Regional

Walden Martin’s 1-acre garden near his home in the New Hope community features a 100-foot row of beans laid out with a string to keep them straight.

Walden Martin’s 1-acre garden near his home in the New Hope community features a 100-foot row of beans laid out with a string to keep them straight.

Keeping the rows straight

News Staff
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Walden Martin belongs to a unique organization in Gilmer County, a group of old and new friends known as the ROMEO Club. “Retired Old Men Eating Out,” said the man also called “Waldo” to those who know him well.
At left, 12-year-old Asher Sullivan pulls a chicken tractor to a new area so his family’s laying hens can explore some fresh ground. Photos contributed by Sabrina Sullivan.

At left, 12-year-old Asher Sullivan pulls a chicken tractor to a new area so his family’s laying hens can explore some fresh ground. Photos contributed by Sabrina Sullivan.

Homesteading

News Staff
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
For Joey and Sabrina Sullivan, mealtime is one of the main benchmarks they use for determining how well their homestead is doing.
Kenny Wishon shows how copper rods can be used for dousing. The rods show where water is found when they cross over.

Kenny Wishon shows how copper rods can be used for dousing. The rods show where water is found when they cross over.

Water ‘witching’ a longtime Gilmer County tradition

News Staff
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Donald “Doc” McClure has been “witching” for as long as he can remember. The use of a forked limb or welding rods to find water underground — also known as “dousing” — is a Gilmer County tradition that stretches back through generations and is still practiced today.
To prevent damage to your home by hungry bears, keep household garbage out of their reach until trash pickup day.

To prevent damage to your home by hungry bears, keep household garbage out of their reach until trash pickup day.

Food for thought, hyperphagia has begun!

News Staff
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Typically, children returning to school and Southeastern Conference football heralds the arrival of fall. We know the leaves have started turning and cooler weather is on its way. Everything else is not what it typically is.
Covid-19 testing

Covid-19 testing

Governor clears way for testing for all

News Staff
Friday, May 8, 2020
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced anyone in the state can be tested for COVID-19 (coronavirus) at a press conference on Thursday. Previously, tests were limited to the general public would had symptoms of the virus or were health care workers or law enforcement officials.
Steve Pruett and Sara Stembridge enjoy a recent Benton MacKaye Trail Association hike of the Wagon Train Trail at Brasstown Bald.

Steve Pruett and Sara Stembridge enjoy a recent Benton MacKaye Trail Association hike of the Wagon Train Trail at Brasstown Bald.

MacKaye trail hikes continue, but with new safety practices

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
The great outdoors is still being explored and enjoyed by members of a local hiking group.
Forest Service Road No. 42 off Doublehead Gap Road leads to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail in Gilmer County. The USDA Forest Service has temporarily shut down several trails due to Covid-19 virus social distancing concerns, including Springer Mountain. For a link to area trail closures, go to fs.usda.gov/conf.

Forest Service Road No. 42 off Doublehead Gap Road leads to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail in Gilmer County. The USDA Forest Service has temporarily shut down several trails due to Covid-19 virus social distancing concerns, including Springer Mountain. For a link to area trail closures, go to fs.usda.gov/conf.

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests temporary shutdowns

News Staff
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is temporarily shutting down all dispersed camping corridors, day-use areas, trailhead facilities and other recreation sites on the Blue Ridge Ranger District to protect public health and safety.