Gilmer cancels make-up graduation along with other July activities
News July 10, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – In addition to this weeks announcement of cancelling the prom, Gilmer High School has also announced that they will be cancelling the graduation ceremony scheduled for July 17.
According to a statement from Gilmer High School, “Gilmer County Schools and Gilmer High School have been in contact with the Gilmer County Department of Health and Gilmer County Emergency Management for the past several days to make decisions regarding events scheduled to take place at the high school. Even though all of our events were planned in a manner to keep students and staff safe, we have been advised against holding large group gatherings (those with more than 50 people in attendance) at this time, even if being held outside. We initially planned to have students on the field, seated six-feet apart, and allow only two guests per student to accommodate social distancing requirements in the stands. Due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in our community, we have been advised by officials to cancel the graduation event scheduled for Friday, July 17th.”
As with previous graduations, this year’s event was scheduled to be held outside on the football field.
However, Graduation is not the only event being cancelled or having restrictions as sports and other activities to be held in July as students are trying to slowly start returning to school.
The statement said, “With regard to sports on the high school campus, we are following strict guidelines from GHSA with regard to social distancing, hand sanitizing and the sanitizing of equipment. Athletes are screened each day, which includes temperature checks, and their responses are recorded to help with contact tracing. Over the past few days, we have had 13 student athletes, some of whom were in attendance at a community event last week (where several people have tested positive for COVID-19) and others who were identified during the screening process, who are being quarantined and cannot participate in practice for the next 14 days. Two sports, wrestling and cheerleading, have cancelled practice until further notice. We continue to monitor the remaining sports still practicing and are prepared to cancel their practices for 14 days should that be necessary.”
Gilmer High’s Marching band has postponed their “Band Camp” from Monday, July 13, to Monday, July 20. Next week they will work with small groups of students for easier monitoring, and then full Band Camp will begin on July 20th.
The High School said, “It is much easier to monitor small groups of students on a daily basis, than it would have been for us to comply with the necessary guidelines to ensure the safety of more than 400 students at prom, and an additional 600 at graduation.”
They went on to add, “This is not what any of us wanted for our students. We all believe in giving our students the greatest high school experiences possible, but will never risk the health and safety of anyone. We greatly appreciate everyone’s understanding and look forward to being able to have everyone back together soon.”
School closed in Gilmer in face of Coronavirus
News March 12, 2020
GILMER, Ga. – According to a release from Gilmer County Schools, the system will shut down with school closed next week in the fallout from information and concerns over the Coronavirus in the county.
According to a public release from Gilmer County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs, the closure will last from Monday, March 16, 2020, through Friday, March 20, 2020.
The release states, “Our school district is committed to keeping our community informed about issues relating to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). There are no cases of COVID-19 at any Gilmer County school and currently there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 in Gilmer County. Our schools are not closing Friday, March 13, 2020, as we need to allow time for students and staff to retrieve needed materials and technology to be prepared for this closure. We will use Digital Learning Days during this closure for 6th-12th grade and paper learning packets for Kindergarten-5th grade to continue teaching and learning.”
Students will be retrieving these materials tomorrow, March 13, in order to follow these instructions next week. The release acknowledges that some hardships will come from this closure but said the plans are being finalized at this time.
While the current announcement is just for the week listed, Downs confirmed that future closures could be possible based on the need saying, “The district will continually review conditions and publish updates. Should additional closures be necessary we will notify you as soon as possible.”
This closure will not just be for students, however. All Gilmer schools and offices will be closed during the week along with all activities including athletics and extracurriculars including GHSA (Georgia High Schools Association) events being cancelled, and additional closures could continue for these as well.
One point of note for testing, however, Downs said that, currently, SAT testing will still occur this Saturday, March 14, 2020.
With school closed, plans are being made to deep clean the schools and to provide meals in a similar manner to the Seamless Summer Program.
See the full release below:
Post 2 Commissioner candidate Woody Janssen
Election 2018 March 16, 2018
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Local citizen, and owner/operator of the Cartecay River Experience, Woody Janssen has qualified for Post 2 Commissioner in Gilmer County.
