Local

A beer can floating down the Cartecay River, photographed from the covered bridge at Blackberry Mountain.

A beer can floating down the Cartecay River, photographed from the covered bridge at Blackberry Mountain.

County to add security at river egress

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Two local tubing companies were spared a 10 day suspension when a motion died for a lack of a second. Instead, Gilmer County commissioners voted to hire security and work on four main issues before next tubing season. During an Aug.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Board approves millage rates, commssioner roles

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Millage rates are set for Gilmer County to begin collection. At a special called meeting on Aug. 24, Gilmer County commissioners approved the recommended school tax rate for collection and then set the 2020 General Maintenance and Operations millage and the 2020 General Obligation Bond rate.
Volunteer Donna Lehr spends time with Homeward Bound resident Dixie at the Cherry Log Community Church Garden Festival.

Volunteer Donna Lehr spends time with Homeward Bound resident Dixie at the Cherry Log Community Church Garden Festival.

Homeward Bound turns 20

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
A local pet rescue that originally formed at a lunch date between three concerned animal lovers has grown into a far-reaching nonprofit that celebrates its 20th anniversary this month. Homeward Bound volunteer Kathryn Newman holds Willow, one of four puppies she recently fostered.
From left, in back: Rebecca Harrell (FOGAS treasurer), Marla Swanberg (FOGAS president), Sylvia Harris (FOGAS secretary), Paris, Susan Lebert (FOGAS volunteer), Jack Peaden (FOGAS vice president), Glen Peaden (FOGAS volunteer) and Deputy Fire Chief Mark Chastain. In front, from left: Lt. Mikey Bramlett, search dog in training Duke, Ernie Taylor (FOGAS volunteer), search dog in training Axel and Battalion Chief Mike Dempsey.

From left, in back: Rebecca Harrell (FOGAS treasurer), Marla Swanberg (FOGAS president), Sylvia Harris (FOGAS secretary), Paris, Susan Lebert (FOGAS volunteer), Jack Peaden (FOGAS vice president), Glen Peaden (FOGAS volunteer) and Deputy Fire Chief Mark Chastain. In front, from left: Lt. Mikey Bramlett, search dog in training Duke, Ernie Taylor (FOGAS volunteer), search dog in training Axel and Battalion Chief Mike Dempsey.

FOGAS contributes to county fire and rescue, animal shelter

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Friends of the Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS) recently contributed equipment and supplies which will benefit the search dogs of Gilmer Fire and Rescue, and cats kept at the local animal shelter. Swanberg and Paris hold a plaque that recognizes a new cat recovery area at the Gilmer Animal Shelter.
Kevin "Troop" Johnson

Kevin "Troop" Johnson

Johnson wins runoff

News Staff
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Kevin “Troop” Johnson won the Aug. 11 runoff to represent the Republican party for Chief Magistrate of Gilmer County. Johnson garnered 2,584 votes to Reagan Griggs Pritchett’s 2,338 to win the contest. See a precint breakdown on page 3A. Johnson is currently unopposed in the general election.
Employees of a contracted company work to install a power transmission line pole during construction of Georgia Transmission’s Ellijay-Roundtop Road 230-kV project in 2016. Georgia Transmission plans to begin construction of its Whitepath 46-kV sub-transmission line project in 2022.

Employees of a contracted company work to install a power transmission line pole during construction of Georgia Transmission’s Ellijay-Roundtop Road 230-kV project in 2016. Georgia Transmission plans to begin construction of its Whitepath 46-kV sub-transmission line project in 2022.

Georgia Transmission in early stages of Whitepath high-voltage power line project

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
A Georgia Transmission Corporation project that’s still in the planning stages will include installation of approximately 10 miles of 46-kV sub-transmission line and poles, as well as a new substation.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

COVID spike increases ambulance calls

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Emergency medical calls involving ambulances have increased by a third between April and June of this year in Gilmer County due to COVID-19 (coronavirus). “We are still trending up,” said Gilmer County Fire Chief Daniel Kauffman.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

County justifies CARES Act funding

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Gilmer County is taking a different approach to CARES Act funding set aside for aiding the county during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. “We’re making that our top priority right now because we do not want to give back any of that money,” Chairman Charlie Paris said.