Local

Times-Courier

Times-Courier

Short-term rentals discussion begins

Andy Ashurst - Publisher
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Commissioners began a promised discussion on regulating short-term rentals in Gilmer County. Discussions took place at the board’s work and regular sessions July 12 and 13. “It is the party houses we want to eliminate,” said Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris.
New pool construction behind the Civic Center on Old Hwy. 5 South

New pool construction behind the Civic Center on Old Hwy. 5 South

Pool progress delayed

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Park and recreation personnel Gary Watkins, left, and Jordan Hice, right, take a look at the deep end of the unfinished Gilmer County Swimming Pool last week on a day when crews weren’t working on the project.
Gilmer Schools

Gilmer Schools

GCSS increases lunch prices

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Student lunch prices will increase by 30 cents for the upcoming school year. The change was discussed at last month’s Gilmer County Board of Education work session and unanimously approved at its regular meeting. The lunch price for elementary students will be $2.
The Band Waleska

The Band Waleska

Barefoot jam

News Staff
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Nolan Hawthorne, singer/guitarist of The Band Waleska, front right, kicked off his shoes as the band played the Food Truck Tuesday event at River Park last week. Named after its north Georgia hometown, the group describes its music as “firewater rock ‘n’ roll.
Times-Courier

Times-Courier

$3 billion portion of tax digest approved

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Five years ago, the real and personal property portions of the county’s tax digest totaled $1.56 billion. For the 2023 digest, the preliminary real/personal property value total is almost double that 2018 figure.
Joyce Southern Bennett

Joyce Southern Bennett

Local author’s novel basis for TV series

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
A local author is excited that a TV series based on one of her novels could soon begin production. Joyce Southern Bennett grew up in Ellijay and lived here until health reasons prompted a recent move to Pickens County.
This oak tree measuring 20 inches in diameter fell on the bedroom where Martha Wheeler was sleeping; there was neither storm nor wind at the time. (Contributed photo)

This oak tree measuring 20 inches in diameter fell on the bedroom where Martha Wheeler was sleeping; there was neither storm nor wind at the time. (Contributed photo)

Gilmer woman gets rude awakening

Mark Millican - Special to the Times-Courier
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Martha Wheeler sets her alarm clock for 6 a.m. on weekdays so she can wake up and get ready for work. On Friday, July 7, however, she got up before it went off. “I was asleep in the bed, and the headboard is next to that wall where the tree is just a few feet away,” she said.
Progress Road paving

Progress Road paving

Progress Road paved

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Paving started last week on a portion of Progress Road from the intersection with Maddox Drive to the Old Highway 5 intersection. Progress Road is one of several streets scheduled to receive some sort of paving work budgeted by the City of Ellijay.
Fireworks light up the skies above downtown Ellijay on the Fourth of July. The city’s fireworks display, seen here from The Roof’s restaurant balcony on River Street, capped off the Independence Day festivities, which also included a morning parade through downtown. (Photo by Karleen Ferguson)

Fireworks light up the skies above downtown Ellijay on the Fourth of July. The city’s fireworks display, seen here from The Roof’s restaurant balcony on River Street, capped off the Independence Day festivities, which also included a morning parade through downtown. (Photo by Karleen Ferguson)

Festive Fourth enjoyed

News Staff
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Members of the Gilmer County Optimist Club usher in this year’s Stuff the Bus school supply drive in the recent Fourth of July parade. (Photo by Robert Ferguson)

Members of the Gilmer County Optimist Club usher in this year’s Stuff the Bus school supply drive in the recent Fourth of July parade. (Photo by Robert Ferguson)

Stuff the Bus to collect school supplies

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
The Gilmer County Optimist Club hopes to literally stuff a bus full of supplies during its 11th annual back-to-school drive. The 2023 Stuff the Bus school supply drive will take place from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, July 21, and Saturday, 22, in front of the East Ellijay Walmart.