ZEBULON - The American Cancer Society is obsessed with numbers. They know, however, that every number associated with a cancer statistic represents an individual, a family, a friend, and a community affected by the diagnosis. According to www.cancer.org, fifteen years ago the Society set aggressive goals for the year 2015 to measurably reduce the impact of cancer, to decrease cancer mortality by 50 percent, to reduce cancer incidence by 25 percent, and to improve quality of life for people with the disease.

In recent years, both incidence and death rates for all cancers have decreased for both men and women. Since the early 1990’s, more than 767,000 cancer deaths have been averted. Today, we are helping to prevent 350 cancer deaths PER DAY with a goal of 1,000 per day by 2015! Five year survival rates continue to improve, from 50% in the late 1970’s to 66% today. The more than 11 million Americans who are cancer survivors – twice the number from just 20 years ago - are living proof of progress toward these goals.

Click here to read the rest of this article, see photos from last year's events, and find out upcoming dates and how you can be a part of this year's Relay for Life.

THOMASTON - What is it about brass instruments that appeals to almost everyone? They’re loud. Jazzy. Bright and shiny. Fun images of marching band tubas, 76 trombones, and Louis Armstrong immediately come to mind.

Mark your calendars because The Atlanta Brass Quintet is coming to Thomaston Sunday, January 29th at 2:00 at the R.E. Lee/Government Complex auditorium.

“Lively, fun, and altogether satisfying, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution calls the Brass. The Albany Herald says, “a great musical treat”; The Macon Telegraph wrote: “The Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet thrilled their audience.”

Prepare to hear “fine technique, resplendent tone, and crowd-pleasing showmanship.” (The Atlanta Constitution) Give yourself an afternoon outing and come to this captivating concert, made possible by B B & T and Associates and the family of Marcia Singer.

Director Michael Moore says, “I and the other members of the quintet are excited to play for our fans in middle Georgia. We’ve chosen selections that we’re sure everyone will love! Audiences outside the metro area are always warm and appreciative, making us truly cherish playing these concerts.”

The Quintet will perform music from “The Royal Fireworks” by Handel, “Girl with the Flaxen Hair” (Debussy), “A Wee Irish Suite” (Marc Mir), the “Mississippi Rag” (Wm Krell), a Suite from West Side Story (Bernstein) and much more.

Band students especially will appreciate the two trumpets, horn, trombone, and tuba. All students in the arts will receive a ticket discounted to $5. Regular tickets are $15 adult and $8 students and children. This will be great music that is sure to delight!

“Red Tails” (20th Century Fox)

When was the last time you saw a movie that was glorifyingly patriotic? When was the last time you saw a movie where the characters actually prayed to God for safety? The answer to these two questions is probably quite some time. But in “Red Tails” you get this and more. It is a rip-roaring patriotic film that tells us about real life heroes and how they became that way.

Click here to read the rest of this review.

©2012 Jackie K. Cooper

[Note from the Editor: This website looks better on Firefox.]

Jackie has many movie reviews on his website at www.jackiekcooper.com including "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, "Haywire", "The Iron Lady", and "Underworld Awakening".

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

ZEBULON - Pike County Sheriff's Investigators arrested two suspected burglars on Wednesday after the suspects tried to flee from them.

A report was filed with deputies earlier in the day in which several suspects in a Ford F-350 pulling a trailer had tried to steal a car at a residence on Roberts Quarters Road. While checking the area for the suspects the Investigator located a matching vehicle on Highway 18 in Concord.

The driver initially refused to stop when a traffic stop was attempted on the vehicle. The vehicle then abruptly stopped and the driver fled on foot from the truck. After a foot chase into the woods the driver, Marshall McInvale, was captured and arrested. Left in the vehicle was a female, Lisa Caldwell, and her small child. McInvale currently resides on Wildplume Road in Griffin and Caldwell on Adams Road in Meansville. A search of the suspects vehicle revealed numerous items that appeared to be stolen from a residence. The items in the vehicle were subsequently found to have come from a burglary on Spring Road that had not yet been reported.

A third male that had been in the truck at the time of the attempted vehicle theft was not in it at the time of the arrest and his identity is being investigated at this time.

Both suspects are currently in the Pike County Jail facing numerous charges including Burglary, Criminal attempt Theft by taking motor vehicle and possession of tools for commission of a crime. McInvale also had an outstanding arrest warrant for violating his probation on a prior burglary and possession of methamphetamine charge.

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced today a new exhibition at the Capitol entitled “Send Me Your Picture: Portraits, Flags, and Stories from the Civil War.” The Georgia Archives Division of the Secretary of State’s Office and the Georgia Capitol Museum collaborated on producing the new exhibition.

The “Send Me Your Picture” exhibition features a selection of Civil War images from the collection of noted Civil War image collector David Wynn Vaughan matched with historic flags from the Georgia Capitol Museum collection, including flags of the Georgia Military Institute, 5th Georgia Infantry Regiment, Sumter Flying Artillery and Walton Infantry.

The exhibition also includes stories from soldiers and a brief description of the photography processes used during the Civil War. The exhibition is located on the first floor of the Georgia Capitol in the Hall of Valor. “Send Me Your Picture” will be on display until the middle of April. The Capitol is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibition is free. If you have any questions contact Georgia Capitol Museum Director Timothy Frilingos at tfrilin@uga.edu.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, the president gave his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. The speech covered a multitude of issues, including energy, immigration, education, national defense, and taxes. The speech is a constitutional requirement on the presidency and has become a way for the president to announce his agenda for the coming year. Below is Representative Westmoreland’s reaction to the president’s speech.

“What struck me the most was the president’s complete disconnect with reality. He promised job creation and announced the need for an all-of-the-above energy plan – an idea instituted by Republicans back in 2008 – yet only two weeks ago he killed the Keystone Pipeline, a construction project that would have created tens of thousands of direct jobs and helped America decrease its reliance on oil from the Middle East. He discussed the damage a tax increase would have on our fragile economy, yet in the same speech advocated for raising taxes on American job creators. He even invoked President Lincoln, stating ‘that government should do for people only what they cannot do better by themselves, and no more,’ while at the same time pushing for more regulations of our energy and financial industries. I didn’t think the gap between what the president says and what he does could get much larger – until he actually contradicted himself in the same speech.

“Yes, the Campaigner-in-Chief unfortunately gave the speech that I was expecting: one full of rhetoric that painted the rosy view of our country rather than the actual state of our union. And why wouldn’t he? He’s running for president after all. And his reelection bid is based on his ability to convince the American people they aren’t worse off under his leadership.

“Well, like my grandmother always said, ‘Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.’ And Mr. President, you aren’t fooling me this time.

“This was the same speech we’ve all heard before. Promises of comprehensive immigration reform, education reform, tax breaks for college tuition, job creation, tax breaks for American companies, and energy independence. All promises the president has broken. The president’s speech tonight was nothing more than a laundry list filled with lofty promises, but short on actual policy.

“While I agree with him that the American spirit is one that can lift this country back to the prosperity we are capable of, we can’t do that with crushing debt, overly burdensome regulations, and higher taxes on small businesses. And while that’s the president’s agenda for 2012 the House passed legislation to address all of these issues that were stalled in the Senate last year. This administration's failed policies have driven our economy to the brink, and his State of the Union only solidified his intent to continue down this same path.

“The true state of our union is one of divisiveness, brought on by the president’s continued insistence on of pitting Republicans against Democrats, rich against poor, haves against have nots. This president seems to thrive on chaos and we all can remember what his former Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel said, ‘You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.’ Our country is facing serious challenges right now and leaders in Washington must put aside political rhetoric, roll up their sleeves, and come up with real solutions to help the American people. Unfortunately, we didn’t see that,” stated Westmoreland.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., tonight issued the following response following President Obama’s State of the Union address:

“Real ‘fairness’ would be government doing what American families have had to do: sit around the kitchen table, prioritize spending, get their spending in line and not borrow too much money.

“When it comes to taxation, we need a comprehensive approach. The president’s own commission, Simpson-Bowles, recommended that we do away with many of the current tax expenditures and tax deductions, lower the tax rate on our taxpayers and produce more income. That will bring capital off the sidelines and investment back to small business. We need a comprehensive approach, not a winners and losers approach to tax reform.

“Additionally, if on the one hand, you speak of more jobs for Americans and energy security, and on the other hand, you reject 20,000 jobs, which the Keystone XL pipeline would have brought about, and 70,000 barrels of crude from Canada, one of our best friends, then you are saying one thing and doing something else—that’s wrong for our country. We need leadership on energy security.”

To download a video recording of Isakson’s remarks, click here.

Georgia 4-H’s Need a Computer program made 34 lucky students’ holidays brighter by awarding each of them a free personal computer.

The philanthropic program began 11 years ago as a 4-H project for Rachel McCarthy, then a Walton County 4-H’er. She and her father, Jim, received donated computers, refurbished them and gave the computers to 4-H’ers in Walton County. After Rachel graduated from high school, her sister, Amanda, began to head up the Need a Computer program. In 2003, the state 4-H Youth Technology Team picked up the program and has since awarded more than 500 computers to needy 4-H’ers across the state.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

Two Pike County 4-H’ers won out of 70 applications this year: 12th grader Briana Botsford and 5th grader Wyatt Lee. Click here for their photos.

Are you looking for a project for your Youth Group or Scouting Group? Do you enjoy taking a break from the world and getting back to nature?

The Pine Mountain Trail is located close by and has opportunities for hiking and for helping out with a worthy cause. Meeting times and locations are also listed on the Calendar of Events page. Please tell them that you read about these events on Pike County Times.com.

On January 28 and February 11 at 10 a.m. volunteers will meet at the FDR State Park Office Parking Lot on Ga. Hwy. 190 at 10 a.m. On Saturday, March 17 at 10 a.m., volunteers will meet at the Rocky Point Parking Lot (7 miles east of FDR State Park Office ing Lot on Ga. Hwy. 190. Bring gloves, snacks and water.

Pine Mountain Trail SPECIAL workday is scheduled for Saturday Feb 25 at 10 a.m. Meet at the FDR State Park Office Parking Lot on Ga. 190. This special workday where volunteers will be doing a roadside litter pick up along GA Highway 190 for 2 hours. * Please note: Groups (church, school and scouts) are welcome, but please let contact Jim Hall at 706-569-0497 for planning purposes. Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, snacks, and water.

Call Jim Hall at 706-569-0497 or Carl Carlson at 706-628-5336 for more information about upcoming workdays or go to www.pinemountaintrail.org.

There are two upcoming hikes scheduled for Pine Mountain Trail.

The next hike is February 18 at 10 a.m. Hikers will meet at the Dowdell Knob Trailhead Parking Lot (turn 5.8 miles east of the Park Office off Ga 190 to Dowdell Knob) and will hike the 4.3 mile Dowdell Knob Loop with Malon Wickham. Bring snacks and water. Hike is FREE including free parking permit.

There is also a hike scheduled for Pine Mountain Trail on Saturday, March 24 at 10 a.m. Hikers will meet at the Foc Den Cove Parking Lot (1.4 miles east of the Park Office on Ga 190) and will hike 5 moderate Miles over to MollyHugger Hill Parking Lot with Harry Pruitt. Bring snacks and water. Hike is FREE including free parking permit.

Call Jim Hall at 706-569-0497 for more information or go to www.pinemountaintrail.org.

Atlanta -- In 2011, Insurance Commissioner Ralph T. Hudgens’ Insurance Department helped thousands of Georgians settle disputes with their insurance companies. Without his help, policyholders might not have seen the $10.6 million of insurance claims that was returned.

“Investigators in our Consumer Services Division helped over 42,000 consumers and businesses retrieve $10,648,117.76,” Hudgens said. “Many of the citizens who called my office had claim disputes with insurance companies, and our investigators were then able to secure a settlement favorable to the consumer.”

Specialists in Commissioner Hudgens’ Consumer Services Division can help with problems in life, health, auto and homeowners insurance. “Consumers can call even if they just want their insurance policy explained or reviewed,” the Commissioner said.

“Our office takes calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to7 p.m., so we can offer the convenience of assisting consumers by phone even after traditional working hours,” Hudgens added.

Consumers with insurance questions or problems can contact the Consumer Services Division at 404-656-2070, or toll-free at 1-800-656-2298. Consumers can also file a complaint via the Department’s website at www.oci.ga.gov, or write to:

Georgia Insurance Commissioner
Consumer Services Division
2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
716 West Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334

Consumers also are welcome to come to the office in person at the above listed address Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to meet with an investigator for face-to-face advice on any type of insurance problem.

ATLANTA - Gov. Nathan Deal joined Georgia’s tourism and hospitality industry today for the annual Tourism & Hospitality Day at the state Capitol to highlight the important role tourism plays in Georgia’s economy. Representatives from the tourism industry presented Deal with a check representing $1.185 billion in state tax revenue generated from tourism-related expenditures in 2010.

“The tourism industry is a huge economic engine for the state of Georgia,” said Deal. “The more than 391,000 Georgians employed by the industry are an integral part of Georgia’s economy.”

Deal also unveiled the new 2012 annual Georgia Travel Guide. This full-color, magazine-size guide features Georgia’s own Lady Antebellum on the cover photographed at Evans Town Center Park in Columbia County. The guide provides visitors with information on Georgia’s tourism assets including trip ideas, attractions, accommodations, events and more. 750,000 guides are distributed through the state’s 11 Visitor Information Centers, www.ExploreGeorgia.org, travel and trade shows and 1-800-VISIT GA. The Georgia Department of Economic Development partnered with Emmis Custom Publishing (publisher of Atlanta Magazine) on the state’s official travel guide.

“Domestic and international visitors spent $21 billion in Georgia in 2010, an 8.3 percent increase from 2009. This increase in visitor spending contributed $2.4 billion in state and local tax revenue in our state,” said Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner for tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Georgia was also the fourth fastest-growing destination in the United States for international travelers, with a 19 percent increase.”

The Georgia Tourism division markets Georgia as a premier travel and tourism destination in order to increase visitation and create jobs. The state is also launching a new tourism campaign “The South With A Twist.” The campaign highlights authentic experiences through bold and bright photography evoking a contemporary and modern feel. The new campaign can also been seen on ExploreGeorgia.org. The state’s tourism website had a 30 percent increase in website traffic, totaling more than 1.5 million visits in 2011. Our international efforts have helped us to achieve record numbers with more than 112 international tour operators carrying Georgia tourism product in the top-producing countries for inbound travel. The product development team and regional tourism representatives assisted 777 communities statewide to enhance their tourism product. Georgia’s Visitor Information Centers also served 12 million travelers last year and booked more than 30,000 room nights in Georgia hotels.

