pay for those expenses. He then went on to briefly discuss issues including the Industrial Park, Sheriffs Department, Fire Fee and SPLOST, outlining needs, wants and ideas after which he opened the floor to comments and questions.

Citizens brought up issues like the legality of the Budget meeting held on the 24th which apparently was advertised as a work shop and not a public hearing. There has been comment made already about the lack of a revenue side to the budget document as originally prepared and presented to the Board of Commissioners at that meeting. Don’s contention is that because this was actually a workshop and not a hearing the budget was not officially presented to the commissioners and therefore did not have to follow the state law requiring that both parts be presented at the same time.

During the question and answer session pertaining to the budget it was pointed out that there was an error in the expense concerning the ambulance line item which had been included with Fire and also listed separately, Don acknowledged this error and said he had also noticed while reviewing the document.

Discussion of the Sheriff Department/Jail included Don explaining the budget over run this year as being due to the cost of inmate illness. In addition he made note of the meetings recently being hosted by Sheriff Thomas and said that if anyone was interested in attending one they should contact the Sheriff. Mention was made of the low cost of public safety which is around 24 cents a day per person in the county.

A request from a company at the industrial park on highway 41 for a natural gas line was discussed and mention made of the electricity being generated from testing that is being sold to Southern Rivers. The question was asked as to whether or not the company might use the money earned from that sale of power to help pay for a gas line to the industrial park thereby generating a tax deduction for themselves and creating a win win situation for the county. Don said he would follow up on that idea. In addition there were questions about whether or not only one company needed the natural gas and how many jobs were at stake should this company relocate to a facility where natural gas were available.

There were questions and comments about the newly adopted Fire Fee and it’s fairness to citizens based on how the fees were decided upon and some discussion of ISO ratings and a County/City unification of all existing fire departments. The merger as being discussed may have a positive effect on ISO ratings as well as provide for uniform training which will help the fire fighters be able to function more efficiently onsite and provide a better service for the citizens of the county.

Various items came up during the discussion of the upcoming SPLOST with questions and answers coming from all sides of the floor.

If things go according to plan Don will be hosting another Town Hall meeting in September.

The meeting began under a cloud of confusion. A citizen tried to explain to the board of commissioners that she had gone to the Library to review a copy of the budget. State law §36-81-5(d) requires that, “On the day that the proposed budget is submitted to the governing authority for consideration, a copy of the budget shall be placed in a public location which is convenient to the residents of the unit of local government.”

When the citizen reviewed the budget, she found that the budget presented for public review contained only the projected county expenses, and did not project any revenues. State law §36-81-5(b) requires that, “The budget document, at a minimum, shall provide, for the appropriate budget period, a statement of the amount budgeted for anticipated revenues by source and the amount budgeted for expenditures at the legal level of control.”

The citizen was concerned at the omission of the revenue section. However, the county manager dismissed her concerns by saying it did not matter, and the meeting went on as scheduled. As a side note: When the meeting began, it was discovered that when the commissioners received their budget at the June 3rd meeting, the county manager failed to put revenues in the budget for them to study. In the opinion of this writer, that is totally unacceptable. How can a commissioner study a budget when they are only provided ½ of the budget?

Once the meeting got underway, there were no comments from the public, and Steve Marro presented his recommendations for the commissioner’s approval. The bottom line of this next fiscal year’s 8 month budget is $6,663,106 (six million, six hundred sixty three thousand, one hundred and six dollars). NOTE: this year’s budget is $9,246,789 (nine million, two hundred forty six thousand, seven hundred eighty nine dollars).

The county manager mentioned that this was a tight budget and that a lot of work went into the creation of the budget. As to whether the commissioner’s will follow his direction and adopt this budget or make adjustment to the budget remains to be seen.

There were a few questions from the various commissioners. Commissioner Willis questioned the need for a new contract employee in the office of the Tax Assessor. The tax assessor did remove a proposed additional new hire, but the new contract employee was left in her budget.

The question of funding the loan for the water authority was brought up and Mr. Marro stated that he had not problem with the citizens paying for the loan that the authority received, but felt that the citizens should not have to pay the loan for Mr. Alexander.

What is important to remember about this budget is that it is only for 8 months. This 8 month fiscal year will run from November 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. As of July 1, 2010, the county will adopt a new budget that will cover a full 12 months. The next fiscal year will run from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.

Citizens will be receiving 2 tax bills approximately 6 to 8 months apart. The first tax bill will cover the 8 month budget, and will probably be sent out as usual and due around Christmas, just as it has in the past. The next tax bill will have to cover the following 12 month budget and will have to be in effect around the time that the budget takes effect or July 1, 2010. So, be prepared to receive two (2) tax bills within 6 to 8 months apart.

Because the first tax bill is only for 8 months, it will be around 2/3rds of what you are presently paying. The next bill will be a full year, and will be much higher. Please plan accordingly.

[Note from the Editor: Carol began her report with a quote from Ronald Reagan who said, "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'"]

Click here to review the spreadsheet for this budget.

[Note from the Editor: Yes, Jimmy Bass got thrown out of the meeting for reiterating that the commissioners need to follow the law after "a citizen" pointed out what state law requires. I appreciate those who can read state law--and understand it--and aren't shy about pointing out when a mistake has been made. Mistakes can be rectified and not repeated in the future. The revenue sheet needs to be with the budget for public review. I wasn't at this meeting so I won't comment on whether I agree with the removal or not, but I will say that I hope that commissioners and the CM are listening and learning through this process. It won't be long and we'll be doing this again for the next budget.]

The National Association of Counties Prescription Program subscribed to by the Pike County Board of Commissioners is providing some limited use for local residents. The most recent May, 2009 figures on utilization are out. Pike residents have used the program 78 times since it was made available by the Board of Commissioners in October of 2008.

Based on a total dollar number of prescriptions that equal $4,533.59 before the rebate, residents saved 30.95% or $1,403.07 on all prescriptions sold to Pike county residents.

This is an average of $14.93 per prescription. By way of example, a $100 prescription would cost, based on the averages, $86.00.

While the program is completely FREE to Pike County residents, it is enjoying limited usage. To-date, a total of 41 prescriptions have been filled with this card program.

“It would appear that only 7 or so residents a making use of this free program and that is shame," said County Manager Stephen A. Marro. "This program is provided to the county by the National Association of Counties in conjunction with some of the largest prescription providers in the country. I urge you, if you are not already using this card to get on-board and register. The process is very simple.”

Residents are reminded that the program is free to all who have no prescription payment plan. Free forms and applications may be picked up at any Pike County or city government office.

Citizens can also find out more information by going online to: www.naco.org.

Click here to see citizen usage of this plan.

The cadets of the Upson Lee High School NJROTC recently visited the Center for Naval Engineering Damage Control Wet Trainer at Mayport Naval Station near Jacksonville, Florida. Cadets were given classroom instruction on proper damage control procedures and then were tested in the “USS Neversail”, a mock-up of a Navy ship that takes damage during a missile strike that the cadets are required to repair before the ship “sinks”.

The cadets also visited the USS DeWert (FFG-45), a guided missile frigate, where they were given tours of the ship by active duty petty officers. They learned about shipboard equipment and procedures and were briefed by the ship’s commanding officer.

The following day the cadets visited Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St Augustine, Florida where they witnessed a live demonstration of cannon fire by Spanish soldiers and visited the old city gate for a changing of the guard ceremony.

Photos and article courtesy of MSgt. Mark Colvin of the Upson Lee NJROTC. Pictures are on the We Are Pike County Times page.

The Barnesville Police Department has issued a warning to citizens and local business owners that seven or eight bogus $100 bills have been passed here in recent days.

According to Investigator Dickie Carreker, the bills appear genuine until they are held toward an overhead light. Instead of a watermark image of Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln appears.

Police say the bills have been passed at Giant Mart, Family Dollar and the Hot Shot convenience store.

“They all have the same serial numbers, which are HG00074679B,” he continued.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Barnesville Police at 770-358-1234.

BSA Troop 123, Zebulon, Georgia performed a U.S. Flag retirement ceremony on Saturday, June 13 at the Scout Hut, located at the corner of McKinley Road and Williamson Road.

The ceremony was conducted in accordance with traditional ritual which honors "Old Glory" as the worn and tattered U.S. Flags are respectfully put to rest after time well served.

The Boy Scouts that performed the ceremony are Ty Mitchell, Daniel Bohensky, Avery Holloway, Jacob Crane, Larry Capps, and Blake Buck, all of Pike County.

There were about twenty people in attendance not counting Scouts or Scout Masters.

Don Bailey, Commander-Pike Post #197 of The American Legion, Department of Georgia said, "The ceremony was great and it was good to see these young men (Scouts) provide honors to our Nations Colors and provide a proper ceremony for the disposal of Colors that were no longer serviceable."

Photos courtesy of Don Bailey. Information on this event courtesy of Don Bohensky.

The following students from Pike County were awarded scholarships to attend Gordon College.

Anna Rebecca Blount
Patricial L. Bell Scholarship
2009 Pike County High School
Teacher Education

Hiram Keith Dunn
Red Edwards Memorial Pike County Kiwanis Club Scholarshp
2009 Pike County High School
Nursing

Benjamin Lee Haygood
Charles B. Jenkins Business Scholarship
2008 Pike County High School
Business Administration

Jennifer Lynn Hurley
Kelli Hammond Memorial Pike County Kiwanis Club Scholarship
2009 Pike County High School
General Studies

Emily Leigh Mallory
Elijah Wisebram Memorial Scholarship
2009 Pike County High School
General Studies

Jennifer Katheran Pippin
Brad Edwards Memorial Scholarship
2009 Pike County High School
Mathematics

Margaret Kendall Strickland
Frances Wood Wilson Foundation Scholarship
2009 Pike County High School
Physician Assistant

Gordon College, in Barnesville, is a residential state college of the University System of Georgia and offers more than 60 programs of study to more than 3,800 students.

The 10-U Pike Thunder softball team competed in the B&C classic in McDonough on Saturday. The Thunder played six games in one day to win the championship. The girls played through an extremely hot day spending twelve hours at the ball fields battling for the title. Pictured are , front- Megan Neal,2nd row (L-R) Jenna Little, Lindsey Corbin, Sidney Foster, Taylor Darnell, 3rd row (L-R) Hope Johnson, Mary Stewart, Abigail Chasteen. The Thunder are coached by David Neal and Clay Chasteen.

Thanks to David Neal for write up and photo on the We Are Pike County page.

ATLANTA --- A parking deck in Midtown Atlanta partially collapsed in Midtown Atlanta Monday afternoon, crushing several cars.

Emergency personnel responded to the collapse shortly after 12:30 p.m. at the Centergy Parking Deck near the intersection of Spring Street and 5th Street.

Atlanta Fire Department spokesman Bobby Stewart says a section of the deck collapsed from the 4th floor, fallilng onto the 3rd, 2nd and 1st floors.

A view of 11Alive's Skycam showed at least 4 vehicles which were crushed in the accident.

Stewart says there were no initial reports of injuries.

The parking deck is connected to an education, high-tech research and business complex built by Georgia Tech and Kim King Associates.

Stay with 11Alive and 11Alive.com for more information as it becomes available.

Pictures are online at the link above.

Our "Hero of the Week" is E5 Troy Elliott currently serving with the 384th MP Company. We are thankful for his service to our great country!

Click Here To View The Site: www.ThankYouSoldier.com.

We have shipped another 8 "Hero Pack" care packages this week setting a new milestone as we cross the two hundred mark to make our current total 204! Thank you to everyone who has helped to make this a remarkable mission for our brave men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Singer/songwriter Trish Lester contacted us earlier this week about her "Thank A Soldier" song. We thought it would be nice to share it with you here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fT6GHMiFLE.

One last update which is MAJOR as far as TYS is concerned.Several have expressed an interest in making donations of products. Minimus is an internet based business which offers a variety of travel-size products. After some discussion, they have agreed to offer our supporters a 5% discount on all products ordered with a special coupon code (TYS5). They already offer free shipping on orders over $20 so this is an added bonus specific to ThankYouSoldier.

Click Here To Order: www.minimus.biz.

If you would like to do donate products, check out their site and be sure to use the case sensitive coupon code "TYS5"at check out to receive the 5% discount. Drop ship all products to Hero Packs Project, c/o Jonathan Gates, 1028 Silver Lake Drive, Columbus, Georgia 31904. You can find a list of items we pack on our web site or select your own. No chocolate please or other items that can't handle a week or two ship times and extreme heat.

You can also still support this project on our web site by clicking the secure "Donate" button and all donations are tax deductible.

God Bless America,
Jonathan Gates
Support@ThankYouSoldier.com.

Facebook Link.

Twitter.

YouTube.

ThankYouSoldier is an official mission of East Highland United Methodist Church, Columbus, Georgia and is covered under the non-profit statue as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, your donation is tax deductible in accordance with applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

(CNSNews.com) - The death toll in Iraq from Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) would be much higher if it were not for the men who spend every day in a life-and-death struggle to dismantle those destructive devices.

That struggle, in riveting and sometimes shocking detail, is recounted in the new film “The Hurt Locker,” which tells the story of three soldiers in the U.S. Army’s Bravo Company’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) squad in 2004 as they try to make the dangerous streets of Baghdad safer for both coalition forces and the Iraqi people who live there.

The movie is directed by Kathryn Bigelow. The film’s screenwriter, Mark Boal, based his story on his own experience when he was an embedded journalist with an EOD squad in Baghdad in 2004.

Read the rest of the story by clicking www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=50135.

Here is a link to the movie.

Reid confessed at his Thursday news briefing that he did not have “a lot of time” to read the 1,071-page stimulus bill before voting on it in February.

He was unapologetic, however, about the way Congress rushed that bill through before it could be reviewed by senators and the public, and declined to commit to giving senators and the public at least a week to read the final version of health-care reform bill before calling a vote on it.

Looking back, I don’t know how much time people had," Reid said about the stimulus bill in response to a question from CNSNews.com. "I know that I didn’t have a lot of time."

Reid was asked the following question: "When the stimulus came up earlier this year members and citizens had less than two days to review the final bill before it was voted on. Will you commit to give Americans at least a week to review the full conference version of the health-care bill before it's voted on?"

The majority leader did not directly answer the question.

“That was a very hectic conference, we felt it was imperative that we move this bill forward to help the economy, and in hindsight we did that right thing,” he recalled.

Reid did not commit to more time. Instead, he promised the Senate would “follow the rules.”

Read the rest of the story by clicking here.

[Note from the Editor: From the headlines "Senate Democrat Leader Hopes to Never Read a Sotomayor Opinion" to this, I am thankful for the Senators that we have. Of course, we still have to be vigilant to find out what is going on in Congress and let them know our opinions on various issues. Click on the U.S. Representatives link to find out who our Senators are and how to contact them.

Join a group that has your same interests and get emails from them to help you keep track of what is going through Congress. Get on your representatives' email lists too. Hold your nose and watch the news to find out what important issues are being debated.

That is my soapbox issue of the day. Be active in your county, state, and national politics in any way that you can. This is important because the way that our representatives vote on a county, state, and national level will affect us at some point--whether we acknowledge their work or we choose to ignore them and live in our own little world.]

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to investigate an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections.

As of Monday, June 22, 2009, 70 persons infected with a strain of E. coli O157:H7 with a particular DNA fingerprint have been reported from 30 states. Of these, 41 have been confirmed by an advanced DNA test as having the outbreak strain; these confirmatory test results are pending on the others. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Arizona (2), California (3), Colorado (5), Connecticut (1), Delaware (1), Georgia (1), Hawaii (1), Iowa (2), Illinois (5), Kentucky (3), Massachusetts (4), Maryland (2), Maine (3), Minnesota (6), Missouri (2), Montana (1), North Carolina (2), New Hampshire (2), New Jersey (1), Nevada (2), Ohio (3), Oklahoma (1), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (1), Texas (3), Utah (2), Virginia (2), Washington (5), and Wisconsin (1).

Ill persons range in age from 2 to 65 years; however, 66% are less than 19 years old; 75% are female. Thirty persons have been hospitalized, 7 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS); none have died. Reports of these infections increased above the expected baseline in May and continue into June.

Advice to Consumers

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning consumers not to eat any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7. If consumers have any prepackaged, refrigerated Nestle Toll House cookie dough products in their home they should throw them away. Cooking the dough is not recommended because consumers might get the bacteria on their hands and on other cooking surfaces. The recall does not include Nestle Toll House morsels, which are used as an ingredient in many home-made baked goods, or other already baked cookie products.

Individuals who have recently eaten prepackaged, refrigerated Toll House cookie dough and have experienced any of these symptoms should contact their doctor or health care provider immediately. Any such illnesses should be reported to state or local health authorities.

Consumers should be reminded they should not eat raw food products that are intended for cooking or baking before consumption. Consumers should use safe food-handling practices when preparing such products, including following package directions for cooking at proper temperatures; washing hands, surfaces, and utensils after contact with these types of products; avoiding cross contamination; and refrigerating products properly.

Advice to Retailers, Restaurateurs, and Food-service Operators

Retailers, restaurateurs, and personnel at other food-service operations should not sell or serve any Nestle Toll House prepackaged, refrigerated cookie dough products subject to the recall.

To read more about public health emergency topics of recent public interest, click www.emergency.cdc.gov/recentincidents.asp.

[Note from the Editor: The CDC can be added to your Twitter list. Who would have thought it? I am not a Twitter person--and plan to stay behind the times as far as that goes thank you very much--but some people are all into that. Have fun and if you see something earth-shattering that I need to know about call, email, or text me and I'll get it online.]

Vivian Morgan was someone who Pike residents got to know through the Griffin Daily News as she covered various events over the past 18 months. Vivian is now working at The Rock Ranch as the Director of Fun.

Vivian's primary job is make certain that the employees have a good experience and to provide incentives for the employees. She joking told me that she wants to "start the day out with dancing!"

She will also be working with Adam Pugh who keeps me and everyone else on the Rock Ranch mailing list up to date on upcoming events. Vivian will also assist with Corporate Events at the Rock Ranch.

The Pike County Times wishes her the best of luck in her new endeavor! (Maybe I'll see her tonight as we go to the Celebrate America event, play and watch the fireworks.)

For more information on the Rock Ranch, click here.

Update 6.27.09: We had a great time at the Rock Ranch despite the heat. The fire trucks spraying water on the kids was a great way to make sure that the kids did not get overheated. The singing was wonderful and the fireworks were fantastic. Look for pictures early next week and if you have something really good, email it to me using the link at the top of the page.]

I am working on their ad but thought in the meantime that I would get a promo online about this new business that my kids are raving about.

This is Pike County's first indoor inflatable play area. It's just $5 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and $10 on Saturday.

All kids get a wristband as they enter the play area. For parents that need to run an errand or go home for lunch, the kids can get back in without paying another fee on that same day as long as the kids are wearing the wristband from that day.

The facility includes party rooms and a parents' lounge with a flat screen television for entertainment. Although there is a sitting area in the inflatable room, the inflatable room can be viewed from the parents' lounge as well. (My kids watched Disney while they rested between play times.) There will be staff to supervise the children in the play area at all times and to let them know the "do's and don't's" of the inflatable room. The large inflatable area is for all ages, but there is also a separate play area for those children ages 4 and under.

