Courthouse sees office heads out in kitten rescue operation
Community, News June 30, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – In a day reaching back to times gone past and idyllic tv shows with firemen retrieving a kitten from a tree, Gilmer saw a minor operation that reached major officials at the county courthouse today. A rescue operation was undertaken involving Fire Chief Daniel Kauffman, Sheriff Stacy Nicholson, Maintenance Director Eric Playford, and Animal Shelter Director Daniel Laukka standing in the heat with several county employees and, eventually, employees from Georgia Power. Instead of up a tree, this kitten was trapped underground.
Pushed into an in-ground electrical box, the kitten was able to be lured into a cage and rescued.
All of this effort came for a rescue operation of a small, black kitten who had fallen into an underground pipe. According to the Sheriff’s Office, “It all started with a plea from a courthouse customer to help a trapped kitten.” Those who helped discovered the stranded, starving kitten that had found its way into an empty pipe for future underground power lines.
So began two hours of efforts to first lure the kitten to the vertical section of pipe and then to push it towards an underground electrical box with open space and a lid. Animal Shelter Director Daniel Laukka told FYN that when he was first called, he had no idea what he was driving to. Once on scene, he said that the heads of the different departments and offices quickly tried to entice the kitten back to where they assumed it fell in so she could be pulled out. However, the pipe had a three-feet long vertical section, thus the idea to encourage her to latch on to a towel.
Later, the plan changed as Georgia Power was able to help officials access a large electrical box with enough open space for a trap to be lowered in. It was then that they pushed the kitten through the pipe with cables, a towel, and a small camera inside the pipe. Once in the concrete box, the plugged the pipe and had the trap waiting with some canned food for bait. Laukka said at that point, it didn’t take long at all for the kitten to enter the trap and be rescued.
Named “Piper” for its discovery location, the black kitten is now at the Gilmer County Animal Shelter recovering. As if this story didn’t have a happy enough ending, Laukka confirmed that the citizen who originally reported hearing the kitten when entering the courthouse said they would also like to adopt Piper.
Officially rescued from her time in underground pipes for future electrical cables, the newly named “Piper” is recovering at the Gilmer Animal Shelter.
Laukka said it is a real blessing to have her adopted out so quickly as she would require a cage all to herself. He noted that the Animal Shelter has checked the kitten for a chip or any sort of identification, but it appears to be a stray. He said, “One of the citizens that live near the courthouse has brought us about five kittens over the last few days from that area. So, it could be from that litter.”
Although scared at first, the kitten has responded well to interaction so far, he noted it seems very young and, with its good response, doesn’t seem to be going feral. He noted that if you can get hands on kittens before roughly 8 weeks old, they can be tamed before getting too feral. He also stated that situations like this, with animals trapped in underground areas, are very rare in the county, making this a bit of an adventure for both the animal and the humans looking help it.
When asked if she would have been difficult to adopt due to superstitions and thoughts on black cats, he said that many people also hear these rumors and specifically look for black cats to help balance out any difficulty due to fur color. But, the shelter is currently at about 85 percent capacity in the middle of “cat and kitten season.” In May, the Animal Shelter took in over 150 cats and kittens and June has seen another 100.
Continuing operations to share animals with other shelters for adoption are helping, but he noted that progress is also being made on the county’s expansion at the shelter. Laukka said he has been finalizing the architectural process and hopes the county will be bidding the project out in the coming months with construction possible to begin this fall. This project was reported on in February 2021 when major donations from citizens kickstarted the process to first plan, then design, and now go through architects for the bid specifications, and soon to be constructed.
Now rescued and recovering, the trapped kitten has since been named “Piper” due to her time in the underground pipes.
St. PETrick’s Day returns after reschedule by FOGAS
Community May 2, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – It may be the end of April, but citizens are still feeling the St. Patrick’s Day spirit as the Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS) partnered with local animal shelters and raised money with the return of St. Petrick’s Day. The event saw cancellation earlier this year as inclement weather and snow moved in during the Saturday, March 12, event.
