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Julia Vorpahl, a 2014 Gilmer High School grad, right, and her dad, Larry, are joined by Food Network personality and professional chef Carla Hall, center, at the 2019 National Gingerbread House Competition in Asheville, N.C.

Julia Vorpahl, a 2014 Gilmer High School grad, right, and her dad, Larry, are joined by Food Network personality and professional chef Carla Hall, center, at the 2019 National Gingerbread House Competition in Asheville, N.C.

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Serious gingerbread

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Nailing down a strong and edible adhesive was among the challenges met by a young woman with Ellijay roots who recently entered and placed in her first gingerbread house competition. The first contest for Julia Vorpahl, 23, was no minor-league event.
Stitches escaped custody of the North Pole and has made his way to Ellijay. He is still at large.

Stitches escaped custody of the North Pole and has made his way to Ellijay. He is still at large.

Escapee wreaks havoc in community

April Teague - Staff
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Sunday evening, the Ellijay Police Department responded to a call  about suspicious activity at the Tabor House. When officers arrived on scene, they found Stitches, the recently escaped elf, “asleep” on the steps. Officers confirmed Stitches was in possession of three jars of untaxed eggnog.
The elves were busy working in Santa’s float in the Light Up Ellijay parade Nov. 29. 5 year old Ryan Ehrmann, center, is being hugged by Jordan, an experienced 10 year old elf, as another adorable elf pauses for the camera. Shared on Facebook by Lisa Ehrmann.

The elves were busy working in Santa’s float in the Light Up Ellijay parade Nov. 29. 5 year old Ryan Ehrmann, center, is being hugged by Jordan, an experienced 10 year old elf, as another adorable elf pauses for the camera. Shared on Facebook by Lisa Ehrmann.

Ellijay elves helping Santa

News Staff
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Gilmer High nurse Jade Davis organizing the school’s clothes closet.

Gilmer High nurse Jade Davis organizing the school’s clothes closet.

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Clothes closets provide for Gilmer students

News Staff
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
It is important that students have the appropriate clothing during all seasons, especially the winter. That is why all Gilmer County schools have clothes closets which makes clothes available to students anytime they need them.
Mike Mertz, of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, above, and B. Morris Martin, assistant district attorney for the Appalachian Judicial Circuit, below, talk to police officers from various counties during a training course that focused on responding to domestic and family violence incidents.

Mike Mertz, of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, above, and B. Morris Martin, assistant district attorney for the Appalachian Judicial Circuit, below, talk to police officers from various counties during a training course that focused on responding to domestic and family violence incidents.

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Multiple police agencies attend domestic/family violence training via crisis network

News Staff
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Police officers from numerous north Georgia and metro Atlanta agencies received training focused on domestic and family violence investigation during a daylong session held last Friday.
Afton and Robin Salmon are the musical core of Ellijay-based band Surrender Hill.

Afton and Robin Salmon are the musical core of Ellijay-based band Surrender Hill.

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Country and rock, darkness and light converge in music of Surrender Hill

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Before settling in Ellijay two years ago, the roads of life had already taken singer/songwriter Robin Salmon from a childhood in Durban, South Africa, then San Antonio, Texas, to the music scenes of New York, Atlanta and Nashville.
Denise Sewczwicz and Glen Peaden share a laugh while stacking boxes for customers to use during last year’s Christmas Cookie Walk at Good Samaritan Catholic Church.

Denise Sewczwicz and Glen Peaden share a laugh while stacking boxes for customers to use during last year’s Christmas Cookie Walk at Good Samaritan Catholic Church.

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Cookie Walk at Good Samaritan Church Dec. 14

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Thousands of handmade cookies are expected to fly directly from tables decorated by parishioners to boxes carried by customers when Ellijay Good Samaritan Catholic Church hosts its 13th annual Christmas Cookie Walk Saturday, Dec. 14.
Gilmer County Fire Chief Daniel Kauffman, left, and EMA Director Keith Kucera, right, accept a safety grant check from ACCG representative Joe Dan Thompson.

Gilmer County Fire Chief Daniel Kauffman, left, and EMA Director Keith Kucera, right, accept a safety grant check from ACCG representative Joe Dan Thompson.

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Safety grant brings new equipment to Gilmer Fire

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Receiving a safety improvement grant has allowed Gilmer Fire and Rescue to purchase additional field equipment for its firefighters.
Santa (Jack Senterfitt) will team up with local photographers Haley Vick, left, and Gena Farmer, right, for an upcoming Sensory Santa event at Clear Creek Elementary School. Anyone who has children with special sensory needs can make an appointment for a Santa visit and photo session.

Santa (Jack Senterfitt) will team up with local photographers Haley Vick, left, and Gena Farmer, right, for an upcoming Sensory Santa event at Clear Creek Elementary School. Anyone who has children with special sensory needs can make an appointment for a Santa visit and photo session.

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Sensory Santa touches down at Clear Creek Elementary Dec. 13

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
A keepsake photo of their child’s visit with Santa is a must for many parents each Christmas season. That, however, is not always possible for children with special needs.
Ellijay's downtown Christmas Tree

Ellijay's downtown Christmas Tree

Light Up Ellijay draws festive crowd

News Staff
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
People filled the square in Ellijay for Light Up Ellijay, the annual kickoff of the Christmas season in Gilmer County. Festivities started at 2 p.m. with pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The parade began at 6 p.m. and was followed by the lighting of the tree.