Looking for a fun place to have your next Birthday party, Team party, Church party, or Special event? All-Star Playhouse offers party packages as well.

All-Star Playhouse is located on 34 Harper Street in Zebulon--across the street from the Post Office--and just a block south of the Courthouse.

Visit their website at All-Starplayhouse.com.

This is another advertisement that will go online shortly.

Lincoln is a cross registered AKC/UKC Champion Sired red male who was 6 weeks old on June 24.

He is sweet and he is adorable. (My children love him.) He is very laid back too.

This ad (with his picture) will go online next week but I'm getting the promo on now. If you are interested in Lincoln, call Margie Trammell at 770-567-8105 for price and details.

The Pike County Board of Commissioners will be holding a budget workshop on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 5:00 pm in the Commissioners meeting room, 79 Jackson St., Zebulon, GA.

The public is encouraged to attend.

State Rep. Tony Sellier is planning to visit us in Upson County during an upcoming Upson County GOP meeting in late August or early September. Rep. Sellier represents the 136th district which includes portions of Upson County. Final date has not been determined, but that information will be listed on the Calendar of Events page as soon as it becomes available.

"Rep. Deal also wishes to visit us in Upson County and I am working with his staff to schedule a date," said Dr. Spencer Price by email. That information will be listed as soon as it becomes available.

Dr. Spencer Price is the Chairman of the Upson County Republican Party. Thank you to Spencer for keeping the Pike County Times up to date on the Upson GOP. You can visit Spencer's website at www.ConservativeCommentaries.com.

U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland today voted against the “cap-and-tax” bill called the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. The bill, which passed 219-212, essentially implements a national energy tax in an effort to limit greenhouse emissions.

“In all my years in elected office, I’ve never seen the people’s representatives pass a more economically destructive piece of legislation than this,” Westmoreland said. “This cap-and-tax system will dramatically raise the cost of business, raise the costs of products, raise the cost of transportation; it will cost many good-paying jobs while at the same time causing the cost of living to soar for American families – about $3,000 a year more in energy costs for the average family of four.

“The numbers just don’t add up. This is liberal fantasy. We can cut our standard of living to the bone and it’s not going to make a difference when China is building six new coal-fired plants a week and when there’s similar growth in India. In case the leaders in Congress and at the White House haven’t noticed, it’s darn hard to find employment right now and this legislation makes it worse by costing the nation well over a million jobs over the next 35 years. And for what? To cut the global temperature by 1 degree by 2050?

“The businesses that provide jobs to Americans are simply going to relocate to other countries with less stringent standards. This won’t lower global temperature. It’ll simply lower our standard of living and make it harder to find work.”

The plan proposed by House Democrats would cost $864 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office, a price tag the nation couldn’t afford even it hadn’t spent trillions on a stimulus package, a bloated budget and corporate bailouts.

Georgia would have 82,000 fewer jobs than would be expected and would see a loss of $15 billion in GDP by 2035, according to an analysis by the Heritage Foundation.

“When we talk about the costs of these laws, we talk about billions and trillions,” Westmoreland said. “Those numbers are impossible for people to understand. But Georgians understand what an extra $300 to $400 a month in energy costs will do to their family budgets – it’ll be devastating for many families.”

“Every Democratic ‘energy bill’ increases taxes, increases regulation, hurts businesses, raises the cost of living and increases our dependence on foreign oil,” Westmoreland said. “Our best hope is an ‘all of the above’ energy policy, that increases clean sources such as nuclear, and an investment in continued research into energy alternatives.”

Westmoreland points that even leading Democrats admit this bill will hit American families hard.

President Obama has said, “Under my plan of a cap-and-trade system, electricity rates will necessarily skyrocket.” Obama went on to admit that retrofitting power plants “would cost money and they will pass that money on to consumers.”

Michigan Democrat Rep. John Dingell, the longest-serving House member in history, said during an Energy and Commerce Committee hearing: “Nobody in this country realizes that cap and trade is a tax, and it’s a great big one.”

[Note from the Editor: Final Vote Results on this legislation can be viewed at clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll477.xml. From here it goes to the Senate for a second vote.

Here is a link to a story on this legislation by Voice of America News: www.voanews.com/english/2009-06-27-voa11.cfm. [Note from the Editor: I get my news from a variety of sources in an attempt to ferret out the truth without a huge bias in reporting.]

Learn how to contact our Senators by their websites by clicking on the U.S. Representatives link above or clicking here. You can also learn how a bill becomes law and check out a wealth of information on the Library of Congress on this page.

Readers can also call Senator Chambliss and Senator Isakson through their Congressional Office by calling the Congressional Switchboard during the week at 1-202-224-3121. Ask to speak to the person who handles comments on upcoming bills and give your opinion on the legislation. They do pay attention to the calls of voters. Ask to be on their mailing list while you are at it--if you're not already.]

Spalding County Board of Commissioners Chairman Eddie Goss has given County Manager William Wilson Jr. a choice between resignation and investigation.

Goss issued a written statement to The Griffin Daily News describing the circumstances.

“On Monday, June 22, 2009, I and Commissioner David Phillips met with County Manager William P. Wilson Jr. to discuss possible misconduct in the county manager’s position,” he said in the statement.

During the discussion, Wilson asked what his options were. Wilson was told he could resign or face investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

“I never asked him to resign,” Goss continued. “He was given his options upon his request.”

Phillips described why he was there and what he witnessed.

“I was not there for that purpose,” he said, referring to the choice between resignation and investigation. “I was there to keep some kind of civility.”

He said he wanted to keep the disagreement peaceful but neither of them wanted that. He said if the situation goes further, Wilson might stop working temporarily.

“If there is an investigation, he’ll have to be put on administrative leave with pay,” he said.

He said this is standard operating procedure for any government or private business.

At this point, it’s out of the county’s hands, Phillips said.

“It’s in the hands of the state,” he said.

Wilson did not want to comment, although he did confirm he met with Goss.

“I have replied to Mr. Goss through my attorney,” he said. “That’s where the matter stands.”

Update 6.27.09: In today's Griffin Daily News article by Matthew W. Quinn entitled "County BOC Approves Tax Hike", he notes that no actions was taken against the County Manager after the closed session to discuss the status of County Manager William Wilson, Jr. during the meeting on Thursday afternoon.

Upson County EMC announced at a press conference Friday, June 12, that it would be part of a group of co-ops that will subscribe to power that comes from a new coal fire plant to be built in Washington County.

Since the oil embargoes of the 1970s, the energy crisis has been a heavily discussed subject. In the time since then petroleum use has grown only 15%, while electricity use has grown 150%. Coal is one of the options for generating electricity and it is considered to be the most economic efficient domestic resources according to Dean Alford, President and CEO of Allied Energy Services.

Washington County has been selected as the site for the new roughly 2,000 acre plant because of its locations near water and transmission lines as well as the fact there was available land and no wetlands nearby.

The 850 mega watt plant would take around 50 months to build, creating 1,600 jobs for Washington and other surrounding counties. An additional 130 employees would be hired to work permanently at the site with another 300 jobs total being added with in 100 miles of the plant. It is predicted that if everything goes according to plan, the plant could begin construction in late 2010 or early 2011.

Many people worry about the effects of the carbon dioxide that would be released form a plant such as this, but thanks to new technology the plant is able to use clean coal and will operate as the cleanest in the country. "The difference is like a car from 1960 and a new car from 2009, it's like night and day," said Alford.

Allied Energy Services announced in March that it will be working with Wells Timberland to kick off a program called Keeping Forests in Forests. This program will pump carbon dioxide back into the forests which helps the trees grow 40% faster. Larger trees are then able to take in more carbon dioxide and release more oxygen back into the atmosphere.

Wind, solar and bio mass technology are other ways to generate electricity. However, they pose problems for residents in Georgia. There are a lack of prevailing winds throughout the state and solar power requires 8,760 hours a year to run and Georgia only 1,800 hours of sun a year. Solar energy would also cause energy bills to go up five times their normal rate.

Upson County EMC as well as other co-ops, wants to keep energy affordable to everyone and according to Alford, coal is the most cost efficient. The plant is a $2.1 billion investment that will be privately financed.

Preliminary site preparation has begun on the Gordon College Nursing and Allied Health Building. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2010. The three-story, 54,000 square-foot structure will be built where Watson Hall once stood – on the west side of campus near Spencer Street. It will allow the nursing and allied health programs to move from Smith Hall, which was built in 1938 and contains approximately 13,000 square feet.

Plans call for Smith to eventually undergo some interior renovation and house the Early Childhood Education program and portions of the Community Education program. The modern, three-story NAH building will contain two large, tiered lecture halls, a collaborative learning center, computer lab, and several classrooms. The focal point of the building will be on the second floor where a state-of-the-art simulation lab, practice lab and check-off lab will be located. The labs will allow students to learn in an environment that very closely resembles a hospital.

The first BSN class is expected to begin coursework in Summer 2010 and will graduate in spring 2012. An official groundbreaking for the NAH Building is slated for Friday, Aug. 11 at 9:30 a.m.

Picture on the We Are Pike County page.

Upson Regional Medical Center recently had its first case of the H1N1 virus, often called swine flu, reported when an out of town patient was admitted in the emergency department for fever and flu-like symptoms June 10.

According to Sallie Barker, URMC communications director, staff immediately took precautionary measures and implemented infection control protocol. This includes isolation, masks and tests per CDC recommendations.

“Patient safety is Upson’s top priority,” said Barker. “That’s why we follow our infection control protocols, every patient, every time, to ensure that our patients, our employees and our community are safe.”After being admitted for approximately 12 hours, the patient was discharged on June 11 with symptoms under control. It was not until June 15 when tests results came back that it was confirmed the patient had the H1N1 virus.

Glenda Van Houten of Infection Control and the Health Department informed the family, and those they visited, of the test results and to ensure no one else had developed symptoms. No caregiver or visitor of the patient became ill.

Washington, D.C. - Citizens Against Government Waste today released its preliminary analysis of the House version of the fiscal 2010 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Act. There are 151 projects worth $109.7 million, which is a 48 percent increase in the amount of projects in the House bill in fiscal year 2009, and an 8.7 percent decrease in cost. House DHS Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman David Price (D-N.C.) requested five projects totaling $10,665,000, while House DHS Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Harold Rogers (R-Ky.) requested four projects worth $14,000,000. Their combined total of $24,665,000 is equal to 22.5 percent of the $109.7 million in pork in the bill.

The following are some outrageous examples of pork that members of the House added to the Homeland Security bill:

$42,435,000 for 76 projects for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) State and Local Programs by 77 members, spread among 30 states.

$24,636,064 for 58 projects for FEMA Predisaster Mitigation by 61 members, spread among 25 states.

$15,600,000 for eight projects for National Protection and Programs Directorate Infrastructure Protection and Information Security by 10 members in seven states.

$10,000,000 by House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Harold Rogers (R-Ky.) for the National Institute for Hometown Security (NIHS). According to the Institute’s website, “NIHS is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. NIHS was organized in 2004 through the leadership of Kentucky Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers. Congressman Rogers suggested organizing the higher education institutions of Kentucky to more effectively compete for research funds and projects aimed at improving homeland security. The Kentucky Homeland Security University Consortium resulted from his efforts. NIHS is the administrative manager for the Consortium.” In other words, Americans are paying $10 million so these institutions can be more effective at getting more of the taxpayers’ money.

$6,000,000 for two projects by House DHS Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman David Price (D-N.C.) funding research at the Institute for Defense and Business and the School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina.

Citizens Against Government Waste is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, mismanagement and abuse in government.

“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures)

Almost As Good As the First One

The explosions are back; the special effects are back; the humor is back. Combined this makes the second “Transformers” movie almost as good as the first one. Clocking in at over two hours it had better be good or you are going to be bored for a long time. Luckily this movie moves and it is all over before you know it.

Shia LeBeouf is back as Sam Witwicky, a teenager on his way to his freshman year at college. He is leaving behind his girlfriend Mikaela (Megan Fox). His mother Judy (Julie White) is inconsolable about his leaving while his father Ron (Kevin Dunn) is looking forward to having an “empty nest.”

Sam is also leaving behind his yellow Camaro which he calls “Bee”. Bee is an Autobot that has protected Sam in the past. Bee and Mikaela quickly catch up with Sam at college when evil Decepticons come after him.

The plot is not the important thing in a film such as this. Suffice it to say Sam and Mikaela are in the middle of a battle between the good Autobots and the bad Decepticons. This is where all the chases and explosions enter the picture.

LeBeouf is solid as Sam and makes an admirable hero. Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson add macho support to the film as Army soldiers who have battled evil Decepticons in the past. Ramon Rodriguez adds to the comedy portion of the movie as Leo, Sam’s college roommate, who can’t believe what is happening is happening.

Megan Fox, who stole the first film, is negligible in this one. Her face looks painted on and her acting is creepy. She is a beautiful young woman but the heavy makeup detracts big time. This time out Isabel Lucas steals the film with her portrayal of Alice, a college girl who wants Sam for herself.

The real star of the show is the special effects team. We now take a lot for granted when it comes to special effects and we shouldn’t. In this movie the transition of the Autobots is amazing. Plus their actions and reactions with the human actors are seamless.

There is a lot of humor in the movie too but unfortunately most of it is done with throwaway lines. You have to listen carefully to hear the zingers that are put out there. That is one good reason why the movie should be seen more than once.

The film is rated PG-13 for profanity, violence and sexual innuendoes.

The one thing this film doesn’t have going for it is the element of surprise. You have seen most of the special effects employed here before. You still enjoy them but you aren’t seeing them for the first time. That keeps the movie from being a little less enjoyable than the first one. Still it is everything a summer blockbuster should be.

I scored “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” a rising 7 out of 10.

©2009 Jackie K. Cooper

Official Website

Jackie has many movie reviews on his website at www.jackiekcooper.com including "8 Behind The Wheel", "The Proposal", and "Year One".

Jackie also has reviews of the latest books, DVDs, television shows as well as columns on life and living in the South.

[Note from the Editor: I walked out of this movie when I saw it on 6.29.09. The fight scenes were absolutely fantastic as far as the way that they were put together, but the profanity and sexual innuendoes were much worse than the first movie in my opinion. Extremely elementary humor doesn't do a thing for me. And if you're thinking about taking your children... please screen the movie first. The PG-13 rating should be a dead giveaway there, but there were a lot of children under the age of 10 in attendance and one parent who probably left with his young son after I left.]

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce recently concluded their 2009 Spring Membership Drive and now boasts a member of over 300 member.

Welcome to all those new members who recently joined! The Chamber would like to extend a special thank you to all their new and existing member businesses, organizations and individuals for supporting the Chamber. The Chamber is working hard to bring programs, events and workshops to the membership that will assist them in growing their businesses and organizations which, in turn, will keep Pike County a great place to live, work and play.

The mission of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce is: Serve as the voice of business in Pike County, advocating for growth of the local economy and ensuring that Pike County remains business-friendly.

Thank you to all those who participated on the Membership Drive teams for their efforts in ensuring a successful drive. Anyone wishing additional information about the Chamber, its program and events or if you are interested in joining, please contact us at 770-567-2029.

In today’s get-it-quick society, where billboards and signs are created on Macintosh computers and printed onto gigantic vinyl canvases, it’s not often that passersby get the pleasure of seeing a true, paintbrush-in-hand artist at work.

Precariously perched on his scaffolding and immersed in the pleasures of “Minnie the Moocher” blaring from the truck stereo, Shannon Lake is the real deal.

It is Lake’s early training with his artist father, Richard Lake, that can be credited for the attention to detail and superior craftsmanship that makes his art almost leap from the wall of J. Henry’s, where he worked in Wednesday’s sweltering heat.

“I grew up in the sign shop painting signs,” Lake said. “We used to do the big billboards for Coca-Cola. There was no formal training, just on-the-job.”

The J. Henry’s mural-in-progress depicts a 1940s-era Griffin.

“This is the old train station that Griffin tore down. God knows why,” Lake said as he pointed to one of several historic buildings he was painting. “I’m kind of filling in where I don’t have photographs.”

Included in the mural is a United Bank water tower, State Farm Insurance, Hobbs Pharmacy and Gifts, Bunn’s Launderers and Cleaners and an old truck with “Blake’s Builders Supply” painted on the side.

The mural also has two large anchors — an old locomotive coming into the station on the right and the bloat-faced town drunk, ready to catch the train, on the left.

“This is a large scene and a large panoramic,” Lake said. “With a big job like this, a lot of times I will take a photograph of the wall, then design it, layer it, make collages and piece it together before I paint it.”

While Lake’s murals can also be seen throughout Atlanta, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Thomaston and Barnesville, there are a couple of prominent ones in Griffin.

One is on the Liberty Technology building on Taylor Street and the other, which shares the same ’40s theme as the one at J. Henry’s, is located inside Slices Pizzeria on Solomon Street.

[Note from the Editor: Vivian is now working for The Rock Ranch as the Director of Fun. I look forward to working with her and will have more on her new job soon. Look for information about the annual 4th of July celebration at The Rock Ranch on the Calendar of Events page.]

Promise Place and Prevent Child Abuse Pike teamed up for the 3rd Friday on the Square event on June 19th. They set up two tables of information on their programs and sold cakes, cookies, brownies and fresh tomatoe sandwiches.

Edd Sanders said that about $45 was raised for these two groups. The workforce consisted of Vanessa Motley and her two girls, Edd and Alisa Sanders, Edd's Mom Peggy and his niece Kayleigh.

"The crowd was unusually small so we hope to do better next month," Edd said. "All in all, it was a good experience."

The next 3rd Friday on the Square is scheduled for July 17th. Luke Hardie & Co. will be filling the evening air with some fine blues/rock sounds beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Bring a blanket or your lawn chairs and enjoy this free event that is sponsored by The Zebulon Downtown Development Authority, M. Callaway-Ingram, Attorney at Law and The Pike County Arts Council, Inc.

Most dog owners will agree that dogs are generally creatures of habit.

So, when 7-year-old, long-haired Chihuahua Forrest didn’t return from his usual 8 p.m. outdoor bathroom break on June 6, owner Alice Waller got worried.

“I searched all night,” Waller said.

At about 2 p.m. the following day, Waller’s husband, Chris, rode his motorcycle down the driveway and Forrest jumped out from the woods barking.

“My husband called me down there,” Waller said. “He said, ‘Look at what your dog has made friends with.’”

Forrest was curled up next to an injured fawn.

“I don’t know what had happened to his mom. He had been curled up next to that little baby deer,” Waller said. “Forrest was licking its wound on its back end. I guess he had taken care of the baby all night.”

The Wallers quickly transferred the fawn to their kitchen and contacted Bubba and Friends, a nonprofit rehabilitation agency in Zebulon.

According to Steve Hicks of Bubba and Friends, the fawn is doing just fine.

“It’s doing pretty good but not ready to turn loose yet,” Hicks said. “It’s basically just being a baby deer.”

There is an unusually large number of baby deer showing up at rehabilitation centers this year, Hicks said.

“I don’t know why there are so many tiny ones showing up this year,” Hicks said. “A lot of times mothers will put their babies in the ground to hide them while they graze. People will think they are orphaned but they’re not. Sometimes, you will find a baby deer wandering on the side of the road and a dead deer on the road. In this case, something probably happened to the mother.”

