ZEBULON - Various sources are advising the Pike County Times that the smoke that has settled over Pike and Upson Counties is coming from a 1,400 acre controlled burn in Talbot County.

ZEBULON - On February 10th, 2012 at approximately 1:53 p.m. Zebulon Police Department officers were involved in a car chase that led to these subjects crashing on Old Zebulon Road and fleeing on foot. The chase led to two arrest and a quantity of Cocaine, Marijuana, and Hydrocodone was recovered.

Ruben Brandon Clements, age 26 of Atlanta, and Stanley Arshel Shorter, age 31 also of Atlanta, were both arrested and charged with several traffic offenses and Felony Drug charges.

Chief Ledbetter also wants to thank Sheriff Jimmy Thomas and his Deputies who assisted in the arrest of one of these subjects.

ZEBULON - Pike County Parks & Recreation is holding a St. Patrick's Daddy-Daughter Dance on Friday, March 9th from 7:00pm until 10:00pm at the Pike County Senior Center on Hwy. 19. The dance is for girls in grades 3-5 and their fathers or another special man in their life.

There will be music, refreshments, door prizes and dance contests. The cost is $45.00 per couple, which includes one 4X6 photo. Paid registration only will be accepted at the parks & recreation office beginning February 13th and ending March 2nd.

Space is limited, so please register early. For more information, contact Chaundra Dickerson at 770-567-2027.

Mr. Rafael Aristides Viñas Bonnelly, age 91, of Barnesville, passed away February 9, 2012. He was born in Santiago, the Dominican Republic to the late Fello Vinas and Julia Bonnelly. For many years he was the Consul General for the Dominican Republic in New Orleans and he enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife: Aridia Anastasia Simo de Viñas; children and their spouses: Ralph and Linda Viñas of Lake Jackson, TX, Viena and Jerry Schexnayder, Sr. of Royersfort, PA and Aridia Luisa and Roland LeBlanc of Zebulon; grandchildren: Jerry Schexnayder, Jr (Julia) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Laurie Kirkpatrick (Richard) of Oley, PA.; Ralph Scott Vinas (Carmen) of Breckenridge, CO., Shane LeBlanc (Christy) of Griffin, GA.; Crista Childress (Danny) of Dacula, GA.; Christian Paul LeBlanc (Stephanie) of Lexington, KY; Lori Delahoussaye of Nederland, TX.; Evie Jones (David) of Springdale, AR; and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, February 12 at 4 p.m. in the chapel of Moody Funeral Home with Rev. Bob Steele officiating. Interment will follow in Moody Memorial Gardens.

Services:
4:00PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, February 12th, 2012

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

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

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp reminded voters today that advance in-person voting for Georgia’s March 6, 2012 presidential primary begins Monday, February 13, 2012 and will end Friday, March 2, 2012. Additionally, voters will be able to cast their ballot in-person on Saturday, February 25, 2012.

Secretary Kemp also reminded voters to utilize the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page (MVP) voter education website before participating in the presidential primary. The MVP website allows voters to view their sample ballot, find the in-person advance voting locations, times and dates in their county and more. The MVP website can be accessed at sos.ga.gov/mvp.

Voters participating in the election during the advance in-person voting period will be required to show one of the following six forms of photo ID:
• A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired;
• Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS);
• Valid U.S. passport;
• Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;
• Valid U.S. military photo ID; or
• Valid tribal photo ID.

If a voter does not have one of these forms of photo identification, they can obtain a free voter ID card at their county registrar’s office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Anyone with additional questions about Georgia’s photo ID requirement can visit www.GAPhotoID.com or call toll free (877) 725-9797.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Obama released his budget proposal for the 2013 fiscal year, which will run from October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013. The proposal is not binding, but merely serves as a recommendation for Congress and as an outline for the president’s agenda. The budget released included $3.8 trillion in spending for FY2013 and $47 trillion in spending over the next ten years. It also projects a $901 billion deficit for FY2013 and would add $11 trillion to the national debt over the next ten years. Below is Congressman Westmoreland’s statement.

“Even after three years of dramatic increases in federal spending, the president’s FY2013 budget proposal actually increases spending even more over the next ten years. He proposes $3.8 trillion in spending for 2013 and bumps that number up each year until we are spending $5.8 trillion by FY2022.

Click here to read the rest of this article. There are links to the budget as well.

Mrs. Dorothy “Dottie” Mae Helton Kelly, age 70, of Williamson, passed away February 11, 2012. Dottie was a loving person who enjoyed being with her grandchildren and her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alton Kelly, grandson, Dusty Kelly and great-granddaughter, Kayla Tucker. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Mark and Elizabeth Kelly of Barnesville, Mitzi and Alan Owens of Williamson and David and Shanon Kelly of Williamson; brother: Don Helton of McDonough; sister: Mary Ellen Crowe of Coalfield, TN; grandchildren and their spouses: Travis Kelly, Jessica and Shane Blair, Christopher and Jessi Owens, Brooke Owens, Krista Kelly and Dylan Kelly; great-grandchildren: Abby Blair, Rylee Blair, Ashton Owens and Kyle Owens; several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins and friends.

