ZEBULON - Qualifying began early this week and ended today. This is the beginning of an early election season here in Georgia. There are many seats open in Pike County, state, and federal government. The following is the final list of candidates who are running for office in Pike County.

Pike County Times will begin compiling information for voters today and throughout the election season in order for readers to make an educated decision before voting in the May and November elections. Candidates are encouraged to send a 500 WORD OR LESS press release that tells who they are, why they are running, contact or website information, and any other pertinent information to editor@pikecountytimes.com.

Click here for more. [Note from the Editor: No, I do not require a fee to access my articles, but a donation of any size to PayPal would justify the time that I spend pulling this info together for readers while I am working on my Master's Degree. Thanks for your support!]

ZEBULON - Pike County participated in a preliminary information gathering meeting with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) on February 20th to access storm damage in the county and investigated the possibility of a declaration of funds to the county for storm damage reparation. Click here for more. Update 3.7.14: Word went out from the Governor's Office this morning that President Obama has approved Governor Deal's request for a declaration of major disaster in 39 counties in Georgia including Pike County. The declaration allows for federal compensation up to 75 per cent of "eligible expenditures and damage costs". Click here to read this press release. County Manager John Hanson confirmed that Pike County will continue to seek compensation for storm-related costs.

YATESVILLE - On Saturday, March 8, 2014 at noon, the old Yatesville outdoor warning siren will be officially retired. It has been in service for many years and is the original fire warning siren for the City of Thomaston. It will be refurbished and placed along side 'Molly', Thomaston's original fire engine on display at The Rock Ranch's Truett's Barn.

The 'new' siren at Yatesville is a 1962 Thunderbolt that has been completely restored into pristine factory new condition. It served the City of Norman, OK for many years and was replaced last summer with a newer type siren. We have siren enthusiasts coming from OK and SC to witness this' changing of the guard'. We invite you to come and witness/record this small piece of local history on Saturday. See you Saturday at Yatesville's Fire Department. Bring your earplugs! - Martha Anne McCarty, Director, Upson County Office of Emergency Management

Mr. John Howard Roseberry, age 75, of Zebulon, passed away March 5, 2014 at his home. He was born in McDonough, son of the late Raymond Roseberry and Christine Fisher Roseberry. He worked for Flooring Distributors in Atlanta for 35 years before retiring. He was a member of Hemphill Presbyterian Church in Stockbridge. John enjoyed the outdoors, gardening and cooking. One of his favorite things was cooking for his buddies at their deer camp. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Kenny Roseberry. He is survived by his wife of 57 years: Pat Roseberry; daughter and son-in-law: Angie and Doug Massengale of Zebulon; grandsons: J. P. Massengale and Kyle Massengale; brothers and sisters-in-law: Calvin and Bodine Roseberry of Hobe Sound, FL, and Charles and Beverly Roseberry of Stockbridge; sisters: Addie Mae Wilkinson of Manchester and Brenda and Pete Rowley of LaGrange; several nieces and nephews.

For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

ZEBULON - The J. Joel Edwards Public Library is having a ball! On Saturday, March 8, dancers of all ages and skill levels will gather at Life Springs Church in Zebulon for an evening of whirling and twirling to the big band music of the Night Train Swing Band. Click here for more.

Mr. Jack Arthur Sharp, age 59, of Zebulon, passed away February 28, 2014. He was born in Rome, NY, son of the late John Sharp and Caroline Twiss Sharp. In 1963, he graduated from Camden Central School in Camden, NY. For over 20 years, he worked for Pheonix Wholesale at the Farmer’s Market in Forest Park. He enjoyed playing cards and the computer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William Sharp, two sisters, Luella Henry and Caroline Lipphardt. He is survived by his wife: Ann Sharp; sisters: Viola Youngs of Concord, Mary Ann Aley of Lee Center, NY, Ernestine Vaillancourt of Oneida, NY and Evelyn Sharp of Sylvan Beach, NY; nieces and their husband: Charlene and Mike Rapholtz of Concord, Cyla Warren and Eric Degroat of Canastota, NY; Cindy and Ted Stawhope of Sylvan Beach, NY and Mary Cherette of Concord; nephew: Frank Youngs of Concord; special nieces: Jayda Rapholtz, and Baily Youngs, special great-nephew: Jeremy Rapholtz of Concord; great-nephews: Jason Rapholtz and wife Patricia, Joshua Rapholtz and James Nash; niece: Jackie Nash; great-great-niece: Brianna Rapholtz

