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Community Calendar of Events

Community Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events

News Staff
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
The deadline to submit items for the Calendar of Events is noon Friday. Items received after that time will run the following week if possible. Calendar items may be subject to editing. Email items to calendar@timescourier.com.
Deputy Savannah Banks celebrates her graduation alongside the Session 126 class of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.

Deputy Savannah Banks celebrates her graduation alongside the Session 126 class of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.

Two Gilmer deputies graduate basic law enforcement training

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Monday, May 11, 2026
Pepper spray to the face, hard physical training, self-defense drills and vehicle pursuit tactics were all things that basic law enforcement training graduates could overcome.But it was impossible for the class to get their sweatshirts right, graduate Savannah Banks said.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Emergency Management says drought far from over

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Monday, May 11, 2026
Just because it rained last week and is forecasted to rain this week doesn’t mean the drought is over.“The drought conditions are probably going to get worse before they get better,” Gilmer County Emergency Management Director Aaron Freeman said.Starting April 22, the U.S.
The Craddock family and the Craddock Center director celebrate the center’s 25th anniversary. Shown from left are John Craddock, Nettie Craddock and Director Krik Cameron.

The Craddock family and the Craddock Center director celebrate the center’s 25th anniversary. Shown from left are John Craddock, Nettie Craddock and Director Krik Cameron.

Craddock Center celebrates 25th anniversary with building dedication

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Monday, May 11, 2026
Dr. Fred Craddock died 11 years ago, but his legacy remains strong at the Craddock Center. On his birthday, Thursday, April 30, the Center celebrated its 25th year of service to children in northern Georgia and dedicated a building on its campus.
Doug Rink, left, and Chairman Charlie Paris, right, debate each other in their primary race for Board of County Commissioners Chairman.

Doug Rink, left, and Chairman Charlie Paris, right, debate each other in their primary race for Board of County Commissioners Chairman.

Gilmer County GOP Commissioner Candidates Forum showcases debate

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Monday, May 11, 2026
Gilmer candidates for the Board of County Commissioners debated Tuesday, April 28, over issues facing the county.This year, there are races for both the Board of Commissioners Chairman and Post Two Commissioner seat.
Local author Luke Watson, left, and his mom Tiffany Watson, right, celebrate his book at the Local Authors Forum.

Local author Luke Watson, left, and his mom Tiffany Watson, right, celebrate his book at the Local Authors Forum.

Local Authors Forum sees great attendance

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Monday, May 11, 2026
The Friends of the Gilmer County Library’s (FGCL) Local Authors Forum event last weekend how art thrives on community.“It’s a pleasure and honor to be invited to the Local Author Forum,” local author Jo Loveday said.
Kids from First Baptist Church of Ellijay make cookies and thank you cards for Gilmer first responders. Shown from left are Addy Hayes, Luke Hayes and Chandler Garrett.

Kids from First Baptist Church of Ellijay make cookies and thank you cards for Gilmer first responders. Shown from left are Addy Hayes, Luke Hayes and Chandler Garrett.

First Baptist Church of Ellijay helps town with Love Ellijay event

News Staff
Monday, May 11, 2026
Eighty-two First Baptist Church of Ellijay (FBCE) members helped community organizations as part of their Love Ellijay event.“It’s a great way to serve and meet a need that places can’t get to in their day-to-day work,” elder Del Land said.
JE 5-06 KidsFerst 1: Josh Chancey, left, and Barbra Jones, right, hold a banner for KidsFerst in Gilmer County.

JE 5-06 KidsFerst 1: Josh Chancey, left, and Barbra Jones, right, hold a banner for KidsFerst in Gilmer County.

Ferst Readers wants to give kids more books

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Monday, May 11, 2026
Gilmer County’s Ferst Readers chapter has an unusual problem. Not enough parents with young kids are signing up to get free books.“Our biggest need right now is we want to register more kids,” said Josh Chancey, the Gilmer County chapter of Ferst Readers president.