This meeting was informative, well-planned, and considerate of the time of those attending. I appreciate that very much. The continental breakfast and Oink Joint lunch were great! This is going to be a long haul for those who have never attended one of these meetings. I will continue to upload until the meeting is complete as I transcribe 15 pages of notes into something that is manageable but informative to the public about our government.

Click here to see this article as it goes online. Updates will be on the home page so readers can see what is new when you come online.

Update 1.20.12: Fire Dept/Pike County Emergency Services and the beginning of the meeting down to Rob Morton has been updated.

Update 1.21.12: Meeting has been updated with remarks from County Attorney Rob Morton and Chief Appraiser Cindy Foster.

Update 1.24.12: Meeting has been updated with remarks from Planning and Development and EMA.

Update 1.27.12: Meeting has been updated with remarks from the Voter Register and Public Works Director.

CONCORD - Pike County Sheriff's office Narcotics Agents concluded an investigation into the sales of drugs in the Concord area. Four suspects were arrested after an operation in which each of them sold marijuana to an undercover agent at different times.

Clifton Cook, 38 years of age, Deonta Passmore, 17 years of age, Cedric Burden, 21 years of age, and Antoine Wellmaker, 26 years of age were arrested. Each is charged with Sale of marijuana and Passmore has an additional count of possession of marijuana.

Complaints on illegal drug activity can be made by calling 567-3440. All calls are confidential and callers may remain anonymous if they wish.

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced today a plan to streamline the operations at his agency’s Professional Licensing Boards Division (PLB) through more efficient procedures in license application review and code enforcement. The plan will decrease the amount of time currently required to review renewals, new license applications, deficient applications and to conduct hearings so qualified Georgians can get to work or start a new business in a week, rather than months. Professional licensing and rule making will become more accountable and transparent for more than 460,000 license applicants, license holders and all Georgia consumers.

Secretary Kemp stated, “One of the most consistent issues I hear from qualified applicants for professional licenses concerns the amount of time it takes to receive approval so they can enter the workforce. This streamlined process does not change the application and renewal submission process, but removes unnecessary layers of government bureaucracy and red tape so Georgians can start work sooner and grow our economy. I also hear complaints from those already licensed about the lack of enforcement to protect the public and to stop those who are unlicensed from competing with those who are.”

For example, some license applicants and licensees seeking renewal may have obtained specialized education and training to start a new career, or additional education and training to advance in their current profession, only to endure bureaucratic delays of a month or more which impedes their ability to work.

Kemp added, “Some applicants become ensnared in red tape due to delays caused by review processes for new license applications, license renewals and determining sanctions. Review of deficient applications and the hearing process to deliberate and issue sanctions are key components to upholding Georgia law and ensuring consumer safety. However, the review and hearing process itself can present additional obstacles to maintaining a streamlined and efficient agency, putting Georgians to work quickly, allowing them to start their businesses as soon as possible and sometimes undermining consumer safety.”

The first component of the streamlined PLB operations plan is the creation of the Georgia Board of Licensing and Regulation (GBLR). The GBLR will be a seven member body whose members are appointed by the governor, and will be composed of consumer members only. The GBLR will conduct hearings to approve certain professional licenses, hear appeals of rulings made by the Director of Professional Licensing and review for approval rules recommended by the Professional Licensing Policy Boards (formerly known as the professional licensing boards).

The plan’s second component addresses conversion of the existing professional licensing boards to professional licensing policy boards (PLPBs).The PLPBs will be composed of licensees and professional association members, and will continue to be appointed by the governor. The PLPBs will recommend new rules or rule amendments and offer their professional and expert opinions to the GBLR. Additionally, this streamlined process will allow PLPB members to spend more time providing their professional and expert opinions to the Director of Professional Licensing and staff to aid with licensing and investigations.

Finally, the PLB streamlined operations plan complements Governor Nathan Deal’s recently launched Go Build Georgia campaign by helping the state’s next generation of skilled trade professionals obtain licensure sooner so they can start a job or start a business.

“We are excited about the positive changes taking place within the Professional Licensing Boards Division,” said Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development, Tricia Pridemore. “Getting our skilled Georgian’s licensed and out on the job quickly is something that is very important to the Go Build Georgia initiative. We commend Secretary Kemp for working to solve this challenge.”

Please click here to view a detailed overview and message from Secretary Kemp about his plan to streamline the professional licensing procedures.

On January 22, 2012 the U.S. Postal Service® will implement a postage rate increase for all mail classes including First Class Mail®, Priority Mail and Express Mail along with many special services.

Summary of the 2012 USPS postage rate increase:
•First Class Letters (1 oz.) will increase by one cent to $0.45 from $0.44. Each additional ounce will cost an extra $0.20 (no change)
•First Class Flats (1 oz.) will increase by two cents to $0.90 from $0.88. Each additional ounce will cost an extra $0.20 (no change)
•Postcard rates will increase by three cents to $0.32 from $0.29
•Priority Mail retail rates will increase by an average of 3.2% and will start at $5.20 (previously at $5.10)
•Express Mail retail rates will increase by an average of 4.4% and will start at $12.95 (previously at $12.85)
•Parcel Post rates will start at $5.20 (previously at $5.10)
•Media Mail rates will start at $2.47 (previously at $2.41)
•New Product! Priority Mail Regional Rate Box C is being introduced with a 25 pound maximum weight limit. Prices start at $14.44
•New Product! Express Mail Flat Rate Box is being introduced at $39.95 with a 70 pound maximum weight limit

Mr. James “Jimmy” Monroe Manley, age 75, of Griffin, passed away January 21, 2012. He was born in Heard County to the late Jim Manley and Mary Smith Manley. He worked for over 10 years as a sewing machine mechanic for Signal Mills in Griffin. Mr. Manley was a Red Wiggler worm farmer who was known in this area as the “Worm King”. He was a loving father and grandfather. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Betty Manley, son Jackie Smith and granddaughter Reneé Smith. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Tim and Cathy Manley of Manchester, Jill and Toby Herndon of Griffin, Deborah and Stan Perdue of Griffin, Charles Manley of Woodbury, Larry “Buster” and Sherry Manley of Zebulon, Sammy and Connie Manley of Warm Springs, Bobby and Victoria Manley of Greenville and Barbara and Johnny Bennett of Griffin; sister: Ruthie Stewart of Griffin; twenty-five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitations:
6:00PM to 8:00PM on Sunday, January 22nd, 2012 at Moody Funeral Home

Services:
2:00PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Cemetery:
Oak Hill Cemetery, 727 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

For more information, directions or sign the guestbook at Moody Funeral Home.

ZEBULON - It is that time again. Papers and public hearings and a 2012-2013 budget, oh my!

A 2012/2013 budget request will soon go out from the County Manager to all Department Heads, Constitutional Officers and Component Units. All Fiscal Year 2012/2013 budget requests will be due by February 17, 2012. Meetings will then be conducted between each of these entities with the County Manager, County Clerk and County Finance Officer before the notification of final recommendations to Commissioners by March 16, 2012.

The Budget Ordinance will be submitted to the Board of Commissioners on April 11, 2012 during the 9 a.m. meeting with public hearings taking place in May and the Final Adoption of the budget being scheduled to take place on June 13, 2012 at 5 p.m.

At that time, the five year history for the county portion of our local taxes will be published in the newspaper with a Special Called Meeting to Set the Tax Levy being scheduled for July 11, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.

August 1, 2012 is the deadline to submit the Pike County budget to the Georgia Department of Revenue. Click here to print out a copy of the Pike County Board of Commissioners Budget Calendar.

ZEBULON - A special meeting has been called for January 23, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Pike County Board of Commissioner’s meeting room located at 79 Jackson Street, Zebulon, Georgia for the Board to conduct a public hearing on the following item:

(1) SE-11-05 – Danny Storey, property owner, is requesting a special exception in an A-R zoned district for a private cemetery. The property, located at 2181 Rose Hill Road, has approximately 798 feet of frontage along the southeast side of Rose Hill Road. Said property located in Land Lot 237 of the 8th District of Pike County, Georgia consists of 12 acres and is further identified as Tax Map Parcel #072 025.

The Pike County Board of Commissioners will conduct a Public Hearing on this special exception request on January 31, 2012, at 6:30 P.M., at the Courthouse Annex, located at 79 Jackson Street, Zebulon, Georgia.

ZEBULON - A meeting was held on January 12, 2012 to begin strategic planning for the proposed Pike County School Based Health Center. Mike Powell, Executive Director of Pike County’s You Equal Success (Y.E.S.) Team, Inc. which is part of the Georgia Family Connection Collaborative to continue discussion a School Based Health Center in Pike County Primary School brought participants together to discuss further needs assessment findings, define what team roles would be, and come up with a strategy for how to adapt this program to fit local needs. About 35 community leaders and providers from Pike and surrounding counties attended this meeting.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

ZEBULON - Peanutrition is a Food and Nutrition Activity for Cloverleaf and Junior 4-H’ers sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission. This contest helps 4-H’ers develop skills in using peanuts creatively and in food preparation. The contest has two separate categories: one for Cloverleafs and one for Juniors. Cloverleafs had to come up with a recipe for a peanut butter sandwich and Juniors had to come up with a no bake peanut snack.

Winners were: Kaydn Williams – Most Ingredients; Kaleigh McClure – Most Nutritious; Antonio Brittian – Messiest; and Thomas Morton – Best Overall.

Thanks to Senior 4-H’ers Briana Botsford, Ansley Carter and Jeremy Strader for being our judges.

Click here for photo and article.

Williamson - Williamson United Methodist Church hosted a Chili Cookoff on January 15, 2012. Proceeds from this multi-church and community gathering are to benefit Keystone Boys & Girls Club of West Central Georgia - Pike Unit.

The Keystone Program provides opportunities for young people ages 14 to 18 to learn leadership and provide service by participating in community service and preparing for academic success and career preparation. The Keystone Boys & Girls Club of West Central Georgia - Pike Unit is raising funds to attend their national conference.

The winners in the chili cookoff are as follows: First Place - Dusty Evans, Second place - John Morrison; and Third place - Team Boronkas (Eddie and Josh).

$435 was raised for the Keystone Boys & Girls Club of West Central Georgia - Pike Unit.

Click here for photos courtesy of Trisha Dabbs and Williamson United Methodist Church.

ZEBULON - Each year local American Legion Posts across the nation host a constitutional speech contest referred to as the “Oratorical Contest”. The High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is a public speaking contest for high school students designed to develop a deeper knowledge of the United States Constitution. The Oratorical Contest presents participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation's laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.

Pike County American Legion Post 197 will be conducting its Oratorical Contest on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 1 p.m. at the Pike County Community Resource Network Facility (next to Ruth’s Restaurant) in Zebulon, GA. For complete information on the rules and topics, visit The American Legion Website at www.legion.org/oratorical. For additional information and to register for the contest, contact Don Bailey, Pike Co Post 197 Oratorical Chairman, 770-468-8726 or email pikepost197@hotmail.com.

Click here to read more about this opportunity.

ZEBULON - Prayer Power of Georgia, Inc. and Zebulon Jewelers are offering a beautiful 14K white gold heart necklace (.08 ctw in diamonds and 18 inch white gold chain) with a retail value of $555 to the winner of a drawing to be held soon.

You may enter your name in the drawing for a tax deductible donation of $5 or 5 entries for $20. The drawing will be held on January 24, 2012.

Click here for more information.

BARNESVILLE - For the third consecutive time, an entire class of graduates of the Gordon College nursing program has passed the National Council Licensing Examination.

Each one of the 34 students who made up the May 2011 graduating class passed the examination which is required to obtain a license to practice as a nurse in the United States.

All 34 members of the May 2010 graduating class, as well as all 66 members of the December 2010 graduating class also passed the NCLEX.

“We really do produce the very best nurses for the health care industry,” said Carol Purvis, interim chair of the Nursing and Health Sciences Division. “To have three consecutive classes with a 100 percent NCLEX pass rate is incredible. It reflects not only on our outstanding students, but also on our outstanding program, facilities and faculty. We could not be more proud of these nurses.”

The nursing program is the most popular degree program offered at Gordon College. Started in 1972, the same year Gordon joined the University System of Georgia, approximately 2,400 students have graduated the program.

The program was recently expanded and Gordon graduated its first class of nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in May 2011.

ZEBULON - Prayer Power of Georgia is pleased to announce that it will be awarding the annual PRAYER POWER FAITH AWARD to graduating seniors in Pike County. This award will honor one male and one female senior who have shown spiritual growth and maturity during their high school experience. Seniors may be nominated by any group or individual and may attend public school, private school or be homeschooled. The award winner shall be selected from the nominated seniors.

Nominations must be received by Prayer Power of Georgia, in writing, no later than the first day of March. All nominations must be accompanied by the following: 1) The testimony of the nominee. 2) A letter of recommendation. And the letter should give specific achievements and ways in which the senior has displayed their spiritual growth and maturity during their high school experience. Permission to use the name and image of the award winner on our website and promotional material is required.

Award winners shall be selected by Prayer Power of Georgia’s Board of Directors. Prayer Power of Georgia may interview nominees. Nominees shall be selected based on: Growth and maturity of faith over the four year high school experience, community involvement, participation in church functions and activities, and outward display of faith.

Awards shall be announced and presented during the evening program for the celebration of the National Day of Prayer sponsored by Prayer Power of Georgia and at the senior’s Honors night.

Click here for more information including nomination forms.

ZEBULON - Pike County American Legion Post 197 will present the annual “FOUR CHAPLAINS” program on Saturday February 4, 2012 at 4:00 pm. Pike Assembly of God Church, (4990 Hwy 19, located 3.5 miles south of Zebulon,) will host the event.

This is a moving patriotic and spiritual program about the sacrifices of four Army chaplains during WWII. The public is encouraged to attend.

BARNESVILLE - The following students from Pike County were named to the fall 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 3.50 or higher for 12 or more semester hours of course work.

