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.

Two of the southeast’s best classic soul, beach and Motown bands are coming to Upson County on Saturday, July 26, for a benefit concert in support of the Gilmore Center. Upson native Dave Penn, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his award-winning band, The Soul Purpose Band of Atlanta, will headline the concert out at Bickley’s Lake on Rock Hill School Road. Sharing the stage that evening will be Donny Whitehead’s band The Grains of Sand from Athens, Georgia.

Sponsors tables, seating eight, at $300 apiece are still available. General gate admission is $10, with gate opening at 7 p.m. and the concert starting at 8. Guests are expected from all over the southeast for this exciting midsummer event. Tweet or facebook your friends and don’t miss out. See The Soul Purpose Band facebook page or go to the website thesoulpurposeband.com.

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 - Pike County Parks & Recreation Authority will hold its Regular Monthly Meeting on July 21, 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 an illness the monthly meeting of the PCPRA Board has been changed from July 21st to Monday, July 28th at 7:00pm in the BOC meeting room. My apologies for any inconvenience.

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.

Mrs. Bobbie Jean Crittenden, age 80, of Williamson, passed away July 11, 2014 at Brightmoor Hospice in Griffin. She was born in Rome, GA, daughter of the late Joe Dennington and Lula Mae Musgrove Dennington. She retired from General Motors and after retiring enjoyed fishing, cooking and crafting. Her family was her whole life. She was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Brooks, and sister, Joyce Gentry. She is survived by her husband: Gerald Crittenden; sons and daughters-in-law: Terry and Rita Brooks of Ellenwood and Johnny Crittenden of Williamson; daughters and sons-in-law: Barbara and Wallace Presley of Williamson, Linda and Jack Mills of Griffin, Brenda and James Wells of Lexington, KY and Tina and Johnny Kent of McDonough; 15 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

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

Mrs. Evelyn L. Berner, age 71, born in Miami, FL on June 9, 1943, and returned to the Lord on July 9, 2014, at her part-time home in Meansville, GA, surrounded by family. She was a resident of Palm Bay, FL for 34 years with her husband George. They raised five children; Donna Snell of Florence, SC., Lee Schuler of Palm Bay, FL, Brian Berner of Meansville, GA, daughter unknown, and Stephen Berner of Pam Bay, FL. She has nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by four brothers: James Rowland of Okeechobee FL, Larry Rowland of Steinhatchee, FL, Dan Rowland of Grant, FL and Roger Rowland of Zebulon, GA. Evelyn was a loving mother, wife, and friend to so many that words cannot describe how much she will be missed and will remain in the heart of everyone who knew her, forever.

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

GRIFFIN - Griffin Choral Arts Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. Stephen J. Mulder, will present a choral concert entitled “Longing and a Summer Walk: Songs of Nature, Love, and Devotion” on Sunday, July 20, at 3:00 PM at St. George’s Episcopal Church (132 North Tenth Street, Griffin). Click here for more.

ZEBULON - Update 7.10.14: The regular line to the Sheriff's Office has been restored. The 770-567-8431 phone number for the Sheriff's Office is still out of service today. (It has been out since yesterday, and they are fairly certain that it is not an internal problem.) However, AT&T is working on this problem and will get it resolved at some point hopefully soon. Call 911 for the Pike County Sheriff's Office until this is fixed.

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.

Mr. William Albert “Bud” Chapman, Jr., age 65, of Concord, passed away July 5, 2014. He was born in Atlanta, son of the late William Albert Chapman, Sr. and Willie Conley Chapman. He was currently working as a mechanic for Boney Aviation in Griffin and enjoyed reading. Bud was a loving husband and a good father. He was preceded in death by his brother Randy. He is survived by his wife: Trudy; daughter: Bobbi; grandson: Brandon; brothers: Wayne, Leon and Donnie; and sisters: Jewel and Lori.

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

Ms. Madelyn Smith Ellison, age 94, passed away July 4, 2014 at Heritage Inn Nursing Home in Barnesville. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 8, at 2 p.m., in Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, Florida. Moody-Daniel Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

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.

ZEBULON - "The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not." Founding Father John Adams said this on July 3, 1776. Click here to read the history on this quote from the National Park Service.

The 4th of July is so much more than fireworks and food and hanging out with friends and family. This is a time that we as a nation remember where we came from and honor those who have given their service--and even their lives--to make the United States of America a free nation. Thank a veteran every time you get the opportunity. Freedom has never been free.

ZEBULON - Jackson Street between the Commission Office and Sheriff's Office and the Courthouse will be closed until 3 p.m. today for the Pike County Employee Appreciation Picnic. Please note that county offices will be open during this time with employees attending the picnic during staggered times.

CONCORD - The City of Concord will hold a Kid Bicycle Parade tomorrow at 10 a.m. Kids, decorate your bikes and bring your parents to the parking lot in front of City Hall and be prepared to show your Independence Day spirit! Parents, snap a picture or two of your kids and send them to editor@pikecountytimes.com so Pike County Times.com can show your kids' spirit to the community.

THOMASTON - The West Central Georgia Shutterbugs are proud to have Tom Vadnais speak at their Tuesday, July 8th meeting, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room of Hightower Memorial Library, located at 800 West Gordon Street (across the street from Upson Regional Medical Center) in Thomaston. Click here for more.

GRIFFIN - There will be an organizational meeting for a local bee club in Spalding, Lamar, Pike, or Upson Counties on Thursday, August 21 at 7pm at the Spalding County Extension office. Please call Brutz English from the Liberty Hill Honey Company, LLC at (770) 843-2110 if you have any questions.

ZEBULON - West Fossett Rd between Highway 18 and Calvary Rd is closed due to a culvert being out.

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.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to reject the Obama administration’s attempt to restrict Americans’ religious freedom in the Hobby Lobby case: “Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a win for religious freedom and yet another signal to the Obama administration that it cannot continue to infringe on the Constitutional rights of Americans. This decision is further proof that Obamacare is an unworkable law that should be repealed immediately.”

ZEBULON - A plain white postcard arrives in the mail saying that you have received a $100 Walmart or Target gift card. There is no return address on the card but there is a toll free 1-800 number to call for more information. What do you do? Click here for more.

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.