The Pike County Journal-Reporter

By Mike Ruffin
ruffinml@gmail.com

One piece of the COVID-19 situation that has concerned and confused me is the disdain some people have exhibited toward experts.

I was in Baltimore, Maryland a few years ago working at a conference. (Remember the old days when people traveled to conferences?) I was sitting at my table in the Exhibit Hall when I realized that the vision in my right eye had become very blurry. This would have seemed like something I should get checked on anyway, but I had recently had laser treatment to repair two retinal tears in that eye, so I was certain I should. [Full story »] 

Bryan Driskell
Sports Illustrated

One Notre Dame back with an opportunity to step up and step into a leading role is rising junior C’Bo Flemister. [Full story »] 

Georgia has seen a 40% drop in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 since May 1, according to Governor Brian P. Kemp. There are 887 Georgians currently hospitalized with COVID-19. Kemp also announced that Georgia has tested 59.7% of all nursing home residents. Pike Manor has yet to have a confirmed case of COVID-19. [Full story »] 

It’s been anything but a typical senior year, but Pike County’s top seniors will still have an opportunity to speak during formal graduation ceremonies set for Saturday, July 25. Pike County High School’s Valedictorian is Jolie Turner and the Salutatorian is Isabel McClelland. CrossPointe Christian Academy’s valedictorian is Maddy Fulop and the Salutatorian is Cameron Haney.

“The pandemic definitely cut off our school year unexpectedly, but I’m glad our administrators are helping us have our activities later in the summer,” said PCHS Valedictorian Jolie Turner. “To all the students affected by the pandemic, we’ll get through this together! While some of us may be quarantined with only our families, we’re not alone in this. And to everyone testing online, good luck!”

[Full story »] 

High school graduation has always been a defining moment. The class of 2020, these large groups of teenagers, many of whom have been together since pre-K, will scatter. After getting their diplomas, flipping those tassels and throwing their caps in the air, they will go off in many different directions. [Full story »] 

Citizens can vote early this week through June 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Pike board of elections office at 81 Jackson Street and Saturday voting will be offered May 30, also from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.   [Full story »] 

A fugitive who was wanted for multiple felony charges in several jurisdictions - including aggravated assault against a Pike officer and weapons offenses - was arrested last week thanks to the Zebulon Police Department and several other agencies. Terrell King was found hiding in a shed behind a residence at 136 Long View Loop in Upson County and was taken into custody without incident with the help of the Zebulon Police Department, U.S. Marshall Service, Upson County Sheriff’s Office, Thomaston Police Department and Lamar County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, May 14 around 12:20 p.m. [Full story »] 

The final days of the school year weren’t quite the same for local students as they spent their ninth week homeschooling due to the coronavirus pandemic. [Full story »]