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ZEBULON - There were many blessings as well as some tears shed in our county in 2019. There were good times, and there were arrests. There was a storm that brought crazy wind to tear up neighbor's homes. And there was flooding at the beginning of the year and a drought throughout most of the rest of the year with December finally bringing relief.
There are many, many stories of people helping people here in Pike County. Many that are not even chronicled here because helping people around us is something that Pike County is known for, and there are more stories than Pike County Times has heard about!
Our county has gone through some turmoil with a county manager resignation after less than a year on the job, an extended search period for a new county manager, and a vote for a new county manager at the end of the year.
Many of these events were breaking news stories that are sponsored by First Bank of Pike. If you want to find out about how you can get Breaking News Alerts, click here.
This is a recap of many of the major events that happened over the year.
JANUARY
Dine, Dance, and Donate?
GRIFFIN - The fifth annual “A Taste of Two Counties” library benefit dance will be held Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Kiwanis Event Center (1025 S. Hill St.) in Griffin. Co-sponsored by the Friends group of the J. Joel Edwards Public Library, the dance will feature the big band sounds of the 17-piece Night Train Swing Band and the smooth vocals of frontman, Kevin Arney.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/dance1.17.19.html
A Tribute to the Four Chaplains
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - Amy Nazarov grew up hearing stories about Granddad’s friend who died long before she was born. Her Granddad’s friend was one of four chaplains from different faiths who showed their extraordinary faith when their ship was attacked and sank during World War II. When she was older, she decided to write a song to celebrate this friendship that her Granddad told her about. The story and the memory of these Four Chaplains lives on even today!
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/TributetoFourChaplains2019.html
Acts of Love Uganda Is Ministering to Children and Families in Uganda
ZEBULON - Did you know that over half of Uganda's population lives on less than $2.00 a day? Did you know that in Africa, malnutrition contributes to nearly half of all deaths in children under 5, which is 3 million young lives a year? Did you know that Uganda is a landlocked and fertile country with many lakes and rivers and some 84% of the population live in rural areas and rely on subsistence agriculture?
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/uganda1.4.19.html
FEBRUARY
Pike Primary Celebrates Hero Day in Honor of Fallen Officer Chase Maddox
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - Pike Primary celebrated Hero Day on Friday, February 8, 2019 to honor fallen police officer Chase Maddox who was a resident of Pike County and worked for Locust Grove Police Department. His son, Bradin, is a student at Pike Primary School, and the anniversary of Chase’s end of watch is February 9th.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/heroday2.8.19.html
Kiwanis of Pike County Serve the Community - Free GED Classes in Williamson
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - Kiwanis of Pike County held its regular weekly meeting at the Concord Café on Thursday, January 31, 2019. The special speakers were Brian Hill and Janice Johnson to talking about FREE GED Classes that are being held in Williamson, and there were a number of topics that showed how involved our Kiwanis members are right here in Pike County!
