Local

Board of Commissioners Chair Charlie Paris and Ysa Engel, 19, at the proclamation signing recognizing “Rare Disease Day” as Feb. 28.

Board of Commissioners Chair Charlie Paris and Ysa Engel, 19, at the proclamation signing recognizing “Rare Disease Day” as Feb. 28.

“Rare Disease Day” recognized

Lauren Sabia
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
A Gilmer High graduate, diagnosed with a rare condition when she was just 14, has made it her mission to raise awareness on diseases people don’t hear about as often. Now, the county is recognizing Feb. 28 as “Rare Disease Day.
Donnie and Debra Bailey tearfully share how first responders saved Donnie’s life in August.

Donnie and Debra Bailey tearfully share how first responders saved Donnie’s life in August.

Cookie delivery for first responders who saved man’s life

Lauren Sabia
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
An Ellijay resident would not be here today if it wasn’t for first responders’ quick rescue efforts, after the grandfather of five suffered from cardiac arrest and a major heart attack in August.
Art teacher and Glow Show organizer Misti Foster prepares the gym before families arrive.

Art teacher and Glow Show organizer Misti Foster prepares the gym before families arrive.

Local elementary school hosts annual Glow Art Show

Lauren Sabia
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Mountain View Elementary’s gym was transformed into a glow-in-the-dark rain forest on Thursday night, showcasing around 5,000 pieces of student’s art.  2nd grader Kyla House explores the Glow Show with her family.
Federal Programs Director Lindey Patterson, right, greets students at Clear Creek Middle School for High-Five Friday on Feb. 14.

Federal Programs Director Lindey Patterson, right, greets students at Clear Creek Middle School for High-Five Friday on Feb. 14.

Gilmer schools federal funding drop

Lauren Sabia
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Gilmer County Schools is reporting significant cuts in federal funding this year, but students shouldn’t feel any impact.  U.S.
Sarah Anne Aranda and Alex Ledesma

Sarah Anne Aranda and Alex Ledesma

Sheriff’s Office carries out drug, firearm bust

Lauren Sabia
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Two people are behind bars following a drug and firearm bust by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies executed a search warrant on Feb. 17 at a home on Simmons Road, near Gunstock Creek Road.
Country artist Dierks Bentley promotes ROW 94 bourbon at Appalachian Beverage in East Ellijay.

Country artist Dierks Bentley promotes ROW 94 bourbon at Appalachian Beverage in East Ellijay.

Country artist Dierks Bentley promotes bourbon launch in Georgia

Lauren Sabia
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
A major celebrity spotting in East Ellijay, country artist Dierks Bentley, met with eager fans and autographed bottles of his ROW 94 bourbon at Appalachian Beverage.  More than a hundred people were lined up outside the liquor store on Mountain View Drive before the event even started at 11 a.m.
Gilmer Arts named Keli Fowler as artistic director to oversee the playhouse.

Gilmer Arts named Keli Fowler as artistic director to oversee the playhouse.

New playhouse director named at Gilmer Arts

Lauren Sabia
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
For the first time since 2019, Gilmer Arts has named an artistic director to oversee the playhouse, with plans to shake up local theater. Keli Fowler has always cherished creativity and acting, and is excited to fuel her passions and work on productions as the playhouse’s director.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Body of missing man found in Ellijay River

Lauren Sabia
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
An investigation is underway after police recovered the body of a missing person from the Ellijay River. Allen Lanning, 54, was reported missing by a relative on Feb. 1, who stated he was most likely last seen on Jan. 27.
People’s protester Tim Hill holds a sign reading “protect democracy now” while wearing a “make America think again” hat. “Democracy is not dead, it’s not a failed system, it’s alive and strong and we’re here to defend it and propose for it,” Hill said on why he chose to protest on Presidents Day.

People’s protester Tim Hill holds a sign reading “protect democracy now” while wearing a “make America think again” hat. “Democracy is not dead, it’s not a failed system, it’s alive and strong and we’re here to defend it and propose for it,” Hill said on why he chose to protest on Presidents Day.

Presidents Day protest

Lauren Sabia
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Some community members spent their Presidents Day protesting against the Trump administration in front of the courthouse in Ellijay, sparking a counter-protest across the street. Kiva Slaven protests on Presidents Day to bring attention to Trump’s actions against the trans community.