The Pike County Journal-Reporter

I didn’t know James Rooks or his brother Pete but I wish I had.

James died January 7. He was the father of Neil and Ricky Rooks of Barnesville, Wade Rooks of Yatesville and Floyd Rooks of Oglethorpe along with a passel of grandchildren and great grandchildren. [Full story »] 

By Greg Parrott

The Pike County Pirates football team celebrated their 2012 season with a banquet at Christ Chapel Church with a catered dinner by Papa Willie's.

"This season was a year of success for the entire team,” said coach Brad Webber. "We got the season going with an overtime win over Upson-Lee and ended the season with a loss to Washington County in the state playoffs. We finished third in the region and that was our goal, to be in the state playoffs. We faced adversity late in the season with some sickness that hit the team hard but we played on with character and determination. I’m proud of every team member for their contribution.” [Full story »] 

Twenty local students with special needs will take the stage Friday in a fashion show planned especially for them. Three young ladies whose vision was to create a fashion show for kids with special needs will host the second annual Paris in Pike fashion show Friday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. at Christ Chapel. Sixth graders Scarlett Mullis, Abbi Hood and Ashleighanna Johnson came up with the idea last year and with the support of their parents and others, a fashion show was held to feature 14 special children on stage. The event raise $2,400 for local students with special needs. [Full story »] 

The first baby born in 2013 to Pike County parents is little Andrew Bralen Williams of Molena. He was 9 pounds and 20 inches long when he was born at Piedmont Fayette Hospital on New Year's Day at 9:35 p.m. [Full story »] 

The family of Phillip Eugene Chigges, 69, who has been missing since before Christmas, is hoping he is found soon. He lived on Highway 19 north and would often walk down the road, but his disappearance before the holidays is a mystery.

UPDATE: Volunteers, including the Georgia Mounted Search and Rescue team, mounted a search Saturday morning to no avail.

"There is nothing new that arose from the search. We are following up on all information both old and new," sheriff Jimmy Thomas reported Saturday night. [Full story »]