Amy Betsill, Lewis Charette, Taylor Cook, Evan Dickens, James Doyle, Cameron Duty, Sarah Jackson, Stephanie Lawrence, Taylor Rigsbee, Christy Stroud, Laura DuBose, Brittany Hicks, Chelsey Lavelle, Candis LaVelle, Lee Merritt, Sarah Muccillo, Colten Neath, Gregory Parrott, Jonathan Talbott, Christopher Camantigue, April Dixon, Sydney Hedden, Bethany Waters, Heather Wilson, Jenny Lea Brooks, Justen Brown, Ashley Carroll, George Graham, Rebecca Jenkins, Emily Mayo, Betty McNeiley, Hannah Mixon, Melissa Oliver, Robin Pickett, Virginia Woodall, Bailey Barcus, Minh Barnett, John Becker, Kayla Dennis, Tiffani Harper, Randy Hurley, Jacinda Kirkland, Mary Maddox, Ciara Slaton, and Dara Story.

The following students from Pike County were named to the fall 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 3.50 or higher for 12 or more semester hours of course work.

Catherine Fleischer, Stephanie Martin, Tracy Starkey, Kristina Williams, Jamie Carden-Smith, Kimberly White, and Johnathan Jaudon.

Gordon College, in Barnesville, is a beautiful residential state college of the University System of Georgia offering more than 40 programs of study to 4,500 students including baccalaureate degrees in early childhood education, mathematics, biology, history, English, nursing and in 2013, health services and informatics administration.

ATLANTA - Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced today that beginning Saturday, January 21, 2012, the state’s military and overseas citizens can access their absentee ballot electronically for the Tuesday, March 6, 2012 presidential primary. Kemp also announced that he and Major General Jim Butterworth, Adjutant General, Georgia National Guard, will conduct a joint outreach and education effort to promote voting opportunities for military personnel and their families.

One portion of the outreach and education effort will include a tour of Georgia military bases by Secretary Kemp on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, where he will meet with base leaders and military personnel.

Secretary Kemp also created two tutorial videos that specifically address absentee ballot voting options for Georgia’s military and overseas citizens. To access these videos please visit the Secretary of State’s website at http://sos.ga.gov.

Secretary Kemp said, “Georgia is keeping its promise to our overseas citizens and the men and women who fight to protect our Constitution and our freedoms, by protecting their voting rights and providing them additional opportunities to vote and fully participate in our elections.”

Major General Butterworth stated, “I applaud Secretary Kemp’s efforts to educate our Guardsmen on how to exercise their right to vote both at home and when deployed overseas. The ballot box is among the truest symbols of our democracy and I will always encourage our men and women in uniform to participate in this sacred process.”

To access a presidential primary ballot electronically, Georgia’s military and overseas citizens must request an absentee ballot from their county election office, be sure to indicate a political party preference, and check the appropriate box to receive their ballot electronically. They can then log on to a secure website, print and vote their ballot, and then mail it back to their county election office. Additionally, military and overseas voters may receive access to absentee ballots for an entire year’s election cycle, removing the need to submit multiple ballot requests. Georgia’s military and overseas citizens can request their absentee ballot on the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page website at http://www.sos.ga.gov/mvp.

Additionally, the Secretary of State’s Elections Division website features a “Military and Overseas Voters” page that includes:

• Who qualifies as a military or overseas voter, and how to request and return an absentee ballot;
• Downloadable absentee ballot request forms;
• Contact information for your county election office; and
• Important links to state and federal voting information.

Major General Jim Butterworth has been the Adjutant General of Georgia since September 2011. In this position, he reports directly to the Governor with responsibility for over 14,000 personnel of the Georgia Department of Defense – which includes the Georgia Army National Guard, the Georgia Air National Guard, and the Georgia State Defense Force. The Georgia Department of Defense provides ready and relevant military forces to the Combatant Commanders, and with the consent of the Governor provides command and control and capabilities to support homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.

WEST POINT - Gov. Nathan Deal joined Mr. Byung Mo Ahn, Group President and CEO for Kia Motors America and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) at the company’s West Point plant today to celebrate the growth and success at its first automotive manufacturing facility in the United States. The occasion marked Deal’s first official visit to KMMG since taking office.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Obama announced he will deny construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The pipeline was anticipated to have created as many as 140,000 direct and indirect jobs, would have meant much-needed tax revenue for state and local governments around the pipeline, and would have lowered energy costs for all Americans. Energy prices continue to be a huge drain on the American bank account and are expected to get worse. In fact, many experts expect gas prices to reach $5 a gallon in 2012 in some places.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today strongly criticized President Obama’s decision to kill the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, writing in a letter to the White House that the decision is a missed opportunity to secure America’s energy future and to create tens of thousands of badly needed jobs for Americans.

As part of the payroll tax bill passed by the House and Senate and signed into law by the president in December 2011, President Obama was required to act on the Keystone XL permit within 60 days. Obama today said his administration has rejected the application for a construction permit for the proposed pipeline even though the states through which the pipeline would run had Ok’d it.

Click here to read the rest of this article including the letter that accompanies it.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Water and Sewerage Authority page is up to date.

Of particular importance over the past year is the July meeting which was attended by County Commissioner Jarrett and County Manager Bill Sawyer. Click on the Authorities Link above to access these meetings.

Thank you to the Pike County Water and Sewerage Authority for keeping Pike County citizens up to date on its meetings on Pike County Times.

CONCORD - The Pike County Chamber of Commerce now has tickets on sale for the 2011 Annual Meeting & Community Awards Banquet. The event will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 6:00 PM at the Strickland Building in Concord. Ticket prices are $30 each.

Join the Chamber as we reflect on the 2011 year and look ahead to 2011. The Chamber will be presenting several awards including: Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Organization of the Year, Teacher of the Year and Top Recruiter of the Year.

The Chamber is currently accepting nominations for the Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year and Organization of the Year nominations. Nominations may be submitted via fax 770-567-7290 or by e-mail: pikeida@pikecountygachamber.com.

Additional annual awards that will be presented include: Kiwanis Club of Pike County-Citizen of the Year, Pike County Lions Club-Volunteer of the Year and Pike Agri-Business Authority-Producer of the Year.

The Chamber will also be having the 2nd Annual Balloon Pop. Balloons will be sold at the door for $10 each and each balloon is a guaranteed winner of a prize.

For more information or to purchase tickets to attend, please contact the chamber at (770) 567-2029.

Click here to get a copy of your invitation.

THOMASTON - What makes a child who takes up an instrument continue to practice and play that instrument? In Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, Amy Chua described horrific, hours-long practice sessions with her two daughters on piano and violin, in which she screamed at them for how terribly they played and made them play pieces over and over until they were perfect. For three students of Thomaston violin teacher Heidi Strahm, no such tactics are necessary. These young women, Julia Hawkins, Reid Hightower, and Elizabeth Jones, all practice and play for the love of music, the love of their instrument and the love of performing.

Click here to read the rest of this article including upcoming fundraisers as the Sweet Georgia Violins prepare to play at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

ZEBULON - "History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people."

"Means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek."

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

Are we reaching out to others in our day to day lives? Are we taking a stand against wrongs that we see in the world around us?

Today is a day to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Click here to view the "I Have A Dream" on YouTube.

I want to leave my own legacy that I have done what I could in the world and reached out to others with every opportunity. Our lives touch so many around us each and every day. Don't waste a single minute!

There was a parade in Zebulon today as well as other events to honor his legacy. Click here to see some of the photos from this event. Large photos are currently available for viewing and purchase at pikecountytimes.zenfolio.com/p128111347. All purchases help support Pike County Times' efforts to provide community events and news free of charge to readers. Thanks for your support!

“Joyful Noise” (Warner Brothers)

When you have Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah in a movie, well you pretty much have it all as far as a large segment of potential movie audiences is concerned. Then if you add in two up and coming young stars, Keke Palmer and Jeremy Jordan, you bring in another segment. Finally if you fill the film with gospel music that has a new modern sound, then you have it all and audiences should rush to see it. That is what the makers of “Joyful Noise” are hoping will happen.

Click here to read the rest of this review.

©2012 Jackie K. Cooper

[Note from the Editor: This website looks better on Firefox.]

Jackie has many movie reviews on his website at www.jackiekcooper.com including "Contraband".

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

Newnan - The Newnan-Coweta Humane Society took in 30 dogs and puppies and one cat on New Year’s Eve from a puppy-mill breeder, according to LouAnn Jones, President. The dogs, voluntarily surrendered by a facility located near the Alabama-Georgia border included a number of pure toy breeds and so-called “designer breeds”, including Shih Tzu’s, Toy Poodles, Maltese, Malti-Poos, and Silky Terriers. Also surrendered were Labrador/Border Collie cross puppies, approximately 9 weeks old and one adult Beagle mix male dog approximately 18 months old. Additionally surrendered was one Siamese mix tabby point adult male cat with blue eyes.

Many states and locales around the country are passing legislation to regulate puppy mill operations, with mandated minimum care standards that include room to move around their cages and daily exercise.

Newnan Coweta Humane Society recognizes the difference between reputable breeders of pure-bred dogs and puppy mill operations such as this one, which breed solely for profit and with little or no consideration for the health or welfare of the animals. The American Kennel Club website states, “Good puppies start long before breeding ever takes place. Both parents need long-term care - what dog people call conditioning - to produce the best offspring. This means regular veterinary care, screening for genetic problems, pre-breeding tests, and regular exercise and good nutrition.” NCHS definitely concurs and supports responsible, ethical breeding by knowledgeable individuals who seek to promote and improve the breeds they know and love.

Jones said Humane Society volunteers reached out to this particular breeder to assist with the mixed breed puppies, which were not wanted by the facility’s owner. As a result of this overture, it became evident that due to the recent death of the owner’s wife and his own declining health that none of the pets on the property were receiving adequate care.

Humane Society officials did not identify the breeder in exchange for his cooperation. However, the organization released a statement that was said to have been given by the anonymous breeder. Jones reports that not all of the dogs had names, and the NCHS volunteers involved in the rescue, named one male Malti-Poo “Chance” as he was being loaded into the rescue vehicle. When the facility owner was informed of the dog’s new name, he said “Chance? Like a second chance? I like that. I just want these dogs to get into good homes.”

The dogs are currently undergoing physical exams and are receiving veterinary care for a myriad of conditions including dental problems, ear mites, intestinal parasites, etc. All dogs will receive much needed veterinary care, dental cleanings, grooming, and spay or neuter prior to adoption. Once they receive the all-clear from the vet, they will be available for adoption. A special hotline set up to field inquiries about these dogs has been established. Inquiries about the puppy-mill dogs and cat can be directed to 470-215-2760, which is a local telephone number. If you or someone you know would like assistance with shutting down a puppy mill operation, you may call the hotline and make an anonymous report.

About Newnan Coweta Humane Society: Newnan-Coweta Humane Society, the oldest rescue group in Coweta County is a 501(c) 3 all-volunteer, non-profit organization, dedicated to reducing the number of pets euthanized at Coweta County Animal Control and other area municipal pounds. Through rescue, spay/neuter, foster programs and community awareness, our goal is to one day eliminate the euthanization of healthy, adoptable animals in our area. Visit their website at www.NCHSrescue.org.

The County Government pages have been updated.

This is an easy reference to find anything you need to find about the county commission since 2006.

Enjoy!

ZEBULON - Please be advised that Pike County offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2012 in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, reopening for regular business hours on Tuesday, January 17, 2012.

ZEBULON - The annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade will begina at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 16, 2012. The parade will go through downtown Zebulon.

According to the Pike Journal Reporter, a play and award presentation will be held at Mt. Hope Baptist Church after the conclusion of the parade. Nina Davis will be the Grand Marshall of the parade.

Click here to read the article.

This meeting was attended by Commissioners Carol Bass, Tamra Jarrett, Tommy Powers, Don Collins and Chairman Doug Mangham, County Manager (CM) Bill Sawyer, County Clerk Teresa Watson, and County Attorneys Rob and Tom Morton.

Commissioner Tommy Powers made a motion to amend the agenda to include George Norris as the invited guest. Motion passed 4-1 with Commissioner Carol Bass dissenting.

Update 1.12.12: This page is complete including my investigation into the vote which replaced a long-time volunteer and member of the Water and Sewer Authority with a current County Commissioner.

Click here to read this write up.

A new Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Group called “Jeremiah’s Promise” is meeting at Rock Springs Church on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00pm. Meetings are held in The Chapel which is the building located to the left of the Rock Springs Church Sanctuary.

Participation is open to everyone and church membership is not required. Child care is now provided! To reserve a space in child care or for more information please call Kelly Leger at 404-861-6341.

The public is invited to attend a Lunch and Learn and become a part of the Strategy Planning Team for the School Based Health Center. The Y.E.S. Team is looking for a team of volunteers to serve on this planning team. Volunteers can include health care providers, parents, and community leaders who will work with the Pike County School System to develop a plan for this school-based health center.

The next meeting will be held on January 12, 2012 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Professional Learning Center Meeting Room #2 located in the old Pike County Middle/High School (next to Ruth's Restaurant). The program is presented by the Pike Community Resource Network which is part of the Georgia Family Connection partnership of county collaboratives committed to cultivating public and private collaboration at a local level. RSVP by January 9, 2011 to Michael Powell at 770-567-2930 or powellm@pike.k12.ga.us.

Click here to find out more information about this program.

There will be a Chili Cookoff On Sunday, January 15th at 6PM at Williamson United Methodist Church. Proceeds from this will go to the Keystone Club of the Boys & Girls Club of Pike County.

The teen program provides service and leadership development experiences and opportunities for youth in academic success, career exploration, and community service.

Pay only a dollar to come and taste over a dozen different kinds of chili and vote for your favorite! Donations above a dollar will be accepted too.

Please join us January 15th for food, fun, and fellowship as we support our local Boys and Girls Club.

Mrs. Donna Snowden Smith, age 59, of Thomaston, passed away January 5, 2012. She was a member of Life Springs Church in Zebulon and a caring person who loved her family, friends and animals. She is survived by her husband: Hayward Smith; sons: Brian Smith, Jeffrey Smith and Keith Smith of FL; mother: Loretta Snowden of Thomaston; twin brother and sister-in-law: Ron and Clair Snowden of Zebulon; sister and brother-in-law: Lynda and Jim Jones of Woodbine; uncle: Earl Frazier of FL; nieces and nephews: Sabina and Zack Ahlf of Omaha, NE and Robert and Sara Snowden of Milner; numerous nieces and nephews. Friends may visit the family on Sunday, January 8, from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 9, at 2 p.m. in Fincher United Methodist Church with Pastor Kyle Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made on line at www.lymphoma.org or Lymphoma Research Foundation, 115 Broadway, Suite 1301, New York, NY 10006 or www.georgiaeyebank.org or Georgia Eye Bank, 5605 Glenridge Dr., NE, Suite 250, Atlanta, GA 30342 in memory of Donna. Moody Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials:
Lymphoma Research, www.lymphoma.org or The Georgia Eye Bank, www.georgiaeyebank.org

Visitations:
4:00PM to 6:00PM on Sunday, January 8th, 2012 at Moody Funeral Home

Services:
2:00PM at Fincher Methodist Church on Monday, January 9th, 2012

For more information, directions or sign the guestbook at Moody Funeral Home.

