Pike County Times
The Pike County Times, PO Box 843, Zebulon, Georgia 30295. Click here to donate through PayPal. Becky Watts: Phone # 770-468-7583 editor@pikecountytimes.com
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Welcome to the Pike County Times.com We Are Pike County Page.
If you have a picture of a Pike County event or Pike County people that you would like to show off, email it to: editor (at) pikecountytimes (dot) com with a description that I can place under the picture on the We are Pike County web page. Normally, I do not place the names of children with their pictures or I place names in alphabetical order because I consider it to be a possible hazard to children with this website being available on the world wide web. Thanks to all who send pictures and information to The Pike County Times. This is truly a community newspaper because of your contributions!
Early voting ends on Friday, July 22. Election Day is Tuesday, July 26. Get educated and make your voice heard!
According to Major David Neal of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call was made to report a dark colored truck driving recklessly into Zebulon this afternoon around the 5 o’clock hour. The driver of a dark colored F150 was speeding and riding down both the wrong side of the road and the center lane on Highway 19 by Racquethause South coming south on Highway 19. Click here for more.
Photo submitted.
Photo submitted.
“A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” Troop 37 member Andrew Carter knows what it is to be all of these things since he has worked for many years to become an Eagle Scout. Andrew was honored for his hard work in the Boy Scouts on April 3, 2016 with an Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony that was held at Zebulon United Methodist Church. Click here for more.
Prayer Power accepts nominations from the community each year for the “Saints in Light Award” which is presented to an individual serving in Pike County who has been a spiritually inspiring, motivating, and encouraging influence in the community, and who openly and with love works for the betterment of the community and the people they come in contact with. Click here for more.
Photo submitted.
The Pike County Sheriff's Office recently received a monetary grant from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety that was used to purchase a speed detection trailer. This trailer will not only warn drivers of their speed, but will also compile traffic data for the areas in which it is deployed. The data collected will be useful in identifying the number and speeds of vehicles traveling through a particular area. Sheriff Jimmy Thomas has already had the trailer deployed in the outlying cities and will have it relocated throughout the county periodically.
Photo courtesy of the Pike County Sheriff's Office.
Still Holding Onto Hope Five Years After the Tornado Hit Barnesville. It has been five years since the tornadoes destroyed homes and businesses and, in Barnesville, took the lives of two people. Since then, homes have been rebuilt, families have moved to new homes, and a legacy remains through those who knew the Gunters. One of my favorites articles that I have ever written in the follow up on the storm and its aftermath one year later. Click here to read this follow up article with a link to my tornado coverage in 2011 in Barnesville. Another story of hope can be read by clicking here.
The Pike County American Legion Post 197 held is first 5/10K Run/Walk fundraiser on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Click here to see pictures.
Submitted photo.
Submitted photo.
Submitted photo.
Zebulon Resident Recognized with 20 Year-Service Award. Thursday, March 31, Teresa Riddle Lynch of Zebulon, Georgia received a 20 year- service award from Jim Reese, President/CEO of The Atlanta Mission, an organization established in 1938 to meet the needs of the hungry, homeless and helpless. Click here for more.
The City of Molena was without water pressure from Friday morning through Sunday afternoon. City Clerk Cindy Darsey advised that the problem was identified on early on Friday morning and that the City worked feverishly until the problem was found and corrected. Click here for more.
Submitted photo.
Submitted photo.
Zebulon resident Harold Callaway was injured in a wreck at the Hwy 19-41 light by Ingles in Griffin on January 20, 2016. Four vehicles were involved with six motorists but only Harold was transported for treatment. Click here for more.
Submitted photo.
Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security on behalf of Governor Nathan Deal, recently awarded a $87,526 federal grant project to Pike County for the purchase and installation of five outdoor severe weather warning sirens. Click here for more.
According to the accident report from the Georgia State Patrol, a wreck occurred on Hwy 19 in Zebulon around 3:15 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2016. It had been raining and the road was wet before a three vehicle accident occurred that involved the Christ Chapel school bus and two trucks on the road in front of Dollar General. Click here for more.
Submitted photo.
Submitted photo.
April is national Child Abuse Awareness Prevention Month. The Pike Community Resource Network, our local Georgia Family Connection collaborative, has placed a Pinwheels for Prevention display on the courthouse lawn in Zebulon, Georgia. Click here for more.
