Local

As seen from overhead, Ellijay’s July Fourth parade heads up River Street and toward the town square Monday evening. The parade was followed, of course, by fireworks at dark. See more photos in next week’s edition. (Photo by Robert Ferguson)

As seen from overhead, Ellijay’s July Fourth parade heads up River Street and toward the town square Monday evening. The parade was followed, of course, by fireworks at dark. See more photos in next week’s edition. (Photo by Robert Ferguson)

Travis Crouch is pictured near Tennessee’s Stratton Bald during his second thru-hike of the Benton MacKaye Trail earlier this year.

Travis Crouch is pictured near Tennessee’s Stratton Bald during his second thru-hike of the Benton MacKaye Trail earlier this year.

Crouch marks 50th year on the trails

How is a local hiker celebrating his 50th year on the trails? By doing more hiking, of course. In April, Ellijay’s Travis Crouch completed the entire 289-mile Benton MacKaye Trail for the second time. Crouch, 64, also plans to venture out on at least one more long-distance hike later this year.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Water board approves near half-million equipment purchase

Ellijay-Gilmer County Water and Sewerage authority board members approved an almost half-million dollar expense for replacing equipment at the wastewater treatment plant, while also hearing updates on current and upcoming projects, when meeting Monday, June 27.
Joan Alford, Gilmer Senior Center activities coordinator, shows some of the Independence Day crafts recently made by senior center attendees.

Joan Alford, Gilmer Senior Center activities coordinator, shows some of the Independence Day crafts recently made by senior center attendees.

Senior center looking to boost attendance

The staff of the Gilmer Senior Center wants to see more senior citizens coming to the downtown Ellijay center for fellowship, food and activities.
Ralph Painter, standing at right, with his D-7 "Priest" 105mm armored howitzer crew that landed on Utah Beach and was involved in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. (Contributed photo)

Ralph Painter, standing at right, with his D-7 "Priest" 105mm armored howitzer crew that landed on Utah Beach and was involved in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. (Contributed photo)

Centenarian Painter part of regional and world history

On Monday, Ralph Painter will celebrate his 100th Fourth of July. However, there's one Independence Day he distinctly can't remember – in France in 1944, headed toward Nazi Germany.   Ralph Painter, 100, with his great nephew Brad Lewis.
Dane Spilberg shows the golden ticket, that makes him an honorary grand marshal in Ellijay’s upcoming July Fourth parade.

Dane Spilberg shows the golden ticket, that makes him an honorary grand marshal in Ellijay’s upcoming July Fourth parade.

Fourth of July parade, fireworks planned

July Fourth will be celebratory in downtown Ellijay with a parade at 6 p.m. and fireworks beginning at  dark. As in past years, the fireworks will be launched from the campus of Ellijay Elementary School. All festivities will take place Monday, July 4.
East Ellijay Poll Manager Kathy Watkins, right, helps voter Sally Forest turn in her ballot to be recorded during the runoff election held Tuesday, June 21.

East Ellijay Poll Manager Kathy Watkins, right, helps voter Sally Forest turn in her ballot to be recorded during the runoff election held Tuesday, June 21.

Marshall next Post 2 commissioner

John Marshall will be Gilmer County’s next Post 2 Commissioner. In the runoff election held Tuesday, June 21, Marshall finished with 3,029 votes, while Tom Whatley finished with 1,534 votes.
Sysco will begin supplying K-12 products for school lunches in Gilmer County.

Sysco will begin supplying K-12 products for school lunches in Gilmer County.

Sysco accepts bid to deliver food, supplies to GCSS

Sysco has accepted the bid to deliver food and supplies to Gilmer County Schools. Gilmer and surrounding counties were left in the lurch when U.S. Foods did not renew its food delivery contracts in the K-12 sector. Gilmer was notified by U.S. Foods Jan.
This smaller home being built in Coosawattee River Resort would still be priced out of reach for many in the Gilmer County workforce who need affordable housing, those studying the issue say.

This smaller home being built in Coosawattee River Resort would still be priced out of reach for many in the Gilmer County workforce who need affordable housing, those studying the issue say.

Local churches, individuals can help with affordable housing effort

Long lines of cars at drive-thru restaurants, and more automated check-out stations at retail stores. Employees in service jobs and construction workers having to live in other counties and drive here to work.