WILLIAMSON - The City of Williamson held an Open House on December 17, 2011 to celebrate the changes that have been made to the Williamson Library/Educational Facility. The building sat in its current location for some time after being moved from the United Bank location across the street before work actually began on the facility. Warden Edd Sanders from the West Georgia Pre-Release Center was instrumental in helping to work get rolling on this facility.

Renovation began in late July when the Mobile Construction Inmate Detail from the Department of Corrections began to work on this library. These low security inmates have put their experience as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers to good use in Williamson on this project. The City of Williamson has bought materials and the Mobile Construction Inmate Detail has provided the labor. In some cases, materials and labor have been donated to this project as well.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

“War Horse” (Walt Disney Pictures)

Stephen Spielberg works his magic one more time in a beautifully crafted movie titled “War Horse.” This tale of a horse and its experiences during World War I make for an emotional journey and also a rewarding one. Spielberg always brings magic in his directorial touch and in this production enhances it with the musical greatness of a John Williams score and the superb artistry of Janusz Kaminski’s cinematography.

Click here to read the rest of this review.

©2011 Jackie K. Cooper

[Note from the Editor: This website looks better on Firefox.]

Jackie has many movie reviews on his website at www.jackiekcooper.com including "The Darkest Hour".

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

It's hard to believe, but another year has snuck up on us. Time has a way of doing that. So does weight. That has to be the #1 New Year's Resolution of all time. Too many holiday cookies, fatty foods and good old indulgence. Last week, I screamed in horror when my husband suprised me with a snapshot of me he took while I was cooking for Christmas Eve. "Look baby, I'm gonna put this by my nightstand", he said. Great.

Before I crawl into the fetal position from that scary image, let's talk about a weight of a different matter. The weight of regret. Or how about the weight of bad decisions of all kinds, personal, financial, and so on? Or even worse, the weight of feeling like no matter how hard you try, you just don't measure up to other's expectations, especially your own?

Hit home yet? I propose before we all get consumed with taking off physical weight, that will probably take all year, how about we take a few moments and shed the emotional weight from 2011. It's over, the fat lady has sung.

Click here to read the rest of Deborah's column.

There is an Autism and Spectrum Disorders Support Group in our area. Go to the Calendar of Events page and scroll down from the top to find out about Jeremiah's Promise and how you can become a part of this group.

It’s a tradition for Americans to look toward the New Year with enthusiasm and the hope of good things to come. It’s also a tradition to establish for ourselves goals or “resolutions” for improving our lives.

It should also be a tradition for Americans to establish resolutions for the improvement of our nation. In fact, there is much we could do in this regard.

First of all, this being an election year, we should undertake to elect men and women of character to represent us at every level – municipal, county, state, and federal. Further, we should endeavor to remove from office those elected officials who, rather than fighting for our best interests, instead line their pockets and feather their nests at taxpayer expense.

Click here to read the rest of this Conservative Commentary.

The Pike County Area Transportation Committee will hold its Regular Monthly Meeting on Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. in the Courthouse Annex Meeting Room (BOC Meeting Room).

Click here for the agenda and the proposed minutes from the November meeting. (These minutes can be amended at this meeting before being approved.)

Click here to go to the Three Rivers RC website.

Zebulon - The Kiwanis Club of Pike County is now accepting nominations for the 2011 Citizen of the Year. Do you know someone that has stood out in the Pike County Community that deserves recognition?

Please submit their name with a brief reason why you think they deserve by e-mail: kiwanisofpike@bellsouth.net or fax to 770-567-7290. You may also call the Pike Chamber of Commerce and submit names to Christy Hammons at 770-567-2029.

This award will be presented at the Pike Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting on January 17, 2012 at the Strickland Building.

ATLANTA - Gov. Nathan Deal has approved the final report of the Water Supply Task Force, which outlines water supply initiatives and recommendations for the Governor’s Water Supply Program. The final report, which is available at www.GeorgiaWaterSupply.org, was approved by the WSTF this month.

“I appreciate the work of the Water Supply Task Force in developing this plan to improve Georgia’s water supply resources,” said Deal. “The state, local governments and our citizens share a mutual interest in making sure Georgia has an adequate and sustainable water supply for the future.”

Through the GWSP, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs will allocate $300 million over the next four years to support water supply projects. The GWSP will support local government projects and will tailor its financing to meet the unique needs of individual projects. Eligible projects include new reservoirs, expanding existing reservoirs, system interconnections, wells, water supply planning, indirect potable reuse, and aquifer storage and recovery.

To aid the launch of the GWSP, Deal instructed GEFA and DCA to open the GWSP in January with the goal of making funding awards by summer 2012. He also directed GEFA and DCA to work closely with local governments to help them access the program, which includes conducting workshops for prospective applicants. GEFA and DCA will coordinate their activities with the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and the Georgia Municipal Association.

On Jan. 25, 2011, Deal issued an executive order charging GEFA with developing and implementing the GWSP to assist local governments in developing new sources of water supply adequate to meet future water needs. The governor directed GEFA to convene the WSTF to provide expert guidance in developing the GWSP and to ensure interagency cooperation in GWSP implementation. The WSTF was directed to create a water supply plan delineating the most effective approaches to developing new water supply facilities in Georgia; identifying project financing options, including public-private partnerships; and developing a project selection system for water supply projects.

Atlanta – Prompted by the recent tragedy in Stamford, Connecticut, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph T. Hudgens wants to remind Georgians of some safety tips for fireplaces to help keep their homes safe this winter.

“Fireplaces are great for keeping warm, but a few precautions should always be taken when using them,” Hudgens said. “Therefore, when using one, please also keep these things in mind:”

•Always use well seasoned wood in the fireplace with a fire screen or firebox doors. Wood that has not been well seasoned leaves additional creosote in the chimney. Unseasoned wood pops more due to the additional water vapor it contains causing embers to be expelled from the fire box resulting in a potential fire hazard.
•Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid. The ash container should be placed at least three feet away from the dwelling on a non-combustible surface. Extra precaution should be taken on a windy day so as to prevent the ash container from being knocked or blown over.
•Make sure to have your chimney and fireplace inspected annually for cracks and faults. The best cleaning program is to have a professional chimney sweep clean it since creosote buildup varies greatly due to such things as frequency of usage, type of fires, and wood variety.
•Do not burn coal in a fireplace or a wood stove designed to burn wood; coal burns much hotter than wood and can cause damage to the fire box enclosure and flue potentially resulting in failures in the material itself and exposing the surrounding structure to heat and fire.
•Wood and other combustible materials should not be stored on the hearth near the fireplace, as it could ignite and cause a fire to spread quickly in a home. As always, make sure that you have working smoke alarms with fresh batteries. Carbon monoxide detectors are also recommended and should be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Mrs. Bobbie Kendall Wall, age 70, of Molena, passed away December 30, 2011. She was born on April 12, 1941 to the late Robert Alexander and Adell Chambley Alexander. For many years she worked at Pierre Sullivan’s Grocery in Zebulon and she was also a cashier at several local convenient stores. She loved to sing and in her younger years she enjoyed skating and dancing. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James T. Kendall; her son, Tony Kendall, grandsons, Jason Williams and Justin McElroy; great-grandson, Ryan Woolf; brother, Charles Alexander; sister, Laverne Jackson. She is survived by her husband: Otis Wall; children and their spouses: Judy Kendall of Zebulon, Michael and Nita Kendall of Molena, Sarena Kendall and fiancé Andy of Commerce, Tony Caraway and Angie of Thomaston, Wanda and Derrick Bruce of Zebulon, Donna and Mike Martin, Lisa and Johnny McElroy, Carla and Mark Long and Bill and Rhonda Wall all of Thomaston; grandchildren: Shane Kendall, Blake Kendall, Brandie Kilgo, Jodi Williams, Jessica Kendall, Stevie Williams, Jacklyn Young, Jamie Kendall, Jonathan Kendall, Samantha Kendall, Mason Wall, Cody Wall, Brian Vermeer, Brook Rowe, Kristen Pasley, Levi Long, Chloe Long, Brandon Simmons, Ryan Simmons, Michael Martin and Zack Wall; great-grandchildren: Jason Kilgo, Justis Williams, Haley Kendall, Harley Kendall, Peyton Kendall, Wyatt Kendall, Bailey Kendall, Riley Kendall, Kimberly McDaniel, Jessie Minter, Makenzie DePriest, Reese Pasley, Tyler Pasley, Ellie Pasley, Asher Rowe, Lainey Rowe and Gracyn Rowe; great-great-grandchildren: Natalie McDaniel and Drake Minter; brother: Rudolph Chambley of Griffin; seven sisters-in-law, six brothers-in-law and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Moody Funeral Home with Rev. James D. Wilson and Rev. Mike Martin officiating. Interment will follow in Moody Memorial Gardens.

Visitations:
5:00PM to 7:00PM on Saturday, December 31st, 2011 at Moody Funeral Home

Services:
3:00PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, January 1st, 2012

Cemetery:
Moody Memorial Gardens, 10170 Hwy. 19 North, Zebulon, GA 30295

For more information, directions or sign the guestbook at Moody Funeral Home.

2011 has been a great year for Pike County Times. I have been honored to attend festivals and celebrations all year long so this history can be documented for posterity. And Pike County Commission meetings and other government meetings make up the bulk of how this Pike County Times Editor spends her time. It’s important to me to ensure that citizens are educated about our government and how it affects us.

Looking back on the past year, I am glad to be living in a small town. Yes, there are ups and downs and good and bad in everyone knowing your business, but overall, people in Pike County care about each other and take the opportunity to show that care every chance that we get.

We honor those who have served our country pikecountytimes.com/secondary/mays12.5.11.html pikecountytimes.com/secondary/veterans11.7.11.html and we honor those who have served us at home. www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/Daly8.1.11.html and pikecountytimes.zenfolio.com/p1068882405-Bishop.

We remember 9/11 and those who put their lives on the line for us every single day www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/remember9.11.11.html and we helped those here in and in neighboring counties who have been affected by tornadoes. www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/tornado4.29.11.html

These are just a few of the ways that Pike County has gone out of its way to show people that we care. Photos from other events such as The John Hollis Memorial Boys & Girls Club of Pike County 5K Fun Run, 1 Mile Walk & Tot Trot, The Relay for Life, The fourth annual Pike County Special Olympics, The National Day of Prayer, and so much more are on www.pikecountytimes.com/werpc.html and http://pikecountytimes.zenfolio.com/.

We can’t change the world to fit our vision of what it should be, but by reaching out to others, we are changing the world for that person and for us and our family too.

I am thankful every day to be living in Pike County. I am grateful to be living among people who will step out to help someone else and are not afraid to say when something isn’t right and needs to be changed… and then steps up to do the right thing and help change something instead of complaining about a problem without offering a solution to help fix it.

Nobody is right 100% of the time, but working together can do a whole lot of good for our community. And it helps us too! Learning how to live by “The Serenity Prayer” hasn’t been easy and it doesn’t always come to my mind first thing when I am confronted with a problem, but it helps me to sit back and look at a problem from a distance and then work with others toward a solution every time.

If you have sent a note of encouragement, pictures, news tips, and guest columns or bought pictures, advertisements, sent donations, or helped keep Pike County Times going in any way, thank you very much. It’s a big job keeping up with what is going on in our county and I view this as a community effort. And the encouragement that I have been given over the past year is phenomenal!

I enjoy providing our hometown, online only newspaper and am looking forward to a new year. Happy New Year to you from Pike County Times!

“The Adventures of Tintin” (Paramount Pictures)

There is a process known as “motion capture animation” that has been used extensively over the past few years. It was used in “The Polar Express,” “Mars Needs Moms” and other animated films. Now it is used to its most successful effect in “The Adventures of Tintin,” a Stephen Spielberg directed film that has hints of the “Indiana Jones” series. Full of adventure this movie is enhanced by the process but never overwhelmed by it.

Click here to read the rest of this review.

©2011 Jackie K. Cooper

[Note from the Editor: This website looks better on Firefox.]

Jackie has many movie reviews on his website at www.jackiekcooper.com including "We Bought a Zoo", "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol", "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and "My Week with Marilyn".

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

ZEBULON - More than 300,000 children in Georgia are uninsured and have limited access to routine healthcare according to a November 2, 2010 press release about the Emory Urban Health Program released by the Georgia Family Connection Partnership. One way to provide care to those who have limited access to healthcare is through school-based health clinics as part of a $3 million gift from the Zeist Foundation. The first eleven grants for school-based clinics were awarded in 2010 with seven grants being awarded in 2011. Pike County is one of those seven counties that have been awarded this year.

Click here to read the entire article. Includes a LOT of links to check out the program and an upcoming date where you can be a part of the Strategy Planning Team for this school-based health center at Pike County Primary School.

ZEBULON - The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) has awarded a $99,800 grant to The Council on Alcohol and Drugs in order to establish regular and successful Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service (RASS) Workshops in five Georgia counties: Hall, Fulton, Pike, Rockdale and Spalding Counties. The funding period of this grant is from October 1, 2011 thru September 30, 2012. “This grant [the Georgia RASS Program] will allow for the provision of training, technical assistance and a media campaign to educate county stakeholders and alcohol retailers about the purposes and critical need for RASS Workshops,” stated Chuck Wade, President & CEO of The Council on Alcohol and Drugs.

Click here to read this article in its entirety.

ZEBULON - Movie Trivia is located in the middle of the advertising bar on the right side of your screen. Clues go on all month long until someone guesses the answer and wins a prize. Movie Trivia is brought to you by "The Oink Joint BBQ" on the Courthouse Square in Zebulon.

I probably just gave it away, but I am ready to go on with another movie so enjoy guessing the answer!

Here's the rules.
1) One winner from each household every three months.
2) First correct answer to my email address above wins a free pulled pork BBQ sandwich from "The Oink Joint BBQ".
3) One entry per person per day.
4) My family members are ineligible.
5) Email coupon must be used within 60 days.