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/kiwanis2.2.19.html
MARCH
Arrests Made in Williamson Yesterday
WILLIAMSON - On Wednesday afternoon around 4 p.m. deputies from the Pike County Sheriff's Office made a vehicle stop on Hwy. 362 in Williamson near Hutchinson Road. Deputies were investigating a report stolen power tools after receiving a complaint about suspicious activity around new construction at Ashley Glenn Subdivision.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/arrest3.28.19.html
APRIL
My Thoughts on H.B. 734: Entreaty for Common Sense
By Editor Becky Watts
Molena Purple Heart Day and 5K/10K Run/Walk - April 27
By Editor Becky Watts
MOLENA - The City of Molena and The Pike County American Legion Post 197 hosted a Molena Purple Heart Day on Saturday, April 27, 2019. It was a time of fun for friends and family as they walked and ran in the American Legion 5K/10K Run/Walk even in the morning, and a time of patriotism later in the morning as Molena honored those who have been awarded the purple heart in this Purple Heart City.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/molenapurpleheartday2019.html
Best Friends Compete for Top Finish at Summit Atlanta Motorama
By Guest Columnist Ramey Womer, UMI Performance
HAMPTON - The Summit Racing Atlanta Motorama on April 27-28 was an epic event in many regards but it’s always the backstories that are the most interesting.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/motorama2019.html
MAY
BREAKING NEWS: Grady Ambulance Contract To Be Amended
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - Grady notified Pike County on March 22, 2019 that it would be unable to continue under the current agreement and gave Pike County a sixty (60) day notice as required prior to the renewal term of July 1, 2019. The Pike County Commission did not agree to any of the terms that Grady proposed in the letter (details in the article below) at a recent commission meeting, but Pike County agreed to meet with Grady and see if negotiations would find common ground. Pike County Times has learned that the Pike County Commissioners and Grady/South Georgia Ambulance have come to an agreement on the contract.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/BREAKINGNEWSambulance5.2.19.html
BREAKING NEWS: Pike Investigators Make Arrests In State-Wide Credit Card Fraud Ring
ZEBULON - Pike County Sheriff's Office Investigators have made several arrests involving a state wide credit card fraud ring. Ace Hardware had been the victim of several purchases made by the suspects during which $10,378 in merchandise had been purchased using stolen credit card numbers. Items such as zero turn lawn mowers were purchased in what appeared to be legitimate purchases at the time. The suspects made multiple trips to over a period of time and used different individuals to make the purchases. The credit card numbers were found to belong to victims from throughout the country that had no idea their information was being used.
http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/BREAKINGNEWScreditcardfraudarrests5.22.19.html
JUNE
BREAKING NEWS: Large Donation to Help Pike County's Animal Control Facility
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - Animal Control was on the agenda of the Pike County Commissioners today. County Manager Bobby Bickley presented a letter to commissioners concerning the possibility of a donation not less than $225,000 that is to be used to either construct or provide substantial renovations to the current animal control facility. This has been an ongoing discussion for many years with the county only providing what is mandated by the state at this time with vicious dogs. What will the next few years hold for Pike County?
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/BREAKINGNEWSanimalcontrol6.12.19.html
BREAKING NEWS: County Manager Bobby Bickley Resigns
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - After an hour long executive session that was added at the beginning of the commission meeting by request of the County Attorney in reference to something that was brought to his attention today, County Attorney Rob Morton asked that the Board of Commissioners entertain a motion to accept County Manager Bickley's resignation. It was accepted 4-0.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/BREAKINGNEWSresignation6.25.19.html
BREAKING NEWS: Storm Weather Causes Damage in Pike County
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Atlanta advised that 88 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued between Thursday and Sunday. This is more than any other area in the entire country. Pike and surrounding counties have been hit with storms throughout the weekend leaving debris in the road, trees tangled in power lines, and many homes without power.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/BREAKINGNEWSstorm6.24.19.html
Congratulations to 2019 Prayer Power Faith Award and Scholarship Winners
ZEBULON - Prayer Power is proud to announce the two recipients of the 2019 Prayer Power Faith Award and Scholarship. One graduating senior from Pike County High School and CrossPointe Christian Academy received this honor.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/faithaward6.10.19.html
Congratulations to the Recipient of the 2019 Saints in Light Award
ZEBULON - Prayer Power of Georgia Inc. accepts nominations from the community for the “Saints in Light” award each year. This award is presented an individual who is serving in our community in a way that is spiritually inspiring, motivating to others, and who has an influence of encouragement in our community.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/saintsinlight2019.html
JULY
Join the Family Fun at the Pride of Pike 4th of July Celebration
ZEBULON - The Pride of Pike 4th of July Celebration is scheduled for June 29th, 2019 at 4:00 pm at the Pike County Soccer Complex. As usual, the event will include vendors, inflatables, live music, and a fireworks display - with an added tractor show for this year since they will be in the parade that ends at the festival location.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/prideofpike2019.html
Pike County Students Receive School Supplies from Operation Homefront
By Guest Columnist Kim Johnson
