The Pike County Journal-Reporter

Pike County schools announced Wednesday afternoon that school would be delayed by two hours Thursday, Oct. 29 due to the potential for strong storms during student drop off times. [Full story »] 

By Mike Ruffin
ruffinml@gmail.com

You are probably reading this during the week before Election Day. (I am aware that with early and mail-in voting, we actually have an Election Season now. I am also aware that the presidential election may not be decided for a while. Or maybe we will know the winner when we go to bed on November 3. I’m further aware that one Georgia Senate race will almost certainly go to a runoff.) [Full story »] 

Between Oct. 19 and Oct. 26, Pike County local law enforcement agencies made the following arrests: [Full story »] 

Pike County citizens have set a record-breaking turnout out of around 34% for the first two weeks of early voting. Out of 14,232 registered voters, by Friday, Oct. 23, in person voters cast 3,966 ballots and around 1,000 ballots were received by mail. The Pike County board of elections office has had lines out the door at high-traffic times but often voters are able to cast ballots in about 30 minutes. In person early voting ends Friday, Oct. 30. [Full story »] 

The PCHS Lady Pirates softball team recently advanced to the Final Four in the GHSA State Playoffs for the first time since 2012 after defeating Franklin County in two games. The final games will be played this Friday at South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus GA on field five at 3 and 7 p.m.

"These young athletes have worked their tails off to make it this far. They are a scrappy bunch and a ton of fun to watch! They will be leaving the high school by bus Friday morning at 9 a.m. and traveling north through the square on their way to Columbus," said Will Duncan. "We would love to see as many people and businesses out on the street as the bus goes by to give these kids a proper send off! One thing I know about my county is we love and support our own! Let’s all get together for a minute Friday morning and let these young ladies know how proud we are of them and that Pike County loves them!" [Full story »] 

The twelfth COVID-19 related death was recorded in Pike last week. The most recent death was that of a 74-year-old white man with no underlying conditions.
There have been 23 confirmed cases in the past two weeks in Pike. [Full story »] 

Mr. Jerry Wayne Hammond, age 77, of Zebulon, passed away October 18, 2020, at his home. Jerry was born in Meansville, son of the late William Bryan Hammond and Florence Martin Hammond. He was a 1960 graduate of Pike County High School where he excelled at basketball.  He then earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree from West Georgia College in Carrollton where he was known as “Zeke from Zeb.” He returned to Pike County and taught Science and Biology and coached girls basketball.  Jerry was a long-time member and Deacon of Meansville Baptist Church. He was elected as a Pike County Commissioner and also owned and operated Hammond Building Supply and Hammond Storage.  He enjoyed fishing and was an avid golfer and GA Bulldog fan. [Full story »] 

Mr. Charles Edward (Charlie) Johnson, age 90, of Zebulon, formerly of Riverdale, passed away October 24, 2020.  He was born in Atlanta on February 13, 1930. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. In the early 1960s, Charlie worked at General Electric for a few years before beginning his career at Eastern Airlines, where he retired as a gate agent in 1987. Charlie liked deep sea fishing trips with his buddies, enjoyed family vacations to Panama City Beach, the Smoky Mountains, and trips to Mount Hood, Oregon with his wife. He loved woodworking, and spending time in his shop. He would make beautiful quilt racks and lovely wood pieces for his children and grandchildren. In recent years, he enjoyed putting puzzles together, reading novels, and porch sitting with his friends and family. [Full story »] 

Foster families for sibling groups of two or more children are needed in Pike County. Currently, Pike only has 12 caregiver homes. [Full story »]