Editor’s note: Mountain Top News invites all candidates in our coverage area to submit press releases announcing their entry into the 2026 election. Submissions can be up to one typewritten page, along with a photo that contains no text. These announcements will be posted for free on our website. Please submit your announcements to news@mountain-topmedia.com.

by JOSEPH “BIG JOE” ADKINS

Pike County deserves strong, experienced, and proven leadership, and I am stepping forward to
answer that call. With deep roots in this community and a lifetime dedicated to public service, I am
running for Pike County Magistrate for District One to ensure our families, our neighborhoods, and our
future are represented with integrity, accountability, and unwavering commitment. This election is about
leadership that shows up, leadership that gets results, and leadership that always puts the people of
Pike County first.

For the past nine years, I have had the honor of serving as a Coal Run City Commissioner / Mayor Pro
Tem. In this role, I have gained extensive hands-on experience working directly with city budgets,
financial planning, road department, police and fire operations, emergency management, and major
flood responses. I have seen firsthand the challenges our people face and the importance of having
steady leadership that puts the community first.

My dedication to public service began long before holding office. At just 14 years old, I started
volunteering with the Coal Run Fire Department in 2002, learning responsibility and community
commitment at a young age. I later served as a City of Coal Run Police Officer, gaining critical
experience in public safety, crisis response, and working directly with residents during their toughest
moments. These early years taught me that leadership begins with service and that real progress
happens when leaders stay connected to the people they represent.

I grew up on Coon Creek and lived there until we lost our home in the 2010 flood, an experience that
strengthened my understanding of resilience, hardship, and the importance of community support.
Today, I am married to Leeza Adkins of Booker Fork, and we have been married for 13 years. Together
we are blessed with our beautiful six year old daughter, Liz, who attends both the AVA Center and
Mullins Elementary. Liz is one of my greatest blessings and a daily reminder of why strong leadership,
safer communities, and long-term planning matter for every family in Pike County.

I am the son of the late Lisa Bentley Pruitt and the stepson of the late Dave Pruitt of Coon Creek, both
of whom played a formative role in shaping my character, my work ethic, and my sense of duty to
others. I also proudly carry the memory of my late father, Timothy “Chico” Adkins of Meta, who passed
away in 2003. My family’s history, their sacrifices, and the lessons they instilled in me continue to guide
every decision I make.

As Pike County prepares to transition back into the Magistrate form of government, we face a critical
moment. Our county needs leaders with real experience, genuine roots, and a strong understanding of
how government works at both the city and county levels. I am ready to bring my years of service,
hands-on knowledge, and my dedication to the people into this new chapter. My goal is simple: to
advocate for the needs of District One, support every corner of Pike County, and ensure our
communities have honest, accessible leadership that listens and responds.

On May 19th, vote BIG JOE