Local

The median at Old Highway 5 and Progress Road had been planted with tulips before recently being run over twice in the same week. The spot, which Maddie Mullis decorates differently each season, has since been repaired.

The median at Old Highway 5 and Progress Road had been planted with tulips before recently being run over twice in the same week. The spot, which Maddie Mullis decorates differently each season, has since been repaired.

Despite recent damage, median decorator hopes to continue

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
At first, a local woman who decorates a street median at Progress Road and Old Highway 5 thought a recent run-over of the spot was unintentional. Then the same thing happened again just a day later.
From left, Emma Heaslip, Maisey Hunt and Addie Davenport rehearse a scene for the upcoming Gilmer High School Theater production of “Mamma Mia!”

From left, Emma Heaslip, Maisey Hunt and Addie Davenport rehearse a scene for the upcoming Gilmer High School Theater production of “Mamma Mia!”

GHS wraps theater season with ‘Mamma Mia!’ this weekend

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
The young actors and actresses of Gilmer High School Theater will soar through the hit songs of Swedish pop sensation ABBA when the drama club presents its spring musical this weekend. “Mamma Mia!” will be performed at the GHS Linda Miller Theater (inside the high school) at 7 p.m.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Brumby appointed Parks and Rec director

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Gilmer County’s golf course director will now also be the director of the parks and recreation department. Commissioners voted unanimously following a closed session at a special called meeting May 2, to appoint Mike Brumby as the director of the parks and recreation department.
From left, Chase McGill, Danny Myrick and Brandon Kinney are among the Nashville singer/songwriters scheduled to perform at the first Ellijay Songwriters Festival. The three have written hit songs for such country music artists as Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Lonestar.

From left, Chase McGill, Danny Myrick and Brandon Kinney are among the Nashville singer/songwriters scheduled to perform at the first Ellijay Songwriters Festival. The three have written hit songs for such country music artists as Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Lonestar.

New songwriter fest set for Memorial Day weekend

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
A new music event focused on singer/songwriters will spread out across the county Labor Day weekend. The 2023 Ellijay Songwriters Festival will take place at several of the county’s wineries and the Gilmer Arts Playhouse May 25-28.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Water rates, several fees going up

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Water rates and several fees will soon be going up for customers of the Ellijay-Gilmer County Water and Sewerage Authority (EGCWSA). Water board members approved a new rate/fee structure, which raises both residential and commercial water and sewer rates, when meeting last week.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Housing survey next step for GICH panel

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
A new community survey is the latest step by a panel of local residents seeking to find solutions to a lack of affordable housing in the county.
Photo by Michael Andrews

Photo by Michael Andrews

Making art on the square

News Staff
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Joanna McNally, of Cherry Log, left, and Holly Chadwick, of Mineral Bluff, right, were among a group of artists who gathered on the downtown Ellijay square last week to create plein air (outdoor) paintings. It was the first time the group of painters had used the square as a place of inspiration.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Prescribed burn smoke traveled south

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
When one smells smoke there’s fire, or so the old saying goes. That was true last week, but the fire was not in Gilmer County, nor was it one that had gotten out of control.
Police Chief Edward Lacey discusses the need for security cameras at Harrison Park and in downtown Ellijay with Mayor Al Hoyle and the Ellijay City Council.

Police Chief Edward Lacey discusses the need for security cameras at Harrison Park and in downtown Ellijay with Mayor Al Hoyle and the Ellijay City Council.

Need for security cameras talked at council meeting

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Security cameras could soon be coming to Harrison Park and possibly the downtown Ellijay square in the future, all depending on whether applied-for grant funding is received.
Gilmer County 911 Communications Officers Sgt. Donavie Laney, left, and Sgt. Ashley Laney, right, test the multitasking ability of the Citizens’ Law Enforcement Academy class with a split ear exercise and excerpts from actual 911 calls.

Gilmer County 911 Communications Officers Sgt. Donavie Laney, left, and Sgt. Ashley Laney, right, test the multitasking ability of the Citizens’ Law Enforcement Academy class with a split ear exercise and excerpts from actual 911 calls.

Emergencies every day

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Participants in the Gilmer Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Citizens’ Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA) got a crash course in what it takes to be a 911 dispatcher during last week’s session of the educational program in which citizens get an up-close look at different GCSO departments.