Visitations:
5:00PM to 7:00PM on Monday, February 13th, 2012 at Moody Funeral Home

Services:
7:00PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, February 13th, 2012

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

ZEBULON - Thirteen members were present at the Chamber of Commerce meeting on January 27, 2012. Pike County Times has endeavored to cover at least one meeting for each of the boards and authorities in Pike County over the past couple of years. This is the first Chamber of Commerce meeting that I have covered.

Click here to read the rest of this article and how they are working to help businesses in our area.

“Dear Friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us, and His love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:11-12

As I write this article, my heart is overflowing. I am so proud to live in this county. We may be called “red-necked” and “backwoods”, but Pike County has been showing some major love to our children with disabilities. Because of sickness, Owen and I were not able to participate in this year’s Paris in Pike Fashion Show. But that has not stopped me from hearing and enjoying all the wonderful comments from people in the community about the overwhelming support and love that was shown for and during this event. Pike County delivered while our kids strutted their stuff. Thank you Christ Chapel, for the vision of Paris in Pike and to all the support that was given by outside groups and businesses.

Click here to read Deborah's article.

ZEBULON - Pike County Emergency Services (PCES) has advised that E911 is updating its database. Pike County Emergency Services Deputy Chief of Operations Randy Snyder advises that as part of this process, in cooperation with Sheriff Jimmy Thomas of the Pike County Sheriff's Office, PCES has created a page for information submissions on its website.

"Persons can go to the page as listed below, fill out the form, and submit their information directly to E911," said Snyder. "The more details people can give, the better... For example, having a detailed description of a home helps law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services reach people much quicker when they need us."

Click here to update your E911 information.

This updates coincides with the implementation of the county-wide notification system to warn residents when severe weather or other life-threatening events are occurring in our community. Read "Pike County Gets County-Wide Emergency Notification System" below for more information about this system and click on the DeltAlert link above to sign up.

ZEBULON - On Thursday, February 23, 2012, Pike County will for the first time be covered with a county-wide emergency notification system when severe weather or other life-threatening events occur in the community. Residents who currently have a valid phone number on file in the E911 data base will receive a test call announcing the system has been activated in Pike County. An internet-based system, DeltAlert, will automatically call citizens at their homes and mobile phones when a tornado warning is issued for Pike County. DeltAlert can also be used to contact citizens with other important notices, such as a boil water alert.

Click here to read the rest of this article and click on the link to sign up your email, cell phones, etc. I signed up my cell phone and email in a matter of minutes. Thanks to all who have worked to get an emergency response system here in Pike County!

BARNESVILLE -Two Pike County residents are among the cast of the upcoming Gordon College Theatre production of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Matthew Boseman plays Don Pedro while Chelsea Thompson plays Lady Joan.

One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, Much Ado About Nothing mixes love, trickery, confessions and four lovers for a truly hilarious confection of a play.

Performances are Wednesday Feb. 22 through Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. on the stage of the Gordon College Fine Arts Theater. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance.

Tickets are available at the door and are $7 for adults, $6 for senior citizens, $5 for children and non-Gordon students and $4 each for groups of 10 or more.

NEWNAN – It may seem that warmer weather is still out of reach, but now is the time to “beat the heat” by spaying your cat in advance of her heat cycle and preventing unwanted litters before “kitten season” arrives this spring – a time when shelters traditionally see large numbers of unwanted litters being born. To help reduce the number of homeless cats, HELP Spay/Neuter Clinic is offering a “Beat the Heat” promotion sponsored by PetSmart Charities®. During the entire month of February, 2012 HELP Spay/Neuter Clinic will spay/neuter female cats for a special rate of $20. Additionally, all surgery packages include FREE Rabies for dogs and cats. As always, there is no extra charge for in heat or pregnant cats or dogs.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

This meeting was attended by all 5 commissioners, County Clerk Teresa Watson to take the minutes, County Manager (CM) Bill Sawyer, and both Rob and Tom Morton to advise the county on legal matters.

This was a 31 minute meeting that should be finished up over the next day or so.

Click here to read this completed meeting.

LAMAR - Kent Kingsley of Milner, Lamar County, Georgia, has filed the required paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission to run for Congress in the Third District. Kingsley is a former Chairman of the Lamar County Commission, former high school & college teacher, and holds a B.A. & M.A. in Political Science.

Kingsley retired from the Army in 1996 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His career as an Infantry officer included serving in the first Gulf War & assignments in Panama, South Korea & Germany, as well as stateside. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman's Badge and Master Parachutist's Badge. His service follows in the patriotic footsteps of his father and grandfather.

Kent has been married to his wife, Joy, for 40 years; they are small business owners managing a real estate brokerage and a small family farm. Kent serves as the Broker at Traditions Realty with 5 Realtors. In addition to Kent’s wife Joy, his family consists of two grown children, Kristin and John, a son-in-law, Brennan Roney and grandson, Cooper. His dad, Ralph Kingsley, is 90 years young and lives close by in Barnesville.

Kingsley has pledged to the voters of the third district to work day and night to pass a Balanced Budget Amendment, to produce tax reform by enacting the Fair Tax, and pass Federal Term Limits for members of Congress. Kent is not the status quo candidate. He believes our country and Congress are off-track; as evidenced by Congress' 13% approval rating. Enacting these three measures will improve the economy, help end the stranglehold of career politicians in Congress, reduce lobbyist influence, and begin to restore fiscal sanity to America. Kingsley is a true Conservative and Constitutionalist who is committed to upholding our American values of faith, family & freedom.