Running for the position, Janssen says he hopes to utilize his business and logistics background to move Gilmer forward in its economic process.
Janssen graduated in 1996 from Ole Miss (University of Mississippi) and moved through logistics management for several years before moving to Texas. Returning to Gilmer County, he has operated the Cartecay River Experience since 2009. Janssen tells FetchYourNews he has seen Gilmer County after the recession slowly progressing on its path to recovery and economic stability.
Noting the current commissioners’ progress in expanding the activities of Gilmer, Janssen pointed to an abundance of natural resources in the county to facilitate growth for “family activities” to attract a larger variety of people to the county. However, he tempered his statement on growth saying Gilmer needs to stay rural. He went on to say, “It feels like The Andy Griffith Show in a way, everybody waves still. You go down to Atlanta and you wave at somebody, it’s not like that … It brings that down-home feeling. That’s how I grew up in Utah when I was a kid. It was a small area, we were all farmers. I was on a farm since I was five years old.”
Janssen pointed to other local communities prospering in the rural parts of the state like Blue Ridge in Fannin County and Helen in White County. The common thing Janssen noted that he wants to see in Gilmer is the variety of activities to see and do.
Accomplishing this is not something one man does alone. Janssen noted the community’s work and great people working alongside other entities. He praised the current commissioner’s work on the Golf Course specifically saying it is the greatest he has ever seen it: “The way Mike Brumby has done this, what he has done with the golf course, it is going to slowly progress.” With definitive and continued progress, it becomes a matter of continuing the hard work to get Gilmer financially into the black.
Janssen continued, “There is a lot of work to be done, but with what Charlie has done, and Dallas and Travis have helped, they are bringing it more into the black.” Janssen said continuing the work of bringing in more commerce would be his focus in taking the position of Post 2 Commissioner.
In a final word towards voters, Janssen took a moment to say, “The progression is awesome with what’s going on. Do I think we can do a little bit better as a community? Yeah, everybody can. You can always progress. You can always get better. Something my coach always said, ‘You have to get better every day. If you don’t, then your competition is.’ There are little things we can always progress on. We can create more.”
Woody Janssen is one of four candidates running for the Post 2 Commissioner position in Gilmer County. Check out FYN’s other Candidate Interviews as they become available for Jerry Tuso, Karleen Ferguson, and Danny Hall.
Danny Hall resigns from Post 2 Commissioner race
Election 2018 April 5, 2018
ELLIJAY, Ga. – FetchYourNews (FYN) has confirmed with the Gilmer County Probate Court that Danny Hall has removed his name from the Post 2 Commissioner ballot.
Tammy Watkins from the Gilmer County Probate Court confirmed with FYN that the official paperwork has been filed to remove him from the race. However, the name will still appear on the ballots in the election. According to Watkins, there will be notes in the election booths about his retirement from the race.
It is the current understanding that the official reason for Hall backing out of the race is due to work scheduling conflicts that he said would detriment his service to the county. Hall stated that the conflicts would not allow him to make a full commitment to the position.
With only the official statement available, stay with FYN as we seek more details from Hall in the coming days. Hall’s withdrawal from the election leaves three other candidates in the race: Karleen Ferguson, Jerry Tuso, and Woody Janssen.
Post 2 Commissioner candidate Jerry Tuso
Election 2018 March 26, 2018
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Having put in his qualification to run for the position of Gilmer County Post 2 Commissioner, G.R. “Jerry” Tuso resigned from his position as chairman of the Gilmer County Republican Party.
He tells FetchYourNews (FYN) he left the chairman position to run for the Post 2 position to be more hands on with the county in his service.
Previous to his time in Gilmer County, Tuso has spent a total 25 years as an air traffic controller. He had four years with the position in the United States Air Force and 21 years in the position with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He noted these positions when speaking to FYN about his choice to run for the Board of Commissioners. He said he is running because he wants to continue serving the community.
