The Pike County Journal-Reporter

For Madeline “Mad Maddie” Crane, 15, racing around Atlanta Motor Speedway is a passion – and something she’s proven to be great at, recently winning two feature races in a row in the Legends’ Winter Flurry Series.

She hopes to race there as a NASCAR driver one day and her track record so far shows she can hang with the best. She is leading the points race in the Legends Young Lions division and won both the qualifying and the feature race Nov. 16 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. [Full story »] 

A 5-year-old girl who was attacked and seriously injured by three pit bulls in Griffin will be taken care of by the Griffin Shrine Club. The nonprofit organization had already decided to provide Christmas gifts for Lilly Goodson and her three brothers and sisters before the serious dog attack.

“It’s just the most heart-wrenching thing you’ve ever seen in your life. This little girl, she’s beat up from her head to her toes and she’s fighting for her life right now,” said Shriner Bill Hatchett of Pike County. “She’s going to need several extensive surgeries and there’s no way without the help of the Shriners hospital that the family could afford to do that.” [Full story »] 

Grab your puppy by the paw and prepare for the annual exhibit that celebrates the unconditional love of dogs, Puppy Love. The deadline for entries is Dec. 12 and winning photographs from the juried show will be on display in February at A Novel Experience. [Full story »] 

Pike County Commissioners again heard from animal control advocates at their Tuesday, Nov. 27 meeting. Jayne Midura of Coco's Cupboard explained the mission of the nonprofit organization, including its five main objectives. [Full story »] 

Ryan "Hoot" Wilson didn't get to celebrate his birthday with his family but his family celebrated when Pike County commissioners voted unanimously to spend $13,000 to improve the bridge where he wrecked and lost his life. The decision was made at the Nov. 27 meeting, on what would have been Wilson's 23rd birthday. [Full story »] 

One Toys for Tots box was not nearly enough to hold all the toys collected by the employees at Cindy's Florist in Zebulon. Representatives from Marine Corps League 1196, picked up more than 300 toys Thursday, Nov. 29, including 11 bicycles of assorted sizes and various gifts for kids of all ages. The toys covered the back patio of Cindy's Florist. [Full story »] 

The Pike County Arts Council will hold the annual Candlelights and Christmas Concert Saturday, Dec. 8 at Concord United Methodist Church. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and feature a variety of songs with Christmas favorites performed by soprano Alison Kirkland of Williamson, flutist Nellie LaBerge of Concord, pianist Rick Massengale and violinist Sonia Squires. [Full story »]