Kent also believes that a Congressman should be visible in the district and accessible to the voters. He has pledged to hold at least 26 town hall meetings each year, two in each of the 13 counties in the third district.

Kent is available for interviews or to meet with editorial boards. Contact Kingsley for Congress at 770-358-2015. Campaign headquarters is located at 1366 Highway 36 East, Milner, GA 30257. The candidate’s cell phone is 770-468-4905.

[Note from the Editor: Pike County Times will publish one press release from each candidate running for office. Send your campaign press release to editor@pikecountytimes.com. Pike County Times reserves the right to ask for a revision from a campaign if the press release is an attack on another candidate instead of stating what your candidate can do for our community.]

Atlanta – Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia is February 6-10, and Insurance Commissioner Ralph T. Hudgens wants to remind homeowners of some important tips to protect themselves and their property from weather-related hazards.

“Georgia's tornado season is just around the corner, and we want all Georgia consumers to be familiar with steps they should take to minimize property damage and avoid possible tragedies caused by storms,” Hudgens said.

Hudgens offers these reminders and tips:
•It often takes 72 hours for disaster relief workers to reach all families in an area after a disaster occurs. Families should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least this long.
•Residents should always keep backup supplies of certain items, including: bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights and batteries, first aid kits, infant formula, and diapers.
•A battery or hand-cranked radio, as well as a whistle to signal for help are also good to keep on hand. Hudgens says being properly insured against loss is also part of preparing for severe weather. He reminds Georgians:
•While a standard homeowner's insurance policy covers damage from high winds and tornadoes, it does not cover damage from flooding. A separate policy can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program if flood insurance is available in your area.
•Make sure you understand the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost coverage for your home’s contents, and obtain the coverage that best suits your needs.
•Georgians should keep an inventory of their belongings in case of a disaster. For iPhone/Android users this task can now be handled through an App called Scr.APP.bk provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. This App will allow iPhone/Android users to take pictures of their items, scan barcodes, add purchase price and date, and even provides great tips regarding disaster preparation and insurance. By going to the Department of Insurance website www.oci.ga.gov and following the simple instructions under the Quick Links section on how to download the application, Georgians will have a catalog of their belongings.

For a complete list of recommended emergency items, visit ready.ga.gov. If you have questions about property insurance, you can call a representative of Commissioner Hudgens’ Consumer Services Division at 404-656-2070 or toll-free at 1-800-656-2298. Calls are taken from8 a.m.to7 p.m.Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today praised the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to grant the state of Georgia a waiver from ‘No Child Left Behind.’ In September 2011, Isakson and Georgia School Superintendent Dr. John Barge personally delivered Georgia’s request for a waiver from the law to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

Isakson formerly chaired the Georgia State Board of Education and, as a member of the U.S. House, helped draft ‘No Child Left Behind.’ The law was designed as a comprehensive education reform to strengthen this nation’s public schools by providing them with the necessary resources to give all children a quality education.

“I applaud the administration for making the right decision today by granting the state of Georgia this waiver,” said Isakson. “While ‘No Child Left Behind’ is not perfect, it has greatly improved the quality and delivery of education in the United States, and it has held schools accountable for student performance. After a decade of ‘No Child Left Behind,’ it is time to make changes based on what we have learned from its implementation, and that includes allowing states and local school systems to make choices that best suit their students’ needs.”

In September 2011, the state of Georgia asked the U.S. Department of Education for permission to replace ‘No Child Left Behind’ with a new program called Georgia’s College and Career Ready Performance Index. This proposal, which was developed by Superintendent Barge and the Georgia Department of Education, measures the extent to which a school, school district, and the state are successfully making progress on a number of accountability indicators such as content mastery, student attendance, and the next level of preparation.

Last year, Secretary Duncan decided to allow states the option of seeking a waiver from a provision included in ‘No Child Left Behind’ called Adequate Yearly Progress, also known informally as AYP, which requires that states use standardized testing to measure progress from one year to the next and to set the bar higher each year for schools. Isakson believes that Georgia’s new program to replace AYP develops an index system that more accurately and fairly measures educational progress than AYP. Georgia’s program will also allow parents, teachers and administrators greater ability monitor the progress of individual students.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House passed S. 2038, the STOCK Act. The legislation was brought up in Congress after a news report surfaced that accused a few Members of Congress of using the private information they sometimes receive during the course of their job to make money in the stock market. In essence, the bill reiterates the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and repeats that insider trading is illegal for Members of Congress. It also dramatically expands the financial disclosure obligations for approximately 30,000 federal employees, requiring monthly filings. Although Congressman Westmoreland strongly believes that insider trading should be illegal and that any Member of Congress who is convicted of insider trading should have the same punishment as any other American, he opposes the legislation because it was duplicative and unnecessary. Unfortunately, he was delayed at an Intelligence Committee hearing and was unable to make the vote in time. However, he registered his opposition with the Clerk of the House. Below is Congressman Westmoreland’s statement on the STOCK Act.