Sheriff’s Office K-9 units Arlo and Milo walk proudly in the St. Petrick’s Day Pet Parade.
Instead of allowing the event to fall victim to the same cancellations of the last two years due to COVID, the FOGAS board rescheduled the event. With a beautiful Saturday this weekend, the event kept its rescheduled date and saw new success with an increase in funds raised. According to FOGAS Vice-President Sylvia Harris, the event raised $2,600 for the Gilmer Animal Shelter and provided meetings and pet adoptions for those attending. Despite the reschedule. the fundraising saw an increase from the last time the event was held according to Harris.
With 25 vendors and booths set up for the festival, the celebrations continued into the afternoon with entertainment from Voltage Dance Factory’s competition team.
Grand Marshall, Denise Fleck, the Pet Crusade, leads the parade of pets through Ellijay on April 30, 2022.
An estimated 300 people attended the Saturday and many of those participated in the Best Dressed, Owner-Pet look-a-like, Most Unusual Pet, and Best Vocal Performance. However, it wasn’t just citizens attending the event. The Sheriff’s Office saw all three of its K-9 Units Milo, Arlo, and Novak joining the pet parade to show off the animal side of our law enforcement, an “invaluable” side of the office as Sheriff Stacy Nicholson stated last year when a grant saw new vests for two of the dogs.
Special guest Denise Fleck served as the parade’s Grand Marshall. Denise Fleck is an award-winning author & radio show host and animal care instructor who developed the curriculum for her Pet First-Aid & CPCR Classes after training with dozens of schools.
Locals and tourists alike brought pets to visit downtown during the 2022 St. PETrick’s day celebration after weather caused a reschedule from the March 12 original date.
She attended with Tico, an Akira breed dog that Harris said Fleck has previously adopted from Gilmer’s Animal Shelter. Harris stated that she had shared pictures of Tico with Fleck before and when she had visited Amicalola, she traveled into Gilmer to meet and adopt the dog.
With the success of the day’s events, Harris said that FOGAS has already begun talking about next year’s St. Petrick’s Day. However, she noted that with continuing issues over recent years in early March, they could be looking to keep a later event date and possibly looking to keep the event in April next year as well. She said that this is still early discussions and they have much planning to do but noted that due to this year’s reschedule they were not able to advertise the April date as much as they wanted.
The event was originally supported through a partnership with the Gilmer Chamber for advertising and inviting locals to celebrate their pets while also inviting tourists to bring their animals with them when they visit Ellijay. The event set up mainly on 1 Broad Street next to the courthouse and took over most of the downtown area as the parade traveled along North Main and the square before following down Dalton Street.
St. Petrick’s Day celebration rescheduled for late April with little change
Community, News March 24, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Rescheduling has completed for a spring time celebration in downtown Ellijay with the St. Petrick’s Day event. Put on in partnership with FOGAS (Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter) and the Gilmer Chamber, the event was cancelled on its original March 12 date for 2022.
However, the event is returning in one month to make up for the cancellation. With snow and high winds forecasted, much of the event would not have been able to go on. FOGAS members were concerned for pets and citizens to hold the event on its original date.
Through continued comments and questions on social media, many asked for a reschedule instead of a full cancellation. Unfortunately, a very booked April means the reschedule won’t occur until April 30, 2022. FOGAS Vice-President Sylvia Harris stated that they did not want to interrupt or pull away from any other events in Ellijay and this weekend, as the last weekend in March, will host their Pet Vaccination Clinic and Spay/Neuter Day.
With so many events going on in the early spring, Harris said that the month will be very busy. However, she said they have been very fortunate in that the majority of the vendors and events have confirmed to be joining the rescheduled St. Petrick’s Day. Pets are also adoptable throughout the event from the Gilmer County Animal Shelter, Pickens County Animal Shelter, and Homeward Bound. Other pet rescues will also be present for the day showcasing their rescues including goats, llamas, and horses.
Additionally, they have managed to keep the celebration events the same. The event goes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m in the parking lot behind Dalton State College, but the parade through downtown begins at the Ellijay Elementary School at noon. Registration can be done online or in-person if you arrive early before the parade. Additionally, for those looking to potentially adopt a pet, you can “test-drive” adoptable pets from animal shelters or Homeward Bound.