Update:

Bubba and Friends, Inc. out of Zebulon has been very busy lately with calls for injured wildlife. Angela Hicks told me that they got an unusual call for an injured deer a while back. This is the story above.

On the way pick up the fawn, she found a lost dog wandering in the middle of road. The dog was nursing the injured fawn in her vehicle on the way to the house. She went knocking door to door to find the owners but could not locate them. The owners of the dog contacted her the next day. (This was not the same dog from the article above.)

June 9th – Bubba and Friends got a call to pick up an orphan great blue heron with a broken right wing.

June 14th – Bob and Heather Berkey in Molena were cleaning around their fireplace and found where a Chimney Swift nest had fallen. All were dead except one tiny featherless baby. This orphan was brought to Bubba and Friends and is doing well to date with the proper care and feeding.

June 17th - Spalding County Animal Control called Bubba and Friends to pick up a baby Great Horned Owl that had been fished out of the Waste Water Treatment Treatment Plant. "This gives a whole new meaning to you little stinker," Angela said. That same day, they also got a call about a baby Starling that a lady in Lamar County had taken away from some dogs. "Amazingly, the dogs had not injured the little starling," she said, "but after the vet checked it, [the Starling] had an injury that had happened in the nest, causing his leg to turn up underneath it." Then they received a baby Blue Jay--a noisy little critter--about 10 p.m.

"Apparently, more and more rehabbers are dropping out of the rehab business since we receive no funding for rehabbing wildlife," Angela said. "Therefore we are getting calls on every type of wildlife you can think of."

She went on to say that with the growing amount of wildlife that is coming in, there is a need for new flight pens, cages, food, and formulas.

"We are a non-profit organization and any donations are tax deductible," she said. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.

Bubba and Friends, Inc.
P0 Box 103
Zebulon, GA 30295
770-567-1852

Note from the Editor: Readers can also stop by the Pet 'N Garden located across from the Big Chic and talk to Angela, buy a variety of items for your critters, and find some pretty cool plants. Call 770-567-8282 to find out their hours and tell them that you read about them on the Pike County Times.

And just to be sure that some well-meaning person does not take a fawn away from its mother to be raised by humans, I am going to print that last paragraph from Vivian's article one more time for emphasis.

This quote is from Steve Hicks: “A lot of times mothers will put their babies in the ground to hide them while they graze. People will think they are orphaned but they’re not. Sometimes, you will find a baby deer wandering on the side of the road and a dead deer on the road. In this case, something probably happened to the mother.”

You can also read more about Bubba and Friends by clicking here.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce is please to announce the arrival of the Pike County Community magazine. The first edition of this annual publication depicts the community, its past, present and future. It includes beautiful photography of the area as well as demographics and newcomer information that new and current citizens will find helpful.

Thank you to our advertisers who provided the revenue to cover the cost of this publication. Without their support this publication would not have been possible. This publication was produced in partnership with SouthComm Publishing located in Alpharetta, Georgia. SouthComm Publishing is a nationally recognized company specializing in Chamber publications.

The magazine features a directory of Chamber member businesses with contact information. This publication is available at the Chamber of Commerce located at 416 Thomaston Street, Zebulon and at many locations throughout the county.

8th Grade Honor Roll: Brandon Allen, Taylor Asher, Chelsea Bradley, James Brannon, Preston Brazel, Ryan Chumley, Breanna Corbin, Amanda Danielson, Brandi Fine, Brianna Foster, Taylor Hardy, Rebecca Harwell, Anna Heape, Dylan Jeffery, Devin Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Emily Kilcrease, Rachel Lovin, Kayla Lyle, Holly Minter, Kelly Mitchell, Tracy Nguyen, Brandon Nichols, Mary Peeler, Madison Robey, Kristen Sandefur, Cade Smith, Madison Taylor, Caleb Teachout, Kathryn Thompson, Sarena Washington, Laura Weaver, Michael Wheeless, and Autumn Yokeley.

7th Grade Honor Roll: Madison Adler, Alexandra Allgood, Hunter Bishop, Dustin Blohm, Chandler Callaway, Austin Conine, Kurtis Cox, Sidney Drawdy, Jalon Evans, Autumn Futch, Hannah Haden, Hannah Hearn, Rachel Hinkle, Ethan Jacobs, Virginia Johnson, Logan Jones, Justin Kempson, Bryson Lange, Michelle Licari, Amy Mangham, Mara McGurl, Nicholas Morelock, Eliza Norton, Morgan Ogletree, Andrew Pass, Cole Patterson, Hannah Peek, Shelby Peters, David Phillips, Hannah Rainwater, Katie Rawlins, Jared Rawlins, Victoria Reid, and Chase Ryan.

6th Grade Honor Roll: Tara Adcox, Kaylee Andrews, Kayla Arnold, Elizabeth Baynard, Adam Calhoun, Ellen Cape, Joshua Chumley, Lauren Colado, Brittany Crenshaw, Hannah Crowder, Emory Dean, Jacey Deel, John Flowers, John Friend, Madison Gober, Ortearia Hamm, Cameron Hardie, Ryan Hilton, Robert Housman, Rebecca Johnson, Morgan Jones, Jonathan Jones, Alexia Kee, Bailey Kimbrell, Conner Mathis, Christopher Middleton, Timothy Morris, Kelsie Neath, Mitchell Payne, Jordan Peeples, David Penland, Scott Petty, Miranda Rawlins, and Sommer Smith.

More student awards coming soon.

8th Grade Merit Roll: Aaron Aderhold, Kirsten Allen, Charlsy Anesetti, Miriam Anglin, Elizabeth Anthony, Shelby Benson, Samantha Biggs, Dylan Blount, Mia Brandon, Cameron Bridges, Alegra Britt, William Brown, Hunter Brown, Joseph Bryan, Alexa Byrom, Brannon Cape, Amanda Carbone, Summer Childs, Elizabeth Clark, Aaron Clay, Colby Cleghorn, Makayla Crane, Jamie Daniels, Kayla Dickson, Lindsey Duncan, Daniel Durham, Morgan Eldridge, Sydney Fisher, Danyale Ford, Matthew Fortson, Kelsey Foster, Taylor Fowler, Winifred Freeman, Carley Funderburk, James Gatlin, Savannah Gill, Alec Holtz, Savannah Howard, Ryan John, Jessi Johnson, Anna Johnson, Krista Kelly, Annie King, Jessica Lifsey, Thrayland Lowe, Kane Marlow, Noah Martin, Cody McGee, William Morton, Kayla Parks, Keegan Prescott, Chelsea Sandt, Rachael Schlieman, Kaylee Scott, Hallie Sebaugh , Jessica Simon, Austin Smith, Josie Sohler, Dusty Spradlin, Andrew Stephens, Bryce Strickland, Christin Thomas, Brittany Trucks, Clayton Watson, Doni Wells, Morgan Williams, Marissa Williams, Elizabeth Woodall, Macy Worst, and Justin Zambujo.

7th Grade Merit Roll: Benjamin Adams, Austin Albritton, Jarrett Beck, Brandee Bertram, Morgen Betsill, Matthew Boynton, Taryn Bray, Kevin Brock, Candler Caldwell, Katherine Casey, Brianna Cato, Christian Colado, David Cook, Matthew Corley, Brittany Cyphers, Michelle Davis, Aaron Dunaway, Lauren Duncan, Brandon Eck, Brooke Elam, John Eubank, Ashlee Fennell, Jackson Fletcher, Gianella Funes, Jonathan Garner, Jeffery Garner, Abigale Garner, Zachary Glass, Michael Greene, Tyler Gregory, Laprecia Harris, Asia Harris, Kayla Hutcheson, Jovie Ivester, Bridgette Jordan, Leah Kirchner, Hanna Langford, Katie Lumley, Alyssa Lynch, Andrew Marshall, Brianna May, Patrick McAbee, Summer Metts, Amber Miley, Savannah Moore, Sean OBrien, Ayonna Oglesby, Brittany Pierce, Ashley Pippin, Mackenzie Pitts, Ansley Ray, Chasity Reagan, Ryan Rich, Tyler Riggins, Jacob Sanders, Kirstie Shelton, Kelsey Shelton, Alex Singley, Anna Smith, Eric Swint, Sydney Swyryn, Dennis Teal, Darrin Walker, Michael Watson, Kimberly Whaley, Alan Williams, Roosevelt Willis, Zachary Wilson, Daysha Wolfinger, and Kenneth Yeoman.

6th Grade Merit Roll: Kole Adams, Bailey Allen, Sarah Andrews, Trinidy Baird, Kayla Banks, Kristen Beckham, Bryson Bell, Bradley Biles, Amber Bros, Evan Buck, Courtney Bunn, Matthew Caraway, Jacob Carroll, Gage Chambley, Jonathan Chastain, Kayla Clayton, Samuel Coley, Chase Corbin, Jacob Crane, Erin Davis, Taylor Drawdy, Kaitlyn Dublin, Turon Dunham, Tristin English, Cortland Ewing, Cody Fine, Erin Fuller, Jozef Gadowski, Dakota Gordy, Carson Grant, John Gravitt, Alyssa Hanson, Haleigh Harper, Dalton Hately, Kassidy Hicks, Latasha Holland, Samantha Holt, Garrett Horton, Ray Horton Jr., Makia Jenkins, Madison Jones, Madison Jones, Kyle Kenerly, Nicholas Kirby, Garrett Kirk, Rachel Klaassen, Lana Lane, Katie Langford, Jessica Lester, Jessica Licari, Karlee Lindsey, Savannah Lupes, Calen Maddox, Raley Mathis, Rebekah Meloy, Baylynn Merritt, Benjamin Morris, Mikayla Newton, Bailey Old, Matthew Peterson, Jacob Peyton, Jasmine Phinazee, Lauren Pryor, Belinda Pryor, Lora Rape, Bailey Rawlins, McKenzie Reese, Micah Robbins, Carlie Sandefur, Savannah Sansom, Rachael Singleton, Maggie Smith, Lacy Smith, Journi Smith, Jeremy Stahl, Tybee Stanley, Coleman Stephens, Levi Stewart, Lisa Stoermer, Michael Stone, Holly Swetman, Jacob Thomason, John Tibbit, James Tibbit, Holly Turner, Carlie Turner, Christopher Waller, Jacob Weaver, Bradley White, and Breanna Woods.

More student awards coming soon.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce office is now a WIFI location. In addition, Turner Tech Services has donated a laptop computer for our lobby allowing visitors to search the internet for member and community information. We hope that these additions to our location will help us increase our foot traffic into the office and around the square while also making our member’s information even more accessible to those visiting the area.

Again, we would like to express our gratitude to Turner Tech Services for seeing a need and donating the equipment necessary.

Visit us at 416 Thomaston Street, Zebulon.

Gordon College President Lawrence Weill will sign copies of his book, "Out In Front: The College President as the Face of the Institution," at the Macon Barnes and Noble during its “Local Authors Night” Thursday, June 25 starting at 7:30 p.m.

“Out in Front” is a compilation that provides college and university presidents, new presidents, and aspiring presidents, with insight on how to be the public face of the college or university. It contains first hand insights from presidents in higher education on how to deal with some of the most pressing day-to-day situations that leaders in higher education face.

Contributors include, Thomas K. Harden, president, Clayton State University; Daniel S. Papp, president, Kennesaw State University; S. Georgia Nugent, president, Kenyon College and Andrew Scibelli, president emeritus, Springfield Technical College, among others.

"Out in Front" is published by Rowman & Littlefield. Barnes and Noble is located in The Shoppes at River Crossing, 5080 Riverside Drive, Macon.

Gordon College, in Barnesville, is a residential state college of the University System of Georgia and offers more than 60 programs of study to more than 3,800 students.

The regular Friends of Pike County Animals (FPCA) meeting scheduled on Thursday, 25 June 09 has been cancelled due to the Citizens Advisory Task Force (CATF) and SPLOST Meeting and the Pike County Board of Commissioners FY2010 Budget Workshop scheduling.

The meeting will be rescheduled for a later date and will be announced when the date has been established.

Look for an update from Chairman Don Bailey at that meeting.

Our "Hero of the Week" is PO2 (SEAL) Mike Monsoor who gave his life to save his fellow team members in September of 2006. You can read more about him on our blog.

Click Here To View The Site: www.ThankYouSoldier.com.

Two new Blogs posted this week titled "A Soldier Reports To God" and "One Of Our Country's Heroes". Both are worth a few minutes of your time.

We would like to give a very special "Thank You" to Connie Thomas for providing some products for the "Hero Pack" care packages. Connie is a supporter we met during a recent donation event at our local Piggly Wiggly store. She provided a number of travel size products purchased and drop shipped directly to us from the web site below:

www.Minimus.biz

If you would like to do the same, your donation would be greatly appreciated! Drop ship all products to Hero Packs Project, c/o Jonathan Gates, 1028 Silver Lake Drive, Columbus, Georgia 31904. They are advertising FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $20. Check our web site for a list of items we ship and pick and choose as you desire. No chocolate please or other items that can't handle a week or two ship times and extreme heat. You can also support this project on the web site by clicking the secure "Donate" button and all donations are tax deductible.

God Bless America,
Jonathan Gates
Support@ThankYouSoldier.com.

Update:

We typically don't send more than one update per weekbut have a special announcement we felt needed to be shared today with our ThankYouSoldier supporters. As you read in our last update, there is a special internet-based company called www.Minimus.biz which provides travel size products. These are excellent sized items for the "Hero Pack" care packages and pack nicely into our packages.

During discussions with Minimus today, they offered a special 5% discount to all our ThankYouSoldier supporters who would like to drop ship items to us for our care packages! Wow! We are very appreciative of their support for our deployed troops!

To take advantage of this special offer at any time, enter the case sensitive coupon code "TYS5" at check-out! Yep, it really is just that simple to get a great deal (along with free shipping on orders over $20 which is a standard bonus offered) and help support a great mission in our "Hero Pack" care package project!

Click Here To View The Sponsors: http://www.ThankYouSoldier.com/sponsors.html

You can find a list of items we pack on our web site or select your own. No chocolate please or other items that can't handle a possible week or two ship times and extreme heat. Variety will always benefit the troops!

You can drop ship products directly to us at the address provided below:
Hero Packs Project
c/o Jonathan Gates
1028 Silver Lake Drive
Columbus, Georgia 31904

I placed an order from the site today to verify the coupon code and process is REAL easy to use. To drop ship to TYS, just enter the above address as the "Ship To" address.

You can also still support this project on our web site by clicking the secure "Donate" button and all donations are tax deductible.

God Bless America,
Jonathan Gates
Support@ThankYouSoldier.com.

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Twitter.

YouTube.

ThankYouSoldier is an official mission of East Highland United Methodist Church, Columbus, Georgia and is covered under the non-profit statue as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, your donation is tax deductible in accordance with applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Friends of Pike Co. Animals (FPCA) is pleased to announce its 2009 Wishful Pet Poster Contest winners from the Pike Co. Primary and Elementary Schools. One of FPCAs goals is to educate and inspire children to treat all pets with respect and kindness. The “Wishful Pet” could be an imagined pet or a real pet and the student would explain pet owner’s responsibilities, what the pets eats, grooming instructions, and habitat.

Teachers and faculty selected the overall class winners and ribbons were awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each grade. FPCA members and Dr. Duncan selected the overall Grand Prize Winners who received a gift certificate for a Family Specialty pizza pack from American Pie Pizzeria and a Movie Gallery Gift Card for four free movie rentals. All winners received prizes.

The Primary overall Grand Prize winners were: Grand Prize went to Anna Edwards from Ms. McCrary's Kindergarten class; 2nd Place went to Maegan Ham from Ms. C. Willis' First Grade Class; and 3rd Place went to Samantha Keel from Ms. Cox's Second Grade Class.

Other students who participated and were winners in their respected grades were: 2nd Place Alivia O’Steen, 3rd Place Kylee Brazel from Kindergarten; 1st Place Morgan Mathews, 2nd Place Keri Brooks, 3rd Place Autum Jeppesen, and Honorable Mention Quint Bussey from the First Grade; and 1st Place Lynda Ever, 2nd Place Carson Stewart, 3rd Place ShellyWadford, Honorable Mention Keoria Parham & Alyssa Ward from the Second Grade.

The Elementary overall Grand Prize winners were: Grand Prize went to Megan Baker from Ms. Gunn's Third grade class; 2nd Place went to Ansley Fancher from Ms. Sage's Third Grade Class; and 3rd Place went to Justin Potts from Ms. Pittman's Third Grade Class.

Other students who participated and were winners in their respected grades were: 2nd Place Meghan Warren, 3rd place (Tie) Sean Brady and Payton Mathews from the Third Grade. *No Posters were received from 4th grade students; and 1st Place Halie Wormsly, 2nd George Holt in the Fifth Grade.

Don Bailey, Chairman of Friends of Pike County Animals, extended a thank you to all of the children who participated in the Wishful Pet Poster contest, the teachers and faculty at both schools, Pike County Primary School Media Specialist Mrs. Mimi T. Roberts, and Pike County Elementary School Art Teacher Mrs. Kathy Harper for their assistance. Don also thanked the sponsors of the Wishful Pet Contest: American Pie Pizzeria, Movie Gallery, Crumb Crazy, and Awards and Graphics Unlimited in Barnesville for their support.

Friends of Pike Co. Animals was formed to provide a venue to discuss animal control assistance and issues, establish a partnership with local veterinarians and mobile spay and neuter clinics, establish rabies clinics twice a year, and provide public education through numerous available resources and sponsorship programs. Correspondence and donations may be sent to: Friends of Pike County Animals (FPCA), P.O. Box 314, Zebulon, GA 30295 or email friendsofpikecountyanimals@hotmail.com for more information.

Grand Prize winners from the Primary School are on the We Are Pike County page.

A sergeant with the 48th Infantry Brigade has been killed in Afghanistan.

Calhoun resident John D. Blair, a first sergeant with the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry based in Lawrenceville, was killed in action Saturday when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle in Mado Zayi, according to the Georgia Army National Guard.

Blair, 38, had “a true ‘follow me’ spirit,” said Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia’s adjutant general.

“He was a hero to the men he commanded and to the members of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team with whom he served,” Nesbitt said in a statement.

Blair “demonstrated courage and readiness to accept the same dangers that he asked of the soldiers under his command,” Gov. Sonny Perdue said in a news release. “Georgia has lost a brave and courageous leader.”

GAINESVILLE — Nearly two months after neck and spinal surgery derailed his plans to become the next governor of Georgia, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle says his heart is at peace although his body is still recovering.

In his first interview since the April 27 surgery to remove bone spurs between two of his vertebrae and repair a degenerative disc along another delicate portion of the spine, Cagle appeared fit, although his rail thin physique has added a few pounds.

With his wife, Nita, by his side, their white poodle, Tucker, nearby, Cagle settled into a large arm chair in the den of his home. The 43-year-old Republican was dressed in a stiff-collared dress shirt, dark slacks and black dress shoes. An orthopedic collar, the kind whiplash victims wear in courtroom dramas, sat on a nearby table. Cagle eyed it with disdain.

“This was a very significant surgery,” he said. “One that, quite candidly, the recovery time was a little more severe than I had prepared myself for.”

A few weeks before an Emory University surgeon slit open his throat, lifted aside his esophagus and voice box to remove the bone spurs and fuse his vertebrae together, Cagle stood before reporters and announced he was abandoning his bid to become the 2010 Republican nominee for governor.

