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Vietnam veteran and Army Specialist John Jarrard commemorates Memorial Day at the Gilmer Veterans Memorial Wall Monday, May 25.

Vietnam veteran and Army Specialist John Jarrard commemorates Memorial Day at the Gilmer Veterans Memorial Wall Monday, May 25.

Community dedicates Gilmer Veterans Memorial Wall

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Even in pouring rain, hundreds of Gilmer residents gathered to honor slain and missing veterans for Memorial Day.The crowd stayed for more than an hour to dedicate the Gilmer Veterans Memorial Wall, located at 2150 Old Highway 5, Ellijay.
Randy Westbrook votes in Gilmer County's primary election Tuesday, May 19.

Randy Westbrook votes in Gilmer County's primary election Tuesday, May 19.

Primary elections reelect Charlie Paris as commissioner

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Thursday, May 28, 2026
While the most important state results will come in November, the primary election last week decided some of Gilmer County’s most important races.Gilmer County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlie Paris won his bid for reelection, beating challenger Doug Rink.
Community Calendar of Events

Community Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
The deadline to submit items for the Calendar of Events is noon Friday. Items received after that time will run the following week if possible. Calendar items may be subject to editing. Email items to calendar@timescourier.com.
Nettie Craddock celebrates her 95th birthday surrounded by family. Shown from left are, first row, Nettie Craddock; and, second row, Laura McMahan and Cynthia Bailey; and, third row, John Craddock, Greg McMahan and Shane Reis.

Nettie Craddock celebrates her 95th birthday surrounded by family. Shown from left are, first row, Nettie Craddock; and, second row, Laura McMahan and Cynthia Bailey; and, third row, John Craddock, Greg McMahan and Shane Reis.

Craddock Center founder celebrates 95th birthday

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Over the last 25 years, the Craddock Center has grown into a resource for children across Appalachia.“I’m very proud of the Craddock Center,” Nettie Craddock said. “It’s much larger, and it’s done much more than what we thought when we started.
Ellijay Police Department Officer Allen O’Neal, left, and Oficer Dawson Young, right, receive their Police Commendation Awards for rescuing a runaway 12-year-old girl.

Ellijay Police Department Officer Allen O’Neal, left, and Oficer Dawson Young, right, receive their Police Commendation Awards for rescuing a runaway 12-year-old girl.

Ellijay officers awarded for saving 12-year-old girl

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Heroism can begin with being perceptive and doing a little extra.That’s what happened on March 9, when Ellijay Police Department (EPD) Officer Dawson Young was driving home from work at roughly 2 a.m.
Matt Banks’s family celebrate after he received the Teacher of the Year Award. Shown from left are Gunner Banks, Lindsay Banks, Grey Banks and Matt Banks.

Matt Banks’s family celebrate after he received the Teacher of the Year Award. Shown from left are Gunner Banks, Lindsay Banks, Grey Banks and Matt Banks.

Matt Banks wins District Teacher of the Year

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Thursday, May 28, 2026
After 19 years of teaching, eight-grade physical science teacher Matt Banks has won District Teacher of the Year.“It’s really humbling,” Banks said of winning the award. “There’s a lot more people I feel are more deserving than I am, but it’s nice to be recognized.