Local

Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Focus turns to projects for SPLOST

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Gilmer voters approved a renewed Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for the county, now attention turns to the planning. The SPLOST will continue to add a one cent sales tax to the majority of purchases in Gilmer County once the current one ends, some time in 2026.
Communications Officer Derrick Conner answers a call at Gilmer County’s 911 Communications Division.

Communications Officer Derrick Conner answers a call at Gilmer County’s 911 Communications Division.

How Sheriff’s office handles scam calls

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
A generation ago, the average Gilmer County resident probably didn’t have to worry as much about crimes conducted from other countries. But today, they’re a constant concern.
The Wright and Millican families enjoyed getting together during the Community Thanksgiving Dinner in 2023. The dinner has been cancelled for 2025, but will resume next year, organizers say. The free meal hosted at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall is sponsored by Faith, Hope and Charity Recycle Store as a gift to the Gilmer County community. (Contributed photo)

The Wright and Millican families enjoyed getting together during the Community Thanksgiving Dinner in 2023. The dinner has been cancelled for 2025, but will resume next year, organizers say. The free meal hosted at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall is sponsored by Faith, Hope and Charity Recycle Store as a gift to the Gilmer County community. (Contributed photo)

Thanksgiving meal cancelled, but will return

Mark Millican - Special to the Times-Courier
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
In 10 years, the Community Thanksgiving Dinner held each November in First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall has fed around 12,000 people, according to an organizer.
Volunteers prepare to receive guests at the Gilmer County Warming Center. From left are, Madeline Natzke, Mia Johnson and Ingrid Natzke.

Volunteers prepare to receive guests at the Gilmer County Warming Center. From left are, Madeline Natzke, Mia Johnson and Ingrid Natzke.

Gilmer County Warming Center opens

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
As temperatures drop below freezing, many Gilmer County residents may find themselves in need of warmth. Whether they are homeless or have homes that aren’t properly heated, the Gilmer County Warming Center provides them with a warm place to stay the night.
Stockings count down the days until Christmas at the Gilmer Senior Center. (Photo courtesy of Gilmer Senior Center)

Stockings count down the days until Christmas at the Gilmer Senior Center. (Photo courtesy of Gilmer Senior Center)

Gilmer Senior Center begins Christmas present drive

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Christmas can make even the oldest among us feel like a child again. At the Gilmer Senior Center, seniors will celebrate the love and joy of Christmas with fun and gifts at a new Christmas event. “It really gives them a sense of value and self-worth,” Activities Coordinator Leslie Haberman said.
Gilmer Community Food Pantry Director Allen Triebel stands in his office with his husky, Kira.

Gilmer Community Food Pantry Director Allen Triebel stands in his office with his husky, Kira.

Allen Triebel retires as food pantry director

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Almost dying in a car accident was part of why Allen Triebel volunteered as Gilmer Community Food Pantry (GCFP) director. “I called the treasurer and said, ‘I didn’t die in a car accident. I’ll volunteer to be the director at the food pantry,’” he said. In 2019, he hit a SUV in his 55-year-old MG.
Paul Standard got an extra chill on a cold night to celebrate his 200th career win as a head coach when Gilmer took down Ridgeland 38-6 last Friday.

Paul Standard got an extra chill on a cold night to celebrate his 200th career win as a head coach when Gilmer took down Ridgeland 38-6 last Friday.

Standard hits milestone with 200th career win

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Paul Standard joined the 200-win club when Gilmer defeated Ridgeland 38-6. The 25-year football head coach became the 70th in Georgia high school history to reach the career milestone. He was congratulated by Bobcat players and coaches before a celebratory ice bath to commemorate the rare feat.
Gilmer goes to the polls — James Lanning votes in the Gilmer County election for the public service commissioner and for a proposed Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) money, at the Coosawattee Shrine Club, Tuesday, Nov. 4. He said he believes SPLOST should be earmarked for more particular uses. In early voting, 2,253 votes were cast.

Gilmer goes to the polls — James Lanning votes in the Gilmer County election for the public service commissioner and for a proposed Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) money, at the Coosawattee Shrine Club, Tuesday, Nov. 4. He said he believes SPLOST should be earmarked for more particular uses. In early voting, 2,253 votes were cast.

SPLOST passes in Gilmer

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
With all precincts reporting in Gilmer County the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax was renewed for six more years. In unofficial totals, voters in the county cast 3,543 ballots, 66 percent, in favor of the SPLOST and 1,791 against.
A bear stands on its hind legs in a yard near Harrison Park.

A bear stands on its hind legs in a yard near Harrison Park.

Bear seen roaming downtown Ellijay

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
If people can’t bear to put food away, bears will eat it.  That’s probably why a black bear has been spotted near downtown Ellijay, bear expert Gerald Hodge said. “This is the time of year where they’re getting ready for the wintertime,” Hodge said.
Thomas Payne of Ellijay was one of seven brothers who served in the military; six were Marines and one was in the Navy.

Thomas Payne of Ellijay was one of seven brothers who served in the military; six were Marines and one was in the Navy.

Seven Payne brothers all served in Marines or Navy

Mark Millican - Special to the Times-Courier
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
As a U.S. Marine in Vietnam who was wounded and saw men killed in his infantry unit, Thomas Payne appreciates Veterans Day and Memorial Day observances. However, each day is a reminder of military service rendered by his family — six brothers served in the U.S.