“Today, the House passed legislation declaring insider trading illegal for Members of Congress. Well, insider trading is already illegal. In fact, it’s been illegal since the Securities and Exchange Act was signed into law in 1934. And it is illegal for everyone. Do we really need an additional law to reiterate that Members of Congress are held to the same law as every other American? I don’t find myself to be above the law. If I rob a bank, for example, I’m going to jail. I don’t need to pass a new bill that points out that bank robbing is illegal for Members of Congress. It’s illegal for everyone.

“I can guarantee that if you asked most of the Members who voted for this bill today their opinion of it in private, they would tell you it’s nothing more than a big waste of time. That’s because Congress only passed it in some misguided effort to prove to the American people they are trustworthy. Well, you know how to do that? Do your job. Represent your constituents to the best of your ability. Do everything in your power to make this country the best in the world.

“I’ve always said Congress has two speeds: stop and knee-jerk. This bill is that knee-jerk speed at its worst. I mean, while important bills like the Fair Tax Act, which was first introduced to Congress in 1999, sit idle in committee with no hearings and no markups, we have wasted two weeks debating legislation that already exists. The people in this country are facing serious problems right now. We are still suffering from record high unemployment, a high rate of home foreclosures, overwhelming national debt, and rising energy prices. Instead of coming up with solutions to those problems, we spent the time passing duplicative legislation in order to earn political points in the media.

“Insider trading is illegal already – and it should be. It is unfair for any American to use private information gained in the course of their job to distort our market and make money. But we already have laws and regulations in place to guard against this. In fact, we have one of the strictest and most well-enforced insider trading laws in the world. Reiterating current law and creating mounds of new paperwork with this monthly disclosure requirement for some 30,000 federal workers will not make our law any stronger. All it’s going to do is create even more bureaucratic redtape than we’ve already got.

"Look, this law doesn’t affect me. I don’t own any stock and don’t plan on owning any stock. But, at the core of my principles, I truly believe that bigger government is not better government. I know that laws do not make people honest – you can’t legislate ethics. The more duplicative and unnecessary laws that we pass in Congress, the more power we take from the states and give to the federal government. And I don’t know about you, but I think this federal government has given itself enough power,” stated Westmoreland.

The bill was sent back to the Senate, with the amendments added in the House. It is unclear when the Senate will vote on the bill and whether or not they will offer another round of amendments.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – [Yesterday], the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved the construction of two 1,100 megawatt nuclear energy reactors in Burke County, Georgia. The announcement came after almost seven years of negotiations between Southern Company and its utility Georgia Power, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. “I am proud to see the state of Georgia leading the way to the future of our country’s energy supply,” stated Westmoreland. “If we truly want to become energy independent, we must adopt an all-of-the-above energy plan – and that includes nuclear energy. It is the only viable clean energy option we have right now. In fact, nuclear energy provides 20 percent of our nation’s energy needs. Unfortunately, liberals in Washington have worked to stop the development of new nuclear energy technology and the construction of new nuclear energy reactors. That has placed us sorely behind other countries in the development of nuclear energy. For example, France gets more than 75% of its electricity from nuclear energy and is the world’s largest net exporter of electricity – generating almost $4 billion a year in revenue. We need to grow our nuclear energy capabilities in the U.S. if we ever expect to keep up with future energy demands.”

Currently, Southern Company runs four nuclear reactors in Georgia – two at Plant Vogtle and two at Plant Hatch. These four reactors provide more than 20 percent of Georgia’s electricity needs. The two new reactors, dubbed Unit 3 and Unit 4, are expected to provide electricity to more than 500,000 homes in the state of Georgia. These two new reactors will be added at Plant Vogtle in Burke County.

“Not only will these two new reactors help to stabilize energy prices in Georgia in the future, they will also bring much needed jobs to our great state,” stated Westmoreland. “Southern Company anticipates the construction of these two new units will result in the creation of 5,000 jobs directly, and up to 25,000 directly and indirectly. Georgia has suffered disproportionately through this economic crisis, and our unemployment rate remains above the national average, hovering at around 10 percent. We need to see more projects like this approved so we can get Georgians back to work and reduce our dependency on foreign oil.”

In addition to Southern Company, the two new reactors will also be partially owned by Oglethorpe Power, Municipal Electric Association of Georgia, and the City of Dalton. The first reactor is expected to be up and running by 2016 and the second by 2017. Click here for more information on the two new reactors from Southern Company’s website.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today praised the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s vote to issue a Combined Construction and Operating License to Southern Company, clearing the way for construction to begin on the nation’s first two new nuclear units in 30 years. The new nuclear units are being built at Georgia Power’s Plant Vogtle, near Waynesboro, Ga.

The new Vogtle units will provide clean, safe and affordable electricity for more than 500,000 homes and businesses across Georgia. In addition, it will create 5,000 on-site jobs, including 3,500 craft labor jobs during the peak of construction and 800 permanent jobs.

“This is an historic day for our state and for our nation. I am thrilled by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s decision to allow construction at Plant Vogtle to begin because it will create clean, safe and affordable energy for Georgia’s families and small business, and it will create thousands of jobs in our state,” said Isakson. “Energy security for our country is one of my top goals for 2012, and the development of nuclear energy at home is the key to achieving energy independence.”

“I commend and congratulate Southern Company and Georgia Power on the approval of the necessary permits for the new nuclear units at Plant Vogtle, and that full construction will begin,” said Chambliss. “An energy independent America is a safe America, and nuclear energy is a vital source of reliable, secure domestic energy. Not only is this great news for our country, but I am grateful Georgia will have the 5,000 on site jobs and 800 permanent jobs created by this project.”