That morning, a poll showed him with a double-digit lead over his nearest Republican opponent, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine.

The damage to his spine, near where it meets the neck, was too severe, he said. The pain and the risk to his future health, too great. Instead of running to replace Gov. Sonny Perdue, Cagle said, he would go under the knife and ask voters to return him to the lieutenant governor’s office.

When he announced his decision to the world, there were whispers that the medical condition was a front to hide more nefarious problems. Other Republicans even hinted there were problems in his marriage or that Cagle overstated the severity of his condition.

Cagle was operated upon on April 27 at Emory’s Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital in Tucker. The next day, his security detail drove him the 40 miles to his home here on a cul-de-sac in a middle-class subdivision.

It would be three weeks before he could take a few steps. Six weeks before he left the house (for another car ride back to see his surgeon). Last week, he began thrice-weekly trips to a physical therapist. It’ll be six months more before the athletic 43-year-old can swing a golf club or ride his bike or go for a jog.

Nita Cagle, also 43, said her husband knew, intellectually, that the recovery would be difficult, but the reality was much worse.

“The first time you take that bandage off, I think, was kind of a wake-up call,” she said. “You look in the mirror at that. When you actually look, and your throat was cut and they moved your voice box and esophagus over …”

“It’s far more invasive than you can really prepare yourself for,” Casey Cagle said. “When someone says you’re going to have difficulty swallowing … well, until you go through it, you don’t understand what that truly means. And when they say the pain is going to be pretty severe, you don’t know the magnitude of what that pain is until you go through it.”

But, both agree, things are improving. Before the surgery, the damage to his nervous system had caused great pain down his left arm, of which he had limited use. Now, he said, that arm is back to full strength. He’s beginning to get some stamina back and the physical therapist is working to strengthen his neck muscles and allows him limited, careful, exercise for his upper body.

His body is healing, and so is his psyche. That was the hardest part of the decision to abandon the governor’s race, Nita Cagle said.

“It’s hard to see his heart break like that,” she said. “Watching him make that decision was the hardest thing because he was giving up a dream he had, and putting our future first. But, still, he was peaceful about the decision because he felt like it was where we needed to be.”

Cagle said that when he ran for lieutenant governor in 2006 it was not with an eye toward West Paces Ferry and the governor’s mansion. But, midway through his first term as the state’s No. 2, he was already working toward that new address. He’d raised about $1.5 million, had hired staff and was the acknowledged front runner.

But his physical condition led him to believe he would be putting his future, and his family’s, at risk if he continued down that path. Total loss of the use of one arm was a distinct possibility. Paralysis was a threat.

Running for governor in a wide-open field, with a half-dozen other Republicans seeking the nomination, and at least four Democrats on the other side, would be too difficult, he decided. He shut down the campaign for governor and announced a bid for re-election.

“With the governor’s race, you’ve got to give 110 percent,” Cagle said. “You can’t be sidelined in that process as long as we potentially could have been.”

Running for re-election, while difficult and challenging, is different.

“Running for re-election doesn’t start until the end of this year,” he said, “whereas the governor’s race started last year. And there’s a huge difference there and being an incumbent seeking re-election is very different.”

Indeed, the two sitting state senators who had already announced a bid for his office, Republicans Eric Johnson of Savannah and David Shafer of Duluth, withdrew to clear the path for Cagle. Johnson is now running for governor and Shafer, who has only suspended his campaign for lieutenant governor, is focused on re-election to the Senate. “Eric and David were obviously very gracious and understanding,” Cagle said.

“Because this was not something I chose. Just something I had really no choice on the matter from a physical point of view.”

Cagle hopes to return to his office in Atlanta next month, although he’s been working, some, from home. He’s spoken with Perdue several times, he said, and with House Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram). His staff has made things easier, he said.

He’s kept up with the news of the day, he said, including the overhaul this week of leadership of the state Department of Transportation.

The state’s financial situation, too, weighs on him. Should the governor call lawmakers back for a special session this summer — it would be August at the earliest — to make more budget cuts, he said he’d be there, standing behind his familiar podium in the Senate, read to lead.

If lawmakers don’t return until their normal time in January, he’ll be ready for that, too, he said.

“I’m going to have the opportunity to do some things from a public policy perspective that I’m very excited about,” he said.

“I’m at peace with it,” he said. “I’m very much at peace with where we are.”

Check out what the latest in exercise can do for you! Boxing offers a unique, all-body cardio and strength training workout!
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Join us for Manic Saturday on July 11, 2009 from 9am - 2pm. Classes start at 9:00 am. Group Power, Group Step, Cycling, Yoga, P90X, Speed & Agility Training, Tae Kwon Do, and Boxing. Complete 3 or more classes and receive a free t-shirt! FREE Childcare during classes!

Door Prizes and T-Shirts. Bring a friend and be entered into a drawing for a FREE MONTH!

Centerfield Sports and Fitness is located at 1150 Hwy 19N, Zebulon, GA. 770-567-4487.

The House this week debated the year's first appropriations bill, which would fund the Departments of Justice and Commerce. Republicans offered more than 100 amendments that aimed mainly to cut the level of spending in the bill.

Well, of course, Democrats don't want Americans hearing Republicans' ideas for cutting spending. Right after debate started, Speaker Pelosi changed the rules of the game and decided that the GOP wouldn't be able to offer any amendments!

Lynn joined a cadre of fellow House Republicans to fight back, using every parliamentary device in the book to stop the Democrats power grab by slowing down the process. The Republicans forced the House to vote 53 times Thursday -- a modern record, according to the House parliamentarian.

The following comes from an Associated Press story today that quotes Lynn on the GOP's tactics:

"The voting marathon grew out of a nasty spat earlier this week on floor rules for the spending bill.

"Traditionally, there are no limits to the amendments that can be offered to spending, or appropriations, bills. But when Republicans proposed more than 100 amendments to the bill, the first of 12 appropriation bills Congress must pass for the budget year beginning in October, Democrats balked, changing the rules to limit amendments and the time allowed to debate each measure.

"Republicans were outraged. "To deny us our rights protected under the Constitution denies the American people their chance to say how much spending is enough," House Republican leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said.

" 'They cut debate off,' said Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-Ga., during the 'vote-athon.' 'We're just trying to use what options and things we have within the rules.' "

Lynn (last) week regretted that he had to oppose the bill to fund the war effort because Democrats tacked on $108 billion in loan guarantees to the International Monetary Fund. The vast majority of House Republicans and a handful of Democrats joined Westmoreland in opposition, but the bill passed the House. Later in the week, it passed the Senate and now heads to the president's desk for his signature.

“American troops are waging a war that has gone on for years and members of Congress should be able to vote to fund the war with no strings attached,” Lynn said. “Instead, we’re getting an alleged war spending bill that actually spends more money on the International Monetary Fund than on the war.”

The legislation provides just under $80 billion for the war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan over the next year. It provides additional money for other defense-related funds and Westmoreland voted for a bipartisan troop funding bill earlier this year that didn’t include the IMF funding.

“Americans overseas are fighting for us in wars. And Americans at home are fighting to pay the bills during a time of extraordinary economic difficulty,” Westmoreland continued. “We have the ability to bounce back out of this recession, but we can’t afford to pay for a global bailout – we have more than enough bailouts going on in our own country, thank you very much. The irony of all this is that we have to borrow money from other countries, particularly China, in order to lend money to the IMF, which then lends money to countries that aren't friendly toward the United States.

“I hate to vote against a bill that funds our troops. We in Congress have a duty and a responsibility to them. But today’s bill does them a disservice, because these troops are also American citizens and they’ll come home and have to join all the rest of us in paying off this gigantic debt that the Democrats are running up.”

The following is Lynn's YouTube statement on this bill:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DqvXjm53mA.

And is a story and TV clip by WSB-TV on this issue:
www.wsbtv.com/news/19791783/detail.html.

Today is a day of joy for some and pain for others. Maybe your Dad has passed on and you can honor him today in some way. Maybe your relationship is strained for some reason and there is a chance that it could be mended. Maybe you have "adopted" someone as your father and you can make their day today in some way.

Make this Father's Day a memorable one.

On Saturday the 13th of June 2009 the Georgia Authors of the Year were awarded at the KSC center in Kennesaw,Georgia.

I did not win an award for my book "Sunday's with Papa T: A River Adventure" in the children picture book group. The winner in the picture book group was an non-fiction called River Beds: Rivers of the world.

For our first time at these awards we have a very nice time. Meeting authors with years of experiences and meeting first time authors like myself.

To my wife's and my treat came at the dinner meal, while sitting with a couple of authors at our table the guest of honor and his wife ask to sit at our table. Some people know this man as a legend of sports writing for years in the AJC. He also was the only sports writer to interview "Shoeless" Joe Jackson. This mans name Furman Bisher!! He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.

"We didn't win the award, but I am still a winner in the support from families, friends and support from the local citizens! Thanks to everyone, Maybe next year!!"

Click on either of the following links to find out more about Tommy's book, "Sunday's with Papa T: A River Adventure". www.georgiawriters.org/content/view/26/29/ or www.tommybatchelor.com.

"Sunday's with Papa T: A River Adventure" is for sale at either A Novel Experience in Zebulon and Creekside Crafts Country Gifts in Milner. $1.00 per book sold is donated to The Georgia River Network at www.garivers.org. Work has begun on the second book " It's a River Camp Out and We Don't Eat Rock Worms".

The Spalding County Tea Party will be held from 11 am until 1 pm on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at the Spalding County Courthouse located at 119 E. Solomon Street in Griffin, Georgia.

According to the website www.teapartypatriots.org/ and organizer Kathy Harper, "No Politicians will be allowed to speak! This is our tea party, it's for US and not THEM! Come out and speak your mind. Share your thoughts about the state of our economy with fellow taxpayers!"

The public is welcome to join in this event regardless of your home county.

This event features family fun attractions, amazing live shows, a rubber duck derby to benefit charity, a live musical concert, great food and a fireworks extravaganza. Admission is only $20 per vehicle (regardless of the number of occupants), or $30 per bus.

Admission includes unlimited use of attractions. Family fun attractions include: locomotive train rides, hay rides, the cow train, a rock climbing wall, inflatables, the giant jumping pillow, family bicycles, pony rides, family dodge ball, the watermelon cannon, the petting zoo, paddle boats, cane pole fishing, and much more. There will be activities provided by the Atlanta Braves, Hawks and Thrashers, a reptile show by Jason Clark of Animal Planet, master puppeteer Peter Hart, story teller Harvey Wilson, a paintball shooting range presented by paintball-outfitter.com, a cow milking exhibition, an antique tractor display and the America I Am - African American Imprint (traveling American history museum).

The presentation prior to the fireworks will include a live concert by national Christian recording artist Andrew Carlton who will sing some patriotic tunes in addition to his own hit songs www.andrewcarlton.com.

Gates will open at 2 pm and the fireworks extravaganza will begin at dark. No pets and no outside food or drinks are permitted. However, a variety of great food options will be available to purchase. Food choices include Chick-fil-A sandwiches, Chick-fil-A Ice Dream, funnel cakes, hamburgers and hot dogs, Bar-B-Q Pork, ribs, pizza, cotton candy, sno cones, popcorn, ice cold lemonade, boiled peanuts and more.

Another exciting addition to the 10th annual presentation of Celebrate America is The Great American Duck Derby presented by Stepping Stones Educational Therapy Center. Thousands of rubber ducks will race down Hopeful Beaver Creek at The Rock Ranch and the owner of the winning duck will be awarded $5,000.00 (with a chance to win a million). Ducks may be adopted for $5 each on site or they may be pre-purchased on-line. (Click here here to adopt a duck). Contestants in the duck derby do not have to be present to win and all proceeds from the duck derby benefit Stepping Stones (an educational therapy center that serves special needs children).

We invite your family to be a part of this event. Join us as we assemble to celebrate this land, our freedoms as Americans and those who fought and are fighting to preserve those freedoms to 'Celebrate America'.

For more information visit www.therockranch.com.

Debbie Manderson, who currently resides in South Carolina, needs a kidney transplant to save her life. Family and friends in Georgia are planning a poker run to help Manderson with the expensive costs of transplantation.

“Save a Life” Motorcycle Poker Run will be held on Saturday, June 20 with an 11 a.m. start. The ride begins and ends at Kevin’s Korner Bar on 1580 Williamson Rd. in Griffin, Ga. $10 entry fee/$5 for each additional hand. Contact Tina: tec52@yahoo.com or 770-584-7976.

The poker run will end with festivities at Kevin’s Korner Bar, including a raffle, auction and music. All proceeds will benefit the National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) and will assist Manderson with her transplant-related expenses.

Manderson, a cosmetologist, recently began experiencing extreme fatigue and swelling in her legs. After a series of tests, she was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a rare and incurable kidney disease. She now faces end-stage renal failure, and doctors say a kidney transplant is her only hope for a second chance at life.

A kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000, and that is only the beginning. Manderson, who does not have insurance, faces significant expenses related to the transplant, follow-up care and medication. Vital anti-rejection medications can cost as much as $5,000 each month, and she must take them every day for the rest of her life. These medications are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself.

To help alleviate some of these financial burdens, Manderson turned to NFT for assistance. NFT is a nonprofit organization that helps patients raise funds to pay for transplant-related expenses.

“It’s heartbreaking to see patients like Debbie struggle with these soaring medical expenses,” said Lauren Wilmer, NFT fundraising consultant. “Even when she receives her transplant, she will face a lifetime of expenses to keep her new kidney healthy. At NFT, we work with transplant patients so they can raise the necessary funds to live a full and happy life.”

To make a tax-deductible donation in honor of Manderson, please send a contribution to the NFT South Carolina Kidney Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write “in honor of Debbie Manderson” on the memo line. Secure donations also can be made online at www.transplants.org. Donors should click on “Patients We Help” to locate Manderson.

About NFT

NFT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Memphis, Tenn. that has been helping transplant patients overcome financial obstacles since 1983. NFT provides fundraising expertise and advocacy to transplant patients by organizing fundraising campaigns in the patients’ own communities.

NFT currently assists more than 800 transplant candidates and recipients nationwide. For more information about NFT, please call 800-489-3863 or visit www.transplants.org.

Some have noted that they are experiencing delays this year in the receipt of refunds or even in the state cashing their payments. Georgians have the option to file their state tax returns either electronically (over the internet) or using traditional paper forms. When returns are filed electronically, they do not need to be physically opened, nor do they require data entry. For this reason, the time required to process and to issue refunds for returns filed electronically has stayed consistent - and quick - at 6 to 10 days. While the processing of electronic claims has stayed the same, working through this year's paper claims is taking longer.

In prior years, the Department of Revenue would process a paper return in 4 to 10 weeks. However, recent budget cuts have increased the time taken to process paper returns. In the amended FY09 budget, the state had to find around $2 billion in cuts because of the economic downturn and agencies were asked to submit proposals to reduce spending. The Department of Revenue proposed to reduce its budget by $2.4 million by eliminating two shifts of temporary workers that were used to process paper claims.

At the same time that capacity dropped, the number of claims filed has stayed roughly consistent. So, with an equal workload and less capacity, a backlog has developed. The date that a return was filed has a direct effect on when citizens can expect to receive their return. It is a given that everyone is more anxious to receive their refund this year because of the economy.

According to the Revenue Department, here are the turnaround times for paper returns based on the date the Department received them:
Prior to April 1st - 10 to 12 weeks
April 1st to 10th - 12 to 14 weeks
After April 10th - 14 to 20 weeks

MORE INSIGHT ON GEORGIA'S STATE REVENUE

INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAXES - "Incoming is down, Outgoing is Up"

Individual Income Taxes - In the 2009 Fiscal Year, only two months, September and November exceeded the previous years same month, and only by about $30 million each.

The other eight months total a decline of some $884 million in FY09 under FY08.

Individual Income Taxes are 50% of state revenues. Some categories making huge decreases were Estimated Payments - $353 million or 28.6% and individual returns down $177 million or 25.6%.

Conversely, refunds to individuals are up $71 million but only 3.8%. Individual income tax payments to the state are down by $145 million and refunds are up on over 200,000 returns totaling $70 million.

SALES TAXES

Sales tax revenues have declined 8.31% YTD. This is a shade better than the 9.83% that Individual Income Taxes have declined YTD.

The distribution to local governments has declined about the same amount as the overall decline, -7.8% which is somewhat of a surprise, because it shows that local sales tax revenues are declining at approximately the same rate as state sales taxes.

Within categories, home furnishings were up in May by about 9% and manufacturing sales tax collections were up about 10% for May. Automotive sales taxes were down 44% over May of 2008.

Motor Fuel continues to lag, down by 13.7% combined, with the drop in fuel prices decreasing the sales taxes by 19%. Additionally, usage by the gallon continues to decrease excise tax collections some 7.4% YTD.

Corporate Income Taxes are off 26.7%. Refunds are up 54.5%, estimated payments down 20%, S Corp income taxes down 36% but assessments were up 289% or $47 million.

Whether there are green shoots of recovery sprouting or just more weeds due to the rain is debatable.

Thank you for your interest. Please contact me if I may be of assistance at (404) 463-1366 or at ronnie.chance@senate.ga.gov.

The Gordon College Association of Student Nurses and the American Red Cross are co-sponsoring a blood drive Thursday, June 25 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Alumni Memorial Hall.

There is an extreme need for Type O Negative blood across the state, according to the Red Cross.

In keeping with the summer vacation season and to make donating a little more fun, the event will have a luau theme, according to Tara Babb, a member of GCANS.

“We appreciate anyone who can come out and help us help the Red Cross,” Babb said.

Babb is also vying for a scholarship sponsored by the Red Cross which is based on the amount of blood collected.

The Board of Commissioners will be having 2 workshops next week on Thursday, June 25th. The first workshop will be at 4:00 pm and will discuss junk yards. The second workshop will start at 5:00 pm and will discuss the FY 2010 budget.

The public is invited to attend.

The Eighth Annual Fourth of July Parade will be held at 4 p.m. on July 4th. The parade will begin at the Primary School and come down Highway 19 past the Courthouse Square and end up at the Recreation Complex.

The theme is "Back in the Day". Churches, business owners, and organizations are encouraged to be a part of this parade. There is no charge to participate.

The parade is sponsored by the Pike County Emergency Service Auxiliary. Applications need to be obtained and returned as soon as possible by calling Teri Totten at 770-567-5191.

The Pride of Pike Fourth of July celebration will be held at the Recreation Soccer Complex. Gates open at 4 p.m. There is a $5 per car parking fee to offset expenses for this event.

"We are planning an event that we hope will be very enjoyable to all that visit the park that day," said Kevin Teate, Director of the Pike County Parks & Recreation Authority.

There will be arts, crafts, and food vendors with games and entertainment until dark when the fireworks show will begin. Connections Church is even providing a Diaper Changing Station for parents of young children.

"Alcohol and pets are not allowed," Kevin said, "and smoking is allowed only in designated areas." Kevin also said that tables and chairs are not being rented this year so the public is encouraged to bring lawnchairs and blankets to enjoy this event.

The line up for this year's events can be viewed at www.eteamz.com/pikecorec/news/. Volunteer and vendor information can be found on this page as well.

The line up is subject to change between now and the event so bookmark the page or go to the Pike County Times.com Links page and click on Pike County Recreation to go to their website.