ZEBULON - Pike County Public School System and three homeschool families of veterans at the American Legion Post 197 recently received a generous donation of school supplies from Operation Homefront, an organization that provides support to member families with school age children and assists teachers in providing supplies for their students. Bryan Richardson, Commander of American Legion Post 197, contacted representatives from area schools to receive the supplies from Brett Quinzon, a reservist with Fort Benning who helps by making deliveries of supplies.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/schoolsupplies7.25.19.html
AUGUST
BREAKING NEWS: Molena Health and Rehab Closing After Termination from Medicare Program
By Editor Becky Watts
MOLENA - Pike County Times called Molena Health and Rehab last week after finding out that it was closing from a comment on social media. The person who answered the phone advised that all residents were being relocated and the facility was closing. Later that day, after receiving an anonymous tip about the facility closing because of complaints, Pike County Times made some phone calls to the state and requested information about the closing through the Open Records Act.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/BREAKINGNEWSmolenahealthandrehab8.26.19.html
Eagle Scout Replaces Roof on Local American Legion Post
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - He wanted to make a difference. Ethan Sulewski was in the 8th grade and looking for a project to complete the requirements for Eagle Scout. After generating ideas quite some time, replacing the roof at the American Legion Pike Post 197 was chosen. One grant, one quote, and a whole lot of help from his friends and family, and Ethan’s project has been completed. How did this happen?
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/eaglescout8.3.19.html
Saving Veterans’ Lives One Step at a Time - A 3,000 Mile Journey Across the United States
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - Jimmy L. Novak is walking 3,000 miles to raise awareness for PTSD and suicide prevention. He began walking in Washington State on March 22 and will end his walk in Orlando on August 22, 2019.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/jimmywalking8.1.19.html
J. Joel Edwards Public Library Holds Summer Reading Finale
By Guest Columnist Alyssa Williams
ZEBULON - Each summer, the J. Joel Edwards Public Library presents Pike County residents with the opportunity to participate in the annual summer reading program. The activities and events that are organized during this program are created to encourage residents of all ages to pick up a book, or several, over the course of the summer and set time aside to delve into the world of fiction and non-fiction literature.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/libraryfinale8.6.19.html
The Meansville Music Festival Was a Whole Lot of Fun - Saturday, September 28th
MEANSVILLE - The City of Meansville hosted the Meansville Music Festival on Saturday, September 28 from 12 to 6 p.m. Parking was free and so was admission! There was a car and bike show as well as inflatables and pony rides for the kids. There were raffles and door prizes and great music all afternoon!
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/meansvillemusicfestival2019.html
SEPTEMBER
Murder in Coweta Shown in the Pike County Courthouse
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - The J. Joel Edwards Public Library and Friends of the J. Joel Edwards Public Library hosted three screenings of the acclaimed movie, Murder in Coweta County, this past week. The movie is based on a book about a true story that happened in Meriwether and Coweta Counties in the 1940’s. Andy Griffith and Johnny Cash played the main characters in this movie under the direction of the movie’s director, Gary Nelson, and producer, Dick Atkins. Both Gary Nelson and Dick Atkins were present at the screenings on Saturday as well as Johnny Langley (born John William Turner) and his daughter Amy. Langley’s character in the movie was the baby.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/murderincowetacounty9.23.19.html
Pike County Remembers on this 18th Patriot Day
ZEBULON - The American Legion Pike Post 197 Family hosted the 2019 Patriot Day Ceremony on the square in Zebulon on September 11, 2019. Around 70 people took time out of their Wednesday to remember September 11 on this fateful anniversary. Tears and pride in our country were the theme of this day.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/PatriotDay2019.html
United Bank Honored for Donating Playground Equipment
ZEBULON - The City of Zebulon held United Bank Appreciation Day on Friday, September 27, 2019 in the City of Zebulon Park. The City thanked United Bank for a $5,000 donation to buy the playground equipment that is pictured here.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/zebulonplayground2019.html
OCTOBER
BREAKING NEWS: Chapel Roof Collapses at GBCH Yesterday; No One Was Hurt
ZEBULON - Pike County Fire Department Personnel were on scene at the Children’s Home yesterday afternoon where the chapel roof had collapsed. There were no injuries.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/BREAKINGNEWScollapse10.29.19.html
BREAKING NEWS: VA Location Will Be the Edwards Property by the North Zebulon City Limits
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - Many people around Pike County already "knew" where the VA facility was going to be, but Pike County Times has been unsuccessful in finding someone from the VA to confirm this information. Today's confirmation came from a quick stop along the side of the road to talk with someone who was out there doing work. This goes along with a fascinating history to this piece of property, and a promise that Pike County Times will print the actual confirmation from the VA when the final information is finally gathered and disseminated to the local media.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/BREAKINGNEWSVAclinic10.21.19.html
Come Out to the Concord Country Jubilee - October 19 and 20
CONCORD - The 45th Annual Concord Country Jubilee will be held in downtown Concord on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come out and enjoy a slower pace of life as well as a ton of arts and crafts, entertainment, and many different food vendors to choose from!
