Local

Investigators with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit arrested Jimmy Lee Bowling, of Ellijay, Dec. 17 at an undisclosed public location in southern Cherokee County. Bowling arrived at the location shortly after noon to meet what he thought was a 14-year-old girl.

Investigators with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit arrested Jimmy Lee Bowling, of Ellijay, Dec. 17 at an undisclosed public location in southern Cherokee County. Bowling arrived at the location shortly after noon to meet what he thought was a 14-year-old girl.

Gilmer man charged with trying to meet teen for sex

News Staff
Monday, December 23, 2019
A Gilmer County man thought he was meeting a 14-year-old girl, but instead was arrested by deputies in Cherokee County. He showed up wearing a Santa hat.
Site administrator Mike Putman cuts the ribbon in front of the new location of Mountain Education Charter High School (MECHS) inside the Larry Walker Education Center. Also pictured, in front from left: MECHS teacher Daniel Hayes, Georgia Charter Schools Foundation President Michele Nealy, MECHS Public Information Officer Sydney Sanford, MECHS Public Relations Coordinator April Smith, Putman, Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, MECHS Superintendent Dr. Wayne Lovell, student Evan Sanford and Carlos Reynoso.

Site administrator Mike Putman cuts the ribbon in front of the new location of Mountain Education Charter High School (MECHS) inside the Larry Walker Education Center. Also pictured, in front from left: MECHS teacher Daniel Hayes, Georgia Charter Schools Foundation President Michele Nealy, MECHS Public Information Officer Sydney Sanford, MECHS Public Relations Coordinator April Smith, Putman, Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, MECHS Superintendent Dr. Wayne Lovell, student Evan Sanford and Carlos Reynoso.

Ribbon cut at new home of Mountain Education

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Monday, December 23, 2019
An educational facility that allows 9th-12th grade students to work toward a high school diploma during nontraditional school hours celebrated its relocation to a larger building with a ribbon cutting and open house held Dec. 12.
Megan Williams

Megan Williams

Quilts abound at gallery exhibit

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Monday, December 23, 2019
Megan Williams, Judy Kruger, and Maureen Hicks stand next to their quilted creations during an opening reception for the third annual quilt and fiber exhibit now on display at the Gilmer Arts Gallery.
Santa and Mrs. Claus tell stories and greet children at CCES.

Santa and Mrs. Claus tell stories and greet children at CCES.

Santa was here early

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Monday, December 23, 2019
Santa and Mrs. Claus made sure to cross an appointment with Gilmer County schoolchildren off their list of pre-Christmas engagements as they visited Clear Creek, Ellijay and Mountain View Elementary Schools to hear wish lists and deliver gifts before students were released for winter break.
From left, David Westmoreland, Ruth Caudell and Lynelle Stewart attended their last meeting as members of the Ellijay City Council on Monday.

From left, David Westmoreland, Ruth Caudell and Lynelle Stewart attended their last meeting as members of the Ellijay City Council on Monday.

Ellijay council OKs alcohol licenses, says goodbye to outgoing members

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
The Ellijay City Council approved the last round of alcohol license renewals for 2019 during the its final meeting of the year Monday, Dec. 16. On-premise consumption licenses for beer and wine were renewed for Cantaberry Restaurant, Boardwalk Pizza and Pub and Country Corner Kitchen.
Pictured is a swath cut through wooded land off Old Highway 5 that will be used in the forthcoming connection of Highways 382 and 515. The Georgia Department of Transportation highway extension project is expected to last into 2021.

Pictured is a swath cut through wooded land off Old Highway 5 that will be used in the forthcoming connection of Highways 382 and 515. The Georgia Department of Transportation highway extension project is expected to last into 2021.

Highway coming through

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Pool frustration, dams are good

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Specifications are being finalized for the demolition of the old Gilmer County pool. Once completed, an advertisement for bids can be placed. Gilmer County Board of Commissioners heard about the progress at their work session Dec. 11.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

TSPLOST will be on May ballot

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Citizens of Gilmer County will get to decide in May whether to add a 1 cent sales tax which will be dedicated to transportation needs in the county. “This is a decision the people will have to make,” said Gilmer County Commission Chair Charlie Paris.
Ellijay Elementary chorus performs Christmas songs for Speaker Ralston at the Georgia Capitol.

Ellijay Elementary chorus performs Christmas songs for Speaker Ralston at the Georgia Capitol.

EES chorus sings at Georgia capitol for Speaker Ralston

Audra Farist
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Ellijay Elementary chorus students received a special honor when they traveled to Atlanta to sing at the State Capitol for Speaker of the House David Ralston.