For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

THOMASTON - The West Central Georgia Shutterbugs will meet on Tuesday, March 11th, 6:30 p.m., at the Hightower Memorial Library, located at 800 West Gordon Street (Hwy. 74, West), in Thomaston. Following brief announcements about upcoming competitions, exhibits, and photo shoots, etc., Johnnie Ann Gaskill will demonstrate ways to organize photos so as to be able to find them quickly on one or more hard drives. The Shutterbugs meet at 6:30 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday in each month at the library. Come early (6:15-6:30) and enjoy some delicious treats before the meeting begins. (Please bring your own bottled water, soda, coffee, etc.) Visitors are always welcome! Click here for more.

WASHINGTON DC - I am thankful to have a hard working and dedicated staff in both Washington and Newnan. Their primary job is to assist people of all ages in a number of ways. In the upcoming months, my staff and I have planned a few events to better serve the people of the Georgia’s Third District.

Two of the most common cases my Newnan staff assists with are social security and veteran’s affairs. For that reason, my district staff has arranged two workshops to help navigating the federal system. If you have questions or trouble with your claim – these are two great opportunities to see if we can help. The veteran’s workshop will be held April 15th and the social security workshop on April 24th, both at the Asa M. Powell, Sr. Expo Center on Temple Avenue in Newnan. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Last Wednesday, a group of people gathered at the Concord Cafe to wait for a truck bringing free buttermilk to anyone or any organization that needed it. Word had gone out earlier in the day by phone, and by email, and by text message that the truck was coming and all you had to do was show up and take some home. Click here for more.

Mrs. Linda Mae Pratt Woods, age 71, of Zebulon, passed away March 1, 2014 at Upson Regional Medical Center. She was born in Dyersburg, TN, daughter of the late Voyd Pratt and Nannie Hendrix Pratt Peyton. She was a homemaker, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of Pike County Assembly of God Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Brandon Woods, great-granddaughter, Madison Woods, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mossie and Edsel Woods, brother-in-law, Lester Phillips, and sister-in-law, Joanne Pratt. She is survived by her husband of 56 years: Jerry Woods; dhildren and their spouses: Barry Woods, Debbie Burns, Diane and Randy McCullough all of Zebulon, Robin and Tim Peyton of Meansville, Brian and Christy Woods of Barnesville and Raymond and Tammy Woods of Meansville; grandchildren: Madison, Ryanna, Elissa, Lindsey, Leah, Tyler, Michelle, Brandy, Chad, Jacob, Jennifer, Alan, Justin, Hayden, Emmie, Jessica and Jereid; sisters and a brother-in-law: Shelby Phillips of TN, and Juanita and Jerry McKee of MS; brother: Glen Pratt of Zebulon; twenty-four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

In honor of National Read Across America Day (March 3) and Dr. Seuss’s 110th birthday (March 2), the J. Joel Edwards Public Library is proud to announce its second annual Seussabration, to be held at the library on March 1 at 1:00. Veteran storyteller and Seussaholic Rosemary Bunn will present interactive stories and songs, followed by activities and crafts. The Cat in the Hat himself will be making an appearance, and rumor has it he loves having his picture taken with children (of all ages). The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at770-567-2014 during regular business hours: MWF 10-5, TTh 10-7, and Saturdays 10-3.

MOLENA - This meeting began with over 50 people in attendance and grew to over 100 in a standing room only meeting as the night went on. This was a Special Called Meeting that listed “Old/Unfinished Business: Closing of the Police Department” on the agenda. The public showed up en masse for this meeting that was advertised about the closing of the police department and welcomed public comments on this matter. It was reported that there were more than 140 people present by the end of the night. Click here for more.

