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Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Recent cold weather could have damaged plants

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
A recent bout of cold weather has the potential to damage Gilmer crops.  But setbacks like this one are a normal part of farming life. “You can’t control the weather. You just have to be prepared,” University of Georgia Agriculture (UGA) Extension Gilmer County Agent Anna Woodward said.
Emergency service workers carry a “victim” to safety during an active shooter drill Thursday, March 26.

Emergency service workers carry a “victim” to safety during an active shooter drill Thursday, March 26.

Gilmer Emergency Services conduct active shooter drills

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Gun first, Ellijay Police Department Assistant Chief Ray Grace swept into a gruesome scene at the Gilmer County Community Center.  One man was shot in the back, bleeding out unconscious on the floor. Another, shot in the leg, was still able to ask for help. The shooter was gone.
The newly fenced-off parking lot of First Baptist Church of Ellijay provides parking space for visitors to downtown.

The newly fenced-off parking lot of First Baptist Church of Ellijay provides parking space for visitors to downtown.

First Baptist Church of Ellijay loses tax exemption on parking lot

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
The Gilmer County Board of Tax Assessors (GCBTA) has removed tax exempt status for the First Baptist Church of Ellijay’s parking lot. “Based on the classification of the property and the change of use, the Board of Assessors has removed that exempt status,” GCBTA Chief Appraiser Theresa Gooch said.
Denise Burns shares a happy moment with a puppy at the Gilmer County Animal Shelter Thursday, March 19.

Denise Burns shares a happy moment with a puppy at the Gilmer County Animal Shelter Thursday, March 19.

Animal Shelter relocates 159 cats and dogs

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Seventy-nine cats and 80 dogs may seem like a lot of animals to transport, but for the Gilmer County Animal Shelter (GCAS) it’s a crucial part of the job. “It’s bittersweet,” GCAS Director Kelly Pickering said. “We get attached to them. And then, all of a sudden, they’re leaving for transport.
An overlook on the Benton MacKaye Trail reveals a stunning mountain view.

An overlook on the Benton MacKaye Trail reveals a stunning mountain view.

Benton MacKaye bill moves through Congress

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Passing legislation is just like walking a trail; it goes one step at a time. But a recent step in Congress has moved the Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) much closer to becoming a National Scenic Trail.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Gilmer Chamber encouraged commerce with first Ag Expo

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
In person, an event like the North Georgia Ag Expo felt relaxed and festive. But the logistics to get the Friday, March 14, event off required a great deal of work from the Gilmer Chamber of Commerce (COC). “There’s a lot that happens in this small community,” COC President Kyle Ray said.