Local

Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Vote to name park rescinded

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Gilmer County commissioners voted to rescind their previous vote to name the River Park in honor of the Ralston family. Harold Hefner River Park is the official name of the park. Commissioners voted to fete the Ralston’s without realizing someone was already honored.
Ellijay roots rockers Surrender Hill, above, and Kennesaw singer/songwriter Mark Miller, below, will perform at the first installment of the Blue Betty Sessions at the George Link Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse.

Ellijay roots rockers Surrender Hill, above, and Kennesaw singer/songwriter Mark Miller, below, will perform at the first installment of the Blue Betty Sessions at the George Link Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse.

Blue Betty Sessions bring Americana sounds to playhouse

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
A new live music series, The Blue Betty Sessions, will partner an Ellijay group that plays folk and country-inspired roots rock with a rotating cast of regional and national singer/songwriters.
Calvin Wilson, standing, talks with Mayor Al Hoyle and Ellijay City Councilmembers about a proposed short-term rental ordinance during a June 21 council workshop.

Calvin Wilson, standing, talks with Mayor Al Hoyle and Ellijay City Councilmembers about a proposed short-term rental ordinance during a June 21 council workshop.

City council tables first reading of short-term rental ordinance

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
During a workshop that preceded a Monday, June 21, meeting of the Ellijay City Council, councilmembers and Mayor Al Hoyle heard concerns and questions -— mostly from owners of short-term rental properties -— about a proposed city ordinance that would govern operation and licensing of certain...
Alyssa Drake

Alyssa Drake

Up, up and away ...

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Water skier Alyssa Drake soars through the air last Sunday at Whitestone Lake Estate’s annual Summer Starter. The event featured two days of slalom, trick and jump events.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

COVID cases down, vaccines ongoing

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
After more than half a year since COVID-19 vaccines were introduced, Gilmer County’s new case numbers are decreasing, noted the director of the North Georgia Health District during last week’s quarterly Gilmer County Board of Health teleconference meeting.  Health Director Dr.
Lloyd Clark, at podium, speaks to the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners at a work session also attended by several local residents who either support or oppose a farm winery planned by Clark.

Lloyd Clark, at podium, speaks to the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners at a work session also attended by several local residents who either support or oppose a farm winery planned by Clark.

Board nixes farm winery

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Following public comment about allowing zoning changes for a farm winery and tasting room, Gilmer County commissioners denied the change. “I would hate for it to be  taken as a referendum on how we feel about wineries,” Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris said.
The downtown public restrooms could receive interior and exterior updates as part of a project being explored by the Ellijay Downtown Development Authority.

The downtown public restrooms could receive interior and exterior updates as part of a project being explored by the Ellijay Downtown Development Authority.

DDA discussing public restroom improvements

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
The Ellijay Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is looking ahead at renovating downtown’s public restrooms.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Motorcyclist killed in accident

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
A man from Cumming was killed when his motorcycle hit a overturned camper. A GMC Yukon was pulling a camper west on Hwy. 52 Sunday, June 13, at 3:24 p.m. when the driver lost control and the camper separated, according to a report from the Georgia State Patrol.
The building at 945 Progress Road awaits renovation to become the new location for Gilmer County’s Boys and Girls Club. Relocation from the club’s current Civic Center location is expected to begin in December.

The building at 945 Progress Road awaits renovation to become the new location for Gilmer County’s Boys and Girls Club. Relocation from the club’s current Civic Center location is expected to begin in December.

Boys and Girls Club relocation back on track

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
The Boys and Girls Clubs of North Georgia (BGCNG) is moving forward with plans to relocate Gilmer County’s Three Rivers club to property on Progress Road purchased in 2018.  Faith, Hope and Charity Recycle Store Inc.