Harris also noted that the parade will go from the elementary school, to the square along North Main Street, around the square and down Dalton Street, and then returning to the school via Teem Street and North Street again. They have noted that the Parade Walkers will be exiting the parade at Broad Street but Parade vehicles & floats will continue down Dalton Street and back to McCutchen Street.
Even an off-season visit from Semper Fi Santa will be happening at the event. Despite the day, FOGAS is returning to the Irish holiday for citizens and visitors alike to join in.
While most of the vendors are returning, a few openings were left and the St. Petrick’s Day Celebration is accepting both vendor and parade participant applications. An additional food vendor offering vegetarian and/or vegan options is also desired. Vendor fees are set at $40 with electricity and $35 without electricity. Joining the parade holds a $5 walker fee and a $25 float, vehicle, or group fee.
St. PETrick’s Day canceled due to possible inclement weather
Community, News March 9, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – While St. Patrick’s Day will be coming next Thursday, the holiday will see celebrations starting this weekend for citizens and visitors to downtown Ellijay, Georgia, with St. PETrick’s Day.
An annual event, the celebration, like so many others, has seen cancellations over the last two years due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, committee lead for the St. Petrick’s Day event and Vice-President of FOGAS (Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter) Sylvia Harris said that they are looking to continue this weekend’s event without fail. Going so far as to say rain, shine, or snow will not stop this events return, Harris was enthusiastic about the chance for citizens and pet lovers to once again return to their parade through the downtown area.
The return of the annual pet parade and festival saw a great response from several organizations and businesses as Harris reports that the vendor spots sold out and they had to close the registration almost a full week ahead of the deadline. In addition, as part of their efforts to support the county and tourism in it, the Gilmer Chamber has also partnered with FOGAS, who is hosting St. Petrick’s Day this year, with a grant for advertising and marketing for the event.
This year, St. Petrick’s Day is seeing some upgrades and minor changes to the venue that will allow even more fun with the whole family, even the furry members. Harris noted that while the event has been held on North Main Street in past years, utilizing the parking lot next to First Baptist of Ellijay, they will be marching all the way around the square and up Broad Street to the parking lot behind Dalton State College and next to the county courthouse.
The event goes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m in the parking lot behind Dalton State College, but the parade through downtown begins at the Ellijay Elementary School at noon. Registration can be done online or in-person if you arrive early before the parade. Additionally, for those looking to potentially adopt a pet, you can “test-drive” adoptable pets from animal shelters or Homeward Bound.
Those pets are also adoptable throughout the event from the Gilmer County Animal Shelter, Pickens County Animal Shelter, and Homeward Bound. Other pet rescues will also be present for the day showcasing their rescues including goats, llamas, and horses.
More than just a parade of pets, the event hosts face painting, Friends of Harrison Park, local vendors for things like homemade animal treats, local businesses, and a bounce house for kids among other things. Additionally, the pet contests return again. Make sure both family members and pets dress up for the event. Pet Contest categories include Best Dressed, Best Vocal Performance, Best Trick with Young Handlers (17 and under), Most Unusual, and the Best Owner Pet Look-alike.
Though planning started slow in November 2021, Harris said they monitored things and looked to hold the event and made plans. Yet, they felt unsure if the event would follow through or if cancellations and closures might happen again. However, the closer the event has come, the more confident organizers became. Harris said about the event’s return, “It feels very exciting because you’re bringing the community together and we’ve had so many positive responses. You can feel the excitement that people have that they are actually going out to fun events again. For those of us putting it on, it feels great.”
Animal Shelter designs give insight to expansion possibilities
Community, News September 16, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – With formal approval for the Gilmer County Animal Shelter expansion and two generous donations made for funding the project, discussion now turns to designs and plans for the project.
Preliminary Plans for the Gilmer Animal Shelter still need to be adjusted and approved by the BOC based on costs before bidding can move forward by the end of 2021.
