Local

East Ellijay Police Department Officer Chris Hawthorne plays with a dog at the Gilmer County Animal Shelter.

East Ellijay Police Department Officer Chris Hawthorne plays with a dog at the Gilmer County Animal Shelter.

Pups and PoPo event offers dog adoption opportunity

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
East Ellijay Police Department (EEPD) Officer Chris Hawthorne wants Gilmer to know that police do much more than just make arrests.They can also help you make a new best friend.That’s why he’s hosting the EEPD’s first “Pups and PoPo” community event.
Nonprofit leaders, volunteers and other supporters take a photo together to celebrate the work of the Faith, Hope and Charity (FHC) Recycle Store. Shown from left are, first row, FHC volunteer Laila Wood, FHC volunteer JoAnn Davis, FHC Manager Liceann Strauss, Women Together Period Inc. Executive Director Emilyn Slemons, Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter President Sylvia Harris, The Joy House Executive Director Steve Lowe, Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer Supervisor McKenzi Farris, FHC volun

Nonprofit leaders, volunteers and other supporters take a photo together to celebrate the work of the Faith, Hope and Charity (FHC) Recycle Store. Shown from left are, first row, FHC volunteer Laila Wood, FHC volunteer JoAnn Davis, FHC Manager Liceann Strauss, Women Together Period Inc. Executive Director Emilyn Slemons, Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter President Sylvia Harris, The Joy House Executive Director Steve Lowe, Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer Supervisor McKenzi Farris, FHC volun

Faith, Hope and Charity Recycle Store raises $800,000 for Gilmer nonprofits

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
The efforts of Faith, Hope and Charity (FHC) Recycle Store have raised crucial money for nonprofits across Gilmer County.This year, FHC and other nonprofits celebrated the raising of more than $800,000 through the recycle store.
Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter Veterinary Assistant Malachi Balance prepares to discharge a freshly-fixed dog.

Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter Veterinary Assistant Malachi Balance prepares to discharge a freshly-fixed dog.

Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter controls future animal populations

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
There may not be a noticeable difference now, but in about seven years, Gilmer’s stray pet problem will be much smaller.“You’re gonna start noticing the difference,” said Sylvia Harris, the President of Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS) said.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

“The Breed” movie plans to film in Gilmer County

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Something terrifying and unnatural haunts the woods of Gilmer County.At least, it does in the film, “The Breed,” which producers Vince Dagni, Cobus Gomes and Jeff Sinclair are working on.“It’s sort of an elevated horror,” Gomes said. “I love the theme of prey versus predator.
University of North Georgia Assistant Director of Leadership and Community Engagement Emily Harris, left, and Women Together Period Executive Director Emily Slemons, right, stand beside a stack of donated menstrual products.

University of North Georgia Assistant Director of Leadership and Community Engagement Emily Harris, left, and Women Together Period Executive Director Emily Slemons, right, stand beside a stack of donated menstrual products.

Women Together Period celebrates five years of helping Gilmer

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
In just five years, Gilmer nonprofit Women Together Period has given 86,000 menstrual products to women in need across multiple counties.“A lot of us don’t think about this need, but it’s a serious threat,” the group’s founder and Executive Director Emilyn Slemons said.
Vietnam veteran and Army Specialist John Jarrard commemorates Memorial Day at the Gilmer Veterans Memorial Wall Monday, May 25.

Vietnam veteran and Army Specialist John Jarrard commemorates Memorial Day at the Gilmer Veterans Memorial Wall Monday, May 25.

Community dedicates Gilmer Veterans Memorial Wall

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Even in pouring rain, hundreds of Gilmer residents gathered to honor slain and missing veterans for Memorial Day.The crowd stayed for more than an hour to dedicate the Gilmer Veterans Memorial Wall, located at 2150 Old Highway 5, Ellijay.
Randy Westbrook votes in Gilmer County's primary election Tuesday, May 19.

Randy Westbrook votes in Gilmer County's primary election Tuesday, May 19.

Primary elections reelect Charlie Paris as commissioner

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Thursday, May 28, 2026
While the most important state results will come in November, the primary election last week decided some of Gilmer County’s most important races.Gilmer County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlie Paris won his bid for reelection, beating challenger Doug Rink.
Community Calendar of Events

Community Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
The deadline to submit items for the Calendar of Events is noon Friday. Items received after that time will run the following week if possible. Calendar items may be subject to editing. Email items to calendar@timescourier.com.