Local

Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Premium Content

Gilmer residents slow to answer Census 2020 call

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Gilmer County residents are not responding to Census 2020 as well as they did in 2010. On the website 2020census.gov a map indicates the response rates by state, which can then be clicked through to county level. Gilmer County’s self-response rate is 39.2 percent, according to the website.
Health department nurses at the Gilmer County Specimen Point of Collection (SPOC) site. From left to right are Jennifer Vick, Leeann Dover, Krystal Sumner and Raquel Watkins.

Health department nurses at the Gilmer County Specimen Point of Collection (SPOC) site. From left to right are Jennifer Vick, Leeann Dover, Krystal Sumner and Raquel Watkins.

Virus numbers jump as testing ramps up

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
In one week the number of confirmed COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Gilmer County jumped from 18 to 54 on the Georgia Department of Public Health website. Officials want everyone to remain cautious, but not panic.
Above, trees are in bloom at the Red Apple Barn orchard.

Above, trees are in bloom at the Red Apple Barn orchard.

Premium Content

Apple growers adjust while looking toward fall

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
With trees blossoming and fruit on the way, local apple growers would already be looking toward fall during an average spring season.
The “new” Abernathy family includes, from left, Chassady, Zoey, Emma, Beverley, Barry and Tyler. Father and son each share the exact same birth defect on their left hands, and the elder bluegrass picker is teaching his adopted progeny how to play.

The “new” Abernathy family includes, from left, Chassady, Zoey, Emma, Beverley, Barry and Tyler. Father and son each share the exact same birth defect on their left hands, and the elder bluegrass picker is teaching his adopted progeny how to play.

Abernathy family story goes viral

Mark Millican - Special to the Times-Courier
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Zoey, 6, and Tyler, 5, adopted last week by the Barry and Beverley Abernathy family of Gilmer County, hold a sign showing how many families they stayed with before finally finding a home.
Father Carlos Vargas, of Ellijay Good Samaritan Catholic Church, is pictured above at a small chapel he built inside his home. Vargas has been using the chapel to lead a daily mass in English and Spanish, which is live-streamed on the church’s Facebook page.

Father Carlos Vargas, of Ellijay Good Samaritan Catholic Church, is pictured above at a small chapel he built inside his home. Vargas has been using the chapel to lead a daily mass in English and Spanish, which is live-streamed on the church’s Facebook page.

Premium Content

Several local churches will continue online options

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Kensie, Cooper and Weston Farmer are comfortable in front of the TV Sunday morning while watching a live-streamed service of East Ellijay Baptist Church.
In recognition of Earth Day, an upcycled project created by local artist Nancy Brown and members of Stay Active Ellijay was on display in front of the Gilmer County Courthouse.

In recognition of Earth Day, an upcycled project created by local artist Nancy Brown and members of Stay Active Ellijay was on display in front of the Gilmer County Courthouse.

Premium Content

Keep Gilmer Beautiful observes Earth Day 50th Anniversary, looks at plans for next year

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
If things had gone according to plan, members of Keep Gilmer Beautiful would now be reporting the turnout and tallies for an electronics recycling event that was scheduled to take place last weekend in conjunction with the first-ever 7 Trails Fest.
Above are masks that Above are masks that Nettie Salinas made and straps made by Adams and her mother. Nettie Salinas made and straps made by Adams and her mother.

Above are masks that Above are masks that Nettie Salinas made and straps made by Adams and her mother. Nettie Salinas made and straps made by Adams and her mother.

Premium Content

Virus brings out charitable nature of Ellijay families

April Teague - Staff
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Nettie Salinas works on making masks using lanyard cords after running out of elastic. During this time of caution and uncertainty, a few Ellijay families have offered their time and talents to help out where they can.