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Gilmer College and Career Academy CEO Carla Foley and teacher Kris Martinez were presented with a medallion last Monday from the Law and Public Safety Education Network recognizing their newly certified public safety program. They are joined from left by, Gilmer County Board of Education member Joe Pflueger, vice chairman Michael Parks, superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley, chairman Doug Pritchett and members Michael Bramlett and Jacob Callihan.

Gilmer College and Career Academy CEO Carla Foley and teacher Kris Martinez were presented with a medallion last Monday from the Law and Public Safety Education Network recognizing their newly certified public safety program. They are joined from left by, Gilmer County Board of Education member Joe Pflueger, vice chairman Michael Parks, superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley, chairman Doug Pritchett and members Michael Bramlett and Jacob Callihan.

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GCCA public safety program receives industry certification

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Educational opportunities are on the rise for the county’s students. The Gilmer College and Career Academy’s public safety pathway is one of nine in the country with certification recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriffs Association.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

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Pritchard hearing continued to October

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
A hearing on allegations Brian Pritchard voted illegally will be continued until October. The case concerning whether Pritchard voted illegally in Georgia while on felony probation in Pennsylvania was set to be heard Wednesday, July 19, in Gilmer County.
Gilmer Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief C.J. Morris, right, observes as fire department recruits Kingston Collier and Glenn Ballard use pry tools to force open a locked door during a drill that was part of last week’s training for new recruits.

Gilmer Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief C.J. Morris, right, observes as fire department recruits Kingston Collier and Glenn Ballard use pry tools to force open a locked door during a drill that was part of last week’s training for new recruits.

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School in session for new Gilmer Fire recruit class

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
A new class in Gilmer Fire and Rescue’s recruit training academy is learning how to manage suiting up in one of the hottest summers in recent memory before they encounter the heat of an actual fire.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

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Short-term rentals discussion begins

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Commissioners began a promised discussion on regulating short-term rentals in Gilmer County. Discussions took place at the board’s work and regular sessions July 12 and 13. “It is the party houses we want to eliminate,” said Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris.
New pool construction behind the Civic Center on Old Hwy. 5 South

New pool construction behind the Civic Center on Old Hwy. 5 South

Pool progress delayed

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Park and recreation personnel Gary Watkins, left, and Jordan Hice, right, take a look at the deep end of the unfinished Gilmer County Swimming Pool last week on a day when crews weren’t working on the project.
Gilmer Schools

Gilmer Schools

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GCSS increases lunch prices

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Student lunch prices will increase by 30 cents for the upcoming school year. The change was discussed at last month’s Gilmer County Board of Education work session and unanimously approved at its regular meeting. The lunch price for elementary students will be $2.
The Band Waleska

The Band Waleska

Barefoot jam

News Staff
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Nolan Hawthorne, singer/guitarist of The Band Waleska, front right, kicked off his shoes as the band played the Food Truck Tuesday event at River Park last week. Named after its north Georgia hometown, the group describes its music as “firewater rock ‘n’ roll.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

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$3 billion portion of tax digest approved

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Five years ago, the real and personal property portions of the county’s tax digest totaled $1.56 billion. For the 2023 digest, the preliminary real/personal property value total is almost double that 2018 figure.
Joyce Southern Bennett

Joyce Southern Bennett

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Local author’s novel basis for TV series

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
A local author is excited that a TV series based on one of her novels could soon begin production. Joyce Southern Bennett grew up in Ellijay and lived here until health reasons prompted a recent move to Pickens County.
This oak tree measuring 20 inches in diameter fell on the bedroom where Martha Wheeler was sleeping; there was neither storm nor wind at the time. (Contributed photo)

This oak tree measuring 20 inches in diameter fell on the bedroom where Martha Wheeler was sleeping; there was neither storm nor wind at the time. (Contributed photo)

Gilmer woman gets rude awakening

Mark Millican - Special to the Times-Courier
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Martha Wheeler sets her alarm clock for 6 a.m. on weekdays so she can wake up and get ready for work. On Friday, July 7, however, she got up before it went off. “I was asleep in the bed, and the headboard is next to that wall where the tree is just a few feet away,” she said.