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Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Emergency Management says drought far from over

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Monday, May 11, 2026
Just because it rained last week and is forecasted to rain this week doesn’t mean the drought is over.“The drought conditions are probably going to get worse before they get better,” Gilmer County Emergency Management Director Aaron Freeman said.Starting April 22, the U.S.
The Craddock family and the Craddock Center director celebrate the center’s 25th anniversary. Shown from left are John Craddock, Nettie Craddock and Director Krik Cameron.

The Craddock family and the Craddock Center director celebrate the center’s 25th anniversary. Shown from left are John Craddock, Nettie Craddock and Director Krik Cameron.

Craddock Center celebrates 25th anniversary with building dedication

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Monday, May 11, 2026
Dr. Fred Craddock died 11 years ago, but his legacy remains strong at the Craddock Center. On his birthday, Thursday, April 30, the Center celebrated its 25th year of service to children in northern Georgia and dedicated a building on its campus.
Doug Rink, left, and Chairman Charlie Paris, right, debate each other in their primary race for Board of County Commissioners Chairman.

Doug Rink, left, and Chairman Charlie Paris, right, debate each other in their primary race for Board of County Commissioners Chairman.

Gilmer County GOP Commissioner Candidates Forum showcases debate

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Monday, May 11, 2026
Gilmer candidates for the Board of County Commissioners debated Tuesday, April 28, over issues facing the county.This year, there are races for both the Board of Commissioners Chairman and Post Two Commissioner seat.
Local author Luke Watson, left, and his mom Tiffany Watson, right, celebrate his book at the Local Authors Forum.

Local author Luke Watson, left, and his mom Tiffany Watson, right, celebrate his book at the Local Authors Forum.

Local Authors Forum sees great attendance

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Monday, May 11, 2026
The Friends of the Gilmer County Library’s (FGCL) Local Authors Forum event last weekend how art thrives on community.“It’s a pleasure and honor to be invited to the Local Author Forum,” local author Jo Loveday said.
Kids from First Baptist Church of Ellijay make cookies and thank you cards for Gilmer first responders. Shown from left are Addy Hayes, Luke Hayes and Chandler Garrett.

Kids from First Baptist Church of Ellijay make cookies and thank you cards for Gilmer first responders. Shown from left are Addy Hayes, Luke Hayes and Chandler Garrett.

First Baptist Church of Ellijay helps town with Love Ellijay event

News Staff
Monday, May 11, 2026
Eighty-two First Baptist Church of Ellijay (FBCE) members helped community organizations as part of their Love Ellijay event.“It’s a great way to serve and meet a need that places can’t get to in their day-to-day work,” elder Del Land said.
JE 5-06 KidsFerst 1: Josh Chancey, left, and Barbra Jones, right, hold a banner for KidsFerst in Gilmer County.

JE 5-06 KidsFerst 1: Josh Chancey, left, and Barbra Jones, right, hold a banner for KidsFerst in Gilmer County.

Ferst Readers wants to give kids more books

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Monday, May 11, 2026
Gilmer County’s Ferst Readers chapter has an unusual problem. Not enough parents with young kids are signing up to get free books.“Our biggest need right now is we want to register more kids,” said Josh Chancey, the Gilmer County chapter of Ferst Readers president.
Alice Adkins, center, was recently awarded the National Defense Medal by the Nancy Harts Chapter 2728 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Alice Adkins, center, was recently awarded the National Defense Medal by the Nancy Harts Chapter 2728 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

USAF veteran awarded for service

News Staff
Monday, May 11, 2026
Alice Adkins, center, was recently awarded the National Defense Medal by the Nancy Harts Chapter 2728 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Making the presentation are Chapter President Margaret Farist, left, and Mary Jones, recorder. Ledford had a 24-year career in the U.S. Air Force.
A structure at Novena Court in Coosawattee burns in the early morning on Sunday, March 29.

A structure at Novena Court in Coosawattee burns in the early morning on Sunday, March 29.

Gilmer Fire faced early morning fire

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
When a fire broke out on the morning of Sunday, March 29, Gilmer Fire and Rescue (GFR) firefighters helped keep the structure fire from spreading out of control. GFR was dispatched to the fire at 7 a.m., located at Novena Court inside Coosawattee.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division Fire Chief Paul Beamon stands beside the Gilmer Fire and Rescue vehicle that will transport blood for emergency response.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division Fire Chief Paul Beamon stands beside the Gilmer Fire and Rescue vehicle that will transport blood for emergency response.

Gilmer Fire and Rescue’s first blood donation drive scheduled for April 11

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
The decisions you make on April 11 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. can mean life or death for others.That’s because Gilmer Fire and Rescue (GFR) is hosting its first blood drive in cooperation with the Georgia Trauma Foundation and Piedmont Healthcare.