One change that should be noted is that The Ben Ratliff Band will play from 10 to 11 p.m. after the fireworks. This should help with traffic after the event because it will allow some to leave while others enjoy the music and leave when the concert is over at 11 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: Twin Oaks Road will be closed from 2 pm until 12 midnight on July 4th. The road will be closed at Twin Oaks Road and County Farm Road to just beyond the entrance to the soccer complex. The portion of Twin Oaks Road that runs in front of the residents’ homes will not be closed so they can have unrestricted access to their property from Drew Allen Road.

Our "Hero of the Week" is SSG Jason C. Hickswho was killed in action in March 2003 when the helicopter he was on crashed in Afghanistan. At the time, he was part of a rescue group transporting two children with life-threatening head injuries to Kandahar. Thank you for your service and sacrifice SSG Hicks. You are gone but not forgotten!

Click Here To View The Site: www.ThankYouSoldier.com.

We shipped out another 3 "Hero Pack" care packages this week bringing our total to 196 as we creep upon our new (very easily reached) goal of 200. Support this cause, support this mission! And send in your deployed names and addresses so we can send them a care package too.

A new Blog posted called "Tomb of the Unknown" with some great info, facts, and a video of the changing of the guard at the Tomb. This is a good read and wonderful memorial for those who have made the served our country.

As always, if you would like to support this project you can do so on the web site by clicking the secure "Donate" button and all donations are tax deductible.

God Bless America,
Jonathan Gates
Support@ThankYouSoldier.com.

Facebook Link.

Twitter.

YouTube.

ThankYouSoldier is an official mission of East Highland United Methodist Church, Columbus, Georgia and is covered under the non-profit statue as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, your donation is tax deductible in accordance with applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

“The Taking of Pelham 123” (Sony Pictures)

Top Rate Action Combined With Top Rate Acting

John Travolta and Denzel Washington are at the top of their game in the new movie “The Taking of Pelham 123.” Combine that with fast paced direction from Tony Scott and you have a super summertime movie. The film is a retelling of the 1974 film of the same name that starred Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw, but there are distinct differences in this new production.

The film starts with a man named Ryder (Travolta) hijacking a subway line under the city of New York. He takes eighteen hostages and demands ten million dollars as ransom. The City has one hour to meet his demands or he will start killing hostages. He is not kidding.

When he phones in his demands the man who answers the call is Walter Garber (Washington). Garber has his own problems with the subway management in that he has been accused of taking a bribe and is under investigation. Still he does his best to calm Ryder down and make progress in getting the hostages released.

The big change in this film is the back stories of the lead characters. It gives the film more depth and adds to the audience’s involvement. It also shifts most of the emphasis away from subordinate characters such as the mediator (John Turturro), the Mayor (James Gandolfini) and Ryder’s co-conspirator Phil Ramos (Luis Guzman). The film is basically a duel between the two lead characters and that is where the focus stays.

Travolta is chilling as the psychopath who holds eighteen people’s lives at risk. He is rough looking, profane and coldly calculating. He seems friendly enough at times but that is a front. Underneath he is evil to the bone and Travolta gets every nuance right.

Washington is the heart of the film as Garber. He has his faults but overall he is a truly decent human being. You are pulling for Garber from the moment he is introduced on screen and your feelings for him never falter.

The film is rated R for profanity and violence.

Tony Scott keeps the action moving from the first instances of the film until the last. He films it all at a frenetic pace and uses car crashes and violent acts to jolt the viewer from time to time. But the action never diminishes the solid plot of the film, and it never overwhelms the superb acting that is occurring.

“The Taking of Pelham 123” is a solidly entertaining movie that is made even better by the acting talents on view. Scott serves up a fast-paced, tense story but Travolta and Washington elevate it even more with their skills.

I scored “The Taking of Pelham 123” a speeding 7 out of 10.

©2009 Jackie K. Cooper

Official Website

Jackie has many movie reviews on his website at www.jackiekcooper.com including "Imagine That" with Eddie Murphy. Jackie also has reviews of the latest books, DVDs, television shows as well as columns on life and living in the South.

U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland today regretted that he had to vote against the bill to fund the war effort because Democrats tacked on $108 billion in loan guarantees to the International Monetary Fund. All House Republicans and a handful of Democrats joined Westmoreland in opposition, but the bill passed the House.

“American troops are waging a war that has gone on for years and members of Congress should be able to vote to fund the war with no strings attached,” Westmoreland said. “Instead, we’re getting an alleged war spending bill that actually spends more money on the International Monetary Fund than on the war.”

The legislation provides just under $80 billion for the war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan over the next year. It provides additional money for other defense-related funds and Westmoreland voted for a bipartisan troop funding bill earlier this year that didn’t include the IMF funding.

“Americans overseas are fighting for us in wars. And Americans at home are fighting to pay the bills during a time of extraordinary economic difficulty,” Westmoreland continued. “We have the ability to bounce back out of this recession, but we can’t afford to pay for a global bailout – we have more than enough bailouts going on in our own country, thank you very much. The irony of all this is that we have to borrow money from other countries, particularly China, in order to lend money to the IMF, which then lends money to countries that hate the United States.

“I hate to vote against a bill that funds our troops. We in Congress have a duty and a responsibility to them. But today’s bill does them a disservice, because these troops are also American citizens and they’ll come home and have to join all the rest of us in paying off this gigantic debt that the Democrats are running up.”

The Pike County Sheriff’s Department has partnered with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce to present a “Citizens Law Enforcement Awareness Academy”.

“It is our hope that the graduates will become partners with us in identifying problems and solutions to those problems that affect our community and take their knowledge of the department back into their neighborhoods and build a stronger and safer community,” states Sheriff Thomas.

To date two classes have been held: the first was part of the Leadership Pike program this year and the second was held in May with members of the Board of Commissioners, County Manager, County Attorney, members of the Chamber Board of Directors and active community citizens.

This four-hour class is designed to give participants the opportunity to get an up-close look at the Sheriff’s Department including how traffic stops are handled, warrants, a K-9 demonstrations, a jail tour and a mock weapons qualification at the firing range.

The next class will be held on June 23, 2009 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Applications are available at the Chamber offices or the Sheriff’s Department. There is no cost to attend.

For more information about the program please call the Chamber office at (770) 567-2029 or the Sheriff’s Department at (770) 567-8431.

Article and photo courtesy of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. Photo on the We Are Pike County page.

At 85, Mary Whitehurst is the oldest student we have participating in Spalding County Parks and Recreation ceramics classes. She is very talented and has a great eye for color. She enjoys the fellowship and interaction with the other students as she works on pieces large and small for her home. Miss Mary also has something else that none of our other students have: three generations of her family are enrolled in ceramics together right now.

Each week you can find Miss Marry along with her daughter, Wanda Cavendar, and her granddaughter, Adrianne White, utilizing their talents as they explore the diverse field of ceramics. They are always open to the challenge of learning new techniques or improving on the ones they feel most comfortable with. These ladies prove that you are never too old or too young to enjoy ceramics. It is truly a hobby for all generations and a great way to create memories.

Ceramics classes are offered at 841 Memorial Drive ( the old Cook's shopping center) in Griffin. Classes are held on Tuesday evenings from 5-9:30 pm and on Wednesdays from 11 am-3:30 pm. Quarterly registration dues for those who come once a week are $21 for 3 months, or $ 31.50 every 3 months for those who want to come to both the Tuesday and the Wednesday classes. You come when you can, stay as long as you want, choose your own piece and work at your own pace. Instructors Diana Clark and Diane Pugh are on hand to give support, help and advice.

Feel free to stop in any time to check things out and get the grand tour. For more information call Spalding County Parks & Recreation at 770-467-4750.

Photo and article courtesy of Diana Clark. Photo on the We Are Pike County page.

From the Griffin Daily News: Steve Hicks of Bubba and Friends in Zebulon presented a raptor talk on Wednesday, June 10 for students in the University of Georgia Research and Education Garden’s Kids Nature Exploration class. Led by UGA Master Gardener Barbara Harris, the week-long camp introduced 25 students to a variety of nature topics including insects, bats, raptors, and bird watching. Al the great horned owl was the guest of honor.

To see a picture of Al and find out more about what Bubba and Friends, Inc. and their raptor rehabilitation program, click here.

Warden Edd Sanders has been at the West Central Georgia facility for almost exactly twelve years. Some things have changed over this time including the change to Women’s Pre-Release Center.

West Central Pre-Release Center became the first exclusively female Pre-Release Center on May 1, 2008 and houses minimum and medium security inmates with less than five years left until their release. West Central Georgia Pre-Release Center is part of the Department of Corrections.

A special emphasis is placed on giving inmates the skills that they need to re-enter civilian life after their release. This enables them to stay in civilian life after their release.

Warden Edd Sanders explained that one of the requirements of anyone who enters this facility is that they must earn their GED while they are in the facility if they do not already have a GED or High School diploma. “This is not a state requirement,” Edd explained. “This is my requirement.”

The test for GED is administered four to five times each year by a GED Instructor or staff from Griffin Technical College. This past month, nine women earned their GED certificates.

Computer classes are also offered to teach Power Point, Excel, and Microsoft Word. This nine week course is taught for two full days each week by a staff member of Middle Georgia Technical College. 19 women graduated from the latest course.

On May 27, 2009, The Department of Corrections honored the West Central Pre-Release Center as being the 2008 Center of the Year. The Fifth Annual Georgia Department of Corrections Awards Program was held on the historic Tift College Campus in Forsyth.

“West Central PRC upholds the Department’s mission of addressing re-entry needs of offenders,” said Commissioner Brian Owens. “We are proud of the Center’s efforts in managing offenders and helping them re-enter society.”

The Department of Corrections also honored Raynard Smith as Facilities Supervisor of the Year. Raynard has been with the Department of Corrections for 32 years. He is Administration Duty Officer for West Central and Lamar Pre-Release Centers.

“Raynard exerts the professionalism, passion and performance the Department looks for,” said Commissioner Brian Owens. “He does excellent work and we are honored to recognize him for what he does.”

The Department of Corrections is the fifth largest prison system in the United States and is responsible for supervising nearly 60,000 state prisoners and over 160,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 15,000 employees.

Pictures are on the We Are Pike County page.

Impact Christian Ministries is a Community Outreach Ministry that is beginning in Barnesville. It began as an idea from Rock Springs Church and is growing into a ministry to help in the community.

Ken Page will be broadcasting on WBAF 1090 a.m. in Barnesville from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. on the first three Saturday mornings in June. Readers can find out about this ministry and how you can help in this mission in the Barnesville community.

There will be a meeting on June 27th for those interested in this ministry. Keep an eye on the Calendar of Events page for more information as the time and place become available.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce will be holding its first Member Showcase Expo, “Under the Big Top” on Thursday, August 20th from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Outreach Center at the Boys & Girls Club in Concord.

Take advantage of this opportunity to showcase your business to the public and fellow business owners. The committee will be working hard to insure a great turnout for this event. All businesses are encouraged to register as exhibitors. Cost for exhibitor space is $55 for Chamber Members who register before July 1st, $65 after July 1st. Non Chamber Member Businesses can register for $100. Exhibit space includes a 10’ x 10’ area with an eight foot table; access to electricity and two chairs.

The Chamber will host an Exhibitor’s Workshop Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, August 5th where exhibitors can get booth ideas, how to make the most of their experience and more!

For more information or to register, call the Chamber at (770) 567-2029 or go to www.pikecountygachamber.com.

Kerry and Heather McLaurin of Forsyth announce the birth of their son Kaiden O’Neal McLaurin born on March 17, 2009 in Thomaston.

He weighed 7 pounds and 10 ounces and was 20 inches long. Kaiden joins his sister Gianna.

Maternal grandparents are Bob and Diana Clark of Meansville. Maternal great-grandfather is George Mortensen of Meansville.

Paternal grandparents are Freddy and Rita McLaurin of Macon.

The Georgia Theatre Company and Griffin Stadium Cinemas presents the 2009 Summer Kid Show Series. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from June through July 30th, parents can take their children to see movies at a reduced rate.

Admission is only $1 and child-size drinks and popcorn are only $1.50 each.

Doors open at 9:15 a.m. with movies starting promptly at 10 a.m. Arrive early because seating is limited. For more information, call 770-227-3308 or go to www.GeorgiaTheatreCompany.com.

Nathan and Dixie Benson of Barnesville announce the birth of their son Benjamin Luke Benson born on March 18, 2009 in Thomaston.

He weighed 6 pounds and 3 ounces and was 19 inches long. Luke joins siblings Mikayla, Rob, and Kiera Benson.

Maternal grandparents are Bob and Diana Clark of Meansville. Maternal great-grandfather is George Mortensen of Meansville.

Paternal grandparents are Tom and Elaine Benson of Barnesville.

The Pike County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division has concluded an investigation into allegations involving Assistant Principal Jim Williams.

This thorough investigation involved countless hours of reviewing hundreds of pages of phone records and interviews with witnesses including the complainant and Mr. Williams.

Upon compiling all information, Investigators met with the District Attorney’s Office and it was determined that there is no criminal violation of the law based on current evidence gathered at this time.

In compliance with the Georgia Open Records Act, the Sheriff’s Office is in the process of providing all documentation to the Pike County Board of Education. This is being provided at their expense to determine if any personnel policy violations have occurred.

Any persons with new information in regard to this case should contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 770-567-8431.

Jim Williams has resigned from his position as assistant principal at Pike County High School. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission will decide if he gets to keep his professional educator's license.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Duncan said the school district completed an internal investigation of Williams, and is working closely with the GPSC "as it takes on the next phase of this investigation." Williams is accused of using text messages in an attempt to foster an inappropriate relationship with a female student. Duncan said the standards commission will review the allegations and determine if Williams violated Georgia rules of ethics.

The standards commission will decide if Williams can work in school systems in the future. The board of education has no say on whether Williams keeps or loses his educator's license, Duncan said.

Williams resigned June 5.

The board reportedly discussed the former assistant principal Tuesday, June 9, in a closed session lasting about three hours. Members took no action regarding Williams after returning to open session.

A Griffin man was hospitalized Thursday after a three-car accident at the intersection of Byrd and Thomaston Streets.

Witnesses say the collision occurred around 8:30am when a gray Chevrolet Malibu driven by Ruth Washington of Barnesville rear-ended a Ford Taurus driven by Stanley Davis of Griffin. Davis had stopped behind a black Honda CRV that was waiting to make a left-hand turn onto Byrd Street.

The impact knocked Davis’ vehicle into a front yard of a home at 722 Thomaston Street and Washington’s Malibu came to a rest on the front steps of the next-door neighbor, at 720 Thomaston Street.

Witnesses said Washington’s vehicle appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed when the collision occurred and that Davis’ vehicle spun 360 degrees before it came to a rest. The Taurus left no skid marks, they added.

Becky Watts and R.N. Devane contributed to this article.

(CNSNews.com ) - When President Obama signaled last week that he wants a government-run, government-owned health insurance provision to be included in the health-care reform bill being readied in the Senate, only one of the nation’s top five, large-circulation newspapers thought it was worthy of front-page coverage.

The Los Angeles Times, which has the fourth highest newspaper circulation in the country, reported the story on its front page last Thursday.

The 933-word article, titled “Insurance mandate on the table; Obama indicates he’s now open to idea in healthcare overhaul,” said that Obama “signaled new openness to the idea of the government requiring that most Americans get medical insurance.”

In the text of the story, the Times added: "At the same time, the president, who rejected such a mandate during the campaign, reaffirmed in strong terms his determination to offer a government-run healthcare plan as an alternative to private insurance."

The letter that Obama wrote to Sens. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.) expressed support for a so-called “public option” for health insurance – codewords for government-owned, government-run health insurance. The letter followed a meeting last Tuesday in which Obama met with senior Democratic senators to discuss health-care reform last Tuesday.

“I strongly believe that Americans should have the choice of a public health insurance option operating alongside private plans,” Obama’s letter said. “This will give them a better range of choices, make the health care market more competitive, and keep insurance companies honest.”

The other top-five circulating newspapers ran the story about Obama’s letter on page four or deeper within the paper.

Read the rest of the story by clicking here.

(CNSNews.com) -- The House Administration Committee has unanimously approved a resolution directing the Architect of the Capitol to engrave the National Motto -- “In God We Trust” – and the Pledge of Allegiance inside the new Capitol Visitor Center (CVC).

“While the Capitol Visitor Center did a good job in incorporating many elements, I believe there are two important (items) that were absent -- the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Motto ‘In God We Trust,’” Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Calif.) said Wednesday.

“I am pleased that this resolution remedies this oversight and incorporates those important parts of our national heritage into the CVC,” Lungren added.

Congress established the National Motto --“In God We Trust” -- in 1956. The words, which are found on U.S. currency, have been engraved over the Speaker’s rostrum in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1962. But they were left off the replica of the rostrum found in the new visitor center.

The resolution approved in committee on Wednesday also corrects a mistake in the visitor center, which wrongly identified the National Motto as "E Pluribus Unum" (out of many, one).

The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Calif.), came about because he, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and dozens of other conservative lawmakers noticed the omission of the motto eveb before the $621-million facility opened last December.

Conservatives were also extremely unhappy because curators removed religious language from some of the center’s historical displays.

Read the rest of the story by clicking here.

A suggestion was made to me this morning to put my updates back in blue so readers can tell when I've done an update on the page--especially with Commission meetings where it sometimes takes a week or more to finish a meeting.

I've done this to most of the front page today and will continue this in the future because it does make changes easier to spot. It also lets me know when I have to follow up on something so there is accountability there. (Thanks for the suggestion, Carol!)

I welcome suggestions and constructive criticism on the website. I also welcome contributions from Guest Columnists and pictures from events that I don't get to attend. This is a community website. As far as I am concerned, this is how it should be and I've tried to do this from the beginning of the website through today.

Thanks for reading the Pike County Times. I appreciate you reading this website to get your news and community events for Pike and the surrounding counties.

Tuesday night’s meeting of the Board of Education ended up being a marathon session that began at 7:00 pm and lasted until well after 10:00 pm.

The following employees are retiring and were recognized for their years of service: Julian Graham, Loyd Thomas, Jane Bottoms, Rick Ayer, Dr. Barbara Messer, Dr. Dan Dunnahoo, and Stella Kiblinger.

Not all of the retirees were present at the meeting, but we certainly wish them all a full and happy retirement.

The majority of the evening the board spent in Executive Session. At the end of a very lengthy Executive session, the board did nothing.

The board did approve a budget for $22,615,569.05 (twenty two million, six hundred fifteen, five hundred sixty nine dollars and five cents). A roll call vote was requested and the results are as follows:

VOTES TO APPROVE
April Byrd-voted to approve
Fred Blackman-voted to approve
J.L. Wynn-voted to approve
Lori Ann Turner-voted to approve

VOTES TO NOT APPROVE
Roger Greene-voted not to approve
Dr. William Bell-voted not to approve

After the vote was taken Mrs. Byrd spoke of her disappointment in the board for not being able to present a unanimous decision to approve the budget.

Dr. Bell made a statement that he appreciated the hard work that staff had put into the budget. He spoke of how hard the decision was for him to not just "go along", but felt that under the circumstances, he had to vote against the proposed budget. He mentioned the hard times that many of our families are now being faced with in the county and he felt that the budget could have been cut further. Mr. Roger Greene stood firm with Dr. Bell and both gentlemen received an ovation from those present.


