Local

The removal of parking spaces in front of businesses on the downtown roundabout and parallel parking on River Street, above, is currently being explored by both the Ellijay Downtown Development Authority and City Council.

The removal of parking spaces in front of businesses on the downtown roundabout and parallel parking on River Street, above, is currently being explored by both the Ellijay Downtown Development Authority and City Council.

DDA looks closer at proposed downtown parking changes

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
The Ellijay Downtown Development Authority (DDA) took a closer look at an “extended trial run” of no parking on the downtown roundabout during a meeting at City Hall last Tuesday. At a June City Council workshop, Ellijay council and DDA members discussed with Police Capt.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Assessor board divided on school tax-exemption plea

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
The Gilmer County Board of Assessors heard a plea from the son of an almost 90-year-old property owner concerning an over-65 homestead exemption as board members met last Thursday.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Gilmer Schools announce open house dates

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
The Gilmer County School System has set open house dates ahead of the new school year. Ninth-grade orientation will be held at Gilmer High Saturday, July 31, at 10 a.m. Remaining GHS students may come by the school Tuesday, Aug. 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pre-K open house is set for Monday, Aug.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Ellijay council OKs ballot item for liquor package sales

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Ellijay residents will be able to vote on whether or not to allow package sales of distilled spirits within the city limits. The Ellijay City Council approved a resolution to initiate a voter referendum on that topic during a Monday, July 19, meeting.
Joyce Southern Bennett

Joyce Southern Bennett

Bennett to do church book signing

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
A local author who’s used her birthplace of Gilmer County as a literary backdrop is looking forward to an upcoming book signing at her place of worship, Faith Chapel Church of God of Prophecy.
Don VanLandingham is pictured with a copy of his novel, Corruptacy.

Don VanLandingham is pictured with a copy of his novel, Corruptacy.

Novel draws from author’s ‘exciting’ accounting background

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Although some might see accounting as a tedious profession, a local retired CPA turned author found excitement between the numbers. “During my career, a lot of people thought being an accountant was a boring subject, but I wasn’t that way.
Above are some of the adult tricycles free to use as part of the Silver Spokes Loaner Program.

Above are some of the adult tricycles free to use as part of the Silver Spokes Loaner Program.

Take a free ride with Silver Spokes

News Staff
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
The Silver Spokes Tricycle Loaner Program is a community service providing free adult tricycles to anyone interested in pedaling in the park for fun and health.
Michelle and Jon Vigue are pictured with a Santa mailbox that’s now accepting letters in front of the Gilmer Chamber’s Downtown Welcome Center.

Michelle and Jon Vigue are pictured with a Santa mailbox that’s now accepting letters in front of the Gilmer Chamber’s Downtown Welcome Center.

Semper Fi Santa will be checking his mail all year-round

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
It may still be sunny summertime, but a local Santa doesn’t mind being busy in the seasons leading up to Christmas. A mailbox that welcomes children’s letters to Santa was recently put up on the front porch of the Gilmer Chamber’s Downtown Welcome Center at 10 Broad Street.
The northbound and southbound lanes of Old Highway 5 are accommodating traffic as a new roundabout is under construction.

The northbound and southbound lanes of Old Highway 5 are accommodating traffic as a new roundabout is under construction.

Old 5 roundabout partially open, more roadwork remains

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Construction of a traffic roundabout and highway connector near the current intersection of Highway 382 and Old Highway 5 is expected to wrap by Apple Festival time this year, confirmed the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) District 6 office.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Labor shortages felt in county

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Gilmer County is facing labor shortages in private industries, but it is affecting county government as well. Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris said he has seen employee shortages for the last six to eight months. “And, it’s been getting worse over that time,” he said.