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Special Operations Division Chief Jeff Statham reveals Gilmer County Fire and Rescue’s new electric bikes.

Special Operations Division Chief Jeff Statham reveals Gilmer County Fire and Rescue’s new electric bikes.

Rides to the rescue

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Thursday, June 11, 2026
New electric bikes will give Gilmer County Fire and Rescue (GCFR) an effective tool for many situations.“There’s a lot of uses for them in the future,” said Special Operations Division Chief Jeff Statham.GCFR bought the two new bikes from RECON Power Bikes with a grant of about $10,000.
Sheriff Stacy Nicholson, left, celebrates the retirement of Deputy Lloyd “Kenny” Wiggins, right.

Sheriff Stacy Nicholson, left, celebrates the retirement of Deputy Lloyd “Kenny” Wiggins, right.

Deputy Kenny Wiggins retires from Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Thursday, June 11, 2026
After 31 years of service, Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), Deputy Lloyd “Kenny” Wiggins has seen both wonderful and terrible things.“It’s been just a little over a week, and I miss it already,” he said.Wiggins is Gilmer’s fourth-longest serving GCSO officer.
East Ellijay Police Department Officer Chris Hawthorne plays with a dog at the Gilmer County Animal Shelter.

East Ellijay Police Department Officer Chris Hawthorne plays with a dog at the Gilmer County Animal Shelter.

Pups and PoPo event offers dog adoption opportunity

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
East Ellijay Police Department (EEPD) Officer Chris Hawthorne wants Gilmer to know that police do much more than just make arrests.They can also help you make a new best friend.That’s why he’s hosting the EEPD’s first “Pups and PoPo” community event.
Nonprofit leaders, volunteers and other supporters take a photo together to celebrate the work of the Faith, Hope and Charity (FHC) Recycle Store. Shown from left are, first row, FHC volunteer Laila Wood, FHC volunteer JoAnn Davis, FHC Manager Liceann Strauss, Women Together Period Inc. Executive Director Emilyn Slemons, Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter President Sylvia Harris, The Joy House Executive Director Steve Lowe, Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer Supervisor McKenzi Farris, FHC volun

Nonprofit leaders, volunteers and other supporters take a photo together to celebrate the work of the Faith, Hope and Charity (FHC) Recycle Store. Shown from left are, first row, FHC volunteer Laila Wood, FHC volunteer JoAnn Davis, FHC Manager Liceann Strauss, Women Together Period Inc. Executive Director Emilyn Slemons, Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter President Sylvia Harris, The Joy House Executive Director Steve Lowe, Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer Supervisor McKenzi Farris, FHC volun

Faith, Hope and Charity Recycle Store raises $800,000 for Gilmer nonprofits

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
The efforts of Faith, Hope and Charity (FHC) Recycle Store have raised crucial money for nonprofits across Gilmer County.This year, FHC and other nonprofits celebrated the raising of more than $800,000 through the recycle store.
Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter Veterinary Assistant Malachi Balance prepares to discharge a freshly-fixed dog.

Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter Veterinary Assistant Malachi Balance prepares to discharge a freshly-fixed dog.

Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter controls future animal populations

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
There may not be a noticeable difference now, but in about seven years, Gilmer’s stray pet problem will be much smaller.“You’re gonna start noticing the difference,” said Sylvia Harris, the President of Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS) said.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

“The Breed” movie plans to film in Gilmer County

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Something terrifying and unnatural haunts the woods of Gilmer County.At least, it does in the film, “The Breed,” which producers Vince Dagni, Cobus Gomes and Jeff Sinclair are working on.“It’s sort of an elevated horror,” Gomes said. “I love the theme of prey versus predator.
University of North Georgia Assistant Director of Leadership and Community Engagement Emily Harris, left, and Women Together Period Executive Director Emily Slemons, right, stand beside a stack of donated menstrual products.

University of North Georgia Assistant Director of Leadership and Community Engagement Emily Harris, left, and Women Together Period Executive Director Emily Slemons, right, stand beside a stack of donated menstrual products.

Women Together Period celebrates five years of helping Gilmer

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
In just five years, Gilmer nonprofit Women Together Period has given 86,000 menstrual products to women in need across multiple counties.“A lot of us don’t think about this need, but it’s a serious threat,” the group’s founder and Executive Director Emilyn Slemons said.