Local

Bagged response packets will be left at homes without a physical mailing address as part of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Update Leave operation.

Bagged response packets will be left at homes without a physical mailing address as part of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Update Leave operation.

Census target dates extended

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
The 2020 Census will proceed, though not exactly as planned, with new target dates and precautions in place. A statement from the U.S. Census Bureau noted that a phased restart of some 2020 Census field operations began in select areas the week of May 4.
Cathy Tankersley cleans the voting machines and stylus pen during early voting Tuesday, May 19, at the Gilmer County Courthouse. (Photo by April Teague)

Cathy Tankersley cleans the voting machines and stylus pen during early voting Tuesday, May 19, at the Gilmer County Courthouse. (Photo by April Teague)

Early voting begins, mail-in continues

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Early voting for the June 9 primary started Monday, but it looks a bit different. Gilmer County Chief Registrar Tammy Watkins is asking people to practice patience. “It’s rocking and rolling,” she said. “We are doing pretty well with it.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Ellijay council OKs exploration of alternate truck routes

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
The Ellijay City Council approved a resolution for exploration of alternate truck routes to alleviate traffic congestion downtown as the council met, for the first time since March, Monday, May 18.
An outdoor dining area has been used to accommodate Cornerstone Cafe customers after the downtown Ellijay restaurant recently reopened.

An outdoor dining area has been used to accommodate Cornerstone Cafe customers after the downtown Ellijay restaurant recently reopened.

No Taste of Ellijay event, but chamber showcasing local restaurants this week

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Inclement weather has caused Taste of Ellijay, the popular food-sampling event presented by the Gilmer Chamber, to be rescheduled a time or two.
Above, Bonnie Green, a volunteer at Faith, Hope and Charity Recycle Store, sorts through carts of donated items, while, below, volunteer Stacy Grahm cleans and organizes shelves in preparation for the thrift store’s planned reopening.

Above, Bonnie Green, a volunteer at Faith, Hope and Charity Recycle Store, sorts through carts of donated items, while, below, volunteer Stacy Grahm cleans and organizes shelves in preparation for the thrift store’s planned reopening.

Recycle store sets reopen date for this week

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
The Faith, Hope and Charity Recycle Store will reopen this week after being closed since mid-March. The first day of business is this Thursday, May 21, confirmed Cheryl Worley, FHC board chairman.  “Due to a volunteer shortage, for now, we will only be open for shoppers from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Abby Dotson is pictured in front of a mural she painted in the window of Double L Restaurant.

Abby Dotson is pictured in front of a mural she painted in the window of Double L Restaurant.

Dotson’s artwork brightening windows of local businesses

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Abby Dotson’s artwork decorates entrance windows at her place of employment, the Gilmer County Clerk of Court Office. A local woman has been using her love of painting to spread positivity and colorful images during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.