As previously reported from the Commissioners’ September meetings, there does already exist plans for the project. However, these plans now have to go through the process of the county to be prepared and studied for costs. As the approval came to only expand as much as they could within the funds available, the county will be going over these plans.
Additionally, these plans came from a committee put together for the expansion, now moving to the county, they will need to be adjusted and approved by the county before the bidding process, estimated to begin at the end of 2021, can continue the project.
With these photos from the preliminary plan, the public can see what some of the members of FOGAS, the Animal Shelter, the hired engineer, and others who served on that committee had in mind for the shelter.
An artist rendering with the design plans shows some of what the interior of the expanded and renovated Gilmer Animal Shelter could look like.
The coming expansion will allow the Shelter to both better tend to the animals it has, and better care for an increase in that population. Animal Shelter Director Daniel Laukka said in the meeting that growth is coming. While he was urging commissioners at the time to accept the donations and approve an expansion plan, now the focus shifts to how they can meet those needs.
Another comment Laukka made in the meeting told how the shelter is using an older office space for a sick room, the current plans have alloted space for both a sick room and a veterinarian exam room in house. The plans include separate spaces for cats and feral cats as well as dogs. There are also expanded outdoor concepts including an exercise area and dog runs as well as a cat terrace. The engineer also included a second photo in the plans showcasing fully furnished cat rooms utilizing the vertical space for the animals.
According to the plans, the project will renovate approximately 2500 square feet of the original building while adding an additional 5140 square feet in new interior space with an additional 1140 square feet for kennel usage.
Citizens should understand that these plans are still early. One concern brought up by Post Commissioner Karleen Ferguson during the meeting was not to get carried away and approve the project with a “whatever-the-cost” mentality. These plans represent an early stage of the county’s process. However, they do give citizens an idea on what might be possible for the future of the Gilmer County Animal Shelter and a starting point for the county to build from.
Land Use Ordinance to return in March alongside ongoing agenda items
News March 7, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer has published its agenda for this week’s Board of Commissioners Meeting including a return to several ongoing issues including the Land Use Ordinance, the River Ordinance, a major donation to the Animal Shelter, and an alcohol license for the county’s Golf Course.
Each of these items have been in the commissioners, making progress through the long process for changes and finalizations. While the Golf Course’s license this month is a simple final formality, it was a discussed issue in November. This approval for a license will be the final step in the ongoing process of allowing golfers to order alcoholic drinks like Beer and Wine at the clubhouse.
Gilmer Commissioners, from left to right, Post 2 Commissioner Karleen Ferguson, Chairman Charlie Paris, and Post 1 Commissioner Hubert Parker.
In November, the commissioners indicated the wanted to allow for the sale when people ask without making any major notice or advertisements visible from the street or parking lot for the change.
While the river ordinance seemingly came to a consensus on moving forward during their special meeting, the Land Use Ordinance is still addressing issues and changing. In the old business portion of the agenda, the county could make a final decision this week, though most of the Commissioners have indicated a desire to go slow with these changes. However the county still could see action to possibly begin advertising the final changes before adopting a first reader in April further addressing the ending of the moratorium on certain developments. The board spoke about breaking the ordinance into sections and addressing them one at a time.
With changes still being addressed and some portions even being taken out after their February Special Called meeting, the BOC has the ordinance and its current state of changes available for public viewing, but until officially advertised as the final draft the BOC continues discussing, researching, and amending these changes in attempts to support citizens wishing to end major developments in the county while not encroaching on the private businesses of developers who are behind those projects.
Finally, with no major new information since the announcement of the donation and discussion of plans for the county’s Animal Shelter, citizens are commenting online and addressing commissioners to find a way forward in accepting the donations and expanding the facility. The commissioners did discuss ramifications of expansion and the increasing costs of moving forward on that project addressing management of the facility and its financial requirements, but never said they were considering rejecting the donation.
Addressing that note, the commissioners’ agenda does host the agenda item for a “Resolution to approve Donation to the Animal Shelter.” The official motion, if made, will come during the March Regular Meeting on Thursday, March 11, 2021, beginning at 6 p.m.
