Local

Pool construction underway

Pool construction underway

Pool progressing

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
The site of the new Gilmer County Swimming Pool looks more like a dry swimming hole as construction ramps up in back of the Civic Center. Physical work on the new pool began about three weeks ago. Right now, dirt is being leveled and the shape of the pool area is being formed.
Ellijay Northeast poll manager David Strickland helps voter Karen Ingersoll during the educational sales tax special election last Tuesday.

Ellijay Northeast poll manager David Strickland helps voter Karen Ingersoll during the educational sales tax special election last Tuesday.

E-SPLOST passes in special election

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Collection of a 1-percent sales tax used to fund various Gilmer School System projects will continue for at least five additional years following countywide voting last Tuesday.
Peach trees are shown in bloom at R&A Orchards, one of several local peach growers hoping recent freeze events won’t prevent them from having a good crop.

Peach trees are shown in bloom at R&A Orchards, one of several local peach growers hoping recent freeze events won’t prevent them from having a good crop.

Too early to tell if freezes hurt peach crop

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
With temperatures recently plunging below freezing for several days, the county’s peach crop may have suffered some degree of damage, but it’s too early to know the extent. According to the UGA Environmental Monitoring Network, low temperatures were below freezing for nine days between March 11-21.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Gilmer deputy on administrative leave following arrest

News Staff
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
A Gilmer County deputy has been placed on leave following an arrest in Pickens County. Christopher Couch, 42, of Jasper, is charged with aggravated assault and simple battery — family violence, according to a Pickens County Adult Detention Center report.
Members of the Gilmer County Board of Assessors and Chief Appraiser Theresa Gooch present a plaque to board member Tom Porter following his last meeting with the assessor board. Porter served 12 years on the board and chose not to seek another term. Pictured, from left: Bill Logan, Jerry Davis, Porter, Gary Engel, Gooch, John Williamson and new assessor board member Lisa Bradley.

Members of the Gilmer County Board of Assessors and Chief Appraiser Theresa Gooch present a plaque to board member Tom Porter following his last meeting with the assessor board. Porter served 12 years on the board and chose not to seek another term. Pictured, from left: Bill Logan, Jerry Davis, Porter, Gary Engel, Gooch, John Williamson and new assessor board member Lisa Bradley.

Assessors office still ‘chasing the market’ in property values

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
The Gilmer County Assessors Office is in a similar situation as it was last year with a property sales ratio lower than what the state requires to avoid losing utility tax revenue.
Afton Salmon

Afton Salmon

Songs of Surrender Hill’s Afton in spotlight at playhouse

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
As one-half of Ellijay roots rock duo Surrender Hill, Afton Salmon has performed with husband and bandmate, Robin Salmon, at all the group’s Blue Betty Sessions — semi-regular shows at which the two partner with visiting singer/songwriters and musicians.
Law enforcement officials search the van used in the burglary of Southern Drug Company in Blue Ridge.

Law enforcement officials search the van used in the burglary of Southern Drug Company in Blue Ridge.

Two charged in burglary

News Staff
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
By Glenn Harbison, News-Observer Publisher   Quick action by Sergeant Jessie Godsey and Deputy Kaylee Robertson of the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the arrest of two individuals only minutes after they are accused of breaking into Southern Drug Company in Blue Ridge.