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At an open house last Tuesday, attendees listen to Fire Chief Daniel Kauffman, EMS Chief Terence Evans and Deputy Fire Chief Mark Chastain discuss Gilmer Fire and Rescue’s next new recruit training academy, which will start in June.

At an open house last Tuesday, attendees listen to Fire Chief Daniel Kauffman, EMS Chief Terence Evans and Deputy Fire Chief Mark Chastain discuss Gilmer Fire and Rescue’s next new recruit training academy, which will start in June.

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‘Getting ready for tomorrow’

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Gilmer County Fire and Rescue is looking to hire up to 16 new firefighter/EMTs with the next leg of its paid new recruit training academy. At two open houses last week, prospective applicants got a feel for what will be expected of them if they’re accepted into the program.
Howard Berk, right, gives District 7 Rep. Johnny Chastain, left, an up-close look at one of the logs used for growing Ellijay Mushrooms during a state visit to the local mushroom grower last week.

Howard Berk, right, gives District 7 Rep. Johnny Chastain, left, an up-close look at one of the logs used for growing Ellijay Mushrooms during a state visit to the local mushroom grower last week.

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Ellijay Mushrooms named Small Business Rock Star

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
A local mushroom producer was celebrated as a Small Business Rock Star during Georgia Small Business Week, May 1-6.
Nell Copeland blows out a ‘100’ candle on her birthday cake during a recent celebration at Brooks Hill Apartments.

Nell Copeland blows out a ‘100’ candle on her birthday cake during a recent celebration at Brooks Hill Apartments.

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Turning 100 with a smile

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Ellijay’s Nell Copeland had some simple words of wisdom about recently reaching her 100th birthday. “I really don’t have a secret. As long as you do right and have good thoughts and love everybody, I have always tried to do that,” she said.
The median at Old Highway 5 and Progress Road had been planted with tulips before recently being run over twice in the same week. The spot, which Maddie Mullis decorates differently each season, has since been repaired.

The median at Old Highway 5 and Progress Road had been planted with tulips before recently being run over twice in the same week. The spot, which Maddie Mullis decorates differently each season, has since been repaired.

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Despite recent damage, median decorator hopes to continue

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
At first, a local woman who decorates a street median at Progress Road and Old Highway 5 thought a recent run-over of the spot was unintentional. Then the same thing happened again just a day later.
From left, Emma Heaslip, Maisey Hunt and Addie Davenport rehearse a scene for the upcoming Gilmer High School Theater production of “Mamma Mia!”

From left, Emma Heaslip, Maisey Hunt and Addie Davenport rehearse a scene for the upcoming Gilmer High School Theater production of “Mamma Mia!”

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GHS wraps theater season with ‘Mamma Mia!’ this weekend

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
The young actors and actresses of Gilmer High School Theater will soar through the hit songs of Swedish pop sensation ABBA when the drama club presents its spring musical this weekend. “Mamma Mia!” will be performed at the GHS Linda Miller Theater (inside the high school) at 7 p.m.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

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Brumby appointed Parks and Rec director

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Gilmer County’s golf course director will now also be the director of the parks and recreation department. Commissioners voted unanimously following a closed session at a special called meeting May 2, to appoint Mike Brumby as the director of the parks and recreation department.
From left, Chase McGill, Danny Myrick and Brandon Kinney are among the Nashville singer/songwriters scheduled to perform at the first Ellijay Songwriters Festival. The three have written hit songs for such country music artists as Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Lonestar.

From left, Chase McGill, Danny Myrick and Brandon Kinney are among the Nashville singer/songwriters scheduled to perform at the first Ellijay Songwriters Festival. The three have written hit songs for such country music artists as Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Lonestar.

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New songwriter fest set for Memorial Day weekend

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
A new music event focused on singer/songwriters will spread out across the county Labor Day weekend. The 2023 Ellijay Songwriters Festival will take place at several of the county’s wineries and the Gilmer Arts Playhouse May 25-28.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

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Water rates, several fees going up

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Water rates and several fees will soon be going up for customers of the Ellijay-Gilmer County Water and Sewerage Authority (EGCWSA). Water board members approved a new rate/fee structure, which raises both residential and commercial water and sewer rates, when meeting last week.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

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Housing survey next step for GICH panel

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
A new community survey is the latest step by a panel of local residents seeking to find solutions to a lack of affordable housing in the county.
Photo by Michael Andrews

Photo by Michael Andrews

Making art on the square

News Staff
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Joanna McNally, of Cherry Log, left, and Holly Chadwick, of Mineral Bluff, right, were among a group of artists who gathered on the downtown Ellijay square last week to create plein air (outdoor) paintings. It was the first time the group of painters had used the square as a place of inspiration.