Local

James Waters, left, is sworn in as an East Ellijay City Councilmember by Mayor Don Callihan, right.

James Waters, left, is sworn in as an East Ellijay City Councilmember by Mayor Don Callihan, right.

Waters is East Ellijay’s newest councilmember

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Changes in East Ellijay’s governmental structure continued last week, following the passing of longtime Mayor Mack West in February. Prior city councilmember and mayor pro-tem Don Callihan was sworn in as East Ellijay’s mayor last month.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

$9 million supplemental plan approved

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Gilmer County commissioners approved a revised supplemental plan for the county which will allow spending $9 million from the general fund to address urgent needs in the county. “We’re getting started on those as quickly as we can,” said Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris.
Aaron Dean and Knucklehead tackle the class 3 rapids of the Nantahala River by kayak.

Aaron Dean and Knucklehead tackle the class 3 rapids of the Nantahala River by kayak.

Dog, owner enjoy adventures together

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
A man and his dog — best friends, kayaking buddies, bikers. Some of those are fairly uncommon descriptions of the typical relationship between man and dog, but they’ve become pretty much the norm for Aaron Dean, an Ellijay homebuilder, and Knucklehead, a two-and-a-half-year old pit bull.
Pictured, after a recent closing for property that will be used for upcoming Habitat For Humanity (HFH) home builds in Gilmer County, are Fannin-Gilmer HFH representatives, the chapter’s attorney and a local property owner who donated the land. From left, Karleen Ferguson (Fannin-Gilmer HFH board vice-president), Laura Ray (attorney), Chris Hall (Fannin-Gilmer HFH director), Mitzi Miller (donating property) and Addie Vaughn (legal assistant).

Pictured, after a recent closing for property that will be used for upcoming Habitat For Humanity (HFH) home builds in Gilmer County, are Fannin-Gilmer HFH representatives, the chapter’s attorney and a local property owner who donated the land. From left, Karleen Ferguson (Fannin-Gilmer HFH board vice-president), Laura Ray (attorney), Chris Hall (Fannin-Gilmer HFH director), Mitzi Miller (donating property) and Addie Vaughn (legal assistant).

Local Habitat affiliate secures property for two homes

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
The Habitat for Humanity (HFH) team that represents Gilmer and Fannin County is gearing up to do something that’s not been done since the early 2000s — building a Habitat home in Gilmer County.
Attendees line up to try a Super Taco at the first Food Truck Tuesday held at River Park March 7. Super Taco “El Guero,” of Atlanta, was one of several local and regional food trucks that participated in the new event, which will continue at the South Main Street park the first Tuesday in April.

Attendees line up to try a Super Taco at the first Food Truck Tuesday held at River Park March 7. Super Taco “El Guero,” of Atlanta, was one of several local and regional food trucks that participated in the new event, which will continue at the South Main Street park the first Tuesday in April.

Food truck fun had at park

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Don VanLandingham

Don VanLandingham

Local author’s historical crime novel picked for re-release

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
A Gilmer County author is excited, albeit a little surprised, that one of his self-published books has been picked up for re-release by a publishing company. Don VanLandingham‘s first novel, the crime thriller “Drawn Into Hell,” was first released in 2010.
A past group of Citizens’ Law Enforcement Academy students is pictured touring the Gilmer County Jail.

A past group of Citizens’ Law Enforcement Academy students is pictured touring the Gilmer County Jail.

Next GCSO Citizens’ Law Enforcement Academy starts March 21

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
In a continuing program from the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), you’ll ride in a police car and spend and evening at the local jail. But don’t worry. It’s all for educational purposes. The GCSO’s next Citizens’ Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA) will begin March 21.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Ellijay man killed in plane crash

News Staff
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
By Glenn Harbison, News-Observer Publisher   An Ellijay man is dead as the result of an airplane crash Sunday morning, March 5, in Fannin County. The victim has been identified as Jeffrey Alfred Petersohn, 65, of 146 Novena Court, #9092.
Severe thunderstorms that blew through Gilmer County last Friday brought winds strong enough to tear tin from the roof of the Ellijay Pepsi plant. (Photo by Rhesa Chastain)

Severe thunderstorms that blew through Gilmer County last Friday brought winds strong enough to tear tin from the roof of the Ellijay Pepsi plant. (Photo by Rhesa Chastain)

‘Could’ve been a whole lot worse’

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
A string of severe thunderstorms that prompted a tornado warning for Gilmer County last Friday didn’t result in any known tornadic activity here, although conditions were almost on point for that type of destructive event.