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Gov. Kemp takes steps to reopen state

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Gov. Brian Kemp addressed the state Monday and began loosening restrictions on businesses he had ordered closed during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak in Georgia. “This is a state operation right now,” Gilmer County Chairman Charlie Paris said. “The county has no discretion.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

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Virtual graduation set for May 22

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has forced school systems around the country to come up with creative ways to recognize class of 2020 graduates. Social distancing guidelines currently prohibit large scale gatherings, which means traditional graduation ceremonies have been put on hold.
Uncertainty looms over spring crop planting

Uncertainty looms over spring crop planting

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Uncertainty looms over spring crop planting

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Now is when local corn growers would usually be getting set to plant their crops.  Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the closures and restrictions it continues to bring, this year’s growing and harvest seasons are rife with unknowns.
Ellijay merchants clockwise from top left: Michael and Cherie Ferst, Barbara Simmons, Sheryl Adams, Calvin and Judy Wilson, Case Bruner, Rick and JoAnn Lucas.

Ellijay merchants clockwise from top left: Michael and Cherie Ferst, Barbara Simmons, Sheryl Adams, Calvin and Judy Wilson, Case Bruner, Rick and JoAnn Lucas.

‘Everything is different’

Mark Millican - Special to the Times-Courier
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Ah, Ellijay in the springtime. Tree and flower blooms are plenteous, birdsong fills the air and downtown merchants open their doors wide for the warm breezes that usher tourists and other visitors into their shops. But not this year, at least for the latter.
At the Gilmer Senior Center, Robert Gregory, top, and Janice Melvin, below, load meals and special goody bags for local Meals on Wheels recipients.

At the Gilmer Senior Center, Robert Gregory, top, and Janice Melvin, below, load meals and special goody bags for local Meals on Wheels recipients.

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Meals on Wheels keep moving during shutdown

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Although some of the services that would normally be offered at the Gilmer Senior Center are on hold for the time being, the local Meals on Wheels program administered by North Georgia Community Action (NGCA) will continue, representatives confirmed.
The interview area at the Gilmer Community Food Pantry has been updated with blue tape and Xs in practice with social distancing measures being taken there.

The interview area at the Gilmer Community Food Pantry has been updated with blue tape and Xs in practice with social distancing measures being taken there.

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Food pantry still open, safety measures being taken

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
As the COVID-19 health crisis continues, the Gilmer Community Food Pantry’s staff wants to make sure local residents know the nonprofit food provider is still open and able to help those in need.
2020 Primary Election

2020 Primary Election

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Primary election date changes

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Georgia’s primary election date has been changed from May 19 to June 9. Another change in the coming election may be in the manner which citizens choose to vote. Gilmer County Chief Registrar Tammy Watkins said her office has been inundated with absentee ballot requests.
A car squeezes under a pine tree that blew down onto a utility line and caused vehicles to use one lane of traffic on Doublehead Gap Road Monday morning. Fire Chief Daniel Kauffman said damage in Gilmer County was “typical” of strong winds, with trees down in roadways, on power lines and a few on homes. “We did send a few resources to Murray County after their tornado touch down,” he said. “Our crews encountered one of the several fatalities they had.” (Photo by Mark Millican)

A car squeezes under a pine tree that blew down onto a utility line and caused vehicles to use one lane of traffic on Doublehead Gap Road Monday morning. Fire Chief Daniel Kauffman said damage in Gilmer County was “typical” of strong winds, with trees down in roadways, on power lines and a few on homes. “We did send a few resources to Murray County after their tornado touch down,” he said. “Our crews encountered one of the several fatalities they had.” (Photo by Mark Millican)

Gov. Kemp declares state of emergency following severe storms

News Staff
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in Georgia Monday, April 13, after a severe storm system ripped through the state Sunday night and early Monday, generating high winds, heavy rain and tornadoes.
Lauren Smith celebrated her 17th birthday at the Pink Pig in Cherry Log with a drive-by party.

Lauren Smith celebrated her 17th birthday at the Pink Pig in Cherry Log with a drive-by party.

Drive-by birthday celebration

April Teague - Staff
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
In keeping with social distancing, Lauren Smith celebrated her 17th birthday at the Pink Pig in Cherry Log with a drive-by party. Friends and family carried signs and passed by in their vehicles to congratulate her.