Local

Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office officers Sergeant David Ridings, left, and Deputy Ron Scott, right, show K-9s Milo, left, and Novak, right.

Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office officers Sergeant David Ridings, left, and Deputy Ron Scott, right, show K-9s Milo, left, and Novak, right.

K-9 deputies help keep crime at bay

When facing down the suspect accused of shooting Captain Brantley Worley of McCaysville, Sergeant David Ridings didn’t grab his taser, pepper spray or gun. Sergeant David Ridings plays with K-9 unit Milo. He just unleashed Milo.
Attendees at the Georgia Apple Festival look at a hot sauce stand on Saturday, Oct. 11.

Attendees at the Georgia Apple Festival look at a hot sauce stand on Saturday, Oct. 11.

Georgia Apple Festival bears fruit for Gilmer

The Georgia Apple Festival draws crowds massive enough to overwhelm cell towers and cause traffic jams. A stilt performer entertains crowds at the Georgia Apple Festival Saturday, Oct. 11.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

County Commission puts limit on SPLOST debt

With an upcoming vote on Gilmer’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), the Gilmer County commission’s members made a few clarifications about the measure.  Currently, there is a 1 percent SPLOST sales tax. This tax helps pay bond debt and fund improvements to the county.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Early voting opens

Local elections are coming up, and early voting has already opened.  Although local elections might not always appear in national news, they can have a major impact on your life. Many important decisions are made on the county and local level. Advanced voting opened Tuesday, Oct.
Kids and crowds enjoy the Fall Festival at First Baptist Church of Ellijay.

Kids and crowds enjoy the Fall Festival at First Baptist Church of Ellijay.

Gilmer County getting spooky for Halloween

As Halloween approaches, there are a frightening number of fun activities to choose from for the holiday. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly trick-or-treating or fun events for adults, there’s something for you and those you care about.
Contributed photo Ian Campbell has opened a SMART Recovery program to help Gilmer residents out of addiction.

Contributed photo Ian Campbell has opened a SMART Recovery program to help Gilmer residents out of addiction.

Recovering addict helps others toward sobriety

Three years ago, Ian Campbell was an addict. Today, he’s clean, and helping lead others to sobriety. “What keeps me sober is service work,” Campbell said. He is now a certified addiction recovery empowerment specialist. On Oct. 6, he opened a SMART Recovery program in Gilmer County.