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Habitat for Humanity volunteers and leaders work to build a house in front of the Georgia State Capitol. Shown from left are, front, Gilmer County Commissioner, Karleen Ferguson, Clint Carver, Johnathan Johnson, Alivia Richards, Jesse McElreath, Cole Bolinger, Kyle Gee and Habitat for Humanity Georgia President and CEO Donna Lusk; and, back, Audio, Video, Technology and Film teacher Robert Ferguson and Construction teacher BJ Chancey. (Contributed photos)

Habitat for Humanity volunteers and leaders work to build a house in front of the Georgia State Capitol. Shown from left are, front, Gilmer County Commissioner, Karleen Ferguson, Clint Carver, Johnathan Johnson, Alivia Richards, Jesse McElreath, Cole Bolinger, Kyle Gee and Habitat for Humanity Georgia President and CEO Donna Lusk; and, back, Audio, Video, Technology and Film teacher Robert Ferguson and Construction teacher BJ Chancey. (Contributed photos)

Habitat for Humanity and students build house at Georgia Capitol

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Somewhere in DeKalb County, Georgia, a family will eventually move into a house built in front of the state capitol building. But it won’t be in the same location. This house owes its unusual journey to a special Habitat for Humanity event.
17-year-old Lucas Watson, left, receives a $1,000 check from Craddock Center Executive Director Kirk Cameron, right.

17-year-old Lucas Watson, left, receives a $1,000 check from Craddock Center Executive Director Kirk Cameron, right.

Local teen wins children’s book writing contest

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Can a crab named Clarence learn to cooperate from a sponge named Saul? The only way to find out is reading “Clarence the Crab,” the winner of a children’s book writing competition hosted by The Craddock Center said.
Dianne Scoggins celebrates receiving the Gilmer Citizen of the Year Award.

Dianne Scoggins celebrates receiving the Gilmer Citizen of the Year Award.

Dianne Scoggins is Gilmer County Citizen of the Year

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
If there’s one thing Dianne Scoggins has learned from decades helping children in crisis, it’s to listen. “Most of the time, they just want somebody to listen rather than sit back and say, you need to do this, that and the other,” she said.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Proposed bill bans cell phones for Georgia high schools

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Technology changes, but students don’t. A new bill, House Bill 1009, would extend Georgia’s smartphone ban in school to include high school students. According to Gilmer County Schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley, the bill is likely a good idea. But it will depend on the final product.
Morning snowflakes fall in Gilmer County Saturday, Jan. 31.

Morning snowflakes fall in Gilmer County Saturday, Jan. 31.

Snow falls in Gilmer County

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Gilmer was bracing for snow two weeks ago, but the snowstorm arrived last weekend. In Talking Rock, it was a light dusting of snow, just enough to cover the ground. It was firm enough to form a tiny snowman. With snowfall and icy temperatures across the county, most people stayed off the roads.
Gilmer High School’s new Performing Arts Center will soon be complete, providing a great meeting place for the whole county.

Gilmer High School’s new Performing Arts Center will soon be complete, providing a great meeting place for the whole county.

GHS Performing Arts Center will be complete by early July

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Soon, Gilmer County will have a new Performing Arts Center as a community hub. “We’re looking at it as a true community asset,” Gilmer County Schools (GCS) Superintendent Brian Ridley said. “It won’t just be for our use.” Builders are working on the center at Gilmer High School (GHS).
Flower the cat takes a swing at a toy held by Vet Assistant Justin Gooch.

Flower the cat takes a swing at a toy held by Vet Assistant Justin Gooch.

New Cat Enrichment Program makes life better for shelter cats

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Happy cats get adopted. Vet Assistant Justin Gooch makes sure  Flower the cat is entertained during her stay in the Gilmer County Animal Shelter. That’s why the Gilmer County Animal Shelter (GCAS) has created a new program to enrich and socialize the shelter’s cats.
The beams of the old Ridgeway Baptist Church show the skill and craftsmanship of men more than 160 years ago.

The beams of the old Ridgeway Baptist Church show the skill and craftsmanship of men more than 160 years ago.

Ridgeway Baptist Church will be repaired on private land

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
When Confederate veterans Wiley Pankey, J.C. Worley, Frank Nelson and Leander Corbin returned from America’s most devastating war, they built a church. “It’s a part of Gilmer County history,” Ridgeway Baptist Church Deacon Danny McArthur said.
Ace Hardware Inventory Manager Shanan Pittman, left, and Floor Clerk Abby McCollum, right, stand by shelves where heaters and other winter supplies have sold out.

Ace Hardware Inventory Manager Shanan Pittman, left, and Floor Clerk Abby McCollum, right, stand by shelves where heaters and other winter supplies have sold out.

Gilmer was prepared for major winter storm

Jackson Elliott - Reporter
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
As winter storms swept down on Georgia, Gilmer residents prepared for a potential disaster. “Look out for loved ones, friends and neighbors,” Ingles shopper Jeffrey Settle said on Friday, Jan. 23. As Gilmer residents store up water to prepare for a winter storm, Food Lion’s shelves run low.