Tuso also said he brings business experience to the position without currently having a business to divide his time between. His experience comes from attending Tarrent County Business School in Hurst, Texas, three years spent on the planning and zoning commission in Hurst, and 19 years in national contract negotiation for contractors dealing with the FAA.
Tuso did note one change he wanted to bring to the Board of Commissioners being a change to the “part-time” status of the post commissioners. “In the last ten years, Gilmer County has almost doubled, and we’ve still got the old hat of part-time post commissioners,” said Tuso.
He went on to note that the current commissioners spend upward of 30 hours a week on their positions through all they do. He also pointed out how large their binders are when the commissioners sit down to their monthly meetings. Tuso also noted the exemplary work that the current chairman and post commissioners have accomplished on the county, both financially and physically as the county is building on to itself.
Tuso told FYN that is what he wants to focus his service on, sustainable growth in the county. He noted the wineries as part of the agricultural growth the county has seen but with people continuing to want to live in Gilmer to commute elsewhere for work. His ideas of sustainable growth are what he wants to delve into at the position, if elected.
FYN asked Tuso to sum up his feelings on running for the Post 2 Commissioner. He replied saying, “I just want the chance to serve.”
Jerry Tuso is one of four candidates running for the Post 2 Commissioner position in Gilmer County. Check out FYN’s other candidate interviews as they become available for Woody Janssen, Karleen Ferguson, and Danny Hall.
Post 2 Commissioner candidate Karleen Ferguson
Election 2018 April 5, 2018
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Creator of Ellijay’s outdoor social club, Stay Active Ellijay, Karleen Ferguson qualified in March to run for the position of Post 2 Commissioner in Gilmer County.
Originally attending the University of Georgia for a degree in early childhood education and graduating from Kean University in New Jersey with the degree, Ferguson actually spent much of her time with her family’s Catering and Events business in Atlanta. While she admits it was not her dream, she said she learned a lot from planning the events alongside her family.
First moving to Ellijay in 2000, she admitted that her and Robert Ferguson, her husband, used to be one of those people who would come to their home in Ellijay but avoid the crowds. Karleen Ferguson returned to Atlanta in 2005 to take care of her family while maintaining a second home in Ellijay. Growing more in the community and becoming more socially active, she said she began to notice more of the “depressed conditions” she found in areas of the community.
In 2010, Ferguson said, she and her husband Robert sold their main home to live in Ellijay full-time. After helping create the concert series Ellijay Under the Stars, she met Paige Green at one of the events. Building on her achievements and events planning, she began working for the Gilmer Chamber as the Tourism and Special Events coordinator.
Along with her husband, Robert, Karleen Ferguson has raised four children, three boys and one girl, while performing duties as a health coach for over 18 years spanning before and after her time with the Chamber. Even after leaving the Chamber to continue her health coach work, she volunteered in the Chamber’s Ambassador program where she served five years. During that time, she grew out of health coaching to create Stay Active Ellijay (SAE) in order to fill what she calls a gap between encouraging people to experience the region and actual programs to facilitate the experience.
Described as an “award-winning outdoor social club” by Ferguson, SAE currently serves over 200 members through activities like hiking, kayaking, cycling, horseback riding, and more.
Ferguson said she draws from all of this in her efforts toward the commissioner’s seat. She drew experience in growth and tourism from her time at the Chamber and financial and logistical experience from planning events with her family. She drew experience in the county’s departments when she helped alongside the Parks and Recreation with Gold Kist and merchant supporters to grow a soccer program in Gilmer. She noted even running Stay Active Ellijay provides her a basis for the community saying, “I feel like I am the best voice and I understand the heartbeat of the community the best.”
If she is elected to the position, Ferguson said, she is a quick learner because “I love to get in and get my hands dirty … I love to fix things.”
Ferguson tells FYN she had not even considered running, but having rolled off of her services in the Chamber volunteer and Ambassador work, she began to look for her next project and service. It was not until she had heard from current Post 2 Commissioner Travis Crouch that he would not be running again that she thought of running herself.
