The Pike County Journal-Reporter

Taxes should stay the same next year for most taxpayers after the county and schools approved budgets that do not require a millage rate increase. Both the county and schools maintained the rollback rate which is only an increase of .001 for the millage rate. [Full story »] 

The Pike County Journal Reporter will print a biographical introduction for each local candidate as they are received. The paper will also print a ‘Meet the Candidates’ special edition prior to the start of early voting in which each candidate answers a series of questions.

Early voting for all county residents will be offered at the registrar’s office on Jackson Street starting Monday, Oct. 14. The last day to register to vote in the Nov. 5 election is Monday, Oct. 7.

Voter registration booths will be at the Meansville Music Festival from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 and at the Concord Country Jubilee from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20. The voter registration opportunities are being provided by the American Legion Post 197 Family at their booths. [Full story »] 

The Lamar County Trojans come to Zebulon Friday night for the ongoing Battle of Potato Creek football classic. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. [Full story »] 

By Mike Ruffin
ruffinml@gmail.com

I tend not to notice roadkill until it’s too late. [Full story »] 

Mrs. Maxine Strickland Whitt, age 83, of Concord, formerly of Blackshear, passed away September 14, 2019.  She was born on March 27, 1936, daughter of the late Archie Strickland and Josie Smith Strickland. She was a member of Blackshear Church of God for over 50 years.  Maxine was a cosmetologist for more than 60 years.  She owned Woodland Heights Beauty Salon in Blackshear, where she loved people and served the Lord.  [Full story »] 

By Alyssa Williams

The J. Joel Edwards Public Library is proud to announce three individual screenings of a piece of Pike County’s own history, the acclaimed movie, Murder in Coweta County. This film is the account of a true story that occurred in Meriwether and Coweta counties in the 1940s. When ruthless and powerful estate-owner, John Wallace (Andy Griffith), unwittingly follows a man across the Meriwether county-line to deliver a fatal and unjust punishment, Coweta County Sheriff, Lamar Potts (Johnny Cash), is on the case and refuses to let Wallace’s powerful position stop him from seeking out justice. [Full story »] 

The Pirates shut down the Greenville Patriots during their Homecoming game and first home game of the season last Friday night. The Pirates offense took charge on their opening drive with senior Austin Bennett making his way through the Greenville defenders. Senior Jacob Reeves was able to score the first touchdown with the help of his blockers, seniors Nate Brown and Bennett. The extra point attempt was not successful. The Pirates defense was able to keep Greenville from scoring for the entire game. After the first quarter, the score was 6-0. [Full story »] 

SlowExposures will be Sept. 19-22 and this year, the annual photography show will feature photos from the Historic Rural Churches of Georgia in one of Pike County’s own historic churches - New Hebron Baptist Church.

“This September marks the 17th edition of SlowExposures, the annual photography festival that celebrates the beauty, the complexity and the contradictions of the rural American South,” said Chris Curry. “Through the course of the show’s four days, Sept. 19-22, visitors will tour a dozen juried exhibitions, and take home memories, genuine experiences, inspiration, and, maybe, challenges to long-held assumptions of what constitutes this region.” [Full story »]