On Thursday evening, Feb. 25, a Meet & Greet was held at the J. Joel Edwards Public Library. In attendance were all nine members of the library board, the county commissioners and county manager, and two city mayors. The purpose of the meeting was for all those in attendance to get to know each other and for the library board to inform the local county and city leaders on the status of the library. Click here for more.
Submitted photo.
Submitted photo.
Employees of the Georgia Forestry Commission's local Clayton/Pike/Lamar/Upson/Spalding Unit in the agency's North Region have been recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in serving Georgia citizens. The unit was named 2015 North Region Unit of the Year for furthering the agency's mission of providing "leadership, service and education in the protection and conservation of Georgia's forest resources." Click here for more.
Members of local Boy Scout Troop 37 and Pack 103 sponsored by Life Springs Church out of Meansville, Georgia, collected around 350 pieces of canned and dry goods from the community to donate to one of our local foodbanks: REACH Inc. out of Concord, Georgia. Thank you to everyone who worked together on this effort! Photo submitted.
Submitted photo.
Congratulations to Volunteer Caregiver of the Year Tamra Jarrett with her husband Larry, son Wesley, and Pastor Carol Scroggs who nominated Tammy! Tammy is the founder and facilitator of the Pike County Support Group and caregiver for her mother who is a victim of Alzheimer's disease. Thank you to Tammy for all that she does in our community!
PCFD was dispatched to a 911 call at 9:38 p.m. Tuesday, January 5 for a structure fire at the home of Daniel (Danny) and Denise Hudson at 237 Dickinson Road, Williamson. Click here for more..
Submitted photo.
Sheriff's Deputies responded to complaints of a reckless driver on Sands Road this morning that almost struck several Pike County Road Department employees. Click here for more.
The Martin Luther King Jr. parade was held on Monday, January 18th in Zebulon. There was a program immediately after parade at Mt. Hope Baptist Church off of Hwy 19 in Zebulon. Click here for more.
Quality Pallet Systems in Concord caught fire and began burning around 11 a.m. this morning. The employees were able to get almost all of the equipment out of the building, and no one was injured. Volunteers from the Pike County Fire Department brought trucks and equipment to the scene to fight the fire. Click here for more.
J. Joel Edwards Library Presented An Adult Coloring Class on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Participants were able to color together in a cozy atmosphere and marvel at their final product. These are just a few of the participants who were present at this event. Keep an eye on the Calendar of Events page for more upcoming events!
Volunteers from the Pike County Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Feb 18, 2016 around 6:30 PM on Spring Cove Rd in Concord. Stations 1,2,3,5,6, and 8 responded to the fire. A grease fire in the kitchen was the cause of the fire resulting in damage to the kitchen and smoke and heat damage to the rest of the home. Photo courtesy of the Pike County Fire Department.
Members of the South Georgia Ambulance team in Pike County coordinated an effort to build a ramp at a citizen's home here in Pike County this past fall. Home Depot donated materials and labor, The Lion's Club donated funds, and members of the Pike County Fire helped out too. Despite the rain that day, the project came together without a hitch. Thank you for a job well done! Photos courtesy of Teri Totten.
Two brush trucks recently placed into service by PCFD will be housed at Station 6 (Williamson) and Station 3 (Lifsey Springs). The newly purchased 2015 F350 has been fitted with a 300 gallon tank on a Diversified brush skid unit, outfitted with Whelen emergency devices and customized by Station 6 personnel. The second unit, a 2007 Dodge 3500 4x4 crew cab has been fitted with a DFI 300 gallon fast attack skid and will be housed at Station 3. Photo courtesy of the Pike County Fire Department.
Photo courtesy of Stan Mangham.
The 2nd Annual Pike County Youth Christmas Parade was held on December 13th at 3:00 p.m. Festivities began at 2:00 pm on the square with live entertainment, vendors, inflatables, and Santa Claus was available to see kids after the parade as well. Click here for more.
David and Jodi O’Neal’s home caught fire in the early hours of December 4th. Pike County Fire Department volunteers responded and Spalding County Fire responded as well, but the home was lost. Click here to read their story. Update: David and Jodi have found a place to stay in Pike County at this time and are grateful for the outpouring of love that they have experienced during this experience.
Santa Claus came to Concord again this year and a fun time was had by all! Here are pictures from the annual Lighting of Concord held on Friday, December 4, 2015.
Click here for more.
