MEANSVILLE - Looking for the perfect home? 234 Billies Way in Meansville, GA 30256 was built in 2001 and has: 5 bedrooms, 3 baths with approx. 3,940 sq. ft. This home is located in the 109 East neighborhood in Meansville, Georgia. A level lot with a fenced back yard and privacy trees, gorgeous hardwood floors in the Great Room, a spacious dining room with hardwood floors, and so much more! Jessica Horton can regale you with stories about this home, and open up a whole new world of possibilities that 109 East—-and the surrounding area—-has to offer. Click here to learn more.

Jessica Horton & Associates, 410 East Taylor Street Suite K-4 Griffin, GA 30223.
(678) 871-9660 - Direct Georgia Real Estate License #250612. Equal Housing Opportunity.

ZEBULON - Sheriff Jimmy Thomas was elected to serve as a vice-president in the Georgia Sheriff's Association Region Four. In this position, he will be responsible for coordinating with his fellow Sheriff's in a nineteen county area on issues pertaining to the operations of Sheriff's Office in Georgia and local county issues as well. Sheriff Thomas would like to thank the citizens and employees for their continued support.

ZEBULON - The City of Zebulon will hold a Design Review Committee Meeting on August 5, 2014 at 6 p.m. Items on the agenda include: A. Request of Tara Winstead for building/site renovation, 7527 Highway 19 S. B. Request of Zebulon Downtown Development Authority for sign application approval - Mural at 16026 Barnesville Street (rear of Pike Journal Reporter). C. Recommendation of new DRC appointee to be considered by City Council August 12 to fill unexpired term of Joe Hudson who desires to resign. D. Sign Ordinance Enforcement 90-Day Moratorium. The next meeting will be held on September 2, 2014.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to allow the public to vote whether or not to allow the sale of mixed drinks in restaurants in the county during Tuesday night's meeting. The drinks would have to be sold at restaurants that are licensed by the county to sell mixed drinks and the drinks would have to be consumed at the restaurant. Most restaurants in Pike County are located within cities which have their own rules on the sale of mixed drinks. This would pertain only to restaurants in the county. Citizens will have the opportunity to vote for or against this referendum in the November 2014 election.

Jackie's 2 Minute Entertainment Rundown for this week includes Reviews of (1) Planes: Fire & Rescue (2) The Purge: Anarchy (3) Persecuted (4) Sex Tape. It can be found by clicking here. Jackie also has many movie reviews on his website at www.jackiekcooper.com along with reviews of the latest books, DVDs, television shows and columns on life and living in the South.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners today announces its intention to increase the property taxes it will levy this year by 10.83 percentage over the rollback millage rate. Click here to see the 5 year history of the levy and find out when the hearings will be on this rate increase.

Mrs. Kathryn Fortner Huff, age 82, of Meansville, passed away July 30, 2014 at Riverside Health and Rehab in Thomaston. She was born on October 20, 1931, daughter of the late Arthur and Minnie Lee Fortner. For many years she was a librarian for the Flint River Regional Library. She was a long-time member of the Williamson Christian Church, where she served as pianist for 54 years. She loved going to church, gospel music, flower gardening and reading. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dudley Huff. She is survived by her sons and a daughter-in-law: Randy and Jane Huff of Meansville and Michael Huff and Dawn of Sharpsburg; grandchildren: Tim Huff and Melissa and Brian Ferry; great-granddaughters: Megan Palmer and Jessica Ferry; brothers and a sister-in-law: James and Joann Fortner and Steve Fortner all of Griffin; sisters and a brother-in-law: Gloria Worsham of Watkinsville and Sandra and Sam Morrison of Griffin; many nieces and nephews.

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

ATLANTA - Gov. Nathan Deal today announced the statewide back-to-school tax-free holiday weekend will take place tomorrow and Saturday, Aug. 1-2. The sales tax-free holiday was reinstated under the Georgia Jobs and Family Tax Reform Plan in 2012 and extended for an additional two years through this year’s tax reform package. Click here for more.

ATLANTA - Commissioner Avery D. Niles is pleased to announce he is rolling out the new Office of the Ombudsman for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice as he continues to restructure the agency to achieve best practices under Georgia’s new Juvenile Justice Reform Law. Commissioner Niles said he is adding the new Ombudsman’s unit to ensure the rights and safety of youth in custody at DJJ are protected and preserved by engaging a designated neutral party at the agency to independently review public complaints and allegations in an impartial and objective manner. Click here for more.