ZEBULON - About twenty community leaders and providers from Pike and surrounding counties gathered to "define the box" for the proposed School Based Health Center today. I will write more on this after I finish up today's County Commission Meeting.

Until then, click on the link below to find out the answers to some of the lines that are being drawn to define what this clinic will be and what it won't be. Not all of the questions have answers yet since the meetings are still ongoing, but it's more clear than it was just a few weeks ago.

There is still time to become part of the strategy teams that are working to define what this will look like and whether this is something that we need in Pike County. The two teams will meet on the 3rd Thursday in February from 12 to 1 p.m. at two different locations in order to get as much work done as possible with team leaders meeting with Regina Abbott and Mike Powell on the second Wednesday of each month on March 14, April 11, June 13, and July 11 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. with the next quarterly meeting scheduled for May 9, 2012 and a strategic planning workshop is planned for August 8, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Contact Michael Powell at 770-567-2930 or powellm@pike.k12.ga.us if you would like to volunteer an hour of your time to be a part of this process.

Click here to read the answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Westmoreland joined 118 other Members of Congress in submitting an amicus curie brief to the U.S. Supreme Court. The brief asked that the Court uphold the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, which held the individual mandates established in the Affordable Care Act (also known as ObamaCare) as an unconstitutional overreach of federal power. The “friend of the court” brief, as it’s known, argues that the health insurance mandates are not covered directly or in the aggregate under the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution (Article 1, Section 8), and are therefore unconstitutional. The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments on the case the last week in March and is expected to render its decision sometime in June. Below is Congressman Westmoreland’s statement.

“The Founding Fathers drafted our Constitution to ensure the powers delegated to the federal government were defined and limited. In fact, the famous Federalist James Madison wrote in the Federalist Paper #45, ‘The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite.’ Unfortunately, over time, big-government politicians and activist judges have dramatically expanded the powers of the federal government. Nowhere is this more evident than in the use of the Commerce Clause, which states, ‘The Congress shall have Power…to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States…’ (U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 8). These 16 words have been used to validate tens of thousands of pages regulations and laws imposed on American citizens by the federal government.

“But believe it or not, ObamaCare is the first time in our nation’s history that Congress has used the Commerce Clause to mandate individuals purchase a product from a private company. So with all of the expanded authority given to the federal government through the Commerce Clause since the formation of our republic, never in history have we seen anything like this.

“Whether the president and Congressional Democrats like it or not, they absolutely do not have the constitutional power to mandate American citizens purchase anything. I know that President Obama and Democratic leadership in Congress have become very comfortable over the last several years with completely disregarding the law and doing whatever they see fit. However, I’m hopeful that this time the Supreme Court can step in and stop them from forever altering the powers of the federal government over its citizens by declaring the individual mandates in ObamaCare unconstitutional,” stated Westmoreland.

A copy of the brief can be found at: www.aclj.us/obamacarebrief

**Rep. Graves' Op-Ed first ran on Monday, February 6 in "The Hill"

It’s the classic saga: good versus evil. The latest playbill from Washington has the airlines as the villain, the taxpayers as the victim and, yes you guessed it, the federal government starring as the hero. And, as with all good thrillers, there’s a twist.

Just last week, the hero raced to the “rescue.” However, while valiantly standing in defense of the “victims,” the hero picks their pocket. In an effort to “protect consumers,” the Department of Transportation issued a ruling requiring all airlines to mask and embed all 16 federal taxes and fees in the price of an airplane ticket. You got it: “Out of sight, out of mind.”

Then, if a company chooses to tell you how much these taxes cost, the DOT has made it harder and less obvious. Under the DOT’s new rule, the cost of taxes and fees on a ticket “may not be displayed prominently” and must “be presented in significantly smaller type than the listing of the total price.” Rules like this make you think that the federal government wants it to be tougher for us to know what taxes we’re paying on a ticket. So the question remains, why? Could it be that it would be easier for the federal government to raise taxes and fees without our notice?

Never mind that the federal government shouldn’t be in the business of telling the private sector how taxes should be shared with customers. We’re already dealing with a similar situation every time we fill up our cars, trucks, and tractors.

Let’s take a look at what’s going on in my home state of Georgia. Right now, the average price for a gallon of gas is about $3.45. But, only two-thirds of the price to fill up your tank actually goes toward the cost of bringing gasoline to market. The rest is comprised of taxes and fees: State excise tax, federal excise tax, state and local sales taxes, and more. And every time the price goes up at the pump, it’s hard to know whether the increase is due to the rising cost of oil – or the rising cost of government. It’s the same story all across our Union.

My fear is that we’re heading down this same road with the DOT’s new rule governing airline ticket pricing. The more latitude we give government bureaucracies like the Department of Transportation, the higher the likelihood the government will engage in a shell game of hiding increases in federal taxes and fees. And, since we may not be aware of these increases, their natural response would be to point a finger at the airlines for higher ticket prices, rather than at themselves for raising taxes.

