Local

Retiring Gilmer County Historical Society President Leslie Thomas, center, accepts an award of appreciation from Commission Chairman Charlie Paris, left, and new historical society president Doug Piette, right.

Retiring Gilmer County Historical Society President Leslie Thomas, center, accepts an award of appreciation from Commission Chairman Charlie Paris, left, and new historical society president Doug Piette, right.

For Thomas, preserving local history has been a passion

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
The longtime president of the Gilmer County Historical Society and manager of Ellijay’s Tabor House Museum has retired from those posts.
Fall Branch Falls is among the many scenic wonders on the almost 82-mile section of the Benton MacKaye Trail that winds through north Georgia. (Photo by Joy Forehand)

Fall Branch Falls is among the many scenic wonders on the almost 82-mile section of the Benton MacKaye Trail that winds through north Georgia. (Photo by Joy Forehand)

BMT one step closer to National Scenic Trail

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
The effort to obtain a national title for a hiking trail that includes sections in Gilmer and Fannin County moved closer to that goal last week.  U.S.
Photo by Mark Millican

Photo by Mark Millican

Veterans memorial crosses going up

News Staff
Sunday, May 26, 2024
American Legion Post 82 and Legion Auxiliary members keep an annual tradition going Tuesday morning as they place crosses along South Main Street and Old Highway 5 in advance of Memorial Day. 
An area of Sunlight Road washed out during the severe storms that moved through May 8 and 9. (Gilmer Sheriff’s Office Facebook photo)

An area of Sunlight Road washed out during the severe storms that moved through May 8 and 9. (Gilmer Sheriff’s Office Facebook photo)

Road cleanup, repairs continue

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Repairs and storm debris removal continued along Gilmer County roads last week. At one point, there were 102 entries on the county road department’s damage list following the destructive line of thunderstorms and at least one tornado that moved through May 8-9.
We remember and honor our heroes.

We remember and honor our heroes.

Memorial Day service at veterans bridge park Monday

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
The public is invited to attend a community Memorial Day service at which America’s fallen military men and women will be remembered.  The service will be held at the Veterans Memorial Bridge and Park, located at the south end of River Park on South Main Street, beginning at 11 a.m. Monday, May 27.
Mountain Wisdom campers learn how to build a fire from scratch during a past session of the electronics-free, back-to-nature camp.

Mountain Wisdom campers learn how to build a fire from scratch during a past session of the electronics-free, back-to-nature camp.

Mountain Wisdom to begin 21st camp in July

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
A nature camp designed to help teenage boys build leadership and life skills will enter its 21st season this summer.  The weeklong Mountain Wisdom summer camp will run from July 8-13, said “Hawkeye” Jay Zipperman, founder of the local Mountain Wisdom nonprofit.
Uncle B’s Feed and Supply posted this scene of the destruction just feet from their store, which escaped a direct hit. (Facebook photo)

Uncle B’s Feed and Supply posted this scene of the destruction just feet from their store, which escaped a direct hit. (Facebook photo)

At least one tornado confirmed

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
The National Weather Service has determined at least one tornado touched down in Gilmer County as a severe storm system ripped across the county and upper north Georgia late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning.  Gilmer was under a tornado warning beginning around 10:30 p.m.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Man surrenders after shooting at deputies

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
An hour-and-a-half standoff ended peacefully when the suspect who shot at Gilmer County deputies surrendered. Ryan Timothy Hanrahan, 48, was charged with aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer when engaged on official duty, according to the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office app.