Roper Park revamp being considered

     The Pickens County Library in Jasper, located at 100 Library Lane, has released the first visual of construction plans for the upcoming renovation and expansion of its facilities projected to begin in June. Beginning May 17, the library will close to the public to prepare for the project, which is scheduled to last approximately 10-12 months. After the library closes, a temporary, limited-service library location called “Pickens Grab & Go” will be available inside the Mountain Education Charter High School building, located at 339 West Church Street. The Grab & Go location is anticipated to open to the public in early June.

     Pickens County Teacher of the Year Carrie Stephens, pictured here with her husband, Paul. Stephens is a math teacher at Pickens High School and will represent Pickens County in the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition later this year.

By Larry Cavender

Progress Contributor

Several of Pickens County's finest teachers were honored Monday night at the annual Teacher of the Year Banquet held at the Appalachian Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College in Jasper.

From a group of six teacher of the year nominees, each representing their own respective schools, Carrie Stephens of Pickens High School was selected as the system's 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year.

     In a message to parents from Pickens Superintendent Tony Young, emailed Tuesday, May 11, he announced the system will not offer a virtual option for the 2021-2022 school year. 

“To all Pickens County School District families, virtual learning has presented a host of challenges for students and families in our system and across Georgia.  The district has continually monitored data and engaged in conversations with students, parents, and administrators.  Many of our students have struggled to satisfactorily complete the assignments offered through the Pearson platform.  We want to provide our students quality learning opportunities and we are not able to do that virtually.

“Because of the challenges and concerns for our students and families, Pickens County School District will not offer full-time

Updated -- Statement from Governor's office -

Gov. Kemp Signs Executive Order to Temporarily Suspend Gas Tax in Georgia

Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp signed an executive order to temporarily suspend the gas tax in Georgia in light of the Colonial Pipeline cyber attack. The Governor also announced that Georgia is increasing the weight limits for trucks transporting fuel, providing more supply for stations as they receive deliveries. The order further prohibits price gouging by bad actors looking to exploit the situation.

“My office has been in close contact with company and industry officials since we first learned of the Colonial cyber attack over the weekend," said Governor Kemp. "Unfortunately, extensive media coverage has caused people to panic which has resulted in higher gas prices. We are taking action to relieve some of the cost burden from Georgians as Colonial recovers by suspending fuel taxes, increasing the weight limit for supply trucks, and prohibiting price gouging.

"We expect these measures to be temporary as Colonial plans to be fully up and running later this week. There is no need to rush to the gas station to fill up every tank you have and hoard gas. With the measures we have taken today, I am hopeful we can get more supply to stations and get through to this weekend when we hope Colonial will return to normal."