Local

Michelle and Jon Vigue are pictured with a Santa mailbox that’s now accepting letters in front of the Gilmer Chamber’s Downtown Welcome Center.

Michelle and Jon Vigue are pictured with a Santa mailbox that’s now accepting letters in front of the Gilmer Chamber’s Downtown Welcome Center.

Semper Fi Santa will be checking his mail all year-round

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
It may still be sunny summertime, but a local Santa doesn’t mind being busy in the seasons leading up to Christmas. A mailbox that welcomes children’s letters to Santa was recently put up on the front porch of the Gilmer Chamber’s Downtown Welcome Center at 10 Broad Street.
The northbound and southbound lanes of Old Highway 5 are accommodating traffic as a new roundabout is under construction.

The northbound and southbound lanes of Old Highway 5 are accommodating traffic as a new roundabout is under construction.

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Old 5 roundabout partially open, more roadwork remains

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Construction of a traffic roundabout and highway connector near the current intersection of Highway 382 and Old Highway 5 is expected to wrap by Apple Festival time this year, confirmed the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) District 6 office.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

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Labor shortages felt in county

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Gilmer County is facing labor shortages in private industries, but it is affecting county government as well. Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris said he has seen employee shortages for the last six to eight months. “And, it’s been getting worse over that time,” he said.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

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22 GHS students recover credits over summer

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Gilmer High’s summer school program helped 22 students regain lost credits and they are now back on track to graduate on time. The COVID-19 pandemic often wreaked havoc on schedules of students who attended in-person instruction, as well as those who learned virtually.
Deputy Fire Chief Mark Chastain is pictured with a Stuff the Bus drop-off box and donations at Gilmer County Fire and Rescue Station 1 on Howard Simmons Road.

Deputy Fire Chief Mark Chastain is pictured with a Stuff the Bus drop-off box and donations at Gilmer County Fire and Rescue Station 1 on Howard Simmons Road.

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Optimist Club’s Stuff the Bus school supply drive underway

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
The Gilmer County Optimist Club is continuing a longstanding school supply drive for local students this summer. This is the eighth year for the Stuff the Bus drive, through which Optimist Club members collect supplies for students in grades K-12 and donate them to the local school system.
Gilmer Fire and Rescue firefighter/EMT Roger Jarrard leads a chain saw safety training class for the department’s employees.

Gilmer Fire and Rescue firefighter/EMT Roger Jarrard leads a chain saw safety training class for the department’s employees.

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Saw safety focus of fire and rescue training

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Gilmer Fire and Rescue personnel got a timely primer on safe chain saw operation during recent in-house training.
Cadets and personnel from Gilmer’s 507th Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron lead the Independence Day Parade up River Street Sunday, July 4. Downtown Ellijay saw a large turnout for the parade, as well as live music and vendors, followed by fireworks at dark. 

Cadets and personnel from Gilmer’s 507th Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron lead the Independence Day Parade up River Street Sunday, July 4. Downtown Ellijay saw a large turnout for the parade, as well as live music and vendors, followed by fireworks at dark. 

Eventful Fourth enjoyed downtown

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Jacie Rogers fixes an order at Mr. P’s Take Out Food. The longtime North Main Street takeout spot is among local restaurants that have had to change their operating hours due to staffing shortages.

Jacie Rogers fixes an order at Mr. P’s Take Out Food. The longtime North Main Street takeout spot is among local restaurants that have had to change their operating hours due to staffing shortages.

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Restaurant staff shortage hitting home

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Thousands of visitors and tourists coming to Gilmer County each week wouldn’t normally worry most local restaurant owners. But an ongoing staffing shortage is causing several restaurants to close early or for entire days during one of the busiest seasons of the year. “It’s everywhere.