ZEBULON - Begin the New Year with a ride to Jackson for a Traditional New Year's Dinner with Bad Boy Joe who turns 40. The ride is on Sunday, January 1, 2012 with kick stands up at 1 p.m.

Bad Boys' birthday specials include 15% off Special orders (cash only), 15% off leather jackets, chaps, gloves and vests (cash only), and 25% off other instock items (cash only). These specials run from Monday December 26, 2011 to January 1, 2012. Cash only, no other discounts apply. Click here to see the flyer.

Bad Boys House of Cycles is located at 55 Thomaston Street on US 19 South in Zebulon. 770-567-RIDE (7433)

Photos, postcards, checks, letters, and even wedding dresses and a military uniforms have been recovered after the tornados that struck across the nation on April 25 through April 28 in 2011. Patty Bullion created a Facebook page to help people from across the nation recover their missing pieces of history.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

ZEBULON - Please be advised that Pike County offices will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2012 in observance of the New Year Holiday, reopening for regular business hours on Tuesday, January 3, 2012.

ZEBULON - An employee of the Pike County Department of Family and Children Services has been suspended with pay after she was arrested by sheriff's deputies during an incident in Griffin. According to a Spalding County sheriff's report, Jeannie Griggers was arrested for criminal damage to property, second degree simple battery and disorderly conduct.

Click here to read more.

ZEBULON - The Lady Pirates are off to an exciting and undefeated start of the hoops season with four successive wins, including their first Region game on the road. Sophomores Lauren Duncan and Aaliyah Williams put up 20 points and 14 points, respectively, against Strong Rock Christian Academy in a preseason scrimmage resulting in a final score of 58-31.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

A lengthy update to this meeting went online today. I have begun writing on the changes between the low bid project and the possible changes that commissioners will vote on in the January meeting.

Please keep in mind that nothing is in written in stone at this point. This will be discussed and voted on during the January 11, 2012 meeting.

Readers can send their thoughts on the project in a Letter to the Editor that I will place on that page through the January 2012 meeting. One letter is already online. Thanks for reading the Pike County Times.

Click here to read more from this meeting as it goes online. This article is now complete.

As we move towards the not much awaited "Ten Reasons to be Optimistic About 2012" column now in the development stage, here are some other issues besides the state budget that will be on the legislative agenda as the General Assembly convenes Jan. 9, 2012.

1. The Criminal Justice Reform Special Council Report has been published, and it appears sentencing reforms and other needed updates could happen this session. These changes are not necessarily due to a broad minded view of the misdeeds of others, but because it can be explained by the potential savings in prisons costs in a state that ranks 4th in the number of people incarcerated. Can a state that embraced not "Three Strikes and You're Out" but a Zell Miller inspired "Two Strikes and You're Out" agree that not all who commit crimes get to that place the same way and don't need or deserve the same imprisonment sentence? When the number of the mentally ill is taken into account, a case for a "Mental Health Court" can certainly be made. The success of drug courts, DUI courts and even veteran's courts make the case that there may be alternatives that can keep the public safe which are not as costly and counter-productive as prison sentences. While legislation has not been introduced as yet, it is likely that attention will be given to giving judges more latitude on "mandatory" sentences and looking at thresholds on theft and other non-violent drug crimes. Additionally, efforts will likely be made to incentivize shortening of probation and parole periods for "good" time. Accountability Courts would be institutionalized with standards and a certification review process to insure compliance and fairness. Again, these potential alternatives are strictly recommendations made by persons familiar with the inner working of our state's criminal justice system. Any changes will require legislation to be introduced, debated, voted on and implemented.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

ZEBULON - This Christmas has been very different for my family. We gathered today to celebrate Christmas as a family. There was still a ton of kids running around the house both inside and out. There were many adults who brought the kids... who were tearing around the house having the best of times playing with each other. But it was the first Christmas without my Grandfather... and he was sorely missed.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

Mrs. Gwendolyn “Gwen” Elvie Pennington Price, age 74, of Concord, passed away December 23, 2011. She was born on October 17, 1937 in Ragland, AL. She and her family lived in Riverdale for 27 years before moving to Concord in 1991. For 18 years she worked as a School Patrol for the Clayton County Police Department. She was very active in the lives of her children and grandchildren and never missed any of their events, always arriving first and at least an hour early. She volunteered in school activities as Clinic aide, Room mom, and Band mom. Mrs. Price was a member of Concord Baptist Church, an avid University of Alabama football fan who enjoyed sewing and quilting. She was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Aaron Price, whose birthday was December 23; parents; Ralph Pennington and Elvie Pennington Dean; her grandparents, Buddy and Effie Singleton; and mother-in-law, Minnie Price. She is survived by her husband of 55 years: Aaron Price; children: Sherri Price McCalla and husband Paul of Senoia, Forrest Price and wife Dawn of Locust Grove, Donna Price Behan of Tarpon Springs, FL; grandchildren: Dawn McCalla Kunig and husband Nick of Senoia, Kelli McCalla of Athens, Eli Price and Hannah Price of Locust Grove; brothers and sisters-in-law: Roland and Penny Dean of Longview, TX, John and Marie Dean of Lincoln, AL, and Douglas and Kaye Dean of Foley, AL; sister and brother-in-law: Juanita and Joey Moore of Anniston, AL, special cousins: David and Deborah Heath of Snellville; special family friends: Pat and Ed Glubka of Fayetteville; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may visit the family on Monday, December 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, December 27, at 11 a.m. in the Concord Baptist Church with Mr. Paul McCalla, Rev. Chris Teasley and Dr. Ed Clyburn officiating. Mrs. Price will be taken to the church 30 minutes prior to the service to lie-in-state. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. (central time) in the Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery in Ashland, AL.

Visitations:
6:00PM to 8:00PM on Monday, December 26th, 2011 at Moody Funeral Home

Services:
In-state at 10:30AM, Service at 11:00AM at Concord Baptist Church on Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

Cemetery:
Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery, State Highway 49, Ashland, AL 36051

For more information, directions or sign the guestbook at Moody Funeral Home.

Ms. Esther Joy Kendrick Sharpe, age 68, of Zebulon, passed away on December 22, 2011. She was born in Pike County to the late Chester Roy Kendrick and Lois Buchanan Kendrick. She was a member of the Lighthouse Church in Barnesville. In her younger years she taught Sunday School. She enjoyed reading and was a loving mother. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Darrell Presley; twin brother, Chester Roy Kendrick Jr.; sisters, Laverne Henderson and Earlene Presley. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Kent and Debbie Presley of Lawrenceville & Gene and Jenny Sharpe of Hampton; grandson: Dylan Thomas Sharpe; sister: Vera Kendrick of Zebulon; nephews: Ronnie Henderson of Williamson and Tony Henderson of Zebulon.

Visitations:
1:00PM to 2:00PM on Friday, December 30th, 2011 at Moody Funeral Home

Services:
2:00PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, December 30th, 2011

For more information, directions or sign the guestbook at Moody Funeral Home.

ATLANTA - The U.S. Department of Justice has approved the congressional and legislative maps passed into law this summer by the state of Georgia, the state’s elected leaders learned today. Under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, Georgia must receive approval from the federal government before any changes in election practices or procedures are implemented.

“The state of Georgia put forth a tremendous team effort. The maps offer rational district lines, equitable representation and meet the strict standards of the Voting Rights Act,” Gov. Nathan Deal said. “The Justice Department's decision demonstrates that our state’s districts serve our diverse population well. The Legislature conducted an open and fair process that allowed input from all parts of the state, and the final product reflects legislators’ hard work and diligence. Special thanks also goes to Attorney General Sam Olens, who shepherded the maps through the preclearance process.”

“I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Justice affirmed that Georgia’s new legislative and congressional plans meet the legal requirements of the Voting Rights Act,” said Attorney General Sam Olens. “The responsible approach taken by the General Assembly during the redistricting process resulted in carefully drawn maps, which ensure that Georgia’s growing population will be fairly represented. In fact, this redistricting cycle marks the first time since the Voting Rights Act became law that all of Georgia’s plans have been approved on the first review. I applaud the excellent work of Gov. Deal, Lt. Gov. Casey, Speaker Ralston and the General Assembly, and outside counsel Strickland Brockington Lewis throughout the process to ensure a positive outcome for the citizens of Georgia.”

“From the beginning of this process, all of us have been committed to ensuring that Georgia’s legislative and congressional maps are fair and meet all legal requirements, including compliance with the Voting Rights Act,” Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle said. “Today’s decision by the Department of Justice is a validation of our commitment to those principles. I appreciate the diligent work of the Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee as well as the entire Senate that resulted in this important approval.”

“Today’s announcement by the U.S. Justice Department is welcome news and validates what we have been saying all along -- that these maps are fair, sensible and fully comply with the Voting Rights Act. I appreciate House Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Committee Chairman Roger Lane, the members of his committee and the staff for their efforts that allowed us to successfully reach this point.”

Today's approval by the Democratically controlled Justice Department marks the first time in Georgia's history that the federal government has approved all three statewide redistricting plans on the first review. The federal approval means that the new districts will be used in the 2012 elections.

ZEBULON - please be advised that Pike County offices will be closed on Friday, December 23, 2011 and Monday, December 26, 2011 in observance of Christmas, reopening for regular business hours on Tuesday, December 27, 2011.

ZEBULON - On Friday, December 9, 2011 Pike County Emergency Services held its annual awards ceremony and Christmas dinner. Approximately 100 members and their families attended. Two very special guests also paid a visit – Santa and Mrs. Claus. During the awards ceremony, 13 awards were presented by Chief Mike Grant.

Click here to read this article.

Congratulations to each of these award recipients! And thank you to all of our volunteer fire fighters, paramedics, and EMT's here in Pike County. Your efforts are very much appreciated as you interact with citizens in emergency situations on an almost daily basis.

I remember the first time I ever saw the term Xmas. I was just a kid. It was a week or so before Christmas and my brother and I had gone to spend the night with an older sister, her husband, and their young son. On a large mirror in the living room of their home, written in white shoe polish, were the words “Merry Xmas!” I was confused.

Of course, I knew well the words Merry Christmas. But what was this “Xmas” word? After puzzling over the subject for a few minutes, I conjured up the nerve to ask my sister about it. “Oh, that’s just how everybody spells Christmas now,” she said.

Click here to read this and more Conservative Commentaries.

“Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” (20th Century Fox)

Just in time for Christmas comes another “Alvin & The Chipmunks” sequel. Yes the loveable little animals with the squeaky voices are back again to entertain the kids, and in some instances to drive adults crazy. Adults should know going into this movie that it is aimed at children of a young age, and they will love every tail shaking, squeak singing moment of the movie.

Click here to read the rest of this review.

©2011 Jackie K. Cooper

[Note from the Editor: This website looks better on Firefox.]

Jackie has many movie reviews on his website at www.jackiekcooper.com including "Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows".

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2056, legislation sponsored by Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (GA-03) and Senator Saxby Chambliss (GA), and sent it to President Obama for his signature. The legislation will conduct studies looking into potential causes for the high number of bank failures across the United States. Even though financial markets have somewhat stabilized since the dramatic drops we saw in late 2008, 140 banks failed in 2009 and another 157 failed in 2010. Georgia leads the nation in bank failures, with more than 73 failed banks since 2008.

“When I ask federal regulators why so many banks in Georgia and across the country have failed and continue to fail, I’m given dozens of different excuses, but no real solutions to stopping this epidemic. Community banks are the economic engine of our towns and cities, and the large number of failed banks in Georgia can have a devastating effect on our economic recovery. Without these local lenders, job growth and economic investment can dry up – an unmistakable reality proven by the fact that the ten states with the highest number of failures also have some of the highest unemployment and foreclosure rates in the country. Hopefully, this legislation can lead to answers to not only what’s behind these bank failures but also answers to how we can make sure this doesn’t happen again in the future,” stated Westmoreland.

"Since 2008, there have been more than 400 bank failures nationwide. Seventy three of those have occurred in Georgia alone. It is clear that Congress needs more information about the underlying causes of these bank failures. If there is a better way to resolve this crisis, we must pursue it. This bill is the first step to doing that," stated Chambliss.

The legislation would provide for two studies – one conducted by the Inspector General of the FDIC and one by the General Accounting Office (GAO) – to look into the impact some of the policies and procedures of the FDIC, including loss-share agreements and paper losses, and whether they may have negatively affected troubled institutions. The studies would look at banks in the ten states with the highest number of failures: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, and Washington. The legislation was initially introduced in May of this year by Congressman Westmoreland. It passed the House in July and was sent to the Senate for consideration. After being amended by the Senate in November, it was sent back to the House for final passage. The president is expected to sign the bill into law before the end of the year.

Click here to read the bill.

Click here to see Rep. Lynn Westmoreland on the floor.

Mindanao Island, Philippines - Communities in the southern Philippines are still assessing the devastation left in the wake of a storm that slammed into Mindanao Island over the weekend. Tropical Storm Washi, known locally as Sendong, triggered flooding and landslides that caused the deaths of at least 700 people—most of them children—in Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, and the surrounding towns. Another 800 people are still reported missing on the island, and more than 35,000 people have been displaced. The extent of damage done to more remote villages is still unknown. Heavy rains left large areas without power, so communication, as well as travel to those areas are severely limited.

Click here to read more including a way that you can help.

THE ROCK - The Rock Ranch presents “A County Christmas in Lights”. The drive-through display has over a mile of lights and is free.

We do accept donations to help expand the lights program next year. The lights are on and open to the public through New Year’s Eve.

The display is open 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday...closed Monday nights.

Photo by King Davis on the We Are Pike County page.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives rejected the Senate amendment to H.R. 3630, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act, and requested a meeting with the Senate to work out a compromise. The Senate’s amendment to the legislation only extended the tax relief through February, setting up yet another showdown on this issue in the coming months. Since the passage of the Senate’s amendment, business groups across the country have come out in opposition to it, including the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council and the National Association of Wholesalers-Distributors. In addition, the National Payroll Reporting Consortium, expressing concerns that the Senate’s plan could not be properly implemented, said that it “could create substantial problems, confusion and costs affecting a significant percentage of U.S. employers and employees.” Georgia’s House Republicans stood together to oppose this irresponsible bill and called on the Senate to return from its vacation to work with the House to pass a one-year extension of the payroll tax cut before the end of the year.

Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (GA-03): “Last week, the House passed a comprehensive bill that would among other things, extend the payroll tax cut for middle class Americans through 2012. It was a bill that garnered bipartisan support in the House and was sent to the Senate with the hope that they would act responsibly and pass the bill. Instead, Senate Democrats amended it to include a short-term, two month extension of the tax cut – essentially kicking the can down the road to February. This is absolutely unacceptable and an incredibly irresponsible way to set tax policy. These short-term fixes and the mentality of ‘I’ll think about that later’ only create more uncertainty in our markets and our economy. The American people deserve better from us. The Senate needs to return to Washington, as the U.S. House has done, and get back to work so we can come to a responsible agreement.”

ATLANTA - As folks all over Georgia celebrate their holiday season traditions with food, family and fun, law enforcement professionals throughout the state will also be out in full force for their traditional DUI enforcement campaign to arrest anyone caught driving impaired.

That’s because despite the fact that Georgia saw an 11% decrease in impaired driving fatalities in 2010, motorists are still taking too many risks when it comes to drinking and driving. So from Dec. 16 to Jan. 2, police officers, deputies and state troopers all over Georgia will be participating in the annual Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over campaign.

This is a campaign of zero tolerance that reminds motorists that if they get caught driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, they will be arrested and they will go to jail. And while this is the policy 24/7/365 in all 50 states, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) is using this holiday enforcement period to remind drivers how dangerous driving drunk can be.

“The message is short and sweet,” said GOHS Director Harris Blackwood. “Drive sober or you’ll get pulled over. Drinking alcohol and driving is no present for anyone so if you plan to consume alcohol, you better plan for a sober driver to get you home safely.”

Unfortunately, drivers all over Georgia and, indeed, across the country still think they are invincible and will choose to jeopardize their safety and the safety of others. How do we know? In December 2009, 753 people were killed in crashes that involved drivers or motorcycle riders with a BAC of .08 or higher.

“It’s going to be hard to spread holiday cheer if you’re stuck behind bars for a completely avoidable offense,” said Director Blackwood. “Don’t let your holiday season end in arrest, or worse, death. It doesn’t matter if you’re buzzed, had one too many or way too many. It’s just not worth the risk.”

The good news is there are some simple recommendations for making sure you have a safe and sober holiday season:
• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your keys at home;
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
• If you see know someone who is about to drive or ride impaired, take that person’s keys and help him or her make other arrangements to get home safely.

“Whether you’re going over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house or down the street to join a neighbor for holiday festivities, driving impaired is a gift nobody wants,” said Director Blackwood.

For more information on the dangers of impaired driving, visit www.gohs.state.ga.us/zero.html.

GRIFFIN - W. Len Moore, Vice President for Adult Education recently announced that Kelsy Dawsey has been chosen to represent Southern Crescent Technical College’s Adult Education Program at the EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) Leadership Institute in Atlanta on February 13-15, 2012. The Leadership Institute recognizes and honors those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes and programs.

Click here to read the rest of this article. Photo courtesy of Southern Crescent Technical College.

Don't forget to pick up your pre-ordered Boston Butts from The Montgomery Lodge #31 F. & A.M.

Pick Up is December 17, 2011 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Contact: Brent Davis-Cell: (404) 567-0610–Email:brentdavis69@yahoo.com or Contact: Jimmy Vincent- Cell: (770) 584-4363-Email:jimmyrvincent@bellsouth.net.

ZEBULON - Each year local American Legion Posts across the nation host a constitutional speech contest referred to as the “Oratorical Contest”. The High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is a public speaking contest for high school students designed to develop a deeper knowledge of the United States Constitution. The Oratorical Contest presents participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation's laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.

The contest begins at the local post level as a Legion Post contestant and cumulates with a national competition. Scholarship awards are presented to finalists raging from $50.00 for local post winners and growing to $18,000 for the National Champion.

Click here to read more about this opportunity.

Pike County - The Georgia Forestry Commission is accepting applications for Ranger I in Pike County. Applicants must live, or relocate to, w/in 45 minutes of assigned work, have valid driver’s license at hire, & be able to obtain CDL license.

Preferred quals include 1 year exp operating & maintaining heavy-duty vehicles & equipment, Forestry degree or work exp in Forest Mgt. An ACT WorkKeys assessment in 3 specific categories must be submitted w/ application.

For more info & application, call 770-227-5522 or visit us at www.gatrees.org. Deadline for receipt of completed application is January 13, 2012. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREENING, MEDICAL EXAM, & FITNESS TEST.

ZEBULON - The Atlanta Humane Society Surgical Utility Vehicle will be offering $20-spay/neuter clinics in Pike County at the invitation of the Companion Animal Rescue and Education, Inc. The first clinics will take place January 25-26 in the parking lot of Pike Depot Feed and Lumber on Hwy. 19, south of Zebulon. Thirty clients are needed each day in order for the vehicle to continue coming to Pike County. Clients can register or get more information by calling 678-408-0062 or sending an email to suvspaypike@gmail.com. Some restrictions on pet health, age, size and aggressiveness will apply for the $20-rate.

"The Atlanta Humane Society makes this incredible service available, but every location must have a local ambassador to coordinate the location, schedule clients and publicize the dates," said Lisa Ramos of CARE, Inc. "When I found out about it, I knew I had to try to get them to Pike County so I offered CARE, Inc. to be the ambassador partner. The location was the easiest part thanks to Pike Depot, but I still needed someone to invest a lot of time into taking the applications and scheduling the clients.

"When Amy Smith volunteered her computer skills to do that, I knew we were on our way. Amy also kicks off the publicity by announcing the dates through our network of CARE, Inc. volunteers who are connected to just about anything having to do with pets in the area---Coco's Cupboard, T.A.O. K-9 Unleashed, Friends of Pike County Animals, Dolly Good Puppy Society and other organizations."

The group is looking for ways to connect with financially distressed families who can't afford the other discount spay/neuter clinics. Food pantries, aid agencies and churches who work with needy families can send a contact email address to suvspaypike@gmail.com and request clinic announcements as soon as each date is set. Donations to pay for spay/neuter surgeries for needy pet owners can be made through Coco's Cupboard, 70 Pope Street, Zebulon, GA 30295.

“New Year’s Eve” (Warner Brothers)

Every once in a while a movie comes along that has no deep message; no car chases or tons of explosives; and what’s best it isn’t in 3D. The purpose of these movies is just to entertain, and such a movie is “New Year’s Eve.” This Garry Marshall directed film has a cast of thousands, or at least it seems that way, and they participate in short vignettes that are sad, funny, or musical. Each aspect of the film succeeds, and with all the “heavy” movies being thrust upon us lately it is a welcome relief.

Each of the “stories” are somehow connected; some directly and some indirectly. You have the case of the bike messenger (Zac Efron) trying to fulfill the “wish list” of an unmarried fifty something lady (Michelle Pfeiffer). Efron’s sister in the movie is played by Sarah Jessica Parker, who is trying to keep her fifteen year old daughter (Abigail Breslin) under control.

Click here to read the rest of this review.

©2011 Jackie K. Cooper

[Note from the Editor: This website looks better on Firefox.]

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

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

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) today made this statement on the breakthrough port deepening provisions included in the year-end spending bill that passed the Senate this morning by a 67-32 vote. Ports in Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, both have harbor deepening projects they continue to push forward to prepare for the larger ships that will be coming through Panama Canal beginning in 2014.

“With the significant spending cuts contained in this bill, Congress is finally taking a step in the right direction toward reining in Washington's reckless spending spree. This bill also takes a new, commonsense approach toward funding of the critical harbor deepening projects at our nation’s ports now that earmarks are a thing of the past. The new funding method being created in this bill will help ensure taxpayers across America receive the best value for their hard-earned dollars.

“In President Obama’s FY 12 budget submission to Congress, the Savannah Port did not receive adequate funding and the Charleston Port was completely forgotten. This created an unfair situation to both states. Under the new provisions in this bill, no longer will our harbor deepening efforts be held hostage by the President’s budget submission to Congress.

"We realize our states must have the infrastructure in place to ensure the billions of dollars in goods and products manufactured in our states can be exported throughout the world. Likewise, every other state in the nation also relies on our ports to export their goods and products. We must work together to ensure our states and region are not left behind after expansion of the Panama Canal.

“The job creation and positive economic impact of expanding both ports is clear, not just for our individual states, but for the entire region and the nation. We will continue to do all that we can to help in this partnership at the federal level between Georgia, South Carolina and our surrounding states. We also praise the collaboration and hard work of South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Georgia Governor Nathan Deal in seeing to it that the harbors in the Charleston and Savannah ports are deepened and ready for the larger ships.”

This meeting was attended by four out of the five commissioners, County Clerk Teresa Watson, County Manager (CM) Bill Sawyer, and County Attorneys Rob and Tom Morton. CM Sawyer advised that Commissioner Carol Bass was absent due to a death in her family.

1. CALL TO ORDER .................................................................................... Chairman Doug Mangham

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ................................................................... Chairman Doug Mangham

3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA - (O.C.G A. 50-14-1 (e) (1))

4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - (O.C.G.A.§ 50-14-1(e) (2))
Minutes of the following: Regular Monthly Meeting of November 29, 2011 and the Special Called Meeting of December 7, 2011.

Click here to read more from this meeting as it goes online. I will note updates on this article as I work to finish it out.

Update 12.21.11: I have begun writing on the changes between the low bid project and the possible changes that commissioners will vote on in the January meeting. Comments from the public will follow these updates. Readers can send their thoughts on the project in a Letter to the Editor that I will place on that page through the January 2012 meeting. One letter is already online. Thanks for reading the Pike County Times.

ZEBULON - Thank you to everyone who has shown kindness to my family and to me during our time of loss.

My Grandpa, George Mortensen, touched so many people with his life. From fishing to his attendance at Rehoboth Church of the Nazarene to taking care of and picking muscadines at the Cochran Muscadine Farm in Meansville, he brought love and laughter into many lives. We have truly been blessed.

Show your love to those who have made a difference in your life. Tell your friends and family that you love them every chance that you get because we are not promised tomorrow.

One of these days when it's my time to go, I want to be sure I leave a legacy like my Grandpa did.

ZEBULON - Military appreciation ornaments are only at Zebulon Pharmacy again this year. These ornaments are a way to show friends and loved ones that you appreciate their sacrifice serving our country.

I painted my first ornament in 2004 as I waited (very impatiently) to see if my husband was going to make it home from combat in Iraq in time for Christmas that year. I have continued to hand paint these ceramic ornaments each year since that time including another deployment for our family. I have been told that these dated ornaments have been shipped to other states and many have honored friends and family in Pike and surrounding counties every Christmas.

Thank you to all who have sacrificed to serve our country both in the past and are serving today. Thank you to the many families who have sacrificed as your loved one served. We remember. And we are thankful because we know that freedom is not free.

Thanks to those who have gotten ornaments to honor your friends and loved ones. Proceeds are going toward stamps to send comic pages to soldiers who are being deployed to Afghanistan in January. Smiles from home...

ZEBULON - The ABC Network News Team with Bob Woodruff produced a one hour Nightline Prime Time Special that aired December 10th at 8 p.m. before the debates. The special was entitled "Bringing America Back" and featured Purple Heart Homes Co-founders Dale Beatty and John Gallina and the renovation of Sgt. Buddy Mays' home in Meansville.

This ten minute segment on Purple Homes and its founders explained how Dale Beatty and John Gallina began their organization as well as how they have worked to make lives easier for disabled veterans. Part of the segment was dedicated to the Mission Accomplished Ceremony for the home of Sgt. Buddy Mays and his family.

Sgt. Buddy Mays' home was made it more accessible and energy efficient though the help of volunteers from Purple Heart Homes, Inc. and Wells Fargo. Dozens of volunteers gave countless hours to help renovate his home. Volunteers renovated two bathrooms, painted the entire house, helped build a back deck with a wheelchair lift, put in energy efficient appliances, weather-proofed the attic, worked with landscaping, and moved the solvent system.

Pike County Times Editor Becky Watts was contacted by phone and asked to send photos from the ceremony to ABC Nightline Prime Time for this special. Seven photos were requested and submitted at their direction. One photo was featured on the short clip prior to the segment and another was featured during the segment itself.

A photo of Sgt. Buddy Mays raising the flag with the assistance of fellow veterans and a member of Cub Scout Pack 107 was featured during the segment featuring the Mission Accomplished Ceremony in Meansville. ABC Nightline Prime Time gave credit to Pike County Times on the bottom of the photo as it was shown on national television. Many citizens from Pike and surrounding counties were featured as well as the camaras captured this happy event.

Thanks to all who volunteered their time and efforts helping Sgt. Buddy Mays and his family during this renovation. His life has indeed been made easier from your efforts through the coordination of Purple Heart Homes, Inc. and Wells Fargo.

To learn more about Wells Fargo and its volunteer work in the community, click here.

Click here to make a donation or learn more about Purple Heart Homes, Inc.

Click here to read the rest of this article and see pictures from the event. Click here to read the first article about Sgt. Buddy Mays, Purple Heart Homes, and Wells Fargo. It has been a privilege to cover this groundbreaking event of the renovation of the first home in Georgia for Purple Heart Homes.

Larry (Lean Meat) Rawlins was born in Zebulon to the late James Phillip and Annie Rea Webb Rawlins. He was a retired air traffic controller. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Jerry Marie Baker Rawlins; their daughter and son in law Cynthia Denise and James Joseph Jones of Naples, FL; son and daughter in law Jimmy Lawrence Rawlins, Jr. and Deborah Cannon Rawlins of Zebulon; grandchildren Morgan Elizabeth and James Curtis “JC” Rawlins, and James Joseph “Joey” Jones of Naples; brothers and sisters in law, Phillip Michael and Robbie Rawlins of Gray, Ricky Alan and Erin Rawlins of Highland, NC, and David Mark and Cherry Rawlins of Zebulon; along with many numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Saturday, December 17, 1-4 p.m., at the home of David and Cherry Rawlins, 1100 Old Meansville Rd. in Zebulon.

Visitations:
1:00PM to 4:00PM on Saturday, December 17th, 2011 at the home of David and Cherry Rawlins

For more information, directions or sign the guestbook at Moody Funeral Home.

