Local

Gilmer High School band director David Wiebers takes time to deliver instructions during band camp last Thursday morning. (Photos by Robbie Bills/Sports Editor)

Gilmer High School band director David Wiebers takes time to deliver instructions during band camp last Thursday morning. (Photos by Robbie Bills/Sports Editor)

Marching band heads into ‘The Upside Down’

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, August 3, 2021
They’ve been out in the sweltering summer sun for weeks, doing heavy lifting and taking part in repetitive drills.
Saxsquatch is among the performers booked for the first Holla Yella Music and Bigfoot Festival in Ellijay.

Saxsquatch is among the performers booked for the first Holla Yella Music and Bigfoot Festival in Ellijay.

Bigfoot-themed music fest to debut

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Organizers of a first-time music festival hope their mix of big sounds and the ever-popular legend of Bigfoot will lead to another recurring event in Ellijay. The Holla Yella Music and Bigfoot Festival will take place Saturday, Aug. 7, at the Artful Acres site at 516 River Street.
Video footage shows the suspect being apprehended by the Gilmer Sheriff's Dept.

Video footage shows the suspect being apprehended by the Gilmer Sheriff's Dept.

Gang member arrested in Gilmer

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Aiding other law enforcement agencies led to a drug arrest in Gilmer County of an alleged member of the Ghost Face gang. “My guys did a great job and I am proud of them,” said Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson.
New superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley (second from right) is joined by assistant superintendent Kim Cagle (left) during a welcome reception last Thursday.

New superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley (second from right) is joined by assistant superintendent Kim Cagle (left) during a welcome reception last Thursday.

Meet Dr. Ridley, Gilmer’s new superintendent

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
When classes commence Aug. 5 it will mark the beginning of Dr. Brian Ridley’s 25th year in education and first as a superintendent. Ridley, 49, was approved by the Gilmer County Board of Education Monday, July 19, to be the district’s next superintendent.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Commissioners approve rollback rate

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Gilmer County commissioners approved the rollback millage rate. The rate was approved at a special called meeting Monday morning, July 26, which was attended by Chair Charlie Paris and Post Commissioner Hubert Parker.
Sharon and Peter explain the duties of a service dog.

Sharon and Peter explain the duties of a service dog.

Shelter dogs visit Boys and Girls Club

News Staff
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Children enrolled in the summer program at the Three Rivers Boys and Girls Club received a special visit from Sharon and Peter Callan, who lead local nonprofit Shelter Dogs For Veterans, who brought along some of their four-legged friends.
Shoe drive gift tag

Shoe drive gift tag

Ellijay Hope Lutheran a drop-off location for children’s shoe drive

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Ellijay’s Hope Lutheran Church will continue to serve as a drop-off location for an international shoe drive benefiting orphaned and vulnerable children. Donations can be left at the church, located at 3295 Old Highway 5 South, during August.
Newly hired superintendent Dr. Hal Brian Ridley addresses the crowd at Monday’s board of education work session.

Newly hired superintendent Dr. Hal Brian Ridley addresses the crowd at Monday’s board of education work session.

Ridley hired as superintendent

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Dr. Hal Brian Ridley has been hired to be Gilmer County Schools’ next superintendent. Shortly after the start of Monday’s board of education work session, members retreated to executive session to briefly discuss the matter.