WASHINGTON DC - The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 3230, the Veterans’ Access to Care Through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act. This bipartisan legislation passed with a 420-5 vote, and is designed to overhaul the Department of Veterans Affairs and reform the quality of care provided to our nation’s veterans. Congressman Westmoreland supported this legislation. Click here for more.

ATLANTA - Gov. Nathan Deal today met with a diverse group from the state’s Latino community to discuss how the nation’s unaccompanied minor crisis is affecting Georgia and how we can find humanitarian solutions. Click here for more.

ATLANTA - Michael L. “Mike” Buck, a Republican candidate for State School Superintendent, has requested a recount of all votes in the Republican Primary Runoff held on July 22, 2014. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 21-2-495(c), the Secretary of State has notified all county election superintendents of Mr. Buck’s request and further directed that such superintendents conduct a recount of all votes cast in the Republican Primary Runoff for State School Superintendent. Such recount is to be held and completed no later than 12:00 noon on Thursday, July 31, 2014. The recount shall be conducted by each superintendent in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 21-2- 495(c) and the Rules of the State Election Board.

Mr. Junior Carroll, age 83, of Williamson, passed away on July 26, 2014 at his home. He was born in Kentucky, son of the late Milborn Carroll and Cecil Miller Carroll. He worked as a foreman in the asphalt business for most of his life. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Korean War, and was a member of Neal Baptist Church in Concord. He enjoyed the mountains. In his younger years he liked to play pool. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sadie Boston. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Mildred Hatchett Carroll; daughters and sons-in-law: Deanna Shiron Baker and husband Charles of Williamson, Donna Robin Owens and husband Ronald of Williamson and Chuck Christopher Carroll and wife Kay of Robuck, SC; sister: Sharrie Hicks Ladd of Chattanooga, TN; 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, 2 special angels: Bobby Wester and Donna Hatchett; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

ZEBULON - The City of Zebulon will hold a Design Review Committee Meeting on August 5, 2014 at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Click here for the agenda.

ZEBULON - In 1993, the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE) began looking at ways to enhance public awareness and credibility of the Chamber of Commerce profession. One of the items selected to accomplish this was the establishment of a designation which exemplifies excellence and professionalism of Georgia's Chamber Executives. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Small business is the driving force of the economy and jobs in Georgia and is part of the core constituency of our grassroots efforts. Georgia’s overall success in the global marketplace is directly tied to the state’s ability to foster a climate favorable to small business – a sector that makes up almost 98 percent of registered Georgia companies. The Georgia Chamber is committed to a partnership with Local Chambers to ensure the voice of small business is heard with minimal investment and maximum impact. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Pike County Parks & Recreation Authority will hold its Regular Monthly Meeting on July 28, 2014 at 7:00pm At the Board of Commissioners’ Meeting Room on Jackson Street. On the agenda is the following: Election of Officers for FY 2014/15, Approval of the minutes for the June 9, 2014 regular monthly meeting, Treasurer and Director's Reports, Sports/Programs Report, Approve/Deny user agreement between PCPRA and Pike County Cheer Association for the 2014 season, Approve beverage provider for concession beverage sales, Approve/Deny 2% raise for full-time employees, Approve/Deny amended FY 2014/15 budget, Approve/Deny AT&T contract for fax line and DSL service, Approve/Deny agreement with Clifton, Lipford, Hardison & Parker, LLC to provide audit services for the year ended June 30, 2014 in the amount between $4,000.00 & $5,000.00, Approve/Deny Facilities Reciprocal Use Agreement between Pike County Middle School and PCPRA, and Identify Impact Fee Projects. Due to a lack of quorum of board members for tonight’s PCPRA board meeting, the meeting has been cancelled. The next meeting of the PCPRA board will be held Monday, August 11 at 7:00pm in the BOC meeting room.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular nightly meeting on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. There will be a 15 Town Hall Meeting where citizens can speak to commissioners prior to the meeting. The public is invited to attend. Click here for more. *Please note that Pike County Times will not be present at this meeting so plan to attend if you want to know first-hand what is happening in this meeting. I will upload the post agenda when it is sent to me. Scroll to the bottom of the page if you want to do some research on solar farms from the past couple of meetings.