On November 11, 2015, the Pike County American Legion Post 197 hosted the Pike County Veteran’s Day Program at the south side of the Pike County Court House Square in Zebulon, Georgia. Over 70 people came out to attend this event. Highlights of the ceremony included veterans standing during the playing of their service song in the Armed Forces Medley, Navy Captain (Retired) Robert “Bob” Perkerson from Molena speaking to attendees, hearing the History of the Pike County Veteran’s Memorial, and the laying of a wreath at the base of the Monument with Taps playing in honor of all deceased Veterans. Click here for more.
Seventy two years is a long time to be missing a loved one who served in the service of our country but has not yet been returned home to their family. The family of Lt. Robert Eugene Oxford knows all too well about a wait like this. In fact, the families of eight members of a plane that went down in 1944 have had a long wait, but there is hope that the American government is working to bring their loved ones home.
Click here for more. Click here to read the article entitled Concord "Back in the Day" - A Story of the Life of Fred Oxford.
The 9th Annual Veteran's Day Celebration was held at Peachstate Aerodrome on November 7, 2015. The event was held indoors due to the possibility of inclement weather. Click here for more. All photos courtesy of John Ellis.
Members of the Upsilon Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, Society International, presented a thesaurus to each student in Mrs. Ann-Marie Cyphers’ 4th grade, as well as to other selected students in Lamar County Elementary School. Delta Kappa Gamma promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. The Upsilon Chapter is comprised of educators from Butts, Lamar, Monroe, Pike, and Spalding Counties who are currently teaching or retired. Photo courtesy of Delta Kappa Gamma.
After receiving a call from Pike County Dispatch on October 12, 2015 stating that a puppy, a family pet, had fallen into a well. Chief O'Barr and several members of Pike County Fire Department responded. The puppy was in a hand dug well approximately 25 feet deep located on a piece of property with an abandoned house off McKinley Road. Within the hour, those on scene were successfully able to retrieve the puppy. Info and pictures courtesy of the Pike County Fire Department.
A family picture from the end of the ride in Barnesville
Safety meeting before the ride in Griffin
The ride started on an overcast Saturday morning from Buffalo's Cafe in Griffin and ended at the VFW in Barnesville. Riders were helping to raise money for Cooper "Tyler" Nipper, son of Anna Cooper Chestosky and Christopher Nipper.
Click here for more.
Photo submitted and used with permission from Crosspointe Christian Academy. Another photo is below the article.
The American Red Cross of Central Midwest GA is currently offering The Pillowcase Project, a national program offered in schools, after-school programs, summer camps and other youth programs and events to teach 3rd - 5th graders and their families how to prepare for disasters.
Click here for more.
The American Red Cross, Central Midwest GA Chapter, visited the Zebulon and Concord Communities in Pike County as part of its Home Fire Preparedness Campaign to install free smoke alarms where needed and teach people how to be prepared for home fires. Seven times a day someone in this country dies in a home fire. Countless others suffer injuries. Click here for more.
The Pike County American Legion Post 197 received a generous donation of $550 from the Pike County Middle School History Club which will be directed to support the November 7, 2015 Pike County Memorial Annex Induction Ceremony. On 23 October 2015 at the Pike County Middle School, Todd Childs, Pike County Middle School History Club sponsor and Dr. Vickie Smith, Pike County Middle School Principal presented Bryan Richardson, Commander of the Pike County American Legion Post 197 with a check for $550. Photo courtesy of Pike Post 197.
Frankie’s day did not start well. When the four year old Appaloosa gelding did not show up for morning feeding his owners began searching the property. Quick action by the owners set a rescue mission in motion. Personnel from Pike County Animal Control, Pike County Fire Department, the City of Concord, Pike County Road Department, Pike County Sheriff’s Department and Dr. Melissa Fulton of Fulton Equine Clinic worked diligently to free Frankie and move him to a safe location. Click here for more.
Pictures from 10.29.15: Paving has begun on Williamson-Zebulon Road. EXPECT TRAFFIC DELAYS. Public Works Director Todd Goolsby advised that the contractor is putting down 1/2 inch leveling course first and then coming back to apply the final course that will be 1 1/2 inches thick. This process should take four days, but rain will affect that ending date. Photos courtesy of Pike County Public Works.
On the afternoon of October 27, 2015, a tractor trailer that traveled down Highway 19 North through Zebulon spilled some diesel fuel that ended up on his tires. The driver lost traction going around the curve at Mr. B's. The truck slipped and left the road, hitting a guardrail, but there were no injuries. The DOT put out a sand mixture to soak up the diesel fuel and keep other vehicles from the same fate. The Georgia Department of Public Safety's Motor Carrier Compliance Division was on the scene as well as several law enforcement, DOT and unmarked vehicles. After blocking the slick side of the roadway until it could be covered and made safe, the roadway was reopened this evening.