Furthering the conversation, Ferguson said she sat down with Couch to discuss the position and the possibility of running. Then she went on to sit down individually with both Gilmer County Commission Chairman Charlie Paris and Post 1 Commissioner Dallas Miller. After meeting with all three and feeling confident that she could hold the position, she prayed over the move and, feeling it was God’s direction for her, qualified for election.
Maintaining volunteer work and her business with SAE, Ferguson told FYN she will have no problem juggling her responsibilities as she is used to having a lot on her plate in her life. She went on to say, “I don’t commit to anything unless I can give fully of myself.”
Her main goals in the Post 2 Commissioner revolve around protecting the green-space and continuing along the work that she has seen in the last four years. With building, construction, and real estate on the rise, Ferguson said she wants to be a part of the growth, but maintain a view of the thought that Kent Sanford brought up in an earlier meeting saying, “We need to grow in a qualitative way rather than quantitative.”
Mentioning a few ideas to better utilize the county’s resources, Ferguson said she was excited to have the repairs for the walking path and tennis courts while she wants to see better utilization of natural resources like the rivers.
Summing up her feelings on the position in a final thought, she stated, “Trust me to make what I feel is the best decisions for the entire community … I really want to just be a voice for my entire Gilmer County family.”
Karleen Ferguson is one of four candidates running for the Post 2 Commissioner position in Gilmer County. Check out FYN’s other candidate interviews as they become available for Woody Janssen, Jerry Tuso, and Danny Hall.
Check It Out @ Gilmer Library
Community October 3, 2017
This Week @ Gilmer County Library: October 4, 2017 – October 11, 2017
Heath Lee – Library Manager
All Ages Programs
Bingo for Books
Tuesday, October 10 @ 6:00 PM
BINGO! Multiple ways to win and you pick out your prize from our collection of all ages books and puzzles. Light refreshments served.
Youth Programs
Family Story Times
Wednesday, October 4 @ 10:30 AM
Wednesday, October 4 @ 4:00 PM
All ages welcome. Family Story Time is an excellent way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills, and all stories are always followed by a simple craft you can complete with your child
Adult Programs
Lunch & Learn Knitting
Wednesday, October 4 @ 12:00 PM
Got a pattern that is “Needling” you? Looking for something new to get “Hooked” on? Join us on Wednesdays from 12-2 and let us try to “Unravel” your problem! Or come and learn how to knit or crochet.
Nuisance Wildlife – Walter Reeves
Thursday, October 5 @ 1:00 PM
Gilmer County Master Gardeners present an afternoon with Walter Reeves, The Georgia Gardener. Mr. Reeves is a regular columnist with the AJC, radio talk show host, author of 9 books, former television host, and considered the garden guru of the Southeast. Books for signing will be available and refreshments will be served.
The Friends of the Library Bookshelf
Remember that the library welcomes donations of gently read books and magazines. Those that the library does not need come to the Bookshelf, with all the proceeds benefiting the library. Do not forget to visit the “back room” of the Bookshelf for newly stocked non-fiction and magazines.
Bookshelf hours are from 10:30-5:00 on weekdays and from 12:00-2:00 on Saturdays
Location and Contact Information
Address: 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Phone: 706-635-4528. Fax: 706-635-3528.
http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/gilmer
https://www.facebook.com/GilmerLibrary
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-6PM.
Check It Out @ Gilmer County Library
Community October 16, 2017
This Week @ Gilmer County Library: October 18, 2017 – October 25, 2017
Heath Lee – Library Manager
All Ages Programs
Pumpkin Palooza
Wednesday, October 18 @ 4:00 PM
Come see all the decorated pumpkins and enjoy simple activities, story time, & light refreshments. You do not need to have decorated a pumpkin to attend. Vote for your favorite pumpkin starting October 14 thru 4:00 October 18. This event is open to ALL ages!
Youth Programs
Family Story Times
Wednesday, October 18 @ 10:30 AM
Wednesday, October 18 @ 4:00 PM
All ages welcome. Family Story Time is an excellent way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills, and all stories are always followed by a simple craft you can complete with your child
Math Club
Thursday, October 19 @ 4:00 PM
We are joining Crazy 8s Math Club, which is an over-the-top after-school club that is designed to get kids fired up about math. It’s 8 sessions of math gone wild! For grades 3-5, kids 9 and under with adult supervision please.
