The Pike County Journal-Reporter

By Jim Hoak
planejim@bellsouth.net
 
Well, here it is! Our sixth anniversary as a Youth Aviation Program. We started with the goal of giving local young folks an opportunity to look at aviation as a possible future in their lives. As evidenced by the number of youths who have attained their Private Pilot and additional ratings, or Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Certification, we have succeeded thus far. With the continuing support of all who have helped along the way, we will strive to keep Ron Alexander’s dream alive. [Full story »] 

By Walter Geiger
news@barnesville.com

A Pike County man is out on bond after being arrested for badly beating a 74-year-old Milner man. Ashley Nickles Ebbert, 47, of 973 Hardin Rd., Zebulon faces one count of elder abuse after an alleged attack on Thomas Lewis Delano at a home at 939 Old Hwy. 41 in Milner on Dec. 8. According to a report by Lamar investigator Chad Payne, deputies were contacted by authorities in Spalding after Delano was taken to the Spalding Regional Medical Center emergency room. [Full story »] 

The Pike County American Legion Family and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office co-hosted the 2019 Pike County Memorial Annex Induction Ceremony on Pearl Harbor Day, Saturday, Dec. 7. Four Pike residents who gave their lives in the line of duty were honored, including sheriff Thomas Slade, sheriff William Gwyn, Private First Class Earl Coggin and Private First Class Johnnie Cornelius “JC” Alexander.

“We are truly blessed to honor these four inductees who are natives of Pike County as well as their families and descendants,” said Post 197 commander Bryan Richardson. “Each biography is a part of the inductee’s shadow box that will be permanently displayed within the Memorial Annex. The biographies tell the stories of Americans killed in the line of duty. These stories are representative of the rigors of sheriff life in the 19th Century providing law enforcement within their counties, and the many service members who have, across this nation, given their lives defending the freedoms that we as Americans enjoy today.” [Full story »] 

The year 2019 brought promises of growth at the recreation authority, new community festivals, a huge animal shelter donation, election and voting changes and an AAA State Championship Pirates baseball team! [Full story »] 

Mr. Damon Stewart “Danny” Riggins, Sr., age 73, of Molena, passed away December 28, 2019.  He was born November 3, 1946, son of the late James Astor Riggins and Marie Matthews Riggins. He graduated from Pike County High School in 1964, where he played on the basketball team.  Danny worked for Delta Airlines for 37 years before retiring as Lead Ramp Supervisor.  For many years he attended Pike County Assembly of God Church and more recently was attending Christ Chapel Community Church in Zebulon and First Assembly of God Church in Thomaston. Danny enjoyed gardening, fishing, and spending time with his grandkids. [Full story »] 

Mrs. Catherine Louise Hubbard, age 74, of Griffin, passed away December 27, 2019, at Brightmoor Hospice.  She was born in Griffin, daughter of the late David L. Hubbard and Margaret Allen Hubbard.  Catherine worked as an office manager for Dr. Bunya in Griffin for 13 years and then worked as a bookkeeper for Southern Credit Union in Fayetteville for another 13 years before retiring. She enjoyed decorating, and making jewelry. Catherine was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan. For over 20 years she was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Griffin where she was involved in the women’s prison ministry. She was a loving and caring person and very devoted to her family. [Full story »] 

By Dwain W. Penn
news@pikecountygeorgia.com

Two public presentations were made during the Dec. 10 meeting of Zebulon council by mayor Bobby Blalock as he honored attorney Walker Chandler as Citizens of the Year and councilman David Woods for his years of service. [Full story »] 

Between Monday, Dec. 16 and Monday, Dec. 23 area law enforcement agencies made the following arrests: [Full story »] 

The Pike County Middle School wrestling team started out their season strong with 10 first place finishers out of 19 weight classes during their most recent tournament. [Full story »]