Local

Scott Chastain, Gilmer County Probate Judge

Scott Chastain, Gilmer County Probate Judge

Chastain advocates for election board

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Gilmer County’s probate judge wants to remove elections oversight from his list of duties. Probate Judge Scott Chastain made his pitch to the Gilmer County’s commissioners during the free speech part of their Nov. 12 meeting.
Chief Registrar, Tammy Watkins, discusses count procedure with Joe Strickland and Amanda Keith during the by-hand recount Friday, Nov. 13. Also pictured, Austin Watkins (far right) and Jacob Brooks.

Chief Registrar, Tammy Watkins, discusses count procedure with Joe Strickland and Amanda Keith during the by-hand recount Friday, Nov. 13. Also pictured, Austin Watkins (far right) and Jacob Brooks.

Gilmer finishes election audit

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Georgia’s hand-counted audit of the president’s race in Gilmer County is over. Everything matched. “It is done,” said Gilmer County Chief Registrar Tammy Watkins. “Here in Gilmer County, ours was right on it.” Four tables of two counters each began the recount at 9 a.m.
From left, Gilmer County Commission Chairman Charlie Paris, East Ellijay City Planner Mack Wood, Wesley Henderson, of developers OneStone Outdoors and Gilmer Chamber Board Chairman Chris Wang break ground on the Talona Ridge RV Resort last week.

From left, Gilmer County Commission Chairman Charlie Paris, East Ellijay City Planner Mack Wood, Wesley Henderson, of developers OneStone Outdoors and Gilmer Chamber Board Chairman Chris Wang break ground on the Talona Ridge RV Resort last week.

Ground broken on luxury RV resort

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Ground was officially broken last week at the site of a luxury RV resort under construction in East Ellijay. The Talona Ridge RV Resort will span an upper and lower level on 35 acres just off Eller Road.  “We’ve been working on this project for almost three years now.
Georgia’s agriculture and education departments kicked off the Vision 2020 at Gilmer High School last Thursday. Above, from left are Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston and State School Nutrition Director Dr. Linette Dodson making their way through the service line to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal that featured Georgia-grown products.

Georgia’s agriculture and education departments kicked off the Vision 2020 at Gilmer High School last Thursday. Above, from left are Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston and State School Nutrition Director Dr. Linette Dodson making their way through the service line to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal that featured Georgia-grown products.

‘Vision 2020’ initiative celebrated in Gilmer County

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
The state kicked off its “Vision 2020” in Gilmer County last week. Gilmer High School was the site of the celebration Thursday and drew distinguished guests from Atlanta.
The Gilmer High School Chorus sings “America The Beautiful” under the direction of Hannah Carter.

The Gilmer High School Chorus sings “America The Beautiful” under the direction of Hannah Carter.

Rain, restrictions didn’t dampen Veterans Day program

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Guests from the local community and school system joined the Ellijay Lions in honoring Gilmer County’s veterans Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Lions Club Fairgrounds.
Tiffany Watson

Tiffany Watson

Christmas Campaign sign-up to start soon

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
A Christmas outreach program previously steered by the former director of Gilmer Family Connection will continue this year under new leadership.
Larry Kenney is shown participating in a past Bucket Brigade collection drive for the Ellijay Lions Club. Donations from the annual Bucket Brigade are used to fund the Ellijay Lions’ White Christmas outreach program.

Larry Kenney is shown participating in a past Bucket Brigade collection drive for the Ellijay Lions Club. Donations from the annual Bucket Brigade are used to fund the Ellijay Lions’ White Christmas outreach program.

Ellijay Lions expecting bigger White Christmas response this year

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
With multiple events and fundraising opportunities sidelined by COVID-19, it’s been a tough year for the Ellijay Lions Club.  However, the local civic group is determined to continue a long-running Christmas outreach program for 2020.
Junior Manley, pastor of By His Grace Independent Church, center, holds one of the meal certificates being provided to several local churches by Faith, Hope and Charity Recycle Store Inc. Also pictured are Faith, Hope and Charity board chairwoman Cheryl Worley, left, and Ellijay First Baptist Church representative Lou Summers, right.

Junior Manley, pastor of By His Grace Independent Church, center, holds one of the meal certificates being provided to several local churches by Faith, Hope and Charity Recycle Store Inc. Also pictured are Faith, Hope and Charity board chairwoman Cheryl Worley, left, and Ellijay First Baptist Church representative Lou Summers, right.

Faith, Hope and Charity, churches partnering to provide meals

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
A community Thanksgiving dinner that, for the past several years, has been held prior to the holiday at Ellijay First Baptist Church, will not take place this year. However, Faith, Hope and Charity (FHC) Recycle Store Inc.