The Pike County Journal-Reporter

What a difference a year makes.

The historic Pike County courthouse will have a fresh new look for 2013 along with an additional 5,600 square feet of office space. All major construction projects have been completed inside and outside the building. Finishing touches will be completed after an upcoming meeting with all department heads involved. [Full story »] 

It was among the worst nightmares a parent could imagine.

An intense hour above ground while your three-year-old son is trapped below ground, having fallen into an abandoned well.

That is exactly the scenario that unfolded right before the eyes of Kelli Altman Thursday when her son Carter fell into an old well near her home on Martin Dairy Road near Milner. The old well had been filled with dirt years before and capped with concrete. [Full story »] 

American Legion Post 197 reached out a helping hand to many families this holiday season as part of the Helping Hands project. With the financial support of the community, Post 197 helped 15 families with meals for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and brought Christmas joy to several children. [Full story »] 

By Sherri Ellington

While it is obvious that the new Nintendo 3DS is leading the pack of presents in terms of video gaming, iPads and iPods were getting plenty of requests, as was the Elf on the Shelf.

In this year’s edition of Letters to Santa, children asked for everything from traditional Barbies and dirt bikes to light sabers and Slim Jims. Many children had more important requests.

“This Christmas I want you to bring my family together,” wrote Hunter Privette. “A true happy Christmas isn’t about the presents. It’s about having your family and friends to celebrate Christmas with you. Right now, my family is having financial problems. My stepdad isn’t getting paid enough to buy presents.”

“I don’t need anything for Christmas,” wrote Tim Marlow. “Please bring presents to all the men and women serving our country in the military. Also, bring food, water, and medicine to the wounded and poor.” [Full story »]