Mr. William “Bill” Lumley, age 74, of The Rock, passed away February 26, 2014 at Upson Regional Medical Center in Thomaston He was born in McRae to the late Ottie Lumley and Sallie Mae Rawlins Lumley. He was a veteran of the United States Army, and worked as a truck driver for over 30 years. Mr. Bill was an avid NASCAR fan. For many years he raced dirt track cars, winning numerous trophies. He attended Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in Zebulon, loved catfish and enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family on Lake Sinclair. He was devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Trooper Tony Lumley, brother, James Lumley and sister, Lena Kennedy. He is survived by his wife of 50 years: Sara Lumley; son: Tim Lumley of The Rock and fiancé, Jenny Kersey of Ft. Valley; daughter and son-in-law: Kimberly and Joel Smith of Augusta; granddaughters: Heather Lumley McLendon and husband Michael, Abigail Lumley, Nikki Lumley and Brooke Lumley; great-grandchildren: Aubree, Anslee, Adalyn and Colton McLendon, and Henley Kelley; brothers and a sister-in-law: Tifton Lumley of Jasper, Walt Lumley, Tommy and Margie Lumley all of Dublin and Raymond Lumley; sisters and a brother-in-law: Ann and Marvin Davies of Alamo and Lily Nugent of Macon; several nieces and nephews.

For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. The public is always invited to attend these meetings. There is also a Town Hall Meeting fifteen minutes before each meeting where members of the public can address the commissioners about a topic without having to be on the agenda of a meeting. It is not a part of the official minutes, but it is a way for citizens to make their concerns, thanks, etc. known to the commissioners. Click here for more. Update 2.26.14: This meeting is complete.

ZEBULON - As a new election year is upon us, we must start a new absentee ballot list. Any voters being 75 years or older, disabled or in the military need to contact this office for new absentee ballot applications. These applications will be good for all elections held in 2014. Click here for more.

Check out the Movie Trivia box on the Advertising Bar and see if you can guess the right answer! First correct answer to editor@pikecountytimes.com wins a free pulled pork BBQ sandwich from "The Oink Joint BBQ". Good luck!

ZEBULON - Animal control has been a hotly debated topic in Pike County for years. Those who support it do so with the knowledge that it will cost money and that the cities will need to participate and pay a portion of the cost. Those who are against it have various reasons including the fact that some people in the country take care of their own problems. Lack of animal control in Pike County has been discussed for a long time, but the talk turned to something more in 2007 and the State of Georgia has now mandated some aspects of animal control for all counties including Pike County which does not have an animal control facility. Click here for more.

Mrs. Terry Marie Taylor Heard, age 57, of Concord, passed away February 23, 2014 at Southwest Christian Hospice in Union City. She enjoyed reading and studying the Bible. She played the clarinet, and also enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. She often wrote songs and poems for her family. Terry was a homemaker, loving wife and mother who home-schooled her children. She attended Griffin First and Pike County Assembly of God Churches. Terry has gone to Heaven to be with her twin daughters, Christy Lynn and Valerie Marie, who passed away May 21, 1980. She is survived by her husband: Wesley David Heard; children: Christopher David Heard and wife Amy Lee of McDonough, Timothy Allen Heard, Robert Matthew Heard and Tricia Marie Heard all of Concord; parents: Harvey and Gerry Taylor of McMinnville, TN; sisters, brothers and their spouses: Judy and Doyle Davis of Fayetteville, Tom and Louise Taylor of Memphis, TN; Mary and Earl Jackson of Fayetteville, Nancy and John Zeppa of Stockbridge, Dennis and Francie Taylor of Hampton, Shirley and John Reynolds of Hot Sulfur Springs, CO, Linda and Al Patterson of Conyers and Jan and Tim Rice of Griffin; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

For more information about visitation and the service or sign the guestbook go to Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

"Jackie K Cooper 2 Minute Entertainment Rundown" about (1) RoboCop (2) About Last Night (3) Endless Love (4) Winter's Tale can be found by clicking here. Jackie also has many movie reviews on his website at www.jackiekcooper.com along with reviews of the latest books, DVDs, television shows and columns on life and living in the South.

