As the state of Georgia makes plans to reopen when Governor Brian Kemp’s Shelter in Place order expires April 30, Walker County Government will resume some county operations that had previously been suspended due to COVID-19. The following changes were announced Thursday, during a Facebook Live community update. Animal Control – On-call & only responding to dog […]
Posted inCoronavirus
Opening Day in Georgia: Small business owners share their plans and concerns
Adriana Gutierrez will open Tattoo Fiesta’s doors today for the first time in a month following Gov. Brian Kemp’s edict that businesses could begin to reopen even as the state continues to fight off a virus that has spread to nearly 22,000 Georgians. Gutierrez announced her decision to dust off their needles on social media […]
Posted inCoronavirus
Trump: ‘I’m not happy about Brian Kemp’
On the eve of Georgia reopening some businesses under orders from Gov. Brian Kemp, President Donald Trump didn’t mince words when criticizing the governor’s decision, which violates Trump’s gradual plan to reopen the economy. On Wednesday, Trump said he disagreed strongly with Kemp’s decision. Thursday evening, Trump doubled down on his criticism and indicated that […]
Posted inYour Government
Vernon’s Back: Democratic lawmaker walks back resignation plans
State Rep. Vernon Jones backtracked Thursday on plans to resign from his General Assembly seat, a day after announcing he would step down in the wake of fierce criticism for his endorsement of President Donald Trump’s reelection bid. Jones, D-Lithonia, said on Twitter he decided to reverse course after receiving “overwhelming support and outcry” following his […]
Posted inCoronavirus, Local Heroes
WATCH: Lawrenceville Police parade for health care heroes
The Lawrenceville Police Department honored health care workers at Northside Hospital Gwinnett by having a parade in the hospital’s parking lot to show appreciation for the sacrifices of front line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The video is below. As of noon, Gwinnett County had 1,304 cases of coronavirus and 46 confirmed deaths. Statewide, Georgia […]
Posted inGeorgia People, Coronavirus
Hall County’s new Deputy Fire Chief spent his first day working remotely due to COVID-19
Elliot “Stoney” Bowles’ first day on the job as the second in command for Hall County Fire and Emergency Services was unlike any other day in his 30-plus year fire services career. “My first day was actually done remotely,” said Bowles, who began as Hall County’s Deputy Fire Chief on March 30, a little over […]
Posted inCoronavirus
Kemp not backing down despite disagreement with Trump
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is doubling down on his plans to reopen barber shops, hair salons and bowling alleys tomorrow with restaurants following on Monday despite President Donald Trump’s public rejection of the decision. At his daily Coronavirus Task force Briefing yesterday, Trump said he disagreed with Kemp’s decision. “I told the governor of Georgia, […]
Posted inCoronavirus
Trump says he disagrees ‘strongly’ with Kemp on reopening Georgia
President Trump said Wednesday that he disagrees with Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision on reopening certain businesses. Kemp’s bold move on reopening – arguably the most aggressive timeline of any state — has put Georgia squarely in a national spotlight on COVID-19. The governor is allowing the reopening Friday of businesses that include gyms, fitness centers, […]
Posted inCoronavirus
Georgia Officials say laid off employees can return to work and still be eligible for unemployment
Georgia Insurance Commissioner Mark Butler is trying to clear up misconceptions about unemployment claims for employees who were laid off but are returning to work starting Friday. According to Butler, laid off workers who are now on unemployment or partial unemployment can still get unemployment if they earn less than $300 per week. “Despite claims […]
Posted inCrime
Georgia man arrested on arson charge after a camper was ‘completely destroyed’
MARBLE HILL — A Pickens County man has been arrested and charged with arson after authorities say he destroyed a camper in Marble Hill. Investigators with the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office assisted with the arrest of 47-year-old William Lanier Cantrell, 47, of Marble Hill, for one count of Arson in the First Degree. […]