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/concordjubilee2019.html
26 Students Selected as GOAL Nominees; 2 from Pike County
By Guest Columnist Anna Taylor
GRIFFIN - Southern Crescent Technical College recently announced the nomination of 26 students for the 2020 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) at a reception held October 22, 2019. The annual GOAL program recognizes students who possess excellence in leadership and ability. Chosen for recognition by their instructors, the nominees from Pike County are: Alexis Welch – Medical Assisting and Kimberly Fritz – Medical Assisting.
pikecountytimes.com/secondary/GOAL10.29.19.html
NOVEMBER
Griffin Police Department and the Media - PART I
By Editor Becky Watts
Community Comes Together to Build Jacob's Way
By Editor Becky Watts
DECEMBER
BREAKING NEWS: Official Runoff Results from the December 3, 2019 3rd District Commission Election
ZEBULON - Jason Proctor and Jerome Finley were in a Runoff for the District 3 Commission seat formerly held by long-term commissioner Tommy Powers. Jason Proctor won by 8 votes in an election where there was a 7.83% voter turnout.FLASHBACK: Boy Scout Completes Eagle Scout Project in Hopes of Saving Lives
CONCORD - Bradley Florence, Boy Scout in Troop 107 of Christ Chapel Community Church, in partnership with the Pike County Public Works Department, the Pike County Sheriff's Department and members of Troop 107; installed corner warning signs on Friday, August 2nd along Concord Road near the intersection of Bottoms and Concord Roads. This marked the completion of Bradley’s Eagle Scout project.BREAKING NEWS: Pike County Manager Has Been Named
By Editor Becky Watts
United Bank Brings Christmas Wishes to Local Group of Children
ZEBULON - Employees at United Bank in Zebulon donated 81 gifts to the 27 children in the REACH (Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen) Program in Concord this Christmas.Moody-Daniel Funeral Home Assisting with Operation Toy Soldier
ZEBULON - Moody-Daniel Funeral Home in Zebulon is celebrating their fourth year participating in “Operation Toy Soldier.” This is a not for profit program that collects toys and gives back to the local community’s service men and women and their families. As a partner of Veterans Funeral Care, Moody-Daniel Funeral Home supports Veterans and their families in any way possible to thank them for their service.Community Helps Local Veteran
By Editor Becky Watts
Closing
Pike County Times is a community-oriented newspaper owned and operated by Becky Watts that features articles and photos from local contributors as well as contributors from local, state, and federal sources. Despite the fact that the articles are free to read, there are costs for maintaining this website as well as the open records that are obtained various local and even state entities.
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Many of these events were breaking news stories that are sponsored by First Bank of Pike. If you want to find out about how you can get Breaking News Alerts, click here.
Thank you for supporting Pike County Times. Here is to another spectacular year!