ZEBULON - Pike County opened a Red Cross Shelter at the Senior Center located on Highway 19 north of Zebulon during the ice storm earlier this month. This is a tribute to all who gave their time setting this up, coordinating the needs, staying overnight, and taking it back down. (Whether I got your picture or not!) Thank you! Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Sheriff Jimmy Thomas recently met with Pike County School Superintendant Mike Duncan to present several items seized through drug asset forfeiture to the school system. The items given to the school have been seized by law enforcement in various drug investigations. Commonly used in “green houses” by gardeners these items had been used in illegal marijuana grows. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - You may be tempted to ignore thunderstorms because they are extremely common in Georgia and affect relatively small areas when compared with hurricanes and winter storms. Despite their small size, however, all thunderstorms are dangerous because they can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail and flash flooding. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Senator Ronnie Chance has announced that he will not be seeking re-election for Georgia Senate 16 which stretches from part of Monroe County, all of Lamar and Pike counties, part of Spalding County, and up through Fayette County. Click here to view the map of the district. He has served our district since his election in 2004 and has received many awards for his service including Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the 2010 Friend of Business Award by the Regional Business Coalition, and the 2013 Legislator of the Year Award by Georgia Bio. He has worked with many prominent political leaders prior to his election including U.S. Senators Bob Dole and Johnny Isakson as well as U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey and local leaders U.S. Congressmen Mac Collins and Lynn Westmoreland. He is currently serving as the Senate Majority Leader under the Georgia Gold Dome and has served as a the Administrative Floor Leader for both Governors Sonny Perdue and Nathan Deal. Pike County has been served well by Senator Ronnie Chance and he will be missed. Click here to read an AJC article about Senator Chance's decision not to run for re-election.

ZEBULON - Need someone to handle your lawncare or limbs and trees in your yard? Call Milo Hood at PikeCo Lawn & Tree Service for a free estimate. PikeCo Lawn & Tree Service provides "Professional Countryside Service" with Lawn Care, Tree Pruning, Topping, and Removal. Milo Hood has 35+ years of experience and did a fantastic job removing this monster limb from over the top of my home. Click here for more including pictures. Thank you to PikeCo Lawn & Tree Service for supporting Pike County's only FREE newspaper!

SCV Camp 1796 Gen. Lewis A Armistead meets at Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia on the second Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. The next meeting is on March 14th. We enjoy teaching about our heritage through living histories, relic shows, re-enactments, and talks. We are a family oriented camp. Camp Officers are: Commander-Scott Chandler, Lt. Commander-John Rasnick, Chaplain-Robert E Lee Gray, and Adjutant-Tim Mincey. Feel free to contact us for any information at scv1796armistead.com.

ZEBULON - All commissioners with the exception of Chairman Briar Johnson (who was dealing with issues with his job due to the storm) are here today along with County Clerk Jo Ann Wrye, CM Hanson, and County Attorney Tom Morton. Vice-Chairman Tommy Powers ran the meeting today. County Attorney Rob Morton came in to the end of the meeting at the tail end of the Executive Session. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Sheriff's office and Road Department personnel have stayed very busy during the last twenty four hours. There has been over 100 responses to calls for trees down in the roadways and on power lines. The latest information from southern rivers energy has approximately 9,000 customers without power. (See press release below.) Although the temperatures are expected to rise above freezing today , citizens are still encouraged to stay off the roads due to ice and trees falling.

Update 12 p.m.: There have been 171 calls for service made to the Pike County 911 Center since the winter storm hit Pike County. This number does not reflect the high volume of calls that have been made requesting weather information. A large number of calls have also been made to road department personnel and reported in person by citizens. The current estimates are that Pike County Emergency Services and Road Department employees have assisted and/or responded to approximately 300 incidents across the county.

Approximately 2,300 residences in Pike County are without power. Power crews are working diligently to restore power. Pike county and the American Red Cross have opened the Senior Citizens Center located at 9716 Highway 19 North to any persons needing shelter during the power outages. There are personnel at that location to help anyone needing assistance. Citizens can call 567-3857 for further information.

ZEBULON - Pike County Times is running a special on advertising for all new advertisers: Buy 2 months ($40 per month) and get the 3rd month free! That is $80 for 3 months of advertising to readers in Pike, Upson, Lamar, Spalding, Fayette Counties and more! And your advertising rate will stay at $40 per month for as long as you continue to advertise with Pike County Times with no breaks in advertising!

Online advertising has the opportunity to be spread through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. as well as being viewed right here on Pike County Times. Consider doing something new for your business with a new relationship with this long-time online newspaper! Let me know how Pike County Times can help you! Start out the new year right!

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. [Note from the Editor: I did not attend but these are the unofficial minutes that were taken during the meeting.] Click here for more.