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Flower the cat takes a swing at a toy held by Vet Assistant Justin Gooch.

Flower the cat takes a swing at a toy held by Vet Assistant Justin Gooch.

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New Cat Enrichment Program makes life better for shelter cats

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Happy cats get adopted. Vet Assistant Justin Gooch makes sure  Flower the cat is entertained during her stay in the Gilmer County Animal Shelter. That’s why the Gilmer County Animal Shelter (GCAS) has created a new program to enrich and socialize the shelter’s cats.
The beams of the old Ridgeway Baptist Church show the skill and craftsmanship of men more than 160 years ago.

The beams of the old Ridgeway Baptist Church show the skill and craftsmanship of men more than 160 years ago.

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Ridgeway Baptist Church will be repaired on private land

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
When Confederate veterans Wiley Pankey, J.C. Worley, Frank Nelson and Leander Corbin returned from America’s most devastating war, they built a church. “It’s a part of Gilmer County history,” Ridgeway Baptist Church Deacon Danny McArthur said.
Ace Hardware Inventory Manager Shanan Pittman, left, and Floor Clerk Abby McCollum, right, stand by shelves where heaters and other winter supplies have sold out.

Ace Hardware Inventory Manager Shanan Pittman, left, and Floor Clerk Abby McCollum, right, stand by shelves where heaters and other winter supplies have sold out.

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Gilmer was prepared for major winter storm

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
As winter storms swept down on Georgia, Gilmer residents prepared for a potential disaster. “Look out for loved ones, friends and neighbors,” Ingles shopper Jeffrey Settle said on Friday, Jan. 23. As Gilmer residents store up water to prepare for a winter storm, Food Lion’s shelves run low.
Deb Logan feeds peppermint-flavored treats to Piper, an alpaca at Swan Song Farm.

Deb Logan feeds peppermint-flavored treats to Piper, an alpaca at Swan Song Farm.

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Southeast Llama Rescue finds unusual animals new homes

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Sometimes they spit on the ones that care for them. But llamas are well worth having, llama owner Deb Logan said.  “It has a bit of magic to it,” she said. “It’s like being surrounded by unicorns.” Deb Logan checks up with Spike, a sick llama on her farm.
Teachers and STAR students celebrate receiving awards. Shown from left are teacher Heath Hinton, STAR student Harper Davenport, STAR student Rose Bawihnem and teacher Mary May.

Teachers and STAR students celebrate receiving awards. Shown from left are teacher Heath Hinton, STAR student Harper Davenport, STAR student Rose Bawihnem and teacher Mary May.

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STAR students celebrate

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
You don’t have to go to Hollywood to be a star. High test scores and high grades can get you there, too.
Salutatorian Boston Teague, left, and Valedictorian Meghan McCormick, right, will be speaking at the Gilmer High School graduation.

Salutatorian Boston Teague, left, and Valedictorian Meghan McCormick, right, will be speaking at the Gilmer High School graduation.

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Gilmer High School valedictorian and salutatorian announced

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Hard work got two students the honor of speaking at graduation. “It feels great,” said Megan McCormick, the valedictorian. “Don’t let anyone doubt you. If people are doubting you, just use that to keep going.
Rick Gillert, director of Angling in Grief, goes fly fishing. Gillert is an experienced hospice chaplain and fly fisherman.

Rick Gillert, director of Angling in Grief, goes fly fishing. Gillert is an experienced hospice chaplain and fly fisherman.

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Fly fishing support group provides new angle on grief processing

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Few people understand grief like a hospice chaplain. “I’ve experienced about 5,000 deaths,” former hospice chaplain Rick Gillert said. “And I’ve helped those families and patients through the grieving process.
Cars cross the Cartecay bridge on Hwy. 52 on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

Cars cross the Cartecay bridge on Hwy. 52 on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

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Georgia DOT will replace Hwy. 52 bridge

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
In the year the Cartecay bridge on Hwy. 52 was built, Hitler was bombing Britain, Disney’s Pinocchio hit theaters for the first time and swing music was in full swing. It’s about time the bridge was replaced, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).
The Gilmer High School prom court men take a picture together. Shown from left are Preston McVey, Landon Hamby, Bubba Callihan, River Hicks, Keller Baughman, Braelyn Nelson, Lukas DeVente, Edward Marietta and Ridge Blocker. Not shown are Keller Baughman and Dawson Richard.

The Gilmer High School prom court men take a picture together. Shown from left are Preston McVey, Landon Hamby, Bubba Callihan, River Hicks, Keller Baughman, Braelyn Nelson, Lukas DeVente, Edward Marietta and Ridge Blocker. Not shown are Keller Baughman and Dawson Richard.

GHS Prom Court announced

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

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Board rescinds offer for building

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Gilmer County will not be locating a recreation center at the Whitepath Fab Tech building. Commissioners rescinded their offer for the building on Industrial Blvd. when they emerged from an hour and 40 minute closed session. The executive session occured at a special called meeting Jan. 14.