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County looks to Jan. 1 start date for STR ordinance

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
After almost a year and 18 previous versions, Gilmer County has an ordinance regulating the operation and licensing of short-term rentals, and there’s still a lot be done between now and when the ordinance goes into effect Jan. 1 2025.
Jesse Westbrook, right, received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Medal during a presentation at Ellijay’s United Community Bank in mid-June. U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia’s Ninth Congressional District, left, helped procure the medals through a request originated by Westbrook’s friend, Ralph Cox, center. It’s been 71 years since Westbrook served in Korea.

Jesse Westbrook, right, received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Medal during a presentation at Ellijay’s United Community Bank in mid-June. U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia’s Ninth Congressional District, left, helped procure the medals through a request originated by Westbrook’s friend, Ralph Cox, center. It’s been 71 years since Westbrook served in Korea.

Westbrook receives medals 71 years later

Mark Millican - Special to the Times-Courier
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
When Jesse Westbrook was deployed to South Korea in 1952, he stayed until the end of the war on July 27, 1953. Though it might be said hostilities were winding down in that last year, Westbrook and his unit were still supporting combat missions while dodging bullets and mortar shells.
Pictured, from left, board member Hubert Parker, board member Ricky Wimpey, board member Tony Whitaker, wife Halena Gibbs, daughter Holli Gibbs, son Matt Teague, daughter-in-law Whitney Teague, board chairman Billy Rowe, board member David Westmoreland, former board member Greg Teague and water authority director Gary McVey. 

Pictured, from left, board member Hubert Parker, board member Ricky Wimpey, board member Tony Whitaker, wife Halena Gibbs, daughter Holli Gibbs, son Matt Teague, daughter-in-law Whitney Teague, board chairman Billy Rowe, board member David Westmoreland, former board member Greg Teague and water authority director Gary McVey. 

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Gibbs honored by water authority

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Ellijay-Gilmer County Water and Sewerage Authority board members and staff honored late board chairman Mike Gibbs last week by unveiling a commemorative plaque bearing his likeness that will hang at the water authority building on Progress Road.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

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Council hears concerns on North Avenue traffic

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Ellijay City Council-members heard comments from a North Avenue resident about the busy downtown Ellijay street needing to become a one-way, while also discussing changes to a pending cryptomining ordinance, when meeting Monday, July 15.
Gilmer County’s Georgia Forestry Commission office has sat in shambles since being hit by a May tornado.

Gilmer County’s Georgia Forestry Commission office has sat in shambles since being hit by a May tornado.

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Forestry commission rebuild planned

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
A rebuild is planned for the Gilmer County office of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), which was demolished by a tornado.  “July starts the beginning of our fiscal year so everything was kind of on hold through June. It’s in the process.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

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TSPLOST will appear on November ballot

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
It is official, a local TSPLOST will appear on the November ballot for Gilmer County. Gilmer County commissioners officially voted to put the measure on the ballot at a meeting where many items were removed from the agenda, and Chair Charlie Paris called in to participate.
Sharon Courson

Sharon Courson

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Courson to be county’s next EMA director

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Gilmer County’s next Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director is getting ready to trade the Georgia coastline for the mountains. Sharon Courson will relocate here from Glynn County, where she’s currently the deputy EMA director.
Eric Stoker

Eric Stoker

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Stoker hired as GCCA’s CEO

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Eric Stoker is the new chief executive officer of the Gilmer College and Career Academy. Stoker, 51, was approved by the Gilmer Board of Education May 16 and began his tenure as the GCCA’s CEO last Monday, July 8.
Photo by Michael Andrews/Mountain Life Editor

Photo by Michael Andrews/Mountain Life Editor

Traffic detoured for tree maintenance

News Staff
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Cutting of overhanging trees continued this week along South Main Street, where a 50-foot setback is being cut between Bobcat Drive and Legion Road. Traffic is being detoured onto Bobcat Drive and Legion Road while the work is done.
Gilmer County Post Commissioners John Marshall (left) and Hubert Parker (right) present outgoing Emergency Management Director Keith Kucera with a plaque commemorating his service. Kucera is joining the Gilmer County School System as an instructor. (Photo by Alyssa Ashurst)

Gilmer County Post Commissioners John Marshall (left) and Hubert Parker (right) present outgoing Emergency Management Director Keith Kucera with a plaque commemorating his service. Kucera is joining the Gilmer County School System as an instructor. (Photo by Alyssa Ashurst)

A salute for service

News Staff
Wednesday, July 17, 2024