Local

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.

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.

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.

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.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

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

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

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.