Local

Gilmer goes to the polls — James Lanning votes in the Gilmer County election for the public service commissioner and for a proposed Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) money, at the Coosawattee Shrine Club, Tuesday, Nov. 4. He said he believes SPLOST should be earmarked for more particular uses. In early voting, 2,253 votes were cast.

Gilmer goes to the polls — James Lanning votes in the Gilmer County election for the public service commissioner and for a proposed Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) money, at the Coosawattee Shrine Club, Tuesday, Nov. 4. He said he believes SPLOST should be earmarked for more particular uses. In early voting, 2,253 votes were cast.

SPLOST passes in Gilmer

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
With all precincts reporting in Gilmer County the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax was renewed for six more years. In unofficial totals, voters in the county cast 3,543 ballots, 66 percent, in favor of the SPLOST and 1,791 against.
A bear stands on its hind legs in a yard near Harrison Park.

A bear stands on its hind legs in a yard near Harrison Park.

Premium Content

Bear seen roaming downtown Ellijay

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
If people can’t bear to put food away, bears will eat it.  That’s probably why a black bear has been spotted near downtown Ellijay, bear expert Gerald Hodge said. “This is the time of year where they’re getting ready for the wintertime,” Hodge said.
Thomas Payne of Ellijay was one of seven brothers who served in the military; six were Marines and one was in the Navy.

Thomas Payne of Ellijay was one of seven brothers who served in the military; six were Marines and one was in the Navy.

Premium Content

Seven Payne brothers all served in Marines or Navy

Mark Millican - Special to the Times-Courier
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
As a U.S. Marine in Vietnam who was wounded and saw men killed in his infantry unit, Thomas Payne appreciates Veterans Day and Memorial Day observances. However, each day is a reminder of military service rendered by his family — six brothers served in the U.S.
A scene from the 2024 Veterans Celebration in downtown Ellijay.

A scene from the 2024 Veterans Celebration in downtown Ellijay.

Gilmer prepares to celebrate Veterans Day

News Staff
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Attention all Veterans: Ellijay and Gilmer County will celebrate Veteran’s Day with several activities.  On Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. celebrants will assemble at the First United Church on McCutchen Street. Coffee and breakfast will be served by volunteers.
Sheriff Nicholson with GCSO Accreditation Manager Lt. George Ellis, Gilmer Detention Center Captain Misty Williams and Office of Professional Standards Captain Frank Copeland.

Sheriff Nicholson with GCSO Accreditation Manager Lt. George Ellis, Gilmer Detention Center Captain Misty Williams and Office of Professional Standards Captain Frank Copeland.

Premium Content

Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office receives accreditation

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Hard work and high standards have earned the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) recognition from the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association (GSA).
Toys for Tots coordinator, U.S. Marine Sgt. AJ LeCompte, noted there is room for 32 volunteers to wrap Christmas toys on the second floor of Truist Bank in East Ellijay. He said more than 10,000 Gilmer County children have been assisted in the past 15 years, with 3,465 kids total in the last two years.

Toys for Tots coordinator, U.S. Marine Sgt. AJ LeCompte, noted there is room for 32 volunteers to wrap Christmas toys on the second floor of Truist Bank in East Ellijay. He said more than 10,000 Gilmer County children have been assisted in the past 15 years, with 3,465 kids total in the last two years.

Premium Content

Toys for Tots brings kids Christmas cheer

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
It’s the little details that make Christmas presents special, A.J. LeCompte said. Those details are why the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots wraps presents before delivering them to local kids.
Gilmer county kids show off Mountainside Village, the town they’ve built together. From left are, Evi Lacey, Harvey Bogue, Carter Bogue and Haddon Lacey.

Gilmer county kids show off Mountainside Village, the town they’ve built together. From left are, Evi Lacey, Harvey Bogue, Carter Bogue and Haddon Lacey.

Premium Content

Local kids built their own town

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
With four buildings, a public meeting place, a picnic area, a public toilet and gardens, Mountainside Village may be Gilmer County’s newest municipality. The town of Mountainside Village gathers in the Festive Fort, where they celebrate holidays, compliment each other and eat together.
Gilmer Community Food Pantry Adopt-a-Family Coordinator Jessica Partin stands beside the car she delivers food in.

Gilmer Community Food Pantry Adopt-a-Family Coordinator Jessica Partin stands beside the car she delivers food in.

Premium Content

Food pantry Adopt-a-Family program helps those who can’t drive

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
In Gilmer County, people in need can be found in surprising places. One woman receiving food assistance from the Gilmer Community Food Pantry (GCFP) lives in a shed within sight of an immense mansion. Others live in homes without refrigerators.