Teen Programs
Coding Club
Tuesday, October 24 @ 4:00 PM
Learn the basics of computer coding. Each meeting will build on the previous, but you can work at your own pace. Join anytime! Ages 10-18.
Adult Programs
Lunch & Learn Knitting
Wednesday, October 18 @ 12:00 PM
Got a pattern that is “Needling” you? Looking for something new to get “Hooked” on? Join us on Wednesdays from 12-2 and let us try to “Unravel” your problem! Or come and learn how to knit or crochet.
Author Talk: Johnathon Scott Barrett
Thursday, October 19 @ 6:00 PM
Multiple author Johnathon Scott Barrett will discuss his most recent book Cook and Tell: Recipes and Stories from the Southern Kitchen. Book Sale and signing to follow. Refreshments will be served
Haunted Georgia
Monday, October 23 @ 6:00 PM
Join the Paranormal Georgia Investigator lead us on a trip down the highways of the Deep South and visit Georgia’s most haunted locations. Refreshments will be served
The Friends of the Library Bookshelf
Remember that the library welcomes donations of gently read books and magazines. Those that the library does not need come to the Bookshelf, with all the proceeds benefiting the library. Do not forget to visit the “back room” of the Bookshelf for newly stocked non-fiction and magazines.
Bookshelf hours are from 10:30-5:00 on weekdays and from 12:00-2:00 on Saturdays
Location and Contact Information
Address: 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Phone: 706-635-4528. Fax: 706-635-3528.
http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/gilmer
https://www.facebook.com/GilmerLibrary
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-6PM.
Check It Out @ Gilmer County Library
Community October 9, 2017
This Week @ Gilmer County Library: October 11, 2017 – October 18, 2017
Heath Lee – Library Manager
Youth Programs
Family Story Times
Wednesday, October 11 @ 10:30 AM
Wednesday, October 11 @ 4:00 PM
All ages welcome. Family Story Time is an excellent way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills, and all stories are always followed by a simple craft you can complete with your child
Lego+ Club
Saturday, October 14 @ 2:00 PM
The Lego Club has a different theme each month. Children can work alone or in teams to make their special creation, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. All ages, under 9 years of age with an adult please.
Teen Programs
Teen Advisory Board
Monday, October 16 @ 6:00PM
If you are between the ages of 12-18 and want to make a difference in your library, please attend our TAB meeting. Come prepared to share your ideas and enjoy some refreshments (like pizza).
Kendama Club
Tuesday, October 17 @ 4:00 PM
A Kendama is a Japanese skill toy that has become popular all over the world. Use one of our Kendamas or bring your own and share your tips and tricks with others. All levels welcome! Ages 9+, 9 and under with adult supervision
Adult Programs
Lunch & Learn Knitting
Wednesday, October 11 @ 12:00 PM
Got a pattern that is “Needling” you? Looking for something new to get “Hooked” on? Join us on Wednesdays from 12-2 and let us try to “Unravel” your problem! Or come and learn how to knit or crochet.
TechBytes – Using Libby
Wednesday, October 11 @ 2:30 PM
Learn to download free eBooks and audiobooks to your tablets and phones. Make sure you library card and PIN are active before attending. Pre-Registration Recommended.
GCGSI Monthly Program
Thursday, October 12 @ 2:00 PM
Authors Ben and Helen Davis will talk about their most recent work, Our Mark on This Land: A Guide to the Legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps in America’s Parks. Book signing/purchase will follow. Refreshments served at 1:30
Master Gardener’s – Pumpkin Arrangements
Saturday, October 14 @ 10:00 AM
This is no ordinary centerpiece! Join the Gilmer County Master gardeners and create living displays with the use of a unique and beautiful pumpkins and a variety of succulents. Care and propagation of succulents will be discussed. $20 to attend with all materials provided, but the class attendance is Free. Pre-Registration Required: Pick up registration form at Ellijay’s Farmer’s Market, County Extension Office, or Gilmer County Library.