[Note from the Editor: Carol began her write-up with the following quote: "Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened." - Billy Graham]

[Note from the Editor: A copy of the draft budget may be viewed at the J. Joel Edwards Library, The Pike County Courthouse and at the Commissioners office, 79 Jackson Street, Zebulon GA. (Thanks Carol!) Public hearings on the budget will be held at a later date, and the approved budget from the 2008-2009 year is online at pikecounty.ga.gov/commissioners/.]

Update 6.10.09: This was a long meeting so I'm going to give a quick recap and then go through it as it happened. The biggest item of the day is the fact that the Commissioners voted to approve the CATF - SPLOST Committee's recommendations for the proposed 6 year SPLOST with the inclusion of the cities. I will upload this list from wifi because it would take an hour to upload at this time of the night from my computer. (Yes, it's quiet and I'm working late so the entire country is online and I have dial up.)

This $6 million SPLOST (1 cent sales tax) includes $3,500,000 for a Judicial Complex and Courthouse Renovations; $400,000 for the Recreation Authority; $75,000 for the Agribusiness Authority; $75,000 for the Library; $600,000 for roads; and $150,000 for the Animal Shelter. $1.2 million will be split among the Municipalities according to population. Update 6.13.09: Click here to view the SPLOST for the 2009 ballot.

No ISO rating yet. ISO advised that they are working on rating the City of Atlanta and will have our ISO ratings to us by the end of the month or first of July when all ISO ratings are issued.

Fire Districts were approved in a 3-1 vote. Residential amounts were lowered and commercial is now rated on the same scale as residential.

The 8 month budget can be looked at through the link above. A workshop is scheduled on the budget on Thursday, June 25th at 5 p.m. [Note from the Editor: Nancy sends these out to everyone so if it changes, I will let readers know.]

A vote to purchase electronic voting machines at a savings to taxpayers if looking at the last election numbers. [Note from the Editor: There will be a savings in time to voters too because we will no longer be filling out a paper ballot when we early vote at the Courthouse.]

Update 6.11.09: All five commissioners were present along with County Manager Steve Marro, County Attorney Tom Morton, and Nancy to take the minutes. The meeting began with the Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance as usual. There was no guest speaker.

VI. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONERS, DEPARTMENTS, COMMITTEES AND AUTHORITIES
    A. Monthly Reports submitted from County Departments and County Authorities: Discussion of Jail Construction Fund and requirements on how it can be spent. One citizen said that it is clear how the money can be spent--staffing, equipment, etc for the jail--and that the law is clear that the BOC is the governing authority. CM said that they do not control the Constitutional Officers. There was a consensus among the BOC members to let the CM handle this even though some of the commissioners wanted to appropriate this money.
    B. County Manager Report presentation to Commissioners:
    1. ISO rating is not yet in. CM and Chief Henderson have both talked to ISO rep and were told that they are working on rating the City of Atlanta and will have our ISO ratings to us by the end of the month or first of July when all ISO ratings are issued.
    2. Discussion of abatement of permitting fees for Yancey Engineered Systems. Yancey was promised natural gas within two years by the developer when they moved in. He emphasized that it was not the county that said this, but that the county needs to figure out how to get natural gas to them. Catepillar has said that it would be interested in tying in as well. We may lose a business that pays taxes in the county and provides local jobs if we cannot figure out how to get this done. Don Collins suggested a committee with 1 or 2 BOC members, the CM, etc. in order to get some problem solving done. Motion to appoint commissioners to work with the Industrial Development Authority and CM to bring natural gas to this area. Approved 4-0. On this will be IDA Director Karen Brown, CM, Parrish Swift, and Don Collins. Karen asked to bring in one or two IDA members and suggested that there be attorney representation.
    3. Discussion of itemization of the ADA, Fire Stations and Road Department Equipment purchases made with S.P.L.O.S.T. funds. $9,180 left in SPLOST. [Note from the Editor: There is a list of expenditures that was distributed to the commissioners and can be obtained through the BOC office.] * Talk of the current SPLOST led to the upcoming SPLOST and the old school building that is being examined as a possibility for a governmental complex. The Environmental Study has been completed. Asbestos, lead paint, and PCB in ballists were found however the diesel was checked and it was negative. Both the old bus garage and the old school building were examined.
    C. Commissioners Report:
District 1 Roosevelt Willis: Questioned how many county employees have business cards. Thinks it is a waste of taxpayer dollars if everyone had them. CM advised that Department heads and key positions have business cards. * Asked about the Purchase Order System and where the county is on getting this implemented and said that he would like to see this on the list of priorities. CM advised that getting the budget done was first priority with PO System and ADA Spreadsheet at the top of the list after the budget. * Mailboxes at Beeks and Crawley Road have caused some complaints. Can be a hazard when Crawley Road residents pick up their mail. Discussion whether to have residents move their mailboxes to their driveways on the (now) county road or should the Road Department move them. All have to be moved at the same time. Residents will receive a letter giving them a time frame to move the mailboxes to their driveway within a particular time frame. * Based on our budget, economy, and current staffing, Roosevelt made a motion to abolish the position of Code Enforcement at the Planning and Development Office and delegate those duties to someone else in that office. 2nd by Tommy Powers. Discussion: Parrish asked if the Department Head been involved in this discussion? CM said no. In Favor: Roosevelt Willis, Tommy Powers. Opposed: Don Collins, Parrish Swift, and Doug Mangham. Motion failed.
Update 6.13.09:
District 2 Parrish Swift: Asked about permits being withheld on the expansion of a business because not tied in to county water. It was explained that there is a hydrant that is about 200 feet from the building. This footage is covered with a parking lot. Verbal agreement only with Ranew. The ordinance passed by the county says that customers tie on at their expense and that it should not not be a problem to bore under the concrete. CM suggested that this go before the committee that was formed at this meeting. Consensus to do this.
District 3 Tommy Powers: Asked about City /County Fire Department. CM advised that cities can tie in with county ordinance. 2 larger cities talking about doing this. No answer from others yet. The problem with a possibility of a high ISO rating in Molena or those parcels outside of the Molena district started this ball rolling.
District 4 Don Collins: Commended Public Works for prompt attention to a problem that was brought before them. * Said that the county is not charging nearly what we should be for cell towers. * Said that public relations should have been done in advance on Fire Districts. Said citizens are calling him and complaining about a new tax. It was explained that this is not a new tax but is a fee instead of fire being on property taxes. * Said that He and Doug went to training last week and learned some things. Also asked that sentencing for community service be looking into as far as Magistrate Court goes with sentencing. Encouraged follow up on an ordinance that was approved in 1984 allowing this from Probate and Magistrate Courts. * Discussion of approach by several people to tie into 800 megahertz system in Spalding County. Estimate to tie in is $8 million. There would be a significant money match for the county to tie. It was said during this discussion that Pike County was not given the full picture when this was explained to officials here. Our current system can be expanded now and it will do fine. * Don said that he will be holding a Town Hall Public Meeting on Monday, June 29th at 7 p.m. at the Williamson Fire Station. The public is invited. Bring a lawnchair.
Chairman Doug Mangham: None

Update 6.18.09:
    D. County Attorney Report: received by certified mail an amendment to Keep Pike Beautiful Authority that was signed on May 11th. There will be 9 members with a quorum of 5 with responsibilities such as county-wide recycling.

VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS-None

VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
    1. Second Reading of the Pike County Fire District Ordinance: The CM advised that the industrial/commercial is now rated the same as the residential with decreases on residential and increases on industrial/commercial. Discussion about whether to hold off until the ISO rating comes in. One commission said that this needs to be done now to impact next year's budget. The Fire Department will come off of the budget and this bill will go out with property tax bills. Motion to approve. 2nd for more discussion. Don pointed out that the Fire Dept budget is currently $300,000 and this will generate about $400,000 giving the public a perception that more money is being given to fire for operations. The money generated from this fee will be used strictly for fire and will roll over from year to year in order for the Fire Dept to save up for purchases and future use. Parrish pointed out that some have inferior gear and that this is trying to be accountable. CM pointed out that 4 new pumpers are missing the required 12 fire extinguishers and that there are other new equipment needs. Approved 3-1 with Tommy opposed. [Note from the Editor: Earlier in the meeting there was a discussion of whether this is a fee or a tax. Tommy said that it is a tax if money is coming out of taxpayers' pockets. Don disagreed and said that this is a fee and not a tax.]
    2. Second Reading of Text Amendment to Chapter 156.139(A) Development Standards for PRD Districts - This is a text amendment from 2006. Approved 4-0.
    3. Discussion of S.P.L.O.S.T. projects
    a. Discussion of animal control not yet decided: Tommy made the motion to pull animal control off of the SPLOST and put on a referendum for voters to vote on. Discussion that it is too late to put animal control on this ballot and cannot change the SPLOST depending on how a vote comes out anyway. The projects are set by then. Frank King said that if there is not enough money generated by the SPLOST that animal control does not havae to be funded if it is one of the lowest priority items on the list. Parrish pointed out that the cities are willing to share the cost of running animal control and said we're being timid on making a decision for the good of the entire county with this. He finished by saying that this is called responsibility. Bobby Blalock (on SPLOST committee) pointed out that if animal control is on the SPLOST and it is voted in, voters have already voted it in. Kathleen Birney (on SPLOST committee) then pointed out that the cities have already sent letters of support on this and asked why it was an issue. John Morrison (on SPLOST committee) pointed out that the commissioners have previously voted to be responsible by having animal control and asked why this was an issue again. She asked why the BOC would feel like it is not responsible for providing this service to the entire committee. John Morrison (on SPLOST committee) then said that the commissioners did vote to proceed with animal control when they voted not to have a referendum on it. Doug then ended any comments from the public on this. CM confirmed that the cities are willing to contribute monetarily to animal control but no money amounts have been discussed. Approved removing animal control from the SPLOST list 3-2. Roosevelt, Tommy, and Doug voted in favor of this motion with Parrish and Don voting against it. [Note from the Editor: At this point in the meeting, animal control was removed from the SPLOST list before the SPLOST commmittee even got the chance to make a formal presentation of its recommendations.] The CM then read out the list of items and the amounts of the projects. A little more discussion about amounts and projects including Parrish asking the Chairman why Don Bailey wasn't allowed to speak on the issue of animal control. [Note from the Editor: This was a long, drawn out discussion that ends with another vote on animal control as I indicated in the opening write up on this meeting. I think it is as important for citizens to know how and why commissioners voted the way that they did as it is to know the actual vote.]

Update 6.27.09:

At this point, Kathleen Birney was allowed to speak on the behalf of the CATF SPLOST Committee. She began by saying that she was disappointed that this committee was directed by the CM and the commissioners to volunteer their time to work on the SPLOST and they did that for the past three months and the recommendations were heard and then they were gone just like that happened to the previous SPLOST committee. She then went through the CATF recommendations with the commissioners and the requests such as the approval of the intergovernmental agreement that is needed to make sure that the referendum goes through on the time schedule that has been presented by the SPLOST Committee. She childed the commissioners for appearing to flip-flop on what they think is important and what is not. She said that all of the municipalities need this service. Those who are in the municipalities and incorporated areas do not have the privilege of following a suggestion that had been presented in a prior meeting of shooting a problem animal--"besides that is not humane". She asked the commissioners to reconsider removing animal control from the SPLOST Agreeement for the benefit of the majority of citizens in Pike County. Said that the SPLOST committee was not 100% in agreement of this but considered the good of the entire county and asked the commissioners reconsider for the benefit of the majority of the people. Bobby Blalock, Chairman of the CATF, said that everything done by the CATF SPLOST committee was done by majority vote. Animal Control was a 10-5 vote. He went on to say that he would probably resign from the CATF if the BOC cannot follow the SPLOST Committee's recommendations. More discussion on the cities giving letters of support but no monetary amounts. A formula will be needed-maybe something similar to SPLOST. Discussion of how much this will cost every year. Don Bailey was asked to address this portion of the discussion as the Chairman of Friends of Pike County Animals. Don said that he was disappointed that this went the way that it has because FPCA has put 1 1/2 years into this project. Advised that Upson County's budget is $94,000 and Meriwether County's is $113,000. Hypothetically for Pike County, about $76,000 per year. After hearing facts and figures from Don Bailey, Parrish made the motion to reconsider removing animal control from the SPLOST. 2nd by Roosevelt for discussion. Approved 3-1 with Parrish, Don, and Roosevelt in agreement. Tommy opposed. Don made the motion to accept the recommendation of the SPLOST Committee. Parrish 2nd for discussion. Discussion then went to the amount that was allotted for the Judicial Complex and whether it would provide enough space for now and for future needs. Discussion of whether to include roads or scratch the amount for roads and add it to the Judicial Complex. Merritt Spier pointed out that this referendum needs to have items that a majority of the population will vote for. Parrish asked Roosevelt if roads being included was a deal breaker on this vote and he said that it was. The motion at one point had been amended so it was rescinded and Don made the motion to accept the SPLOST Committee's recommendation. Parrish made the 2nd. Approved with Don, Roosevelt, and Parrish voting in favor. Tommy voted in opposition.

Update 6.29.09:

There was more discussion on the SPLOST and the legalities of paying all of the items on the SPLOST. The two representatives (Frank King and a rep of Morgan and Keegan legal firm) who spoke on the specifics of the SPLOST said that approximate amounts have to be listed in the newspaper but not on the ballot and said that money can be moved around after priorities are filled. Motion to appoint Morgan and Keegan as financial counsel. Approved by the majority. Motion to adopt the firm of Jones, Cork and Miller, LLP to represent Pike County as bond bond counsel and to work with Morton and Morton on the bonds. Approved with a 3-1 vote. [Note from the Editor: This was extremely hard to follow even sitting there watching what was going on. Please understand that I am by no means an expert on SPLOST.] Motion to prioritize SPLOST projects are presented by the CATF. Approved.

IX. NEW BUSINESS
    1. Presentation of the Draft Fiscal Year 2010 Budget to the Commissioners: The Fire Department will have an entirely new line item and will be taken out of the 8 month budget that will have the county prepared for a year end that corresponds with the state of Georgia on June 30th of each year and not October 31st as we have had in the past. CM advised that there will have to be one public hearing because the commissioners are giving a rollback.
    2. Discussion of the purchase of electronic voting machines for early voting: Four touch machines for early voting would cost $6,500. The past early voting for the election--with paper ballots and an extremely long line because of those ballots compared to touch screen voting--cost the county $11,760. Motion to approve the purchase of these voting machines. Approved.
    3. Discussion of abatement of impact fees for Yancey Engineered Systems: Pike Industrial Development Authority ask for a reduction of $13,203.10. One citizen said that if we are not producing the needed revenue stream to make our budget, please consider where we stand revenue-wise before you abate $13,000 in fees. Karen from the IDA said that they could still pull out and go to McDonough losing jobs here in Pike County. Said that Pike County needs to learn to be business friendly and pointed out that these fees could only be used in this area according to the Impact Fee agreement and would not go toward Recreation, etc. Motion to approve abatement for (according to Nancy's Post Agenda) (Impact fees of $13,203.10 and Permitting fees of $6,476.25 for Yancey Engineered Systems. Click here to read it.

X. EXECUTIVE SESSION for Land Acquisition. 12:11 into session and 12:20 out of session. No motions after the Session.

XI. PUBLIC COMMENT- (Limited to 5 minutes per person)
    None

XII. ADJOURNMENT: 12:20 p.m.

Maybe it was a little anticlimactic since the Governor lowered the Revenue Estimate at the end of May and assessed agencies 25% of the June allotments, but the May revenues are in and while certainly not positive, are actually about 6% under the worse case scenario envisioned a week ago.

Revenues for the month of May were down 14.4% overall or some $211.7 million down from May of 2008. Individual income tax collections were down 21.2% continuing a consistent negative trend. May Sales taxes were down overall $181 million or 20.2%. Of that, local sales tax collections were down $173 million, so most of the loss occurred in local collections. Motor fuel taxes were down an additional $23 million for both excise and sales taxes. Corporate income taxes were down about $10 million.

So, Year-To-Date figures continue to disappoint and cause that sinking feeling. Overall, revenues are down over 10% or $1.5 billion dollars for the first 11 months. Individual income taxes are down 11.0% or $884 million. Sales taxes are down overall $780 million or 8.0% of which the state portion is -$404 million or -7.6%. Motor fuel taxes are down collectively $126.8 million or -13.7%. Corporate income taxes are down $211 million or -26.7%.

The state has now used up about $300 million of the $562 million in the Shortfall Reserve Fund with a month to go.

Thank you for your interest. Please contact me if I may be of assistance at (404) 463-1366 or at ronnie.chance@senate.ga.gov.

“My Life In Ruins” (Fox Searchlight)

Nia’s Still A Charmer

Nia Vardalos came into the American consciousness with her film “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” That film was an amazing hit that charmed audiences right and left. Now she is back with another Greek themed movie “My Life In Ruins” and she still has her charm intact. Still this time the movie is only moderately successful.

Vardalos plays Georgia, a Professor of History at the University of Athens who has been laid off due to economic cutbacks. She has taken a job as a tour guide but really hates it. She always gets the worst tourists and the worst accommodations on her tours.

On her latest tour she is assigned a new bus driver, a man named Poupi (Alexis Georgoulis). He is a rough looking character and she assumes he does not speak English. Later she finds that he does, and also that when he is cleaned up he looks very handsome.

One of the bright spots of the tourist group is a man named Irv (Richard Dreyfus). He makes the most jokes and develops into a spokesman for the group. He also gives sage advice to Georgia.

The film is all about Georgia realizing what it is that makes her truly happy, and also about the group bonding as one. In this sense it is a very heartwarming movie. You get some comedy, some drama, some romance and even some sadness.

The movie starts off a little slow with Georgia’s complaints getting a little old. As Georgia’s mood gets better so does the film. And by the end of the movie you are cheering for everyone in the group to find happiness.

The movie is rated PG-13 for mild profanity and some sexual situations.

Nia Vardalos is still a charmer and Richard Dreyfus adds real value to the film. Add in the scenic beauty of Greece and you have a couple of plusses for this film. On the negative side the story never really grabs you. It is a pleasant tale with a pleasant cast but nothing to write home about in any way.

“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” was a sleeper that gained popularity each week it was released. Word of mouth might help “My Life In Ruins” but not to that extent. It will have only a modest run at the theaters and then maybe gain more of an accepting audience on DVD.

I scored “My Life In Ruins” a scenic 5 out of 10.

©2009 Jackie K. Cooper

Official Website

Jackie has many movie reviews on his website at www.jackiekcooper.com including "The Hangover" and "Land of the Lost". Jackie also has reviews of the latest books, DVDs, television shows as well as columns on life and living in the South.

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel today (June 8) hailed a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to deny a writ of certiorari by challengers to the State’s photo ID statute. With this denial, a January 2009 decision of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold Georgia’s photo ID law is final.

“Today’s denial of yet another challenge to our common sense photo ID law represents a long-fought victory for Georgia voters and the security of our elections,” Secretary Handel said. “After four years of litigation by special interest groups, plaintiffs are still unable to find one Georgia voter who was unable to cast a ballot due to our photo ID law.”

