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Hunter Burdette gets guidance at the Adult Learning Center from teacher and GED mentor Dita Paukert.

Hunter Burdette gets guidance at the Adult Learning Center from teacher and GED mentor Dita Paukert.

GED exam now free

Hunter Burdette was focused while sitting in front of a computer screen at the Gilmer Adult Learning Center last week. He’s studying to take the GED (General Education Development) test.
Gilmer Sheriff’s Office Detectives Dan Farnham, left, and Trevor Stanfield, right, gave examples and advice about different types of scams during a recent workshop at the Orchard Church.

Gilmer Sheriff’s Office Detectives Dan Farnham, left, and Trevor Stanfield, right, gave examples and advice about different types of scams during a recent workshop at the Orchard Church.

Tip to avoid scams, don’t answer the phone calls

The easiest way to avoid becoming the victim of a phone scam may require the least amount of effort. Not answering unfamiliar numbers is the most effective option. But, if you do answer an unfamiliar number and  someone asks for your personal information or money, just hang up.
Kyle Andrew Fabiano

Kyle Andrew Fabiano

Federal fugitive apprehended

By Glenn Harbison, News-Observer Publisher A federal fugitive is in custody following a standoff with Fannin County deputies that lasted just over seven hours Tuesday, Feb. 21. Kyle Andrew Fabiano, 36, remained in the Gilmer County Jail Friday awaiting pickup by U.S. Marshalls.
Don Callihan, left, is sworn in as East Ellijay Mayor by Gilmer County Probate Judge Scott Chastain, right. East Ellijay City Councilmembers Ed Forrester and Linda Smith are pictured in background.

Don Callihan, left, is sworn in as East Ellijay Mayor by Gilmer County Probate Judge Scott Chastain, right. East Ellijay City Councilmembers Ed Forrester and Linda Smith are pictured in background.

Callihan sworn in as East Ellijay Mayor

Last week’s East Ellijay City Council meeting was a historic event with the first time a new city mayor had been sworn in since 1972. Any other time East Ellijay’s mayor had been sworn in during the past 50 years, it was longtime incumbent mayor Mack West taking the oath of office.
Ellijay police officers Kaleb Hensley, left, and Brian Stafford, right, received lifesaving awards from Chief Edward Lacey, center, at a recent Ellijay City Council meeting. Mayor Al Hoyle is pictured in background.

Ellijay police officers Kaleb Hensley, left, and Brian Stafford, right, received lifesaving awards from Chief Edward Lacey, center, at a recent Ellijay City Council meeting. Mayor Al Hoyle is pictured in background.

Two Ellijay police officers receive lifesaving awards

Two Ellijay police officers were recognized for their lifesaving efforts in the line of duty as the Ellijay City Council met Monday, Feb. 20.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Commissioners talk about $9 million plan

Gilmer County’s post commissioners used a special meeting to clarify some thoughts on a $9 million plan addressing several issues in Gilmer County. The plan was originally proposed by Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris at a board meeting Feb. 8.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Ellijay council OKs Legion Road rezoning, Old Northcutt annexation

Ellijay City Councilmembers approved rezoning 7 acres on Legion Road for future subdivision use, as well as annexing property on the north end of the county into the city limits, when meeting Monday, Feb. 20.
During the 2019 Rise Against Hunger effort in Gilmer County, Boy Scouts of America Adventure Crew members, from left, Skyler Smith, Cadence Smith, Grant Cromwell (hidden), Zack Kepley and Olivia Miller package meals at the Civic Center. The 2023 event is this Saturday morning at the same venue.

During the 2019 Rise Against Hunger effort in Gilmer County, Boy Scouts of America Adventure Crew members, from left, Skyler Smith, Cadence Smith, Grant Cromwell (hidden), Zack Kepley and Olivia Miller package meals at the Civic Center. The 2023 event is this Saturday morning at the same venue.

Rise Against Hunger effort on Saturday seeking volunteers

A local endeavor to package meals for those in need that has been curtailed due to pandemic concerns in recent years will be back in full swing this Saturday morning.
A crew with the city street department collects cut limbs in front of shops on the roundabout.

A crew with the city street department collects cut limbs in front of shops on the roundabout.

Downtown tree trimming

Downtown Ellijay’s trees are being trimmed shortly before they begin to bloom for spring. Above, a crew with the city street department collects cut limbs in front of shops on the roundabout, while, at right, Tony Teague takes care of cutting limbs around the same part of downtown.
Sun shines through the rafters of the recently de-roofed Kay building, where an extensive renovation of the almost century-old former garage and car dealership continues.

Sun shines through the rafters of the recently de-roofed Kay building, where an extensive renovation of the almost century-old former garage and car dealership continues.

Kay building renovation restarted

The renovation of a historic  downtown Ellijay building at the corner of College and North Main Street has been on and off for a few years now, but a recent restart of the project is bringing new activity to the Kay building.