Local businesses come together to help

JASPER, Ga.–Two local businesses have teamed up to help both businesses and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sharp Top Social Media is partnering with The Old Mulehouse to #supportjasper by encouraging patrons who go out to eat to first, tip their server more than usual, then to purchase a gift card to that establishment. The next time they dine out, they leave that server a tip and the previously purchased gift card while also purchasing a gift card from that establishment.

“I’m passionate about small business,” said Taree Darby, owner of Sharp Top Social Media. “So when Old Mule House reached out to me to see what we could do, I was all for it.”

They are seeing success. Many small businesses are reposting and encouraging everyone to get involved.

“We’re really coming together in an amazing way,” said Darby.

She said the idea was based on a post by Jeff Dollars, who encouraged his followers to tip extra and buy a gift card to pass to the next server the patron has.

Two local businesses in Pickens County hope to help by encouraging the public to help local restaurants during the COVID-19 shutdown.

What the schools are doing

Pickens County schools are providing meals for students during the COVID-19 shutdown. The schools will be closed from Monday, March 16-Friday, March 27 to prevent the spread of the highly contagious illness.According to a press release issued, the school system will make a decision on Thursday, March 26, on whether the danger has passed sufficiently to reopen.

For more information, check their website here.

Pickens County Schools are offering the above pick-up times and locations to help students get fed during the COVID-19 shutdown.

County government offices closed to the public

The Pickens County government has also announced that the county administrative offices will be closed to the public during the same time frame. Although residents will not be allowed to enter the buildings, alternate forms of business communication will be available. For instance, residents can use the drop boxes on the front and side of the buildings to pay taxes and their water bill as

The Pickens County courthouse released this statement concerning their procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

well as paying online. The staff will be in the office to answer phones.

Check the county’s website here.

Chief Judge Brenda S. Weaver entered a Declaration of Judicial Emergency for Pickens, Gilmer, and Fannin counties. They are continuing with non-essential court for the next 30-days, but encourage precaution and asking the public to limit visits to the courthouse.

The Pickens County Recreation department has also cancelled all events through March. For a complete listing, check their calendars here.

Govenor Kemp authorizes activation of the Georgia National Guard in response to COVID-19. Read the story here.

Susan Kirkland