Since Georgia’s photo ID law was implemented in 2006, voters have cast over 9 million ballots in over 15 elections, including the record-setting November 2008 General Election in which nearly 4 million Georgians voted. In that election, 92 percent of votes were cast in person with a photo ID.

“I want to thank Governor Perdue, the Georgia Legislature, and particularly Senator Cecil Staton for sponsoring our photo ID law and supporting our multiphase, multimedia outreach and education effort,” Secretary Handel added.

Georgia’s photo ID law has now withstood challenges in Fulton County Superior Court, U.S. District Court, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.

In September 2007, U.S. District Court Judge Harold Murphy dismissed the plaintiffs’ case in its entirety, finding that Georgia’s photo ID law imposed no undue burden on the right to vote.

In January 2009, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Judge Murphy’s decision, noting that, “The interest in detecting and deterring voter fraud is a valid neutral justification that this Court cannot ignore.”

The 2008 elections were the largest in Georgia’s history, featuring record turnout among minority voters with the photo ID requirement in place. The figures below represent voter turnout statistics among Hispanic/Latino, African-American and White voters from the 2004 and 2008 General Elections.

Voter Demographic	2004 Total Number of Votes Cast	2008 Total Number of Votes Cast	Percentage Increase in Votes Cast
Hispanic/Latino	18,000	43,000	140%
African-American	834,000	1.2 million	42%
White	2.3 million	2.5 million	8%

Voters are required to show one of the following six forms of photo ID when voting in-person:
A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired;
Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS);
Valid U.S. passport;
Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;
Valid U.S. military photo ID; or
Valid tribal photo ID.

If a voter does not have one of these forms of photo identification, they can obtain a free voter ID card at their county registrars’ office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services. A Georgia voter who does not have an acceptable form of photo identification when voting in-person can cast a provisional ballot at the poll, and then has 48 hours to return to his or her county registrar’s office with an acceptable form of identification to have that ballot count.

Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State's office offers important services to our citizens and our business community. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today announced that he is co-sponsoring legislation to require the Treasury Department to distribute to individual taxpayers all its stock in General Motors (GM) and Chrysler within one year following the companies’ emergence from bankruptcy proceedings.

“I believe it was obvious back in December 2008 that a structured bankruptcy was the correct path for GM and Chrysler to restructure their debt and contracts. By giving these companies taxpayer funds from TARP, the administration only delayed the inevitable, but worse created a situation where the government became a part owner of private business,” Isakson said. “This common-sense legislation I am co-sponsoring would get the government out of the American auto business and put this stock back in the hands of the American people.”

The Auto Stock for Every Taxpayer Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., would require Treasury to distribute its common stock holdings in both companies evenly to every American who paid taxes on April 15.

The legislation also would prohibit the Treasury from using any more TARP funds to bailout GM or Chrysler and would require that the Secretary of the Treasury and his designee have a fiduciary responsibility to the American taxpayer to maximize the return on that investment as long as the government holds stock in the companies.

From the DOD website: The following is the official Department of the Army notification of the deaths of three Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers from the 1st Battalion,108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA)Squadron currently supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died June 4 near Kapisa, Afghanistan of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 108th Reconnaissance,Surveillance and Target Acquisition Squadron, 48th Infantry Brigade CombatTeam of the Georgia Army National Guard in Calhoun.

Killed were:
- Maj. Kevin M. Jenrette, 37, of Lula, Ga.,
- Staff Sgt. John C. Beale, 39, of Riverdale, Ga., and
- Spc. Jeffrey W. Jordan, 21, of Rome, Ga.

Georgia's Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement upon notification of the death of the three Georgia Army National Guardsmen.

"Today's news that Major Kevin Jenrette, SSG John Beale and SPC Jeffrey Jordan died serving in Afghanistan is a sobering reminder of the dangers our citizen soldiers face there everyday. I know the families' of these Guardsmen have broken hearts and though we can not comprehend the loss they are feeling, Mary and I join them in mourning. I have personally visited with our troops both here and over seas and I am always deeply moved by their dedication to serve others. These men and women go where they are asked on a moment's notice, leaving behind families and communities that miss them dearly. It is our responsibly to do all that we can to comfort these families and all of the families with a loved one in the line of duty."

"The recent death of three Georgia Guardsman is very traumatic to our Georgia National Guard family," said Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General. "Their deaths occurring so early in the deployment of the 48th Brigade underscores the very real challenges facing our Soldiers and the inherent risks of the mission. We extend our heartfelt condolences and support to the families of these brave Guardsmen."

DOD Article

AJC Article

[Note from the Editor: Each of these fallen heroes has a family and many friends who have been left to mourn their loss. Please keep their families and friends in your prayers.

These men are heroes for their service and should be treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve as they are brought back in country. The same goes for their friends and families. I hope that the media as a whole can tell their stories as the AJC has done without disrespecting their call to duty and their willingness to get the job done.

We are truly blessed to live in a country where we can grab a burger or go the mall without having to worry about our safety (and whether we will come home from that outing) as so many in other countries have to do.

It is because of the sacrifices of these three soldiers and many more who are currently serving that we can do that. Thank you to all who are serving and to their families for their sacrifice.]

The 45th Annual Georgia Author of the Year (GAYA) AWARDS will be held on Saturday, June 13th from 5:30pm – 9:30pm in Kennesaw Georgia. Local author Tommy Batchelor was nominated to Georgia Writers Association for Georgia Author of the Year for his picture book "Sunday’s with Papa T: A River Adventure".

Tommy said on www.georgiawriters.org that "He wrote the book as a way to share his stories and the things he enjoyed with his grandchildren. He has a love for the outdoors and learned to fish and hunt around his home in Middle Georgia."

This is first book in a planned series and teaches about nature as well as showing the bond between a grandparent and grandchild.

Here's a link for a video of all the authors at YouTube at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmMglUdj3lo.

"I'm also giving away Free Books (10-12) at my web site on the 14th of June 2009," Tommy said by email. To enter the give away contest, go to www.tommybatchelor.com and click on contest tab "Enter Info" for a chance at a free copy of "Sunday's with Papa T A River Adventure". This is a picture book for all ages, Tommy said.

Our "Hero of the Week" is CW2 Patrick Braman, currently deployed. You'll see him on the site pictured with other Heroes (his family) who hold down the fort while he is away serving you, serving me, and serving his country. Remember ALL the Heroes ... those deployed and those left behind.

Click Here To View The Site: www.ThankYouSoldier.com.

We shipped 12 "Hero Pack" care packages this week bringing our new total to 193 since beginning this project in May 2008. That is an average of 14 per month! Wow ... who would have thought we could do so much good in such a short amount of time? Still looking to do more so keep the names and addresses coming and continue to spread the word to everyone you know about this great project!

Added a Twitter widget to the "Comments" page so you can keep up with our tweets even if you don't have an active Twitter account.

As always, if you would like to support this project you can do so on the web site by clicking the secure "Donate" button and all donations are tax deductible.

God Bless America,
Jonathan Gates
Support@ThankYouSoldier.com.

Facebook Link.

Twitter.

YouTube.

ThankYouSoldier is an official mission of East Highland United Methodist Church, Columbus, Georgia and is covered under the non-profit statue as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, your donation is tax deductible in accordance with applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

If you are addicted to seeing who is throwing their hat into the different state and national races like I am, here is a link to who is running right now and to their financials. These lists are compiled by Jason Pye at Georgia Legislative Watch. He is one of the many who are bookmarked so I can keep up with day to day politics.

Statewide Races

Congressional Races

Of particular interest to me is that it looks like Congressman Mac Collins is going to run against Congressman Jim Marshall again. I miss seeing Mac up there in the House.

Here is a bit of t-shirt humor for your Monday morning from an email that I was sent this morning.

I didn't say it was YOUR FAULT! I said I was going to BLAME YOU!

I love poetry, long walks on the beach, and poking dead things with a stick.

I'm ashamed of what I did for a Klondike bar. (Now you have the "What would you do for a Klondike bar theme in your head too!)

Silence is golden. Duct tape is silver.

Something to think about: "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but about learning to dance in the rain."

The Memorial Day Ceremony was held on May 25, 2009 at the Pike County Courthouse. A majority of the program was held upstairs in the Courtroom because of the weather. This program was sponsored by the Pike Post #197 of The American Legion under the direction of Post Commander Don Bailey.

Outside of the Courthouse, black tape covered the name of J.D. Walker on the Veterans Memorial on the side of the square. J.D. Walker is short for Lance Cpl. Jeffrey D. Walker who died on May 14, 2007 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

There were 42 flags lining the sidewalk into the Courthouse. The meaning was explained later during the program. Various military items from Vietnam and Iraq were on display inside of the Courthouse.

A sign with a thank you for support was also on display for The Griffin High School JROTC Marching Rifles, Boy Scout Troop #37 from Meansville, Sweet Memories of Zebulon, the Pike County Middle School Military History Club, Encore Entertainment Mobile DJ Service, Pike County Government Offices and Employees, and all those who have served and their families.

Upstairs, people from all walks of life filled the Courtroom. 42 roses were passed out by the Pike Post #197 of The American Legion to honor the 42 people whose names are on the Pike County Veterans Memorial. “They gave their lives for freedom and democracy” Don said later on in the program.

From the program for this service: “In honor of those who sacrificed so that others may live. The "Forty-Two" on the Pike County Veterans Memorial are as follows:

WWI: A.R. Ballard; H.K Davis; L.R. Davis; L.M. Hooten; J.G. McClendon; H.A. O'Neal; S.S. Self; L.G. Sullivan; P.M. Sullivan.

WWII: C.L. Adams; M.R. Adkerson; R.E. Bishop; G.H. Blankenship; M.R. Carter; J.E. Corley; F.T Davis; T.C. Gooden; J.C. Hackney; W.F.Harrison Jr; C. Johnson; C.M. Lane; D.E. Ledford; L.T. Marshall; A.L. Marshall; J.M. Matthews; P.L. McLendon; V.L. Middlebrooks; R.E. Oxford; E.E. Presley, W.T Pressley; H.L. Pike; T.J. Sanderfor; M.B. Smoot; P.R. Story; C.H. Tidwell; E.R Parks.

KOREA: E. Coggin; J.C. Alexander.

VIETNAM: G.R. McQuaig; L.L. Silver; J.T. Harris

IRAQ: J.D. Walker

Prior to the ceremony in the Courthouse, a memorial for Lance Cpl. Jeffrey D. Walker was placed in the front of the room. A pair of boots sat alongside of a standing rifle with a helmet placed on top of it and dog tags hanging on it.

Patches from all branches of service were in the background of the presentation box. A t-shirt that proclaimed “Never Forget” and a picture of Lance Cpl. Walker in uniform stood on an easel beside this memorial. This memorial to Lance Cpl. Walker clearly moved many of the observers in the room.

The Griffin High School JROTC Marching Rifles presented the colors at the beginning of the ceremony. Everyone rose and said the Pledge of Allegiance with Pastor Fred Fowler leading the invocation.

Representative Billy Maddox was very moved by the display that was sitting in front of him as he attended the program. Billy acknowledged Lance Cpl. Walker’s sacrifice when he spoke. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice for me,” Billy said.

Billy went on to encourage everyone to honor our fallen heroes, those who have served and those who are currently serving. First, don’t take this country for granted. Second, recognize and cherish all freedoms and liberties that they fought for and don’t give it away. Third, support this country and our troops. Fourth, show everyone that you’re proud to live in a country that they were proud to fight and die for. He closed by saying that everyone can be a patriot even if they are not in the service.

Teresa Rutledge is a Gold Star Mother and founder of the Fallen Heroes Families Foundation , an organization that strives to help to mourning families. Teresa is the mother of Lance Cpl. Jeffrey D. Walker who was killed in action in 2007 in the service of the United States of America. Her family was there to support her and honor Jeffrey.

Teresa read a letter written by another Gold Star Mother. The text of this letter can be found by clicking here. Teresa said that she read Anita Richards’ letter on the internet and it said much of what she wanted to say. “It speaks to every one of us,” she said.

Teresa spoke about her heart being torn between pride, guilt, and grief. She then answered a question that she probably hears very often. What can we do? She gave a two word answer to that question that is displayed on the front of each of the shirts that she and her family were wearing: “Never forget”.

“Never forget the price that’s been paid for your freedom.” She went on to say that we should never take that freedom for granted, and that we should never forget that behind every name on a veterans memorial is a legacy and a family that has been left behind.

Teresa thanked everyone for being there and showing their support. She also thanked them for taking time out of their day to honor those who did not get to come home.

Post Commander Don Bailey told the audience to honor those who have answered the call to military service. “They felt it was their duty,” he said. He asked everyone not to honor them only one day a year, but to honor those who have served every single day for the rest of your life.

Pike Post #197 Historian Doug Rounds then read the names of fifteen veterans of Pike County who have passed away during the past year. Each name was read individually and placed into a silver urn which was standing between two burning candles. There were 177 veterans who passed away during the past year in our seven county district.

Don Bailey then told those attending about Lance Cpl. Jeffrey D. Walker. He died in service of our country on May 14, 2007 at the age of 21. He was described by his comrades as “a jack of all trades”, “the most persistent man that I’ve met…”, and “a great Marine and a good friend to all of us. The day he left us he was doing exactly what he wanted to do”.

“Let us remember and honor all of the brave men and women of our Armed Forces whose names are etched on the countless walls throughout the many nations of this world,” Don said.

Kathy Waterhouse then sang a beautiful acapella version of “Amazing Grace”. Pastor Fred Fowler ended by saying, “Freedom is ours today for the price that was paid.” He gave the closing prayer which ended the indoor part of the program.

The black tape was removed from Lance Cpl. Jeffrey D. Walker’s name on the Veterans Memorial on the Zebulon Courthouse Square and “Taps” was played. A wreath of red, white, and blue was placed beside the monument in his honor.

This was followed by the singing of “God Bless America”. After this ceremony was finished, many of those roses lay in front of the Memorial and the flags were once again flying proudly at the top of their poles.

Pictures are on the We Are Pike County page.

If you are a veteran and would like to become a member of the American Legion Post #197 here in Pike County, you can contact Post Commander Don Bailey at pikepost197@hotmail.com or send a request to American Legion Post #197, PO Box 781, Zebulon, Georgia 30295. Donations to help refurbish the Veterans Memorial on the Square can also be sent to the American Legion address above.

"To live in the hearts of those you leave behind is never to die." ~Robert Orr~

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers in arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened, he will fight savagely.

But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man to man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our home fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to victory!

I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!

Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

-- Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Click here to read more about D-Day.

NORMANDY, France -- On June 6, 65 years ago, allied forces battled side by side to liberate France. During the D-Day invasion that began that day, American, British and Canadian troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of the Normandy coast as part of the largest single-day amphibious invasion in history.

To this day, members of those same allied forces, local citizens and thousands of spectators from around the world come together in Normandy each year to honor those who fought -- and the thousands who died -- that day.

Sainte Mere Eglise, founded in the 12th century, earned its place in world history because it stood in the middle of the route the Germans planned to use for counterattacks on allied troops landing on nearby Utah Beach and Omaha Beach.

The residents of this small French town -- there are about 1,500 of them -- have not forgotten the sacrifices American servicemembers made for their liberation. To this day many fly American flags alongside the French flags outside their homes.

This year many citizens from the town and several of its surrounding communities showed their appreciation for U.S. servicemembers, as they do each year, in a more personal way. Families in the area welcomed more than 350 members of Task Force Normandy 65 -- the team of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, federal employees and contractors from across Europe and the United States taking part in ceremonies commemorating the 65th anniversary of the invasion -- by inviting them to dinner in their homes.

"For many of the past 65 years since the liberation of the Normandy area many of the locals have invited servicemembers in to share experiences," said Michelle Kobie, who invited several task force members into her home in nearby Saint-Martin-sur-Varreville.

"There are so many French families in the area that would love to host the Americans who come here each year," explained the Indianapolis native.

She and her French husband, who met during college at Ohio University and moved to France to be closer to his family, invited 15 Soldiers and Airmen to their village, feeding them and introducing them to neighbors and friends as well as the town's mayor.

"Speaking from American experience, I can tell you, you will never find a warmer welcome than you will find here," she said. "The French residents here feel they were liberated and owe their entire freedom to the Americans who defended them 65 years ago."

"This is an unbelievable experience," agreed Sgt. Juan Felix, a parachute rigger with the 5th Quartermaster Company, based in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Felix deployed to France for this year's events from Kaiserslautern to take part in an airborne operation from an Air Force C-130 Hercules over the beaches of Normandy, scheduled for June 7, which is part of this year's commemoration.

He explained that he has been finding the entire experience here to be more than he ever expected. "The local residents are doing so much to make us feel welcome," Felix said. "Everywhere we go (people) walk up and thank us for their freedoms, but we didn't do anything. That is how much the sacrifice of those Solders who died on D-Day means to them," he said.

A long list of events are scheduled throughout the week, including more than two dozen memorial ceremonies, a parade of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, fireworks, concerts and a dance in the central square of Sainte Mere Eglise. Even a visit by the President of the United States is planned. Events such as these will last forever in the memories of the servicemembers who participate in them, and the gratitude of the people of Normandy as well as being welcomed into their homes will be high on the list of those memories.

"This is just amazing," said Pfc. Lawrence Hall, an M1 Abrams tank driver with 1st Infantry Division and the youngest servicemember of the trip to Kobie's home. "This experience started for me the moment I told my parents I was going," said the Jacksonville, Fla., native. "I have been in the Army for just over a year, and this is my first time out of the States -- simply amazing!"

As the evening approached toasts and goodbyes were exchanged, there was an open invitation to come back any time and a relationship built that will continue well into the future.

"This is my son," explained Kobie as she introduced two-and-a-half-year-old Owen to the servicemembers. "He's a little shy, and doesn't know what to think about your uniforms. He doesn't know yet the difference Americans made to the French way of life, but he will one day," she said. "You are always welcomed here."

The Concord Garden Club and The Crapemyrtle Garden Club of Zebulon announce their first Annual Spring Garden Tour. It will be held on June 6, 2009 from 10 a.m. til 4 p.m. Only $10. More information on the Calendar of Events page.

Williamson Music Barn Presents Jim and Friends at 6 p.m, Herbert Leach at 7 p.m., and Jimmy Williams at 8 p.m. More information on the Calendar of Events page.

Houston Hatchett and the Foxx City Band will be performing in Forsyth on the square from 8 to 11 p.m. with special guest Phil Hammond. It is a family environment with the stage set up in front of the Royal Palm cafe.

And don't forget the Market on the Square until 12 noon tomorrow to get your home-grown produce. Have a great weekend!

The following students were named to the spring semester Dean’s List at Gordon College. In order to be named to the Dean’s List a student must be in good standing with a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher for 12 or more semester hours: Jessica Evans, Kellan Harwood, Cecilia Lawrence, Cody Howell, Vicky Ard, William Westbrook, Adrienne Butler, Chelsea Nicewander, Susan Granger, Angela Davis, Brittany Fenner, Brittany Strait, Candis LaVelle, Carrie Bates, David Chandler, Jaimie Rice, Jennifer Higgins, Katherine Mayo, Nicole Moody, Norman Turner, Dara Story, Elizabeth Boyt, Eren Dansby, Heather Cadenhead, Jenna Treadwell, Jessica Cox, and Jessica Sheffield, Lindsay Naramore, Mary Calvert, Monica Stephens, Nicole Demarco, Stephen Whitley, Sukhdip Singh, and Tiffany Cadenhead.