Mr. George Victor Mortensen, age 86, passed away December 10, 2011. He was born in Shelton, NE to the late Victor Andrew Mortensen and Ada Frances Mann Mortensen. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during World War II aboard the battleship U.S.S. Iowa. He was a life-time member of the VFW and a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. He lived and worked on a farm outside Gibbon, NE for over 40 years. He moved to Meansville in 1993 to live with his daughter and husband and family. He loved hunting and fishing. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Deloris Mae Smith Mortensen; sisters, Polly Lemburg and Lois Miller; brothers, Eddie Mortensen and John Mortensen. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Terrence and Debora Mortensen of Stockbridge, Steven and Regina Mortensen of Atlanta, KS, Diana and Robert Clark of Meansville, Layne and Alan Rose of Spokane, MO; sisters and brothers-in-law: Frankie Shafer of Englewood, CO, Mary and Jack Cardinal of Denver, CO, Betty and Lyle Stearley of Shelton, NE and Ann and Gerald Crumrine of Grand Island, NE; twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many many friends.

Memorials:
Rehoboth Church of the Nazarene, 976 Kings Rd., Meansville, GA 30256 or Thomaston Hospice, 316 W. Gordon St., Thomaston, GA 30286

Visitations:
6:00PM to 8:00PM on Tuesday, December 13th, 2011 at Moody Funeral Home

Services:
In-state at 12:30PM, Service at 1:00PM at Rehoboth Church of the Nazarene on Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

Cemetery:
Shelton Cemetery, Nebraska

For more information, directions or sign the guestbook at Moody Funeral Home.

James Carroll "Jimmy" Hammett, Jr., age 56 of Molena passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at his residence. Jimmy was born in Gastonia, NC on July 3, 1955 to Joyce Hammett and the late James Carroll "J.C." Hammett, Sr. Jimmy attended Gordon Grammar School, Gordon Military College and Valdosta State College where he graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Communications. His film career began with Earl Owensby Studios in Shelby NC, then continued in his love of movies by producing southern folklore videos. He was a historian who chronicled the life of Ches McCartney, best known as the "Goat Man", a name familiar to many who grew up in the South. Jimmy is also remembered fondly in Pike County as the owner of the Video Doctor, a movie rental store. His knowledge of movies and his winning personality made it a popular gathering place for all ages. Jimmy was called into full time ministry fairly late in life. He founded and pastored GraceRock Community Church in Concord, but most recently was on staff at "The Garden" in Atlanta. A part of Seven Bridges to Recovery focusing on getting men, women and children off the streets, providing food, housing, clothing and most of all exposure to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He and Judy, his wife of 33 years, were often seen ministering to the homeless under the bridges in Atlanta. He continued in his passion for helping the down and out by founding "Mission of Hope" through the Flint River Baptist Association. This ministry will provide clothing both in Griffin and Atlanta. It has recently raised a record number of socks, coats, hats & gloves through its annual "Sock the Homeless" campaign. Jimmy has said that he spent his time helping others because that's what the Bible tells us to do. He coined his personal motto, "Find a need and fill it. Find a hurt and heal it" Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, the late James Carroll "J.C." Hammett, Sr. Survivors include his wife, Judy Napier Hammett of Molena; Son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Dana Cato and grandchildren Justin, Cameron and McKenzie Cato of LaGrange; Son and special friend, James Carroll "Champ" Hammett, III and Marisa Silva of Atlanta; Mother, Joyce Hammett of Barnesville; Sister, Tammie Hammett Martin and fiance Jay Honeycutt of Milner with nieces Trinity Walker of York, PA; Jerica and Philip Plouffe and children Madden and Kayson of Valley, AL; Sisters-in-law, Pat Napier of Ocean Springs, MS; Beverly and Ken Grant of Milner; Nancy and Rick Christmas of Ocean Springs, MS; Nieces, Natalie and Rick Nicholson and children Brittany, Cody and Trenton of Milner; Valerie and Brett Perkins and their daughter Keri of Milner. And an extended family, church family and a host of friends. Friends are invited to visit the family after the service in the church fellowship hall.

Memorials:
Jimmy Hammett Benefit Fund, c/o First National Bank of Griffin, P. O. Drawer F, Griffin, GA 30224 or Mission of Hope, c/o Flint River Baptist Association, 568 Baptist Camp Rd., Griffin, GA 30223

Services:
3:00PM at Barnesville First United Methodist Church on Sunday, December 18th, 2011

For more information, directions or sign the guestbook at Moody Funeral Home.

MEANSVILLE - Tears, laughter, the will to endure despite overwhelming circumstances, and a deep respect for our disabled veterans were the resounding themes of Saturday’s celebration at Sgt. Buddy May’s home. Purple Heart Homes, Inc. and Wells Fargo hosted a Mission Accomplished Ceremony at the Mays’ home on Saturday, December 3, 2011 in which Pike County and surrounding communities came out to say thank you to Buddy and his family for his service and sacrifice as well as celebrating the completion of modifications that have been made to his home to make it more accessible and energy efficient.

Over the past several weeks, volunteers from Purple Heart Homes, Inc. and Wells Fargo have given countless hours to help renovate Sgt. Buddy Mays’ home. Volunteers renovated two bathrooms, painted the entire house, helped build a back deck with a wheelchair lift, put in energy efficient appliances, weather-proofed the attic, worked with landscaping, and moved the solvent system.

Click here to read the rest of this article and see pictures from the event.

**PLEASE NOTE: The ABC Network News Team with Bob Woodruff are producing a one hour Nightline Prime Time Special to air December 10th at 8 p.m. on ABC PRIOR TO the debates called "Bringing America Back featuring Purple Heart Homes Co-founders Dale Beatty and John Gallina. They will include a segment about the Mission Accomplished Ceremony for Buddy Mays.

All five commissioners were at the meeting today as well as County Clerk Teresa Watson, County Manager (CM) Bill Sawyer, and County Attorney Tom Morton. (There was a Board of Equalization meeting scheduled at the same time as this meeting so Rob Morton attended one meeting and Tom Morton attended the other.) The meeting lasted a little over an hour. [Note from the Editor: The best part of the meeting was hearing comments from citizens about Impact Fees. Solicitation of public comment enhances our open government because commissioners care enough to hear what citizens have to say. There were some good questions and suggestions that came out of this meeting.]

Click here to read more from this article. This meeting is complete.

Concord, GA – Martis Deron Ferguson, Jr was named 2011 Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of West GA-Pike County Unit. Ferguson will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members from Boys & Girls Clubs of West GA for the local organization Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 scholarship.

Ferguson is among hundreds of local Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Congratulations Martis!

MILNER - A new Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Group called “Jeremiah’s Promise” is meeting at Rock Springs Church the third Thursday of each month at 7:00pm. Meetings are now held in The Chapel which is the building located to the left of the Rock Springs Church Sanctuary.

Participation is open to everyone and Church membership is not required. The next meeting is December 15, 2011.

Thanks to an experienced volunteer Child care is now provided! To reserve a space in child care or for more information please call Kelly Leger at 404-861-6341.

Barnesville - Natalie Webster Rischbieter has been named the Alumni Affairs and Annual Fund Coordinator at Gordon College.

Rischbieter comes to Gordon from Columbia, S.C. where she was marketing and sales manager at J. Basque Publishing.

At Gordon Rischbieter will be responsible for building and cultivating relationships between Gordon and its alumni. Rischbieter will also be responsible for the campus’ annual fund campaign.

Rischbieter has a deep connection with Gordon. Four generations of her family attended Gordon over the years including her parents, John and Maureen Brown Webster.

“Both sets of my grandparents lived very close to the campus and I can recall as a child coming over to the campus to play. There were a lot of fun places to hide,” Rischbieter said. “Now, through adult eyes, I see a beautiful campus that holds so many fond memories for me and many members of my family. I am very happy to be a part of Gordon and I look forward to getting to know our alumni and reintroducing others to Gordon.”

“We are so happy to have someone with the enthusiasm and drive that Natalie has,” said Rhonda Toon, vice president of advancement. “She will be a great addition not only to the Gordon family and our alumni community, but to Barnesville as well. We are happy to welcome her home.”

Rischbieter and her husband, Mark, have a daughter, Lillian Mabel, who is 7 months old.

In the purest sense, governments deal with the governed in one of two ways: by either promoting or limiting individual freedoms. It’s that smple.

Regrettably, most governments around the world deal with the governed in the latter fashion. In fact, governments that truly promote individual freedoms are the exception rather than the rule.

Click here to read more Conservative Commentaries.

LaGrange, GA. – National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) was established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2005 to highlight the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holidays and beyond. District 4 Public Health is partnering with the CDC to dispel the myth that vaccination beyond the holiday is “too late.”

Influenza vaccine is still available at health departments in the district. The cost of the vaccine is $25.00. Please call your local health department to make an appointment.

“While flu vaccine is not 100% effective, it offers the best protection we have against this serious disease,” said Hayla Hall, risk communicator for District 4 Public Health. “Once vaccinated, you can enjoy this holiday season knowing that you have taken the single best step to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu.”

Influenza can make anyone sick but certain people are at greater risk for serious complications from the flu, causing hospitalization or even death, such as:
· People 65 years of age and older,
· Young children,
· People with chronic lung disease (such as asthma and COPD), diabetes (type 1 and 2), heart disease, neurologic conditions, and certain other long-term conditions, and,
· Pregnant women.

Much of the U.S. population is at high risk from serious flu complications either because of their age or because they have a medical condition like asthma, diabetes (type 1 and 2), heart conditions, or because they are pregnant. People with a health condition should receive a flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available.

There are more choices available than ever available this year, both in terms of where to get vaccinated and what vaccine to get. However, for people who do not receive the flu vaccine, health officials encourage them to take the following steps to reduce their chances of getting the flu:
· Wash your hands regularly
· Cover coughs and sneezes
· Keep household surfaces clean
· Don’t attend work or school when ill
· Don’t share glasses or eating utensils

For more information visit www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm.

December 7, 1941 began as any other day in a world that was already dealing with war on the other side of the world. Ten years of failed diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions came to a horrible conclusion that Sunday morning in Pearl Harbor.

In the end, 2,403 were dead, 188 planes were destroyed, and 8 damaged or destroyed battleships were part of the crippled Pacific Fleet. The Phillipines, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand were also attacked in an attempt to inflict as much damage as possible.

This led to the uniting of a divided American on the decision of whether or not to enter into World War II.

This foundation led to the Battle of Midway in June of the following year which resulted in a victory for the United States, and ultimately led to the destruction of the Japanese Empire four years later.

This link contains a eyewitness account of that morning: www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/pearl.htm.

This page contains a historical account of the attack including pictures of the attack: www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/pearlhbr/pearlhbr.htm.

This page contains ways to visit historical sights including the USS Arizona: www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm.

Thank you to our military men and women who served in World War II and on up through those serving today. Freedom is not free. We thank you and your families for their sacrifice for our country.

Seventy years ago this Wednesday, at a then-obscure Pacific military installation, a couple of terrified young soldiers named Bob were getting their first taste of battle.

Bob Kerr had never driven a truck, but was desperately trying to chauffeur one filled with dead and wounded soldiers to a field hospital. Bob Schmutzler was firing shots from a rifle at Japanese warplanes, caught so off-guard his anti-aircraft station was still covered with canvas.

Click here to read the rest of this fantastic article.

“The Muppets” (Buena Vista Pictures)

In their heyday the Muppets were everywhere, but for the last few years they have been basically out of sight. Now they have returned in “The Muppets,” a movie full of nostalgia for those who grew up with them. It also serves as an introduction for the generation that doesn’t know who they are. Thus it is a two level movie and it succeeds on both.

Click here to read the rest of this review.

©2011 Jackie K. Cooper

[Note from the Editor: This website looks better on Firefox.]

Jackie has many movie reviews on his website at www.jackiekcooper.com including "Hugo", and "Authur Christmas".

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

Ms. Jan Calhoun, age 48, of Griffin, passed away December 3, 2011. She was born in Utica, NY to the late Jay Calhoun and Josephine Slentz Calhoun. She was a Counselor with McIntosh Trail in both Upson and Spalding Counties. She was completing a Master’s degree in Counseling through Argosy University in Atlanta where she was recently inducted into the Chi Sigma Iota, Alpha Upsilon honor society and was elected as their Secretary. She was a long-time member of Carver Road Baptist Church in Griffin. Jan had a passion for missions. She loved all children and especially her family. She enjoyed scrapbooking and for many years she worked on Saturdays for Zebulon Florist and Cindy’s Florist in Zebulon. She is survived by her sisters and brothers and their spouses: Nancy and Bernie Whitacre of West Edmeston, NY, Ginny and Tim Rockwell of Barnesville, Jodi and Danny Hawes of west Edmeston, Jacob Calhoun of NC, and Jim Calhoun of Griffin; Nieces and nephews: Jason and Jon Whitacre, Aja, Kiffen and Ilea Rockwell, Barrett, Jared and Clayton Hawes and numerous extended family members and a host of friends.

Memorials:
Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or on-line at www.samaritanspurse.org

Visitations:
5:00PM to 7:00PM on Monday, December 5th, 2011 at Moody Funeral Home

Services:
7:00PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, December 5th, 2011

Cemetery:
West Edmeston Cemetery, Route 8, West Edmeston, NY 13335

For more information, directions or sign the guestbook at Moody Funeral Home.

ZEBULON - The bids have come in on the renovation for the Courthouse and all are above the price that what was hoped for in this bidding process. Voters approved a SPLOST this past year that includes Courthouse renovation for approximately $2.5 million dollars.

Bids were as follows: John W. Spratlin & Son, LLC out of Lincolnton, Georgia was the apparent low bidder with a bid of $2,995,000. Headley Construction Corp. out of Newnan bid $3,040,000. Ricks Contractors, Inc. out of Buford bid $3,220,000. Hughes Co., Inc. out of Griffin bid $3,999,000.

County Manager Bill Sawyer advised by phone that there are three options at this point. Commissioners can refuse to accept any and all bids and readvertise the project, they can ask the architect to reduce the scope of the project and rebid it, or they can negotiate with the apparent low bidder and see if we can get the price to come down.

At the Tuesday night Regular Called Meeting, County Manager Sawyer suggested accepting the lowest bid and negotiating with the contractor for a lower cost.

County Manager Sawyer advised by phone that this matter will be discussed by the Board of Commissioners at the December 14, 2011 meeting.

ZEBULON - According to the Pike County Sheriff's Office, Investigators arrested Brent Karr, 33 years of age, for burglary on Friday. On Wednesday morning, a resident in the Whitfield subdivision called 911 reporting that an intruder had been found in their house.

The resident was upstairs when she heard a noise from inside of the house and came out of her room to see what the noise was. At that time, Karr was on the steps leading upstairs and turned and fled the residence.

Witness statements and several security cameras in the area lead to Mr. Karr becoming a suspect in the case. During an interview with Karr, he could provide no explanation for why he entered the home.