ZEBULON - A Cowboys for Christ Chapter is forming in this area. The first meeting will be Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m. at the Oink Joint BBQ in Zebulon. For more information, contact Bob Perkerson at 770-584-2429.

ZEBULON - These are the unofficial results for Pike County in the State of Georgia Primary Runoff. There are 10,040 registered voters in Pike County. 1,657 people cast their vote in the Runoff leaving Pike County with a 16.5% turnout. Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Polls will be open on Tuesday, July 22nd from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for you to voice your choices in the Run Off Election. *Please note, if you voted in the Republican or Democratic Primary in May, you are required to vote in the same primary as you voted in May. If you did NOT vote in May, you may choose either ballot when you vote in July. Click here for more. We all have an opportunity to make our voices heard! ** Listen to Fun 101.1 for election results on July 22. Update 7.22.14: 107 absentee ballots were sent in and 338 people early voted prior to today's official election day out of more than 10,000 registered voters. Keep in mind that decisions made in Atlanta affect our county and our families even if we choose to ignore that fact. Speak out or don't complain about our representation.

ATLANTA – The Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association (GICAA) – the largest independent and faith-based sports league in the state of Georgia – has announced an official sponsorship deal with Georgia’s largest farm organization, the Georgia Farm Bureau. Georgia Farm Bureau has joined the GICAA family as the official trophy sponsor for all GICAA athletic and literary competitions. Click here for more.

Jackie's 2 Minute Entertainment Rundown for this week includes Reviews of (1) Belle (2) Transformers: Age of Extinction (3) The Grand Seduction. It 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.

BARNESVILLE - A Poker Run has been organized to benefit Dana Cox on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at the VFW Club in Barnesville. Dana has been diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with kickstands up at 11 a.m. and an auction to follow. There will be hamburger and hotdog plates for sale as well. You can pre-order plates by calling Cynthia Pierce at 770-468-0508. Come out for a great ride, music, great food, and to show support for Dana and her family in this time of need! All proceeds benefit Dana Cox. For more information about this benefit ride, contact Felton Lewis at 770-550-3808.

Pike County Parks & Recreation Authority will once again host the Summer Outdoor Movie Series at the park this summer. Three family friendly movies are scheduled to be shown beginning in June. The dates for the movies are July 25 and August 22. Movies will be shown on the lower football field and begin around dusk.

Pre-show music and inflatables will be available 1½ hours before the movies begin. Concessions will be open or bring a picnic along with your lawn chairs and blankets. Pets and tobacco products are prohibited. For movie titles, visit our web site at www.eteamz.com/pikecorec or call the recreation office at 770-567-2027. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

ZEBULON - There are many new pictures on the Pictures page. This includes an early vote picture of the ladies from the Voter Registrar's Office and pictures from the Employee Appreciation Picnic held on July 3rd. Enjoy! Click here for pictures.

Mrs. Barbara Jean Long Eppinger, age 75, of Zebulon, passed away July 17, 2014. She was born in Dalton, GA, daughter of the late Ed Long and Mary Gibson Long. For many years she worked in the payroll department of Thomaston Mills. She was an excellent pianist, always smiling and upbeat. Ms. Eppinger enjoyed star gazing, bird watching and tractor shows. In her younger years, she played softball and was a rock hound. She had a servant’s heart. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Barry Chaffin and her husband, Glenn Eppinger. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Randy and Amy Chaffin of Hampton, David and Sandra Chaffin of Thomaston, Johnny Chaffin of Hampton and Amy and John Evans of Columbus; sisters and brothers-in-law: Martha and Billy Berry of Chatsworth, Jo and Harold Williamson of Thomaston and Teresa and Royce Sanders of Thomaston; brothers and sisters-in-law: Chris and Pam Long of Tyrone and Cliff and Song Long of Chatsworth; 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

ZEBULON - Pike County Public Works Director Todd Goolsby has advised that West Fossett Road should be reopened during the week of July 21. Click here for pictures.

MILNER - The Federal Communications Commission in Washington D.C. has assigned call letters and issued a construction permit for the first FM radio station in Lamar County. WFAL-FM is licensed to Milner, Georgia and is a sister station to 101.1 FM/WTGA, that currently serves the Lamar-Pike-Spalding-Upson-Monroe-Meriwether County area.

