ELLIJAY, Ga. — Larry’s Body Shop honored its founders, Larry and Joan Watkins, with the dedication of a new flagpole recognizing the legacy they built through decades of service to the community. The dedication ceremony celebrated the couple’s vision when they established the business, emphasizing that they were building more than an auto body shop—they […]
Read More »Investing in the Future of Collision Repair
At Larry’s Body Shop, we’re proud to partner with ICAR and Matco Tools through the ICAR Apprenticeship Program to help develop the next generation of collision repair professionals. Today, we celebrated three of our apprentices who were awarded Matco tool carts and starter tool sets as they continue building their skills and careers in the […]
Read More »Multi-Agency Drug Operation Leads to Major Narcotics Seizure, Two Arrested
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – A joint law enforcement operation involving agencies in North Carolina and Georgia has resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with the arrest of two individuals on trafficking charges. According to authorities, officers with the Union County Safe Street Task Force, Cherokee County Narcotics Division, and […]
Read More »Georgia Governor’s Race Set for November After GOP Primary Upset
GEORGIA – Georgia voters narrowed the field in the state’s open gubernatorial race Tuesday, setting up a high-profile general election contest to replace term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp. On the Republican side, businessman and healthcare executive Rick Jackson scored an upset victory over Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, winning the GOP nomination despite Jones receiving endorsements from […]
Read More »Congratulations Class of 2026!
Congratulations Class of 2026! Here are just a few highlights from this year: Check out the video!
Read More »Rep. Johnny Chastain Appointed to House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on the Impact of Online Platforms on Georgia Youth
ATLANTA – State Representative Johnny Chastain (R-Blue Ridge) was recently appointed by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve as a member of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on the Impact of Online Platforms on Georgia Youth. “I am grateful to Speaker Burns for establishing and appointing me to serve on this important study committee […]
Read More »Early Voting Underway Ahead of May 19 Primary in Gilmer County, Georgia
ELLIJAY, Ga. — Voters in Gilmer County, Georgia are preparing to head to the polls for the May 19, 2026 primary election, with early voting already underway for several key local races, including county commission, school board, and judicial seats. County Commission races: The Republican primary for the Gilmer County Commission District 2 seat features […]
Read More »Wildfires Rage Across Georgia as Drought Deepens — What It Means for North Georgia Counties
NORTH GEORGIA — A series of historic wildfires burning across Georgia has prompted a statewide emergency response, with officials warning that dry conditions could put North Georgia communities like Gilmer County, Fannin County, Pickens County, etc. at increasing risk in the weeks ahead. Massive fires in South Georgia have scorched tens of thousands of acres […]
Read More »High Fire Danger Expected Across North Georgia, Weather Service Warns
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – The National Weather Service office in Peachtree City, Georgia has issued a special weather statement warning of elevated fire danger across parts of North Georgia on Tuesday. Forecasters say relative humidity levels are expected to drop to 25 percent or lower for at least four hours during the afternoon and evening, […]
Read More »LT. GOVERNOR FRONTRUNNER, CONSERVATIVE STEVE GOOCH WON’T BACK DOWN ON PUBLIC SAFETY
GEORGIA – Conservative Senator Steve Gooch is stepping up where others are content to grandstand, delivering real action to shield Georgians from the rising tide of lawlessness pushed by the far left. In the wake of media-fueled hysteria that has seen protesters storm churches mid-service to harass worshippers, Gooch didn’t hesitate. He introduced SB 591, […]
Read More »Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents About Fraudulent Toll Violation Scam
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a fraudulent “toll violation” notice that has been widely shared on social media in recent days. According to a public alert issued by the sheriff’s office, officials have received multiple reports over the weekend and again Monday regarding a document titled “Notice […]
Read More »Sheriff Chris Wood Announces Arrest of Virginia Fugitive
PRESS RELEASE – The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, VA, and Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, GA arranged the arrest of wanted fugitive Eric Jason Watkins, 50 of Murphy. Watkins had outstanding indictments in Virginia for the following: – Object Sexual Penetration (Felony) – Aggravated Sexual Battery – Indecent […]
Read More »Gooch Introduces SB 465 to Align State with Donald Trump’s America First Agenda and Crack Down on Illegal Hiring
GEORGIA – February 17 – As State Senator for Georgia’s 51st District and the Republican frontrunner for Lieutenant Governor, I am committed to putting Georgia families first and aligning our state with President Trump’s America First agenda. Last week, I introduced Senate Bill 465, a targeted measure to hold businesses accountable and discourage the hiring […]
Read More »Chamber Connections at the Gilmer Arts Playhouse
GILMER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – Looking to grow your network? Join us for Chamber Connections, an after hours networking event at the Gilmer Arts Playhouse! Mingle with other professionals and be among the first to catch a sneak peek of their upcoming show, Blithe Spirit. You won’t want to miss this! When: Monday, […]
Read More »BREAKING: EMORY FIRES SUSPECTED IRANIAN SPY AFTER STEVE GOOCH CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION!
It’s no secret that the Iranian government is America’s enemy. They hate our freedom and our Christian values, they persecute anyone who questions them, and they sponsor terror around the globe. When I found out that the daughter of a senior Iranian official who threatened our troops and President Trump was employed at Emory, I […]
Read More »Public Health Weather Closure
PRESS RELEASE – Due to expected hazardous weather in North Georgia, all North Georgia Health District public health offices will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, out of an abundance of caution for staff and community safety. This closure includes: The North Georgia Health District office in Dalton County health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, […]
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