As of yesterday, he was in the Pike County Jail awaiting a bond hearing for one county of burglary.

There are a ton of things to do in the Pike County area this weekend. You can:

• The Annual Lighting of Concord will take place on Friday, December 2, 2011 beginning at 6 p.m. There will be food available at the Concord Cafe and the Ole Mule Barn along with crackling fireboxes and a hayride for kids of all ages! Santa will arrive at 6:45 p.m. by helicopter and visit with children from 1 to 92 in the Strickland Building. There will be no polaroid pictures this year so be sure to bring your camera to this free community event.

• Pike County Parks & Recreation Authority Presents Second Annual Donuts with Santa on December 3rd, 2011 at The Pike County Senior Center from 9 AM – 11 AM. Have pictures taken with Santa, enjoy activities and story time! Refreshments provided. Free of charge. To register contact The Pike County Parks & Recreation Authority at 770-567-2027.

• Barnesville Nazarene Church will hold its 3rd Annual Christmas Cookie Sale on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Choose from hundreds of homemade cookies! Cookies will be sold by the pound. All proceeds will go to support the Children's Department at Barnesville Nazarene Church. Barnesville Nazarene Church is located at 744 Highway 341 South in Barnesville. www.BarnesvilleNazarene.com

• Participate in a Mission Accomplished Ceremony for Sgt. Buddy Mays on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 1:00 PM at 770 Vickery Road, Meansville to personally thank Sgt Buddy Mays and his family for his service and sacrifice and to celebrate the completion of the modifications that were made to his home to make it more accessible and energy efficient by community volunteers and Wells Fargo Employee volunteers. See more in the article directly below this one. Thanks to our soldiers and their families for their sacrifices paid while serving our country.

• The Williamson Music Barn schedule for Saturday, December 3, 2011 is: 6:00 - Jim and Friends, 7:00 - Line Creek Bluegrass, and 8:00 - Rick Heindselman. We offer the finest in Bluegrass, Country and Gospel music entertainment every Saturday night in an alcohol free family atmosphere. There is no charge for admission as we operate on a "Donations" basis. Everyone is welcome. Bands interested in performing should contact 770-375-8490 for scheduling information. We are located at 2232 Hwy 362 West in Williamson, Ga 30292.

• Journey to the Manger runs through tomorrow night. www.therockranch.com

• The Journal Reporter has a few events that were not sent to the Pike County Times too. www.pikecountygeorgia.com.

• The Montgomery Lodge #31 F. & A.M. is selling Boston Butts for Christmas. $25.00/ 10 lb.Butt (Approximate Pre Cooked Wt.) Order By: December 09, 2011. Pick Up: December 17, 2011 PM from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Contact: Brent Davis-Cell: (404) 567-0610–Email:brentdavis69@yahoo.com or Contact: Jimmy Vincent- Cell: (770) 584-4363-Email:jimmyrvincent@bellsouth.net.

• The American Legion Pike County Post # 197 Christmas Helping Hands Will be collecting toys and donations for needy families in our community on December 6, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The American Legion Pike County Post #197 is located at 645 Meansville Street in Zebulon. Your help and support is greatly needed and appreciated! For more info call: 770-689-7549 or 770-468-4177.

Don't say that you haven't had the opportunity to give thanks and get into the spirit of the Christmas season because there are more opportunities here than one person can go to in a week! Take some time and support those around us here in the community!

“After the German surrender, one of Hitler’s high-ranking naval officers was asked why the Nazi U-boats had been withdrawn from U.S. coastal waters early in 1943. The answer was exploded in a curt guttural: ‘It was because of those damned little red and yellow planes!’” -- From Robert E. Neprud’s Flying Minute Men

Civil Air Patrol members became the Minutemen of World War II, volunteering their time, resources, and talents to defend the nation’s borders. They filled the gaps left by the men, women and resources mobilized to fight abroad. These Flying Minutemen, all volunteers, performed valiantly on many missions including coastal patrol to search for enemy submarines, search and rescue missions throughout the United States, cargo and courier flights to transfer critical materials and personnel. They even towed targets so Army Air Corps personnel could practice air-to-air gunnery techniques. In all, these volunteers amassed a stunning record -- flying more than half-a-million hours, sinking two enemy submarines, and saving hundreds of crash victims.

Where did these volunteers come from? Although Pearl Harbor propelled the United States into World War II, many Americans saw the AXIS threat long before Dec. 7, 1941. Among them were nearly 150,000 men and women involved in aviation.

As early as 1938, they began to argue for the creation of an organization to harness their experience in the event America entered the conflict. Their efforts, led by writer-aviator Gill Robb Wilson and supported by Gen. Henry ‘Hap’ Arnold, resulted in the creation of the Civil Air Patrol. The Director of Civilian Defense, former New York Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia, signed a formal order creating the CAP on this day in 1941 -- one week before Pearl Harbor.

A thankful nation recognized the vital role CAP played during the war and felt that it could continue to provide invaluable help to both local and national agencies. On July 1, 1946, U.S. President Harry S Truman signed Public Law 476 incorporating the CAP as a benevolent, nonprofit organization. And on May 26, 1948, Congress passed Public Law 557, permanently establishing the CAP as the Auxiliary of the new U.S. Air Force.

With more than 53,000 members, 535 light aircraft and an extensive communications capability, the Civil Air Patrol is fully equipped to continue its mission for America.

Happy birthday, CAP!

Submitted by: Capt. John E. Kimberly, Squadron Commander / ITO
Griffin Composite Squad, USAF Auxiliary - Civil Air Patrol

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – On Dec. 1, Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, observes 70 years of vigilant service. But the celebration won’t be complete until CAP’s earliest members – now in their eighties and nineties – are “rightly honored” with the Congressional Gold Medal. CAP, an all-volunteer service of more than 61,000 members, was founded 70 years ago on Dec. 1, 1941, less than a week before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor led to America’s involvement in World War II. Known at the time as the Coastal Patrol, members soon proved their worth by conducting aerial missions at the request of the Office of Civilian Defense, displaying heroism that discouraged and eventually stopped deadly German U-boat attacks on supply ships leaving American ports headed to support the Allied war effort.

The “subchasers” flew at great personal risk. In all, 90 CAP planes were forced to ditch at sea. Of the 59 CAP pilots killed during World War II, 26 were lost while on Coastal Patrol duty and seven others were seriously injured while carrying out the missions. Their wartime service was highly unusual because they were civilian volunteers flying combat missions in their own aircraft at a time when the military could not adequately respond the U-boat threat. The military decided to arm their aircraft soon after the patrols began and, all told, they sank or damaged two or more submarines and attacked 57.

Read the rest of this article on the Letters to the Editor page by clicking here.

Click here to read about The Civil Air Patrol Group 3 Drill Team, led by the Griffin Composite Squadron, winning First Place in the all Georgia Civil Air Patrol Drill Team Competition. Click here to find out more about Griffin CAP and how your child can be a part of a great alternative for JROTC.

ZEBULON - A School-Based Health Center has been proposed in Pike County in partnership with the Emory University Department of Pediatrics Urban Health Program, the Pike County School System, and Pike County's YES Team, Inc. The YES Team is taking the lead in assessing and planning for this School-Based Health Center over the next ten months. Edd Sanders brought this idea before the Pike County Board of Commissioners at the November 29, 2011 meeting.

The YES Team is leading this process by bringing together potential partners in meetings, focus groups, etc. and developing plans to expand community support, conducting a needs assessment, and creating a business plan for this Health Center.

According to the press release, this proposed facility would provide quality, comprehensive health care services located in or near the Pike County Primary School facility and would be open during school hours. It would be staffed with qualified health care professionals and would be "focused on teh prevention, early identification, and treatment of medical and behavioral concerns that can interfere with a student's learning."

Some of the needs for this proposed Health Center are based on decreasing absenteeism and tardiness, increasing school attendance, increasing GPA over time, increasing access to health care, eliminating the need for parents to take time off from work.

The public is invited to attend the School Based Health Center Lunch and Learn with Dr. Veda Johnson, Director of the Emory University Department of Pediatrics Urban Health Program on December 15, 2011 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the Professional Learning Center Meeting Room #2 located in the old Pike County Middle/High School next to Ruth's Restaurant in order to find out more information on this program. The program is presented by the Pike Community Resource Network which is part of the Georgia Family Connection statewide network of county collaboratives committed to cultivating public and private collaboration at a local level. RSVP by December 12, 2011 to Michael Powell at 770-567-2930 or powellm@pike.k12.ga.us.

To read a copy of the information that was passed out to commissioners at the meeting, click here.

We believe we have the best upscale adult fitness club in the area with the most attentive and knowlegeable staff, great members, equipment that sets up apart from all the other fitness businesses, and a club that is a truly clean and comfortable place to workout. Talk is cheap, however, and all owners in the area are equally proud of their businesses.

One of the most important things we want you to know about our business is that we are solution based. This means there is only one really important question we need to ask you: what's the single most important thing you want from your fitness experience?

Based upon your answer, we will help you! At Centerfield Sports & Fitness, you can get a customized workout, attend our motivational classes from certified instructors, and receive a FREE nutrition and weight loss program. Think of us as your fitness resource, and if you know what you want to accomplish, we can help find a solution tailored just for you.

www.centerfield.biz/home.html

Royal Flush Disaster Restoration is owned and operated by Houston Hatchett.

As a special for Pike County Times readers, Houston will take 10% off your total commercial or residential carpet cleaning with Royal Flush. Click here to print coupon.

Call Houston at 770-567-9699 and ask how you can redeem your coupon from the Pike County Times.com.

From carpet and furniture cleanings to duct cleaning and water damage, Royal Flush can handle your needs.

Bad Boys House of Cycles is your Local, Family Owned and Operated Bike Shop. Bad Boys is located just south of the Courthouse on Highway 19 in Zebulon. Past the Chevron on the left--look for the Biker on the side of the building.

Bad Boys offer service on: Cruisers, Sport Bikes , Off-Road Bikes, Customs, ATVs, and Domestic or Foreign Bikes. Bad Boys also provide services to meet your needs including Oil Change, Tune-Ups, Scheduled Service, Maintenance/Repair, Upgrades/Customize, and Competitive Pricing!

Bad Boys specialize in: Tires, Oil Change, Scheduled Maintenance, Tune-Up, Brakes, Repairs, as well as Upgrades and Customizing your bike.

At Bad Boys House of Cycles, we stand by our service. We offer service you can trust at a price you can't beat. Now that's value!

Call Bad Boys House of Cycles at 770-567-RIDE (7433).

Pike Pest Management is owned and operated by Mark Andrade. Mark advertises with Pike County Times and is offering a Spring Special.

$25 off of your first service. Choose from monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly. Don't wait until it's too late!

Call Pike Pest Management at 770-567-FLEA (3532) for all of your pest control needs. NO WEEDS. NO BUGS. NO PROBLEMS.

Please tell Mark that you read about the Special on Pike County Times!

Williamson Learning Center offers an alternative to large class sizes and impersonal atmosphere. We allow children to excel in subjects they are good in while encouraging them in classes they do not enjoy. Give us a call to discuss how we can help your child.

Williamson Learning Center offers grades 1-12 with a small class size and small teacher student ratio with individualized learning plans in a family-like, low-stress atmosphere. ITBS testing is offered each year. All of this for very reasonable prices.

Tutoring is offered for all grades, all subjects and High School remediation in Math: algebra, geometry and trigonometry; Science: physical science, biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy/physiology, environmental science; Social studies: geography, world history, US history, psychology, economics, civics; and English grammar, composition, literature. Other classes may be available as well.

Williamson Learning Center is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission.

Call Carol Berry at 770-584-4013 for more details about Williamson Learning Center. Click here for more.

Mid Georgia Chiropractic is owned by Mark Fink from Pike County. His Barnesville Office is located on Atlanta Street in Barnesville behind Dairy Queen. Hours at the Barnesville location are Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. It is also open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

Mid Georgia Chiropractic now has a 2ND LOCATION in Griffin located at 503 W. Solomon Street. It is on the corner of 11th Street and West Solomon. Operating hours at the Griffin location are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

I will give testimony to his work because I have been going to him for more than seven years myself. Going to a good chiropractor keeps my spine in alignment along with exercise and good diet. Too much stress in politics or too many late nights hunched over the keyboard will mess up my spine enough that I have to visit Dr. Fink to get put back into alignment.

A new patient visit will take approximately an hour and is $60. Each regular visit after that is only $30.

Call Mid Georgia Chiropractic at 770-358-2003 for more information.

The Moody Funeral Home is independent and locally-owned by the Moody Family and has been serving families since 1982. Currently, owned and operated by Terrell and Sherri Moody, the firm was founded by Terrell’s parents, Charles and Betty Moody.

In the spring of 1981, the Moody family purchased 12 acres of land on Highway 19 North of Zebulon. The purchase of this land was the first step in the fulfillment of the family dream to provide a funeral home for the people of Pike County.

"Our dream became a reality in November, 1982 as Moody Funeral Home and Moody Memorial Gardens were opened. We are pleased to have facilities where families can gather together to celebrate the life of their loved one in a warm, inviting space."

It continues to be a family-centered firm. The words, “our family serving your family” are at the heart of everything we do.

Are you looking to get back to the basics with what you put on the table at your house? What about some butter that makes some of the best desserts?

Horst Stables sells Amish products in our community. Woody Horst can be found at The Barnesville Farmer's Market each Thursday in downtown Barnesville at the old First National Bank parking lot.

Not only does he have Amish butter made of pasturized cream and salt with no preservatives, but he has all kinds of cheeses, jams and jellies, candies, ciders, picked okra, beef jerky, and so much more!

Click here to check out some of his products. Woody shows his products outside of the Marketplace venues by appointment only. However, he is closed on Sunday.

Horst Stables also raises miniature horses and has wagons and harness for sale. Visit his booth at our local Farmer's Markets or call Woody at 770-653-2064 place your order. Horst Stables now accepts debit/credit cards.

Horst Stables, owned by Woody Horst, is located in Barnesville although he sells products at the Marketplace in Barnesville (located in the FNB parking lot) on Thursday afternoons.

Contact Woody Horst of Horst Stables at 770-653-2064 to set up an appointment or by email at woodyhorst@bellsouth.net. Please tell him you read about his products on Pike County Times.com. Horst Stables has helped Pike County Times remain a free resource for citizens since 2009.

Visit his booth at our local Farmer's Markets or call Woody at 770-653-2064 place your order.