According to the President of Radio GA, Inc., Dave Piper, a Lamar County native, the tower for 105.9 FM will be located in the High Falls Community near I-75. The call letters, WFAL-FM were selected to identify with the former Milner High School Mascot, the Falcons. Piper added, Fun 101.1 features Pike County news seven days a week and the new 105.9 FM plans to continue that 24/7 news beat. Civic Clubs, organizations, and churches can send announcements to WTGA@fun101fm.com.

ATLANTA — State Representative Allen Peake (R-Macon) today released the following statement regarding the objectives for the upcoming meetings of the Prescription of Medical Cannabis for Serious Medical Conditions Joint Study Committee: “Throughout this series of study committee meetings, we hope to examine legislation that other states have crafted to help their citizens find relief from certain medical disorders. I also look forward to hearing feedback and testimonies from various groups, especially families who are seeking cannabis oil treatment in Georgia, law enforcement representatives and medical professionals. In order to understand all aspects of medical cannabis, testimony from producers of this very specific cannabis oil that is used to treat seizure disorders in children will also be very important. Click here for more.

Mr. Marion Kelly Stephens, age 76, of Thomaston, passed away July 14, 2014 at a local hospital. He was born in Kite, GA, son of the late I.J. and Eva Mae Stephens. He retired from Dundee Mills in Griffin and was a member of Midway Baptist Church in Barnesville. He loved his family and enjoyed feeding the ducks and playing cards at the nursing home. He had a wonderful personality and always greeted his family, friends and co-workers with a smile. He never met a stranger and was admired by everyone who knew him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Estelle Stephens, brothers, Willard and Harold Stephens and sister, Janelle Scott. He is survived by his wife: Kathi Wright-Stephens; brother: Jack Stephens of Centerville; sister: Saralyn Horne of Thomaston; step-children: Bobby Peugh of Griffin and Valerie Dawson of Meansville; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

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

Ricky Joe Moore, 62, of Griffin, GA, departed this life on July 2, 2014 at his home. He was born on February 4, 1952, in Clay County, WV, son of the late Floyd T. Sargent and Nellie Moore Egnor. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Ronnie Sargent. He is survived by his siblings; Vicki Campbell of VA, Cathy Egnor of NC, Ronnie Egnor of VA, David Headburg of OH, Teresa Smith of NC, Nancy Garten of WV, Robin Adkins of OH and Mike Workman of OH. He also leaves behind many step-children, step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews that loved him dearly. He will be greatly missed. Graveside service will be 2 pm Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at Sunset Cemetery, Bickmore.

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

Natalie Paige Stanley Caldwell, born August 16, 1973, passed away at Piedmont Henry Hospital on July 14, 2014. Paige was a native of Milner. She attended Milner High School and was the daughter of the late Barbara Buchanan Kidd and George M. Stanley, both raised in Barnesville and graduates of Milner High School Class of 1969. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mrs. Hazel Clark Byars, Thomaston, Mr. W.J. Buchanan, Molena, and Mr. & Mrs. Roscoe Stanley, Barnesville. She is survived by two daughters, Kaelin Caldwell and Kristin Cummings and a son, Chase Forehand. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

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

ZEBULON - The Regular Meeting of the City Council of Zebulon convened at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at City Hall, 7818 Highway 19 South, Zebulon. Presiding was Mayor Pro-Tem Dewey Yarbrough, and present were Councilmen David Woods, William Thomas, and Joe Walter. Also attending was City Attorneys Robert Morton and Tom Morton, as well as City Clerk Teresa Watson to record minutes. Click here to read the approved minutes.

ZEBULON - Pike County Times did a follow up investigation on the EPD settlement and requirements for future training burns in the county on donated structures. Click here for more.

All five commissioners are present along with County Clerk Jo Ann Wrye, County Manager (CM) Hanson, and County Attorneys Rob and Tom Morton. Click here for more. This meeting is complete.

ZEBULON - The J. Joel Edwards Library in Zebulon continues summer events through the month of July. The teen program is held on Mondays at 1 p.m. Preschool storytime is on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. The Summer Reading Club program is on Thursdays at 1 p.m. And movies are shown on Saturdays at 1 p.m. The Summer Reading Club Finale will be on August 2 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

ZEBULON - All five commissioners are in the meeting along with County Clerk Jo Ann Wrye, County Manager (CM) John Hanson, and County Attorney Rob Morton. Click here for more.