Local

Kevin Johnson and Reagan Griggs Pritchett, candidates for Chief Magistrate Judge, will face a runoff election August 11.

Kevin Johnson and Reagan Griggs Pritchett, candidates for Chief Magistrate Judge, will face a runoff election August 11.

Polls open extra time after slow start

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Despite a slow start to the primary election day, Gilmer County finished the night with vote totals for all the local races. To compensate for a delayed start to voting at some precincts, a judicial order extended poll times for up to 30 minutes.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Sales, hospitality tax tell story of shutdown

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
At a county commission work session, Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris gave a short update on how the shelter in place order affected county government. His concern is primarily for the capital budget which is funded through sales tax with the SPLOST.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Executive order lifts more COVID-19 restrictions

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Georgia businesses may see their financial situations improve in the coming weeks.  Gov. Brian Kemp’s latest executive order was issued last Thursday, June 11, and it lifted some of the restrictions that have been in place since declaring a public health state of emergency March 14.
Paul Bryant, a volunteer at the Gilmer Community Food Pantry, weighs a cart of groceries that is representative of the amount of food families typically receives each Wednesday.

Paul Bryant, a volunteer at the Gilmer Community Food Pantry, weighs a cart of groceries that is representative of the amount of food families typically receives each Wednesday.

Food pantry starting new volunteer outreach program

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
The Gilmer Community Food Pantry is hoping to start a new outreach program that will give local residents an opportunity to help others who could receive the food pantry’s services, but are unable to do so.
Larry and Vic Davis show a plaque that recognizes their induction into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame.

Larry and Vic Davis show a plaque that recognizes their induction into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame.

Davis Brothers proud of Atlanta Country Hall of Fame honor

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Two musically-inclined Ellijay brothers are proud to have been inducted into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame (ACMHOF) as part of its 2019 class, despite circumstances that prevented both of them attending the 38th annual award ceremony.
Dr. Craig Chester, right, is assisted by vet tech Emerald Goble during a discount spay-neuter clinic sponsored by Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS) last November.

Dr. Craig Chester, right, is assisted by vet tech Emerald Goble during a discount spay-neuter clinic sponsored by Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS) last November.

Discount spay-neuter clinic rescheduled

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Friends of the Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS) have announced a reschedule date for a discount spay-neuter clinic that was supposed to have taken place April 17, but was canceled due the COVID-19 pandemic.
With safety and social distancing measures in place, the Ellijay Farmers Market will look a little different than above when it opens for the 2020 season Saturday, June 13.

With safety and social distancing measures in place, the Ellijay Farmers Market will look a little different than above when it opens for the 2020 season Saturday, June 13.

Ellijay Farmers Market will open Saturday

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
The Gilmer County UGA Extension Service has been given a green light for the Ellijay Farmers Market to open, the county’s agriculture extension agent confirmed last week. The market will open for the first day of its 2020 season Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m.-noon.
A crowd of people hold up signs during a rally on the square in downtown Ellijay on June 4. Organizers said the wanted to give people a place to voice their frustrations and concerns over racism.

A crowd of people hold up signs during a rally on the square in downtown Ellijay on June 4. Organizers said the wanted to give people a place to voice their frustrations and concerns over racism.

Rally for justice comes to Ellijay

News Staff
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Ellijay joined a long list of cities across the country when it played host to a rally against racial and social injustice. It took place on Thursday, June 4, in the middle of the roundabout in downtown Ellijay.
Gilmer Deputy Zach Weaver and Ellijay Police Officer Brandon Health were part of the visible law enforcement presence during the rally in Ellijay on June 4. Chief Edward D. Lacey III praised the professionalism of the officers at the rally.

Gilmer Deputy Zach Weaver and Ellijay Police Officer Brandon Health were part of the visible law enforcement presence during the rally in Ellijay on June 4. Chief Edward D. Lacey III praised the professionalism of the officers at the rally.

Ellijay police organize fast for rally

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
When Ellijay Chief of Police Edward D. Lacey III, heard there might be a rally for justice in his town his department began reaching out on social media. He wanted to let the organizers know they needed permits to demonstrate in the town.