Local

Voter Jaime Ledford, left, is helped by poll worker Jackie Watson during the election for 7th District State House Representative at the Ellijay Northeast (Lions Club) polling place Tuesday, Jan. 3.

Voter Jaime Ledford, left, is helped by poll worker Jackie Watson during the election for 7th District State House Representative at the Ellijay Northeast (Lions Club) polling place Tuesday, Jan. 3.

Runoff to decide special election

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
In the special election for the Georgia State House District 7 race Sheree Ralston won Gilmer County and the election as a whole. She did not avoid a runoff, however, garnering only 45 percent of the vote for the district.
Volunteers Victoria and John Bateman are shown helping wrap gifts for the 2022 Gilmer County Toys for Tots campaign.

Volunteers Victoria and John Bateman are shown helping wrap gifts for the 2022 Gilmer County Toys for Tots campaign.

Future of local Toys for Tots drive uncertain

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Gilmer County’s 2022 Toys for Tots campaign provided Christmas presents to more children than in any previous year, but the future of the annual U.S. Marines-led toy drive is uncertain due, in part, to how big it’s become.
Chris Callihan was sworn in and approved as a new member of the East Ellijay City Council last week.

Chris Callihan was sworn in and approved as a new member of the East Ellijay City Council last week.

Callihan appointed to East Ellijay council

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
The East Ellijay City Council welcomed a new councilmember in its first meeting of the year last Wednesday at East Ellijay City Hall.  Chris Callihan became the newest councilmember after being sworn in by Mayor Mack West and having his appointment approved by the rest of the council.
Linemen work to switch Georgia Power service in downtown Ellijay from overhead to underground lines.

Linemen work to switch Georgia Power service in downtown Ellijay from overhead to underground lines.

Underground power line project near completion

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
A Georgia Power Grid Investment Project that’s covered several parts of Gilmer County for much of the last two years may take a few more months to complete, but it’s in the final stages.
Two mail collection boxes at the Ellijay Post Office remain out of service after being vandalized over the Christmas holidays.

Two mail collection boxes at the Ellijay Post Office remain out of service after being vandalized over the Christmas holidays.

Ellijay mailboxes vandalized

News Staff
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Two outdoor mail collection boxes at the Ellijay Post Office remain out of service after being vandalized over the Christmas holiday weekend.
Harper Hoover, age 6, left, and Maddox Wilkie, age 3, right, enjoy the last snow of 2022, which came during the deep freeze of Christmas week. (Photos courtesy Linda Hoover, Amy DeShields)

Harper Hoover, age 6, left, and Maddox Wilkie, age 3, right, enjoy the last snow of 2022, which came during the deep freeze of Christmas week. (Photos courtesy Linda Hoover, Amy DeShields)

Snow fun

News Staff
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
These scenes of the recent winter weather were provided via Facebook by Times-Courier readers. See more on our Facebook page.
An Amicalola EMC crew works to repair a transformer during the deep freeze of Christmas week.

An Amicalola EMC crew works to repair a transformer during the deep freeze of Christmas week.

Winter freeze brought challenges

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
There’s cold, and then there’s Christmas week 2022 cold.
Gilmer Warming Center volunteers Joey and Laura Lyles set up cots for anyone who spends the night at the place of refuge from the cold inside the Civic Center.

Gilmer Warming Center volunteers Joey and Laura Lyles set up cots for anyone who spends the night at the place of refuge from the cold inside the Civic Center.

Warming center a lifesaver for several during deep freeze

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
A volunteer-run warming center provided a place for several Gilmer County locals and visitors to wait out the recent deep freeze. Located at the Gilmer County Civic Center, the warming center normally opens at 5 p.m. when temperatures dip below 30 degrees.
Ronald and Tina Watkins with grandson, Holden

Ronald and Tina Watkins with grandson, Holden

Watkins retires from BoE

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Longtime Gilmer County Board of Education member and chairman Ronald Watkins is joined above by wife Tina and grandson Holden Mata. Watkins hit the gavel for the final time at the Dec. 15 meeting, and he was recognized for his 19 years of service to the county.