The Friends of the Library Bookshelf
Remember that the library welcomes donations of gently read books and magazines. Those that the library does not need come to the Bookshelf, with all the proceeds benefiting the library. Do not forget to visit the “back room” of the Bookshelf for newly stocked non-fiction and magazines.
Bookshelf hours are from 10:30-5:00 on weekdays and from 12:00-2:00 on Saturdays
Location and Contact Information
Address: 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Phone: 706-635-4528. Fax: 706-635-3528.
http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/gilmer
https://www.facebook.com/GilmerLibrary
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-6PM.
Check It Out @ Gilmer County Library
Community October 23, 2017
This Week @ Gilmer County Library: October 25, 2017 – November 1, 2017
Heath Lee – Library Manager
GCL will be on The Square for the huge Halloween Trick-r-Treat event on 10/31/17. Be sure to stop by our table!
Youth Programs
Family Story Times
Wednesday, October 25 @ 10:30 AM
Wednesday, October 25 @ 4:00 PM
All ages welcome. Family Story Time is an excellent way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills, and all stories are always followed by a simple craft you can complete with your child
Teen Programs
Teen Fandom Party & Game Night
Monday, October 30 @ 6:00 PM
We are celebrating Halloween and International Games Week at the same time! Join us for some Fandom fun with trivia and activities and play some new games. Come dressed as your favorite character and enter the costume contest. Grades 6-12.
Adult Programs
Lunch & Learn Knitting
Wednesday, October 25 @ 12:00 PM
Got a pattern that is “Needling” you? Looking for something new to get “Hooked” on? Join us on Wednesdays from 12-2 and let us try to “Unravel” your problem! Or come and learn how to knit or crochet.
Morning Creatives
Friday, October 27 @ 9:00 AM
Let’s Make Something Dreadful: Join us for creativity and conversation. This month build your creative toolkit with Bad Art. Choose your supplies and styles, mix as needed, and don’t hold back. All materials provided.
The Friends of the Library Bookshelf
Remember that the library welcomes donations of gently read books and magazines. Those that the library does not need come to the Bookshelf, with all the proceeds benefiting the library. Do not forget to visit the “back room” of the Bookshelf for newly stocked non-fiction and magazines.
Bookshelf hours are from 10:30-5:30 on weekdays and from 12:00-2:00 on Saturdays
Location and Contact Information
Address: 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Phone: 706-635-4528. Fax: 706-635-3528.
http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/gilmer
https://www.facebook.com/GilmerLibrary
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-6PM.
Check It Out @ Gilmer Library
Community September 26, 2017
This Week @ Gilmer County Library: September 27, 2017 – October 4, 2017
Heath Lee – Library Manager
Youth Programs
None
Adult Programs
Lunch & Learn Knitting
Wednesday, September 27 @ 12:00 PM
Got a pattern that is “Needling” you? Looking for something new to get “Hooked” on? Join us on Wednesdays from 12-2 and let us try to “Unravel” your problem! Or come and learn how to knit or crochet.
Morning Creatives
Friday, September 29 @ 9:00 AM
Join us for creativity and conversation. This month build your creative toolkit with mixed media altered tins. All materials provided.
GCGSI: Genealogy Meets DNA
Saturday, September 30 @ 2:00 PM
Kenneth H. Thomas Jr., noted genealogist and columnist for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution’s Living Section, will explain the tools to find links to your ancestors using DNA. Refreshments will be served at 1:30 PM.
The Friends of the Library Bookshelf
Remember that the library welcomes donations of gently read books and magazines. Those that the library does not need come to the Bookshelf, with all the proceeds benefiting the library. Do not forget to visit the “back room” of the Bookshelf for newly stocked non-fiction and magazines.
Bookshelf hours are from 10:30-5:00 on weekdays and from 12:00-2:00 on Saturdays
Location and Contact Information
Address: 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Phone: 706-635-4528. Fax: 706-635-3528.
http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/gilmer
https://www.facebook.com/GilmerLibrary
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-6PM.