If the goal of the DOT’s rule is to prevent companies from deceiving passengers about the total cost of a ticket, then let’s be honest, upfront, and transparent about where all the charges originate. Let’s give companies that sell airline tickets the freedom to offer consumers a line-by-line accounting for the price of an airfare – just like the bill you get when you check out of a hotel room or return your rental car. Why resort to regulations mandating fine print? There’s no doubt that making taxes and fees invisible or hard to find will decrease transparency, while the temptation to sneak in higher taxes takes. Buckle your seatbelt. This could be a bumpy ride.

ZEBULON - Text messages began to bounce around the county and Facebook lit up about road checks on Saturday night. There were many who wondered what officers were doing checking licenses in Pike County. Were they looking for someone in particular or was it simply looking to take drunk drivers off of our roads?

After calling the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Pike County Times was advised that there were officers from various cities and counties who took part in checks for impaired drivers at various locations on Saturday in Pike County. This is part of a program that is designed to take those who are driving under the influence off of our roads.

Major David Neal of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office said that this program is part of “an ongoing cooperation between local law enforcement agencies to reduce drunk driving”. This effort to reduce drunk drivers on the road is sponsored by the Georgia Office of Highway Safety.

For more about Operation Zero Tolerance or other programs sponsored by the Georgia Office of Highway Safety, click here.

ZEBULON - The Pike County American Legion Post 197 Oratorical Contest scheduled for Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 1p.m. has been cancelled.

Pike Post 197 will sponsor the local level American Legion Oratorical Contest for 2013.

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. Contest Information will be released sometime in Oct 2012.

From the American Legion website: Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $138,000 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets an $18,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $16,000, and third gets $14,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $1,500 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $1,500 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.

Click here to find out more about this scholarship contest.

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today issued his final decision on challenges contending that President Barack Obama does not meet the State of Georgia’s eligibility requirements for his name to be listed on the 2012 Presidential Preference Primary ballot.

Secretary Kemp stated, “After careful consideration of Administrative Law Judge Michael Malihi’s initial decision and all record evidence based on the criteria set forth in this process, I find that the Respondent, President Barack Obama, meets the State of Georgia’s eligibility requirements. President Barack Obama’s name shall remain on the Democratic Party’s 2012 Presidential Preference Primary ballot.”

Brian Kemp has been Secretary of State since January, 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives.

Will Rogers was famous for having said, “I never met a person I didn’t like.” With regard to his famous quote, I’m convinced of one of two things: Either Rogers never met a bureaucrat or, he lied. After all, what’s to like about a bureaucrat? Not much.

Milton Friedman, Nobel Prize laureate in economics was famous for having said, “There is nothing so permanent as a temporary government program.” With regard to his famous quote, I’m convinced of two of two things: Friedman dealt with many bureaucracies and he understood them for what they were – monuments of inefficiency and waste bent on self-preservation at all costs.

Click here to read more Conservative Commentaries.

“The Woman In Black” (CBS Films)

Daniel Radcliffe leaves his Harry Potter role behind and plops himself down in the middle of an old time horror movie. This is the kind of film where there are chills and thrills but no overt violence and gore. It is all in the suspense and “The Woman In Black” has plenty of that and more.

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 "Big Miracle" and "Chronicle".

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

“One For the Money” (Lionsgate)

Katherine Heigl landed the plum role of playing Janet Evanovich’s heroine Stephanie Plum in the movie adaptation of Evanovich’s book ONE FOR THE MONEY. It is a good role from a good story but somehow the movie version fails to capture the charm and excitement of the book. It goes back to the advice of if you want to enjoy “One For the Money” read the book first. The magic of Evanovich’s writing may spill over into what is happening on the silver screen.

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 "Man on a Ledge" and "The Grey".

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

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced today that Georgia’s recorded copy of the Declaration of Independence will be available for viewing in the State Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, February 9, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in honor of Georgia Day. The Royal Charter that made Georgia a colony in 1733 will also be on display. The annual Georgia Day celebration commemorates Georgia’s founding on February 12, 1733.

“The Secretary of State’s Office is proud to offer our citizens this opportunity to view Georgia’s founding documents,” said Secretary Kemp. “We invite all Georgians to the Capitol to celebrate Georgia Day and learn more about our great state’s history.”

The Georgia Archives has limited public viewing of its copy of the Declaration in order to mitigate the fading, deterioration and other damage caused by frequent exhibits.

On January 18, 1777, the Continental Congress met in Baltimore, Maryland and ordered that copies of the Declaration of Independence be printed and sent to each of the 13 states. The states were directed to make the Declaration a part of their official records. Georgia’s copy was officially entered into the records on March 2, 1777.

“Some states entered the Declaration into their official records by pasting the printed copy in their record books. Other states, including Georgia, created an official record by hand-copying the Declaration into the state’s record book,” said David Carmicheal, Director of the Georgia Archives.

Today, the Declaration is protected with Georgia’s other “birth documents”: the Royal Charter that created the colony in 1733, and Georgia’s 1788 ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the document that made Georgia a state. All are kept in a high security vault where a constant temperature and humidity are maintained to ensure their long-term survival.

I am going to start from the end of the BOC meeting and work my way back to the beginning. It was fitting that Joy Walker was scheduled to speak after the failed vote to rescind the motion to appoint a sitting county commissioner as a member of the Water and Sewer Authority. Thank you to Carol for her motion and to Tamra for her 2nd. The motion ended up a 2-3 vote so Tommy retains his seat, but I applaud them for their vote. And Joy Walker did a fine job of speaking what many in the audience were thinking as the applause after her speech indicated.