Million dollar donation has county looking at Animal Shelter
News February 24, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – An announcement today from Gilmer Chairman Charlie Paris informed the public of an additional large donation to the Gilmer County Animal Shelter.
The announcement came amid a special called meeting, but it is the first mention of the donation in public as Commission Chairman Charlie Paris said it happened yesterday, February 23, 2021. Paris said that the county is receiving $1 million in a donation to expand and improve the county’s Animal Shelter.
The county has received other donations recently. Two separate donations of $200,000 each set the county to expect to add in $100,000 in county funds to improve the Animal Shelter. Paris noted then and reiterated today that the county is looking at an increased need in the department.
Gilmer Animal Shelter Director Daniel Laukka works with all kinds of organizations like Be-Paws We Care to find homes for animals in local counties or in other states.
(Photo by Pickens’ Be-Paws We Care, Inc.)
These previous donations, when made, pushed the county to look at the shelter and the use for that money in improving and addressing the needs that were coming.
Paris suggested that the coming need to increase staff at the location is likely inevitable as he said that Gilmer’s Shelter is gaining a statewide reputation for its operations. The Director of the Animal Shelter is Daniel Laukka. Laukka has been praised numerous times through the community and through the county’s government during specific meetings addressing the department such as budget meetings.
The shelter has made allies both in and outside the county, working with other shelters to find homes for pets. Some of their efforts outside of the county include transporting animals north for support outside of the state of Georgia. These animals that have not found homes here in Gilmer are given more opportunities elsewhere. Just this week, the Animal Shelter posted information about transporting pets to Illinois.
However, these programs are made possible by community support and aid. One of the most well known partnerships comes from working with the public through the community driven support program, “Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter” (FOGAS).
According to their page, FOGAS is a Georgia, non-profit, tax exempt, 501(C)3, all volunteer organization that raises funds to save homeless pets at Gilmer County Animal Shelter.
The now $1.5 million project to expand the shelter is facing two separate issues that the county is discussing. The first being that such an expansion will undoubtedly increase expenses for the Animal Shelter, a department that is one of the county’s smaller budgets according to the board. Post Commissioner Hubert Parker urged the board as a whole to consider the increase that this project will bring, not only though increasing required staff for operations but also for the increase in utilities and supplies. Paris said at one point that he expects a need for one or two additional personal even before looking at plans to expand the facility.
The second issue comes not from the shelter itself, but rather from today’s economy. With the effects of the COVID-19 virus still being felt, Paris noted that building supplies and costs are still increasing. Though the county had an architect look at plans and consider the project last year, Paris said in today’s meeting, “What I was anticipating that we could get for that half million dollars, turns out, in today’s environment, to be just about what we can for that million-and-a-half dollars.”
Paris said that a lot of the increase seems to be coming from the COVID virus through materials and shortages.
The Board of Commissioners is taking extra time on the project. Considering the new donation, changes are coming to increase the plans and to address the new donation. One idea to address came in today’s discussion as Parker asked if the board might consider asking the donor if part of the funds might be set aside for operations. Parker explained that the concept might include setting aside $200,000 or $300,000 and to use the earnings off of that to help support the animal shelter operations. However, he offered the thoughts as an example that the county could discuss with those who gave the donation.
Paris did note that any project or plan for the facility still has a lot of unanswered questions. Having just received the donation, the county is looking at possibilities and their impacts on the county and the Shelter going forward.
BOC exposure sends employees and officials into quarantine
News December 16, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Reported earlier, an exposure inside the Board of Commissioners Office prompted the cancellation of their work session for December.
However, the December meeting also confirmed that employees of the BOC are being sent into quarantine because of the possible exposure. The meeting saw only Post 1 Commissioner Hubert Parker, Post 2 Commissioner Karleen Ferguson, and County Attorney David Clark in-person for the meeting. The board had County Clerk Edwina Daman, Financial Officer Sandi Holden, and Board Chairman Charlie Paris all attending by phone.
