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The Elberton Star is dedicated to keeping the citizens of Elbert County informed about the local effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Elberton Star is dedicated to keeping the citizens of Elbert County informed about the local effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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No positives – so far

Gary Jones
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Practice Administrator Brooke McDowell of The Medical Center in Elberton said thus far six of the 21 tests sent to Burleson, North Carolina from Elbert County have come back negative for the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Bowman council practiced 'social distancing' at its meeting at the Bowman Community Center Monday night. (Photo by Scoggins)

The Bowman council practiced 'social distancing' at its meeting at the Bowman Community Center Monday night. (Photo by Scoggins)

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Bowman council to waive late fees

Rose Scoggins
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
The Bowman City Council, along with the newest council member Henrietta Williams, met in an unusual meeting Monday night amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Elberton Star is dedicated to keeping the citizens of Elbert County informed about the local effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Elberton Star is dedicated to keeping the citizens of Elbert County informed about the local effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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Never imagined something like this? EMA has

Gary Jones
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
When you hear someone say that this coronavirus pandemic is something that is beyond anyone’s imagination, they are flat wrong.
C&M Thrift Store posted signs on their doors to let customers know they would be closed until March 28. (Photo by Scoggins)

C&M Thrift Store posted signs on their doors to let customers know they would be closed until March 28. (Photo by Scoggins)

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Downtown businesses stay safe while adapting to new reality in age of coronavirus

Rose Scoggins
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Although the coronavirus (COVID-19) has no confirmed cases in Elbert County as of March 23, local businesses are being affected by recommendations from various organizations for social distancing and limiting gatherings of less than 10 people.
Dr. Sonya Barnett said the late Lisa Seawright was ‘the glue that held us together’ and that Seawright always told her to ‘keep in touch with my inner child.’

Dr. Sonya Barnett said the late Lisa Seawright was ‘the glue that held us together’ and that Seawright always told her to ‘keep in touch with my inner child.’

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Education never part of her plan

Cary Best
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Giving back to her community, Dr. Sonya Barnett has helped educate students with unique challenges. In return, these students ignited her desire to further her education and become a better teacher. Barnett, who is now the principal/pre-K director at the Paul J.
Elbert County Comprehensive High School AD Brian Turner says there is a fine line to walk when it comes to Georgia High School Association compliance. (Photo by Cary Best)

Elbert County Comprehensive High School AD Brian Turner says there is a fine line to walk when it comes to Georgia High School Association compliance. (Photo by Cary Best)

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Sports at ECCHS – student participation rate 43%

Cary Best
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Strolling down the school hallway one recent morning, twirling a lanyard around his right index finger and lightly gripping a walkie-talkie in his left hand, Dr. Brian Turner stopped to joke with a group of boys about the previous night’s win.
Mountain Education Center offers ‘a lot more support here;’ Shown are (L-R) Mountain Ed Administrator Laura Lynch, Emmanuel Kim, Faith Carey, Miles Plummer, Emma Smith, Brandon Heard, Mountain Ed Administrator Renee Padgett and Seth Adams. (Photo by Scoggins)

Mountain Education Center offers ‘a lot more support here;’ Shown are (L-R) Mountain Ed Administrator Laura Lynch, Emmanuel Kim, Faith Carey, Miles Plummer, Emma Smith, Brandon Heard, Mountain Ed Administrator Renee Padgett and Seth Adams. (Photo by Scoggins)

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Unique path to earning diploma

Rose Scoggins
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Mountain Education Charter High School has sat in the former halls of Bowman Elementary School for the past eight years.
Elbert County Elementary School Principal Stephanie Wiles checks out the work of students Ethan Watkins (left) and Levi Wiles (right) on computers at the school recently. (Photo by Scoggins)

Elbert County Elementary School Principal Stephanie Wiles checks out the work of students Ethan Watkins (left) and Levi Wiles (right) on computers at the school recently. (Photo by Scoggins)

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Teacher, mama, nurse, counselor

Rose Scoggins
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
As Stephanie Wiles walked the halls of Elbert County Elementary School (ECES), she smiled and hugged students as she called them by name. Wiles has been principal at ECES for the past three years, but her journey in education reached its 30th year this year, all in Elbert County.
ECCHS Principal Jason Kouns chats with ECCHS teacher Nat McCarty. (Photo by Best)

ECCHS Principal Jason Kouns chats with ECCHS teacher Nat McCarty. (Photo by Best)

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‘Computers outpaced humans’

Cary Best
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Over the last 25 years, Jason Kouns has witnessed a profound transformation in education. This transformation is a paradigm shift where teachers are no longer the disseminators of facts; they’re the facilitators of information, according to the Elbert County High School principal. Dr.
Daily traffic cops ... Elbert County Primary School Assistant Principal Laura Albertson and Principal Rosa Harris. (Photo by Jones)

Daily traffic cops ... Elbert County Primary School Assistant Principal Laura Albertson and Principal Rosa Harris. (Photo by Jones)

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Education is all in the family

Gary Jones
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
It’s in her genetic makeup, maybe, knowing her mother was a teacher and her sister was a principal and an assistant principal in Hart County and her brother-in-law is a principal in Hart County. But at one time Elbert County Primary School Principal Rosa Harris considered going into nursing.