Click here to read this meeting as it goes online. Look for updates in blue on this article as this is finished up.

Update added 2.2.12 and 2.3.12. Another update 2.6.12. This meeting is complete.

Links to past County Commission meetings can be found in the County Government link above.

ZEBULON - Pike Post #197 will present the "Four Chaplains" program Saturday, Feb. 4th at 4 p.m. at Pike Assembly of God Church at 4990 Hwy 19, just 3.5 miles south of Zebulon.

It's the true story of the four U.S. Army chaplains who gave their lives to save others when their ship the U.S.A.T Dorchester was hit and ultimately sunk by a German torpedo on Feb. 3, 1943. this is the 69th Anniversary of their honorable sacrifice.

Please join us in celebrating their legacy.

Barnesville - Chief Deputy Brad White of the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office reported today that two 14 year-old girls are missing from their homes and were presumably taken by Paul Crowe, age 19, of Barnesville and Dustin Blake Elliott, age 19, of Upson County. “Kirsten Kamradt, age 14, of Barnesville and Amber Henry, age 14, of High Falls, were taken from their homes yesterday, February 1st,” White said in a Sheriff’s Office statement issued mid-afternoon Thursday.

Click here for more on this story.

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp reminded voters today that absentee voting by mail for the March 6, 2012 presidential preference primary will begin Saturday, January 21, 2012. Voters can request an absentee ballot through Friday, March 2, 2012.

Georgia residents must return their absentee ballot to their county election office by close of polls on Election Day, March 6, 2012. Absentee ballots cast by overseas and military voters must be postmarked on or before March 6, 2012, but will be accepted until the end of business on March 9, 2012. Voters are not required to provide a reason when requesting an absentee ballot.

Voters can obtain an absentee ballot request form from the Secretary of State’s website: sos.ga.gov. The form must be completed and returned to the voter’s county election office. County election office personnel can also provide absentee ballot request forms.

Citizens who are eligible to vote but have not registered may register through Monday, February 6, 2012. Voter registration forms are available on the Secretary of State’s website.

In-person advance voting for the 2012 presidential preference primary will begin Monday, February 13, 2012.

Secretary Kemp reminded voters to utilize the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page (MVP) voter education website before participating in the presidential preference primary. The MVP website allows voters to view their sample ballot, find the in-person advance voting locations in their county and their Election Day polling location, check their registration status, track the status of their absentee ballot, and more. The MVP website can be accessed at sos.ga.gov/mvp.

Additionally, Georgia’s eligible military and overseas citizens who have requested an absentee ballot can obtain their ballot electronically for the presidential preference primary beginning January 21, 2012.

The Secretary of State’s Office has created two tutorial videos that specifically address absentee ballot voting options for Georgia’s military and overseas citizens. To view these videos please visit the Secretary of State’s website.

To obtain 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. Further, 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.

The Secretary of State’s Elections Division website also 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.

Click here for the Secretary of State's My Voter Page website.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today joined 32 of their Senate colleagues in demanding that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, clarify “serious inconsistencies” in his past statements about the use of recess appointments. Their letter comes in the wake of President Obama circumventing the Constitution and the Senate in January by appointing Richard Cordray to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and three others to the National Labor Relations Board despite the fact that the Senate was in legislative session.

In the letter, the Senators note that Reid employed the use of pro forma sessions to shorten recess periods to prevent President George W. Bush from making recess appointments beginning in November 2007, but now appears to have changed his position under President Obama.

“This apparent shift in your position raises a number of concerns. Most specifically, it appears that you believe the importance of preserving Senate’s constitutional role in the nomination and appointment process varies depending on the political party of the President,” the letter states.

Senators signing the letter included Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Miss.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Dick Lugar (R-Ind.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Jim Moran (R-Kan.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kans.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), David Vitter (R-La.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

Click here to read a copy of this letter.

ZEBULON - The Pike County 4-H Horse Club spent their January 17 holiday visiting Gemara Farm in Barnesville where Bonnie Martin gave a demonstration of the Missouri Fox Trotter horse.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

ZEBULON - The Pike County 4-H Horse Club took two junior teams (grades 5-8), to compete in the 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl held in Walton County on January 14.

One team was eliminated in the fourth round of the double-elimination contest. The other team placed third overall in the state.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

ZEBULON - Local pediatrician Dr. Mark Coker asked to address the Pike County Chamber of Commerce at their regular monthly meeting on Friday, January 27, 2012. He spoke to the twelve members about the Schoo. Dr. Coker expressed his concerns and suggestions for this SBHC and its possible effects on those who are currently providing services in the Pike County community. His concerns were then addressed at this meeting by a Y.E.S. Team Board Member and Michael Powell, Director of Pike County’s You Equal Success (Y.E.S.) Team, Inc. who are also members of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

ZEBULON - The Pike County Chamber of Commerce will present the 2012 Economic Forecast on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 7:30 a.m. at Life Springs Church Community Center. The cost of this event is $15 per person with advanced reservations; $20 at the door. Sponsorships Available.

Our expert panelists will share their view of the current economy and what they see for the future. Confirmed Panelists include: Moore Hallmark with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Brooke Lucas with the Georgia Department of Labor and others to be announced soon. There will be question and answer segment open to the audience.