According to a statement given in the meetings by Ferguson, who led the meetings in Paris’ semi-absence, Paris has not tested positive for the virus himself, but is instead quarantining due to possible exposure as he came into contact with the person. The office of the BOC has not named which employee tested positive.
The Board proceeded in this manner during its meeting, approving appointments to the Joint Development Authority, appointing members to the Planning Commission Board.
These appointments include Jim DuPont and Carl Hill being reappointed to the the Gilmer Planning Commissioner Board.
The BOC also approved Penelope Marshall and Alan Dover for the Joint Development Authority.
Additionally, the county also looked into an opportunity for the Gilmer Animal Shelter. According to Paris, the county is looking to receive a donation to improve and expand the shelter. The county would be asked to match the donation funds of $200,000 with their own $200,000 in the project for a total of $400,000.
Paris did not name the people or organization behind the donation.
Paris stated, “Looking down the road a few years, I don’t want to look back and think we need this, we need that, and we need to enlarge. Whatever it is we need, we missed a good opportunity to do it for half price, essentially.”
Paris made a motion to add a line item of $200,000 to match the donation coming from a specific fund in the Road Department with some extra. However, Post Commissioner Karleen Ferguson countered, suggesting the funds come from capital funds instead.
While the facility is not in dire urgency at this moment, Paris did say he felt it could come soon as the county relies on other groups to the north that come to pick up animals on trips and projects to pursue adoption. Paris noted some of this has decreased in recent months as these groups tend to focus more on shelters that put their animals down and tend to skip over some no-kill shelters like Gilmer has become.
With concerns raised from Post Commissioner Hubert Parker about plans for covering higher utilities and the perceived need, the Commissioners did not approve the line item, but rather will revisit this agenda item at a special called meeting next week.
UPDATED: Closings and Cancellations due to COVID-19/Coronavirus
News March 14, 2020
Stay up to date with closings in Gilmer County and keep visiting this article daily to find out the latest closings and cancellations as they are announced.
UPDATED March 18, 2020 – Mountain Cinemas Close
In an email from Mountain Cinemas parent company, Georgia Theatre Company, the announcement was made for closings of theatres owned by the company. This includes Ellijay’s own Mountain Cinemas.
The company said, “Georgia Theatre Company puts the health and safety of our employees and customers above everything we do. It is with great regret that we have decided to close all of our theatres temporarily due to the suggestion of the President, the WHO and the CDC. We will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation very closely and will post the latest company news on our website. We will open to the public as soon as we can and will provide a safe and clean environment for you to enjoy all of your favorite movies in a communal setting.”
Additionally, they addressed concerns for those who may have already puchased advanced tickets. For those who have purchased tickets:
Purchases made on our website can be refunded at GTCmovies.com/refunds
For purchases made in person or on the GTC app, please contact your local theatre or send us an email at [email protected] prior to the showtime on your ticket.
Calling the movie theater in Ellijay provides a similar response as they say they are temporarily closed and hope to be open again soon.
UPDATED March 18, 2020 – Gilmer Chamber closes for sanitization
Paige Green, President & CEO will also be available at 706-889-2889 for emergency purposes. Otherwise, please call the office between 10a and 3p Monday through Friday.Paige Green, President & CEO- [email protected]Ellen Grant, Membership Manager- [email protected]Lisa Salman, Tourism Manager- [email protected]Caitlin Neal, Communications Manager- [email protected]Thanna Chadwick, Administrative Assistant- [email protected]
UPDATED March 18, 2020 – Gilmer ARTS adjusts cancellations
UPDATED March 17, 2020 – East Ellijay closes public access
Facing the concerns of the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), East Ellijay has released information today about closings in the offices in the coming weeks.
East Ellijay has closed public access and is putting signage up to inform citizens. They are outlining a new process for contacting City Staff.
Additionally, Municipal Court, originally to be held on March 25, has also been canceled.
UPDATED March 17, 2020 – BOC Closes and BOE Extends Closing
The Gilmer County Board of Commissioners are joining the list of closings in Gilmer County this week as they officially announced today.