Here is a reminder of how important it is to vote. Briana Hudson and Mrs. Harrison are at City Hall in Williamson as Mrs. Harrison is getting ready to vote. She is the wife of the late Bobby Harrison. Click here to read election coverage from Pike County Times. Get educated and make your voice heard! Photo courtesy of Denise Hudson.
CONCORD - The 42nd Annual Concord Country Jubilee will be held on Saturday, October 17th and Sunday, October 18th in Concord, Georgia from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. There are many things to see, lots of neat items to take home, and a lot of events that are going on during the weekend! Check out my pictures from this year's event! Click here for more.
Photos courtesy of American Red Cross of Central Midwest Georgia.
Red Cross Leverages Emergency Management Training to Improve Preparedness Efforts & Strengthen Partnerships for GA Communities: Staff and Volunteers from the American Red Cross of Central Midwest Georgia attended a 3 day Hazardous Material Contingency Planning training last week alongside emergency management personnel at the Georgia Department of Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth.
Click here for more.
Pike County Teacher Runs to Remember Others: "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile," said Andy Landers. "To me, that is more than a saying, it’s the way I hope to live my life for my wife, my children, my family, my friends, and the strangers I don’t know." Andy showed what that kind of determination looks like when he ran 11 miles with an American flag on Pike County roads to honor the victims and heroes of 911 on the weekend of September 11th. Click here for more.
Update on the Pike County Wetlands Trail: Bob Clark took a walk on the Lamar County wetlands trail a short time back and then came to the Pike County Pirate Trail on the same day. His experience was not the same on both trails, and it prompted him to write the editorials to both the Barnesville Herald Gazette, the Pike Journal Reporter, and Pike County Times.com. He has met with representatives from various entities in the city and county to find out more information on this project including the fact that there are two trails and both do not belong to the Board of Education.
Click here for more.
6 year old Leland Shoemake, who has been fighting an amoebic infection for the past several weeks, passed away on September 25, 2015. The community gathered together to pray for his healing earlier this week and that God would provide grace sufficient for all of the family’s needs. The community is gathering again around the family to pray and support them as Leland's life is celebrated and his loss mourned.
Click here for more.
The American Legion Pike Post 197 held a remembrance ceremony for Patriot's Day on September 11, 2015 on the Courthouse Square. A special Flag Raising and Lowering Ceremony was also held for four soldiers who were killed-in-action (KIA) who will be honored and inducted into the Pike County Memorial Annex on November 7, 2015.
Click here for more.
The technology teacher at Pike Primary School received a new addition to her classroom this school year. Angie Nix was the recipient of the Team Depot grant. The funds were used to create an outside space students can enjoy during their time in computer lab.
Click here for more.
The Pike Community Resource Network 2015 Back to School Bash was held on Saturday, August 15, 2015 from 8:30 am – 10:00 am Pike Memorial Annex building. More than 200 children were provided with school supplies. Click here for more.
Photos courtesy of Family Unification Network, Inc.
Photo of Edd Sanders delivering donated items to tornado victims in 2011.
Family Unification Network, Inc. is a non-profit ministry that needs your help to reach out to men and women who are incarcerated in prisons throughout the state of Georgia by participating in the 2015 Dial Soap Drive.
Click here for more.
On Saturday August 22, 2015, Prayer Power of Georgia, Inc. sponsored the Annual Prayer Walk for Pike County Schools. Nearly 50 people came out on this overcast Saturday morning to pray for our schools before the school year began.
Click here for more.
The Summer Reading Finale was held at the J. Joel Edwards Public Library for children and teens on Saturday, August 1, 2015. The event was a lot of fun for all who came out and participated! Click here for more.
An Employee Appreciation lunch was held for employees. Commissioners cooked and everyone who works in the county as well as volunteers for the county were invited to come out and join the fun! Offices were covered as employees came during a three hour stretch of time when they could attend for their lunch time. This was done very well as always!
I told my kids this afternoon that I think that the whole world should stop for at least a few minutes to acknowledge and honor the passing of one of our soldiers. In Thomaston, Georgia on June 22, a community did just that. Military Procession for Fallen Soldier PFC Monterrious T. Daniel. Click here for more.