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After Pirates football player Dylan Thomas, 17, was hurt in Friday night’s game, thousands came together to pray - and to comfort his family after he passed away Sunday night.

“My heart is broken today and a hole has been made which can never be filled,” said his mother Shannon Burgess Thomas. “Dylan’s faith was as strong as his heart. Pike County was Dylan’s home and there is no place on earth he’d rather be. We love all of you.”

The junior was an active member of the Class of 2020 and he played baseball as well as football. He was the son of Shannon Burgess Thomas and Darren Thomas and brother of Ashley Westbrook. [Full story »] 

Pike County Primary School families have met and exceeded their original goal by raising more than $21,000 that will help the school purchase additional technology for students and make other improvements. The Fun Run fundraising event was organized by the PCPS Parent Teacher Organization and the students are getting excited about their prizes, which will include the fun run held during the day at the school, sliming a coach, making the principal kiss a pig, hitting a teacher with a pie and more. The students took part in crazy hair day, wacky tacky day and raised funds online as well. [Full story »] 

The Compassionate Friends of Central GA invites bereaved parents, siblings, relatives and friends to register for a “Walk to Remember” Saturday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The walk will be held at Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park (Pavilion #2-Lake side) at 1301 Cowan Road, Griffin, GA 30223. Before the memorial walk, participants will receive a walk-style bib to write their child’s name on and choose a memorial gift. Following the walk, participants will join for a short memorial service, butterfly release and refreshments. [Full story »] 

At their Sept. 12 meeting, commissioners accepted a $150,000 grant from the One Georgia Specialty Fund to help the Pike County Agribusiness Authority build a covered arena at Chestnut Oak. Interim county manager Rob Morton noted that the Agribusiness Authority has spent years planning for a covered arena for use in the community. They constructed restrooms and put up lighting at the existing arena as well as maintain a nature trail at Chestnut Oak that is open to the public.

“This facility will be a huge asset to agriculture in Pike County as well as the community with its many uses,” said Pike County Agribusiness Authority chairman Ken Gran. “We have plans to host rodeos, livestock shows, cattle field days, and much more.” [Full story »] 

Confirmed cases of West Nile virus have increased in the past few weeks with three more human cases bringing the tally to 11 different people affected by West Nile this year, including one local resident. The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed that of the 11 human cases of West Nile virus, one of the victims died. According to the CDC, most people - about eight out of 10 - who are infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms.

However, Shane Thomas, 44, of Meansville, suffered through the most severe symptoms of West Nile, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), high fever, vomiting, headache, fatigue and flu-like symptoms. He spent 17 days in the hospital in August as doctors did tests to determine the cause for his extreme illness. [Full story »] 

An illusionist act that made the judges and audience gasp on America’s Got Talent will take the stage at the Pike County Auditorium at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21. [Full story »] 

The Pike County board of commissioners announced it will increase 2018 property taxes this year and will levy a 4.12 percent increase over the rollback millage rate. The county has reduced taxes for three of the past six years. See the full five-year tax levy history ad on page 3A. [Full story »]