Local

Edgar Land poses with wife, Barbara, after winning Citizen of the Year at the Gilmer Chamber’s annual meeting. (Photo by Carolyn Slavenas, Slavenas Photography)

Edgar Land poses with wife, Barbara, after winning Citizen of the Year at the Gilmer Chamber’s annual meeting. (Photo by Carolyn Slavenas, Slavenas Photography)

Gilmer Chamber names Citizen of the Year

Lauren Sabia
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
An Ellijay resident, who said he got more “whippin’s” than any other kid growing up, must have had just enough, because he’s the Gilmer Chamber’s Citizen of the Year. Rene Wilder wins the 2024 Sally Daniels Member of the Year award.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

County holds public hearing on HB 581

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris began the county’s first public hearing on HB 581 with an explanation of the bill. “First of all, I want to do just a really quick summary of what HB 581 is,” he said. “There are only three parts that I have been able to identify, so far.
8th graders Cecelia Miller and Landon Benitez show their cows, Lacey and Princess Diana. Miller wins first place, and Benitez wins third.

8th graders Cecelia Miller and Landon Benitez show their cows, Lacey and Princess Diana. Miller wins first place, and Benitez wins third.

Gilmer holds Apple Capital Dairy Show

Lauren Sabia
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Gilmer County students won big at the 8th annual Apple Capital Dairy Show. Amanda Lutz, from South Carolina, served as the judge for Saturday’s show at the Gilmer County Agriculture Education Center.
Ellijay City Council holds public hearing regarding HB 581, followed by their monthly meeting, on Jan. 22.

Ellijay City Council holds public hearing regarding HB 581, followed by their monthly meeting, on Jan. 22.

Ellijay City Council discusses solutions for problem intersection

Lauren Sabia
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
City officials are working on a solution for a “dangerous” intersection in Ellijay. At last week’s city council meeting, Police Chief Edward Lacey discussed a complaint he received from a resident about the intersection at Seminary Circle and Corbin Hill Road.
Honored guests enjoying last year’s “Night to Shine” at the Victory Christian Center. (Photos contributed by Cartecay Baptist Church pastor, Dr. Chad Hall)

Honored guests enjoying last year’s “Night to Shine” at the Victory Christian Center. (Photos contributed by Cartecay Baptist Church pastor, Dr. Chad Hall)

Volunteers needed for “Night to Shine” event

Lauren Sabia
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Ellijay churches are hosting an annual “Night to Shine” event, and are in need of volunteers. “Night to Shine,” started by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is a movement and celebratory event to honor people with special needs.  Churches around the world are organizing the complimentary “prom,” on Feb.
Kids at the event enjoyed games and spending time petting puppies.

Kids at the event enjoyed games and spending time petting puppies.

“Canines and Wines” raises money for dogs in need

Lauren Sabia
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Dog lovers helped raise thousands of dollars for Ellijay Paws in Need and the Gilmer County Animal Shelter, all while sipping wine. The Reed family, fosters for Ellijay Paws in Need, showed off three dogs ready to be adopted.
Whitetail deer at bird bath

Whitetail deer at bird bath

Our wildlife is threatened by disease

News Staff
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
By Gerald Hodge Founder, Appalachia Georgia Friends of the Bears    Disease! It was not a word that was in everyday conversation until the late unpleasantness of 2020 unless you were a farmer, in the medical field, military or a historian.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Local officials discuss HB 581

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
An initiative from the Georgia Legislature is giving headaches to local government officials. Gilmer County commissioners, the city councils of Ellijay and East Ellijay and the Gilmer County School Board have all published ads  scheduling public hearings on the possibility of opting out of HB 581.
Breanna Akerson answers a call. She has worked at the 911 Center since 2021. (Lauren Sabia/Reporter)

Breanna Akerson answers a call. She has worked at the 911 Center since 2021. (Lauren Sabia/Reporter)

911 Center in need of communication officers

Lauren Sabia
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
The Gilmer County 911 Center is receiving more calls as the population grows, creating an urgent need to hire additional communication officers.