Local

A scene from the 2024 Veterans Celebration in downtown Ellijay.

A scene from the 2024 Veterans Celebration in downtown Ellijay.

Gilmer prepares to celebrate Veterans Day

News Staff
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Attention all Veterans: Ellijay and Gilmer County will celebrate Veteran’s Day with several activities.  On Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. celebrants will assemble at the First United Church on McCutchen Street. Coffee and breakfast will be served by volunteers.
Sheriff Nicholson with GCSO Accreditation Manager Lt. George Ellis, Gilmer Detention Center Captain Misty Williams and Office of Professional Standards Captain Frank Copeland.

Sheriff Nicholson with GCSO Accreditation Manager Lt. George Ellis, Gilmer Detention Center Captain Misty Williams and Office of Professional Standards Captain Frank Copeland.

Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office receives accreditation

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Hard work and high standards have earned the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) recognition from the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association (GSA).
Toys for Tots coordinator, U.S. Marine Sgt. AJ LeCompte, noted there is room for 32 volunteers to wrap Christmas toys on the second floor of Truist Bank in East Ellijay. He said more than 10,000 Gilmer County children have been assisted in the past 15 years, with 3,465 kids total in the last two years.

Toys for Tots coordinator, U.S. Marine Sgt. AJ LeCompte, noted there is room for 32 volunteers to wrap Christmas toys on the second floor of Truist Bank in East Ellijay. He said more than 10,000 Gilmer County children have been assisted in the past 15 years, with 3,465 kids total in the last two years.

Toys for Tots brings kids Christmas cheer

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
It’s the little details that make Christmas presents special, A.J. LeCompte said. Those details are why the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots wraps presents before delivering them to local kids.
Gilmer county kids show off Mountainside Village, the town they’ve built together. From left are, Evi Lacey, Harvey Bogue, Carter Bogue and Haddon Lacey.

Gilmer county kids show off Mountainside Village, the town they’ve built together. From left are, Evi Lacey, Harvey Bogue, Carter Bogue and Haddon Lacey.

Local kids built their own town

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
With four buildings, a public meeting place, a picnic area, a public toilet and gardens, Mountainside Village may be Gilmer County’s newest municipality. The town of Mountainside Village gathers in the Festive Fort, where they celebrate holidays, compliment each other and eat together.
Gilmer Community Food Pantry Adopt-a-Family Coordinator Jessica Partin stands beside the car she delivers food in.

Gilmer Community Food Pantry Adopt-a-Family Coordinator Jessica Partin stands beside the car she delivers food in.

Food pantry Adopt-a-Family program helps those who can’t drive

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
In Gilmer County, people in need can be found in surprising places. One woman receiving food assistance from the Gilmer Community Food Pantry (GCFP) lives in a shed within sight of an immense mansion. Others live in homes without refrigerators.
Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office officers Sergeant David Ridings, left, and Deputy Ron Scott, right, show K-9s Milo, left, and Novak, right.

Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office officers Sergeant David Ridings, left, and Deputy Ron Scott, right, show K-9s Milo, left, and Novak, right.

K-9 deputies help keep crime at bay

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
When facing down the suspect accused of shooting Captain Brantley Worley of McCaysville, Sergeant David Ridings didn’t grab his taser, pepper spray or gun. Sergeant David Ridings plays with K-9 unit Milo. He just unleashed Milo.