For more information or to register for this event, please call the chamber at (770) 567-2029 or register online at www.pikecountygachamber.com.

Objectivity – it is the absolute bedrock of science. There is no notion, idea, hypothesis, concept, principle, axiom, maxim, theory, or law more fundamental to science than objectivity. In fact, in the absence of objectivity, science does not exist. Call it what you want, but it ain’t science.

Click here to read more Conservative Commentaries.

GRIFFIN - The Griffin Choral Arts Community Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Stephen J. Mulder, will present a concert entitled, "Masterworks: Gloria!" on Thursday, March 1, at 7:30 PM, at the Griffin Auditorium (234 E. Taylor Street).

The program features the well-known "Gloria in D" by Antonio Vivaldi and the lesser-known but highly regarded "Messa di Gloria" by Giacomo Puccini. A 24-piece professional orchestra from all over the middle Georgia region will accompany the chorus.

Tickets are $10 general admission at the door or in advance in Griffin at Artistic Flowers and Gifts and The Tiger Lily. For more information about Griffin Choral Arts call (770) 468-3072 or visit the website www.griffinchoralarts.org.

GRIFFIN - A Monday evening fire destroyed the building housing Safehouse Coffee & Tea, a beloved downtown business.

Although the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, Safehouse employees reportedly noted a smell described as burning rubber.

When the fire was first discovered, two employees, Jacob Orr and Stephen Dozier, as well as Christopher Blalock, a regular customer, attempted to extinguish the blaze with water and fire extinguishers. The three men, along with additional customers, eventually evacuated the building safely.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

More details and photos are available at everribbon.com/safehousecoffeeroasters. You can also donate to help in the rebuild effort through this website.

Photos are on the We Are Pike County page courtesy of Krystal Reid.

• Call to Order Chairman M. Wood
•Approval of the Agenda M. Wood
•Approval of Minutes Dec 2011 & Jan 2012 M. Wood
•Financials
Review & Approval of December Financials S. Esary
•Business
Discussion of Joint Efforts with Chamber & DDA M. Wood
•Public Comments
•Adjourn

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., along with 42 of their Senate colleagues today announced that they will introduce legislation to approve the Keystone XL pipeline project under Congress’ authority enumerated in the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 8.

Isakson and Chambliss are original co-sponsors of the bill, which was spearheaded by Senators John Hoeven, R-N.D., Richard Lugar, R-Ind., David Vitter, R-La.

The legislation authorizes TransCanada to construct and operate the Keystone XL pipeline from Alberta, Canada, to the U.S. Gulf Coast, transporting hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil per day to U.S. refineries, which includes 100,000 barrels a day from the Bakken region of North Dakota and Montana. The bill allows the company to move forward with construction of the pipeline in the United States while the State of Nebraska works to determine an alternative route. Hoeven secured an opinion from the non-partisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) confirming Congress’s constitutional authority to approve the project.

The Keystone XL pipeline project has been under review for more than three years, but President Obama rejected it last week saying the 60-day provision authored by Lugar, Hoeven and Vitter included in the payroll tax cut extension bill passed in December didn’t give him enough time to review the project. In fact, the Obama Administration spent 1,217 days reviewing the pipeline and there was no time limit on the State Department’s ability to review the Nebraska portion of the project.

“Now, more than ever, our country needs leadership on energy security. Unfortunately, President Obama failed to provide leadership when he rejected the Keystone XL pipeline last week,” said Isakson. “I am proud to join my colleagues in the Senate in rejecting the president’s action by trying to move the Keystone XL pipeline forward. I will continue to do everything I can to support this critically important project, which will bring hundreds of thousands of barrels of crude to the U.S. from our strong ally Canada and at the same time, create thousands of American jobs.”

“We simply cannot afford to delay approval of the Keystone pipeline permit any longer. Its construction will allow us to increase oil imports from Canada, a trusted ally and friend,” said Chambliss. “By rejecting this permit, President Obama is putting his own re-election ahead of America’s economy and energy security. After years of review and environmental evaluation, it’s time to move forward on this project. This legislation will ensure we do just that.”

Legislative Summary

The Keystone XL pipeline has been subject to rigorous environmental analysis for more than three years, and was on schedule to be decided on by the U.S. State Department by the end of 2011. By contrast, the original Keystone pipeline took two years to review and became operational last year.

The legislation builds off the completed Environmental Impact Statement, which was finished by the State Department on Aug. 26, 2011. Additionally, it requires the U.S. State Department to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) within 30 days with the State of Nebraska to assist in rerouting in that state, which will be subject to the Nebraska governor’s agreement on the route within the state. However, it allows Nebraska all the time it needs to identify a new route within the state to strengthen the completed Environmental Impact Statement.

Further, the legislation requires strong environmental and safety requirements by incorporating the environmental and safety standards required and finalized by the Secretary of State. At the same time, the bill protects state and local laws relating to the protection of private property rights by ensuring those laws are not changed in this process.

In addition Senators Isakson, Chambliss, Hoeven, Lugar, and Vitter, original co-sponsors of the bill are Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), John Thune (R-S.D.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Ala.), Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.); Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Patrick Toomey (R-Penn.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

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.

Added 1.28.12: [Note from the Editor: Additions and changes have been made to this article.]

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 - 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.

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.