Attendees at a past Bethlehem Peace Light ceremony at Good Samaritan Catholic Church in Ellijay get their candles and lanterns lit in order to carry the flame to their homes and/or respective churches. From left are Ginger Hussian, Richard Byers, organizer Jack Planchard and Monsignor Jaime Barona, a retired priest from Gainesville. This year, the flame will be shared on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m. at Hope Luthern Church south of Ellijay. The public is invited.

Brian Shedd of American Legion Post 82 in Ellijay recently visited with a former publisher of the Dalton Daily Citizen, George Clarke, of the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta. Shedd and Legion members across Georgia visited dozens of veterans in the pre-Christmas trip, and he sought out Clarke at the request of friends Mark and Teresa Millican. Clarke is wearing a hat with the South Carolina state symbol given him by the couple; his early years as a newspaperman were in the Charleston area.

Times-Courier

Times-Courier

The Commercial Award goes to Gilmer Towing with his Flying Santa and well lit up truck. (Engage in Gilmer photo)

A crew was spotted Monday putting up a transmission line pole just south of Northcutt. Several poles are already erected in East Ellijay.

Times-Courier

Rep Johnny Chastain with DNR Chairwoman Lynn Smith and Rep. Stan Gunter, of Blairsville.

Times-Courier

Santa and Ms. Claus make their way from the Santa House to the courthouse veranda to light the Christmas tree on the square. A vast crowd helped by counting down from 10 to 1.