Local

Rebecca Anderson shows off the Gilmer County Optimist Club’s scarecrows.

Rebecca Anderson shows off the Gilmer County Optimist Club’s scarecrows.

“Scarecrow Invasion” hits Harrison Park

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
A few rags and a bit of straw can hold a lot of personality. Jaunty poses, colorful clothing and dramatic backdrops help give each scarecrow in the Friends of Harrison Park (FHP) “Scarecrow Invasion” event something to set it apart.
Longtime trout fisherman David Cantrell shows off a net full of stocked trout.

Longtime trout fisherman David Cantrell shows off a net full of stocked trout.

Longtime fisherman says trout issues are connected to dams

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
There’s a clear difference between Gilmer trout fishing in the past compared to trout fishing today, one longtime resident said. Trout fisherman David Cantrell has been fishing here since he was a boy. Today, he is 72 years old. He is a fisherman and runs a business stocking brook trout.
Evie Lacey takes a walk with Shania, a dog at the Gilmer County Animal Shelter.

Evie Lacey takes a walk with Shania, a dog at the Gilmer County Animal Shelter.

Evie Lacey helps local pets with art, treats

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
She’s an artist, businesswoman and charity event organizer—and all at just 9 years old. “I try to raise at least $100 a month for the shelter,” Evie Lacey said. “I love dogs so much.” Over the last year, Evie has raised more than $1,000 for the Gilmer County Animal Shelter (GCAS).
This gun and baggie of methamphetamine were seized by the East Ellijay Police Department. (Submitted photo from Larry Callahan)

This gun and baggie of methamphetamine were seized by the East Ellijay Police Department. (Submitted photo from Larry Callahan)

East Ellijay Police Department finds gun and meth after arrest

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
A woman’s plea for help resulted in an arrest, the confiscation of a stolen gun and a seizure of methamphetamine. “It was a good call,” East Ellijay Police Department (EEPD) Assistant Chief of Police Shane Bowman said of the Oct. 1 incident. “Nobody was injured, nobody was hurt.
Current Isaiah House residents are working to recover from addiction as a community. Shown from left are, Adam, Chris, Dustin, Isaiah House Executive Director Sally Jeffery, Jeff and Jesse. The men in the program chose not to share their last names.

Current Isaiah House residents are working to recover from addiction as a community. Shown from left are, Adam, Chris, Dustin, Isaiah House Executive Director Sally Jeffery, Jeff and Jesse. The men in the program chose not to share their last names.

Isaiah House offers freedom from addiction

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Sally Jeffery knows about addiction because her husband Ed was a cocaine addict. “Addiction doesn’t care who you are,” she said. While she was living in Florida, she started attending his Cocaine Anonymous 12-Step Program support group to find out how addiction affects people.
Friends of Gladys Dotson Spivey gathered Friday morning to dedicate a Stellar Pink Dogwood Tree in her memory at the Tabor House Museum. Spivey, active in the Gilmer County Genealogical Society, was 87 when she passed away in June.

Friends of Gladys Dotson Spivey gathered Friday morning to dedicate a Stellar Pink Dogwood Tree in her memory at the Tabor House Museum. Spivey, active in the Gilmer County Genealogical Society, was 87 when she passed away in June.

Gladys Spivey memorialized at Tabor House

Mark Millican - Special to the Times-Courier
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Pam Johnson recalls meeting the late Gladys Spivey at the Tabor House Museum. “When I first started here years ago I was coming in to take care of the plants, that was my main goal,” she said.
April Burrier, left, and Frank Whitcomb, right, visit the Gilmer Community Food Pantry after their trailer burnt down.

April Burrier, left, and Frank Whitcomb, right, visit the Gilmer Community Food Pantry after their trailer burnt down.

Dogs save local man’s life in trailer fire

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Just a few more minutes and Frank Whitcomb wouldn’t have lived through the fire that burnt down his trailer. “If it wasn’t for my dogs, he’d be dead,” his partner April Burrier said. The couple’s two dogs, Baby Girl and Houdini woke Whitcomb up by barking and tugging at his clothes.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Free feral hog control workshop announced

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
A free feral hog control workshop offers advice on how to deal with one of Georgia’s most frustrating pests. The Limestone Valley Soil and Water Conservation District will offer expert advice on feral hogs to those who sign up by Monday, Oct. 13 at gacd.us/events. The event will take place 5:30 p.