The following students were named to the spring semester Dean’s Merit List at Gordon College. In order to be named to the Dean’s Merit List a student must be in good standing with a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher for 10 or 11 semester hours: Wendy Wilson, Erik Biang, and Christie Stoermer.

Gordon College, in Barnesville, is a residential state college of the University System of Georgia and offers more than 80 programs of study to more than 3,800 students.

Griffin Circuit Superior Court Judge Christopher Edwards has been nominated to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court of Georgia.

The Fayetteville resident was nominated by Chief Judge Paschall A. English Jr. and his nomination letter was signed by 28 government movers and shakers including all superior court judges, county commission chairmen and county attorneys in the district. Also signing the nomination were District Attorney Scott Ballard, Fayette County State Court Judge Fletcher Sams and several state legislators, according to published reports.

In a news release, English said he felt Edwards, on the Superior Court bench for 10 years, "is the right person at the right time. I think he would make an excellent justice."

The ultimate decision, though, will be made by Governor Sonny Perdue.

The Griffin Judicial Circuit is comprised of the Superior Courts in Fayette, Pike, Spalding and Upson Counties.

This week, the U.S. Department of Justice once again interfered with Georgia electoral law by tossing our state's system to ensure that all voters are U.S. citizens. The DOJ has the power to do this under the out-of-date Voting Rights Act.

“If you’re not disgusted with this whole political shell game then you haven’t been paying attention," Lynn said in a press release that went out Monday. "Georgia has done everything it can to follow federal law and the Department of Justice keeps moving the goal posts. These ridiculous DOJ rulings have nothing to do with fulfilling the law and have everything to do with politics.

“Justice’s ruling in this case is so transparently political that I’d hate to be the person at the department who had to put the right spin on this junk. This goes to the heart of what I’ve been trying to say about the problem with ‘preclearance’: It creates a self-justifying cycle. Georgia works with the federal government on a plan, we submit the plan to those exact same people, and they then ‘discover’ some violation of civil rights and use that as evidence that Georgia still requires federal oversight. It’s infuriating.

"I hope this case gets a lot of coverage. I want Americans to see how DOJ oversteps its bounds. You don’t have to be from Georgia to see that it’s ridiculous that the federal government is forcing our state to make it easier for noncitizens to vote in our elections. Perhaps this case will make it easier for people to see why ‘preclearance’ had to go if and when the Supreme Court tosses it later this month.”

Macon, GA — The Georgia State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Parts Dealers met on Thursday, June 4, 2009.

The Board ratified the following cease and desist order for unlicensed practice:
D & R 4 WD Parts and Service, Zebulon

The Board voted to approve the following establishments for licensure:
Pull-A-Part of Augusta LLC, Atlanta; Southern Pik-A-Part of Augusta LLC, Augusta; Athens Auto Plaza, Bogart; Lance Used Auto Parts, Inc., Canon; Corado's Auto Sales, LLC, Gainesville ; All In One Auto Salvage, LLC, Macon; APEX Auto Body LLC, Marietta; ORI Auto Sales, Morrow; Black River Sales & Services, Inc., Newnan; Young's Imports, Thomson Ellis Auto and Sales, Tifton; and Auto Export Group, Inc., Tucker.

The Georgia State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Parts Dealers will hold its next meeting on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Professional Licensing Boards in Macon.

Call to order …………… Jeff Kenerly

Approval of the Agenda

Approval of the minutes from the May 11, 2009 and the Special Called meeting

Treasurers Report………………..Kevin Teate

Committee Reports

Director’s report
• Sports Report
• Soccer Lighting Project

Review Submitted Bids

Selection of Contractor

Approve Chairman to sign an agreement between the Authority and the selected contractor
• Softball Restroom Renovation

Approve Chairman to sign an agreement between the Authority and the selected contractor, Quality Construction by McLeRoy
• SPLOST
• 2009/10 Budget
• Discussion regarding any Employee Salary Increases
• Minimum Wage Increase
• 4th of July Event
• Other Business

Adjourn

Guardian Soldiers is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping our military and their families. This organization is operated in memory of MSG Davy N. Weaver and is located out of Barnesville, Georgia.

Master Sgt. Davy N. Weaver died on May 18, 2008 in Operation Enduring Freedom. Davy was a member of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Georgia Army National Guard, out of Macon, Georgia.

According to the website GuardianSoldiers.com, Guardian Soldiers was formed by Davy Weaver's family in his memory to help children and adults who have special needs, mentally and physical, that make living an average daily life difficult. The goal of Guardian Soldiers is to help our special people with special needs by care packages to troops overseas with the help of our special people.

Cynthia Pierce is the Chairman of Guardian Soldiers. She said that Guardian Soldiers was contacted by the Dalton National Guard Unit a short time back. "They have made it over to Afghanistan and I now have about 60 guys who need care packages," she said.

Donations can be made on the Guardian Soldiers website or donors can contact the Guardian Soldiers organization at 770-358-1965 or 770-468-0508. "100% of all donations go to benefit our special people and help with boxes for our soldiers."

Another way to help is to participate in The MSG Davy N. Weaver Memorial Golf Tournament that will be held on Monday, August 3, 2009 at 9:00 AM at the Griffin Country Club. For more information contact Cynthia Pierce at 770-468-0508 or Patsy Rabuck at 770-358-1965.

The Comprehensive Plan Partial Update Draft Copy is now online. Click on the Pike County Government website below and scroll down the front page to see the updates in county government to download this document.

From the Pike County Government website:

Pike County and Cities of Concord, Meansville, Molena, Williamson and Zebulon, Georgia

Citizen input is welcomed and appreciated! Please contact Brenda Shaw, Pike County Department of Planning & Development, 770-567-2007, if you have questions, comments or additional information to be included in the partial update. The partial update will be submitted to the McIntosh Trail Regional Development Center on July 1, 2009.

Thank you to Brenda Shaw from Pike County Department of Planning & Development for letting the public know that this information is available.

[Note from the Editor: This is going before the Planning Commission on tonight (6.11.09).]

I am working on the article to go with the Memorial Day Ceremony that was held here in Pike County on Memorial Day. It was a very moving ceremony. If you missed it this year, I encourage you to attend next year's ceremony.

The Vacation Reading Program has begun at the J. Joel Edwards Library and that means that the Wednesday afternoon programs are going on as well. My kids had a great time cutting, gluing, and painting their book which had pages for the kids interpretation of books such as "Giraffes Can't Dance", "Where the Wild Things Are", and "Olivia". Pictures will be going online in the next couple of days.

See the story from yesterday on the Summer Reading Program to find out all that you need to know in order to get your children enrolled and encouraged to read this summer.

WASHINGTON – The government's inadvertent and red-faced Internet posting of a 266-page list of U.S. nuclear sites provided a one-step guide for anyone wanting details about such sensitive information. Obama administration officials said Wednesday the document contained no classified material about nuclear weapons. They contended the locations and other details already were available from public sources.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu said "a snafu" led to the online posting. "A little embarrassing," he acknowledged.

The document, stamped "highly confidential safeguards sensitive," made it onto the Government Printing Office's Web site — and why that happened was not immediately clear. A newsletter that focuses on government secrecy quickly picked up on it. The printing office removed the document when informed "about the potential sensitive nature" of the list, the agency said.

By then it was too late.

The information, compiled for international nuclear inspectors, is a compilation of hundreds of civilian nuclear sites, along with maps and details of the facilities. The material includes sites for uranium storage, nuclear fuel fabrication plants and nuclear research facilities.

"It's an easy locator for civilian sites," Thomas D'Agostino, head of the National Nuclear Security Administration, told Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., when questions about the disclosure came up at a Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing.

"We don't want to make this easier for people to get this kind of information. Unfortunately something like this makes it easier," D'Agostino said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the release exposed lax safeguards. She asked congressional investigators to review the incident.

Chu said he was stepping up security at one of the sites, a storage facility for highly enriched uranium at the Y-12 Oak Ridge complex in Tennessee. "That's of great concern," he told a House Appropriations subcommittee when asked about the disclosure.

Oak Ridge holds large quantities of highly enriched uranium, which can be used to fashion a nuclear weapon. The department plans to move the material into $549 million high-security warehouse to be competed next year.

"There's no secret or classified information that's been compromised. ... The sites and everything are public knowledge," Chu told reporters.

Steven Aftergood, director of the Federation of American Scientists' government secrecy project, which distributed the document, said he was perplexed about all the attention surrounding the disclosure.

"Some people are painting this as a road map for terrorists, which it is not," Aftergood said. "It is simply a listing of the numerous nuclear research sites and the programs that are under way. So it poses no security threat whatsoever."

In addition to the Y-12 facility, the document lists facilities at the Hanford nuclear site in Washington state and various civilian nuclear fuel processing sites, including one that produces nuclear fuel for the Navy.

Beth Hayden, a spokeswoman for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, said the agency reviewed the document as it relates to civilian facilities with NRC licenses. "We are confident that information of direct national security significance was not compromised," she said.

The NRC has jurisdiction over commercial nuclear power plants and civilian uranium processing and storage facilities.

The Government Printing Office processes and produces various congressional documents. The lengthy nuclear list was transmitted to Congress in advance of providing it to the International Atomic Energy Agency as part of a nonproliferation-related inspection program.

Some of the pages are marked "highly confidential safeguards sensitive," a designation used by the IAEA, but not the U.S. government.

Associated Press reporters Pamela Hess and Eileen Sullivan in Washington, and Duncan Mansfield in Knoxville, Tenn., contributed to this report.

GAINESVILLE- Nathan Deal, Republican candidate for governor, issued the following statement today on the Barnes candidacy:

“Roy and I served together in the state senate and I consider him a friend. I am sure that he is as focused on getting his party’s nomination as I am on mine. Today, I wish him well.”

Sydney Connally was the Battalion Commander of the Upson-Lee Navy ROTC during the past school year. She was awarded with several scholarships at the Awards Ceremony in May.

The biggest scholarship that she was awarded was the $180,000 Military Scholarship to attend Auburn University by the US Navy. This award will pay for four years of college at Auburn. Sydney was also awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Atlanta Military Officer Association.

In addition to these scholarships, Sydney was awarded a silver pitcher for the Hightower Leadership Award and presented with a silver tray for outstanding leadership by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Sydney was also awarded with the Battalion CO and XO Award, the Marine Corps Association High Academic Achievement Award and the Senior Naval Science Instructor Award.

Sydney earned an Academic Honor Roll Ribbon, an Exemplary Conduct Ribbon, Outstanding Cadet Ribbon, Aptitude Award Ribbon, Honor Cadet Ribbon, Unit Achievement Ribbon, and a Certificate of Completion.

Congratulations to Sydney Connally from the Upson-Lee High School Senior Class of 2009. Sydney is pictured with a huge replica of this check on the We Are Pike County page. Photo on the We Are Pike County page is courtesy of Chuck Morris.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today denounced the decision by the Department of Defense to officially stop the growth of the Brigade Combat Teams at 45, instead of the 48 Brigade Combat Teams originally planned. Georgia’s Fort Stewart was expected to receive the 46th Brigade Combat Team.

“This is absolutely the wrong decision, and I am deeply disappointed by today’s announcement. When a community works as hard as the Friends of Liberty and Fort Stewart have worked to prepare for an expansion of the local installation, it is absolutely critical to be able to rely on the military’s word. ” Isakson said. “I will continue to work with the Georgia congressional delegation to ensure that Fort Stewart receives one of the brigades that the Army plans to move back to the States from Europe. With its strategic location and strong community support, Fort Stewart is still the ideal place to grow the U.S. Army.”

“I am extremely disappointed by this decision. I consider this decision to be a breach of contract between the Department of Defense and the Ft. Stewart community,” said Chambliss, a member of the Senate Armed Service Committee. “For the last several years the city of Hinesville, as well as other communities that make up the Friends of Liberty, have invested their time, energy and money into preparing to receive this additional brigade. Last minute decisions like this jeopardize the trust and support that is key to building a strong military installation and a local community bond. I will continue to work with my fellow delegation members to ensure the Department of Defense and the Army give Ft. Stewart full consideration for all future basing decisions to include the rebasing of units currently stationed in Europe.”

Isakson and Chambliss have been in constant communication with Secretary of the Army Pete Geren since the original announcement by Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Both Isakson and Chambliss plan to meet with John McHugh, Obama’s nominee to replace Secretary Geren, to discuss Fort Stewart.

The Vacation Reading Program has begun at the J. Joel Edwards Library. The program will run from May 26th through July 25th. This program is available to any child through the age of 16.

In this program, kids read and record their time on a reading log and turn it in to the Library to earn a Vacation Reading Program certificate at the end of the program. Kids get their log stamped and get a sticker for each hour that they have read.

Registration runs through July 18th and all logs must be turned in by July 25th. Certificates can be picked up after July 27th and need to be picked up by August 31st at the very latest.

The theme for this year’s Vacation Reading Program is “Be Creative at Your Library”. The summer programs each Wednesday at 3 p.m. will promote this theme with the help of some very special people.

Pike County Elementary School Art teacher Kathy Harper will teach kids how to be creative with art on June 3. Georgia author Diane Shore will show kids how to be creative with writing on June 10. Local graduate and Griffin Veterinarian Daniel Roberts will teach kids how to be creative with your pets on June 17.

Quilter Extraordinaire Cynthia Zimmerman will show how to be creative through quilting on June 24. No needle and thread required, and boys are being encouraged to come as well since quilting is being taught at many schools because it helps to improve math skills.

Pike County High School Band Director Chad Reynolds will teach kids how to be creative with musical instruments on July 8. Master Cake Designer Christy Pollman (from Crumb Crazy) will teach how to be creative through baking on July 15.

And the final program on being creative with rock collecting will be presented by Master Rock Collector Dick Zimmerman on July 22. Dick will show kids about rocks that are native to Pike County.

Come by the library and get signed up to be a part of the reading program, and let your kids be creative at the library on Wednesdays at 3 p.m.

Library hours and a contact telephone number are located in the orange box toward the bottom of the advertising bar on the right hand side of the Home Page.

[Note from the Editor: Pictures are the We Are Pike County page from the first program.]

Our "Hero of the Week" is SFC David James Salie who was recognized at our local Memorial Day service. SFC Salie was killed in action on February 14, 2005. Gone but not forgotten!

Click Here To View The Site: www.ThankYouSoldier.com.

We have shipped 5 more Hero Pack care packagesthis week for a total of 181 shipped and 2 new letters from our soldiers in the "Letters from the Field" section of the site. Thank you GySgt James (Jimbo) O'Connell for taking the time to write and SSG Edwin London.

WTVM television newsdid an interview on ThankYouSoldier you can find here on the YouTube site. Also, another WTVM reporter did a small interview at a display table we had set up for Lifefest '09 which you can find in the Media section of the site.

Letters Project - every week we provide a name and address for one of our soldiers to the "Letter Writers Project". Do you have 5 minutes and a first class stamp? If so, consider being a part of this great ministry which simply writes a letter a week to one of our soldiers on the ground in Iraq or Afghanistan. For information, click the Letters Project link on our site. You will be blessed and you will bless one of our Heroes!

God Bless America,

Jonathan Gates
Support@ThankYouSoldier.com

ThankYouSoldier is an official mission of East Highland United Methodist Church, Columbus, Georgia and is covered under the non-profit statue as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, your donation is tax deductible in accordance with applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

“Night At the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” (20th Century Fox)

Comes Back To Life

Who knew that a sequel to the very successful movie “Night At the Museum” could come out and be fresh, interesting and entertaining – but it is! Ben Stiller returns as Larry Daley, the night watchman turned entrepreneur, and he is the core of the film. Amy Adams and Hank Azaria are new to the cast and they add a lot of pop and pizzazz.

The plot has Larry trying to keep the old gang from the first museum movie together for the second. A lot of the characters have been boxed up for storage at the Smithsonian so Larry devises a plot to rescue them. While at the Smithsonian trying to rescue the old gang he bumps into Amelia Earhart (Adams) and Kahmunrah (Azaria).

Larry and Amelia have a flirtation thing going on which adds to the fun of the film. Plus Kahmunrah has a lisp that makes his character hysterically funny. Throw in some bobble headed Einsteins, a trio of singing cherubs and Al Capone (Jon Bernthal) and you have a crew that will hold your interest from the beginning of the movie till the end.

Plus you still have Robin Williams as Teddy Roosevelt, Owen Wilson as a cowboy named Jedediah, and Steve Coogan as a Roman centurion named Octavius. These actors all give their share of entertainment too.

The great thing about this movie is that it is good clean fun. You can take the kids, your parents, even the preacher to see this one. You don’t have to worry about anything. It is all aimed at the family but still is interesting and entertaining in a non-bland way.

Ben Stiller is the perfect center for the film. He can make it all look like fun whether it be having a monkey slap his face or flying the Wright Brothers first plane from Kitty Hawk. He seems to be having a good time and that makes the audience have a good time.

The movie is rated PG for mild violence.

If you think you have seen everything a museum with characters coming to life has to offer, well think again. There is life left in this franchise and the sequel is just as good – if not better – than the original.

I scored “Night At the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” a treasured 7 out of 10.

©2009 Jackie K. Cooper

Official Website

Jackie has many movie reviews on his website at www.jackiekcooper.com including "Dance Flick" and "Terminator: Salvation". Jackie also has reviews of the latest books, DVDs, television shows as well as columns on life and living in the South.

A young child awakens early one morning to a fluttering sound coming from the blinds covering his bedroom window. He gets out of bed and notices what looks like a small bird flopping around on the floor. The child picks up the bird and realizes that it’s not a bird but a bat and releases it out the window. Weeks later, the child develops a fever, headache, and becomes disoriented and is admitted to a hospital. Tragically, he dies two days later from what doctors diagnose as rabies.

This scenario is not uncommon when it comes to humans being infected with rabies. “In recent years, a lot of human cases of rabies have occurred in people who were scratched or bitten by a bat and didn’t realize such contact can cause an infection with rabies,” said Dr. Charles Rupprecht, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) lead researcher for rabies. “Anyone who is bitten or scratched by an animal needs to immediately wash the wound with soap and water, and then consult their doctor to see if further treatment is needed.”

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus which attacks the central nervous system. Early symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, and feeling tired. As the disease progresses, a person may experience difficulty sleeping, anxiety, confusion, paralysis, difficulty swallowing, and a fear of water. Death usually occurs within days of the onset of symptoms. Humans become infected with rabies when they are bitten or scratched by an animal infected with the virus. “Most animals behave oddly when they have rabies,” said Dr. Rupprecht. “They may be really aggressive or they may be out and about in the day when they normally are out at night. Some people may not recognize such behavior as unusual so the bottom line is people need to avoid coming into contact with wild or stray animals, period.”

Thankfully there is a highly effective treatment to prevent rabies in persons who have been exposed to an infected animal. A series of shots given over the course of a month is almost 100 percent effective in preventing the disease. However, for the shots to be most effective, they must be administered as soon as possible in someone who has been exposed. There are other steps people can take to prevent rabies too. “In addition to avoiding wild or stray animals, the most important thing people can do is to make sure their own pets are vaccinated against rabies,” Dr. Rupprecht said.

For more information about rabies, call CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit www.cdc.gov/rabies.