Local

The Kool Breeze band performs in Blue Ridge in 2024. Shown from left, front are John Rathbone, Markham White, Nolan Walker, Chris Otts and Jim Richter; back are Nathan Talbot, Bill Craig and Gary Wilder. (Photo by Jim Richter)

The Kool Breeze band performs in Blue Ridge in 2024. Shown from left, front are John Rathbone, Markham White, Nolan Walker, Chris Otts and Jim Richter; back are Nathan Talbot, Bill Craig and Gary Wilder. (Photo by Jim Richter)

Kool Breeze Band featuring Jim Richter to appear at Ellijay Playhouse

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
The Kool Breeze Band featuring Jim Richter has already delighted millions of online listeners worldwide. This weekend, it’s featuring in Ellijay. “I don’t think it’s superficial music,” Richter said. “It certainly makes people feel good. The group will perform at 7 p.m. Aug.
Fumble082025

Fumble082025

Fumble!!

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Bobcat Hunter Newhart (41) forces a fumble on a Fannin County kick return in the fourth quarter that was recovered by teammate Madden Hopkins (46). Read more on Sports, page 1B.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Total millage rate sees slight drop

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Gilmer County taxpayers under the age of 65 will see a slight decrease in their millage rate in 2025. For taxpayers over 65, who do not pay school taxes, the millage rate will increase .25 mils over last year. These rates were locked in for 2025 at a special called meeting Tuesday, Aug. 19.
Gilmer County Deputy Blake Heptinstall (left) and Corporal Clayton Hughes (right) were honored by Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson for their heroics actions in helping save a man whose side-by-side overturned in a swollen creek last March.

Gilmer County Deputy Blake Heptinstall (left) and Corporal Clayton Hughes (right) were honored by Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson for their heroics actions in helping save a man whose side-by-side overturned in a swollen creek last March.

Deputies honored for heroism

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
It was March. It was cold. A man was trapped in his side-by-side which was upside down in a creek. Two Gilmer County deputies, Blake Heptinstall and Corporal Clayton Hughes, jumped into the water to start the rescue.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Email scams target local churches

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Email scammers have targeted two local churches by claiming to be the pastor. The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) app warned the public of a scam attempt targeting Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on Aug. 6, and of another targeting Cartecay Baptist Church on Aug. 11.
Volunteer and board member Dawn Lade, left, and Crystal’s Heart Healing House founder Noreen D’Onofrio, right, stand in front of Crystal’s Heart Healing House.

Volunteer and board member Dawn Lade, left, and Crystal’s Heart Healing House founder Noreen D’Onofrio, right, stand in front of Crystal’s Heart Healing House.

Crystal’s Heart Healing House encourages “angel parents”

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
A heart, once broken, may never be fully restored. But it may be made beautiful. That may be the wisdom on display as parents who have lost their children to drugs smash beautiful pottery into pieces at Crystal’s Heart Healing House (CHHH).
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Chair emphasizes SPLOST is not new

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
As a public hearing opened on the proposed millage rate for Gilmer County, Chair Charlie Paris jumped in with a correction for some on social media about another issue. “There is a lot of information out there right now that we are asking for a new SPLOST,” he said at the Aug. 14 hearing.