An email was sent out saying, “Due to the Coronavirus and for the safety of our employees the Board of Commissioners Office will be closed to public access until April 6, 2020. For assistance please call 706-635-4361. Thank you.”
Despite the closure, the BOC will continue on with tonight’s, March 17, 2020, Public Hearing and Regular Meeting.
Additionally, Gilmer Schools, which have already been closed, is extending the closings
Many of you have seen Georgia Governor Kemp’s Executive Order mandating school closure March 18 – March 31, 2020. The Gilmer County School System will plan to remain closed until April 3, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Online learning opportunities for grades 6-12 and take home packets of student work for grades K-5 will continue at home during this time. Teachers will remain available by email and online learning regularly throughout the school day from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday-Friday. Teachers will hold designated office hours from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Seamless meals will continue to be provided during this time and will be coordinated through School Nutrition and Transportation.
The Administrative and Technology Offices (ATO) will be closed with staff working from home from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday and visiting the office daily only for short periods on a limited basis.
Schools will remain closed to all instructional staff. School level administrators will be working from home from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday to answer emails and make phone calls when needed. School level administrators will be visiting the schools only when necessary for short periods of time.
The Gilmer County School District will remain closed for our regularly scheduled Spring Break from April 4 – April 12,2020 with students returning on Monday April 13th.
This situation is constantly evolving as evident in how quickly things have changed in the last 7 days. We will continue to remain in contact with the Governor’s Office, Georgia Department of Education, and the Georgia Department of Health. As soon as we receive any relevant information, we will share it with you.
UPDATED March 17, 2020 – MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF GILMER ARTS
UPDATED March 16, 2020 – Wine Highway Week Cancelled
North Georgia Winegrowers are disappointed to announce that the 2020 Wine Highway Week has been postponed due to recent guidelines announced by the CDC yesterday, “… large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals. Therefore, CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.”
Our members are working together to reschedule this event to a later date.
While this sanctioned event is postponed, the following wineries will be open for the dates and times the event was scheduled:
March 20 – April 5, 2020
Monday – Fridays 1-5pm
Saturdays 11am -5pm
Sundays 12:30-5pm
12 Spies Vineyards and Farms
Big Door Vineyards
Cartecay Vineyards
Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery
CeNita Winery and Tasting Room
Chateau Meichtry
Crane Creek Vineyards
Creekstone Winery
Currahee Vineyards
Twisted Wine Garden at Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard
Engelheim Vineyards
Etowah Meadery
Habersham Winery
Hightower Creek Vineyards
Kaya Vineyard & Winery
Odom Springs Vineyards
Paradise Hills, Cabins-Spa-Winery
Serenity Cellars
Sharp Mountain Vineyards
Stonewall Creek Vineyards
Sweet Acre Farms Winery
The Cottage Vineyard & Winery Inc.
Yonah Mountain Vineyards
We encourage you to support and visit these wineries.
UPDATED March 16, 2020 – Carter’s Lake and Gilmer Jail close
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – A new round of closings came today with several announcements in response to the Coronavirus and the increase in Georgia Cases over the weekend.
Along with closures over the weekend of county services and schools, new closings are continuing this week for the Gilmer Detention Center and Carters Lake.
The Gilmer Sheriff’s Office posted to social media saying:
In order to keep all inmates, our staff, as well as all visitors’ health in mind and in compliance with ‘social distancing’ due to corona virus concerns, the detention center is suspending all inmate visitations TEMPORARILY until further notice.
If you have any questions or concerns, you may call Captain Daves, Lt. Couch, or Lt. Smith at 706-635-4625.
Additionally, the new closings extend to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Carters Lake who posted yesterday saying:
With an abundance of caution and considering the concerns related to COVID-19 the Carters Lake Visitor Center will be closed March 16th-30th in a preemptive attempt to slow the spread of the virus. We will continue to provide updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Later, FYN confirmed that this closure is only the visitor center. The recreation areas are open, including camping. As of now, they will also stay open. But to avoid closed space and confining crowds, the visitor center has closed.
The Gilmer Chamber has closed its downtown welcome center in Ellijay to undergo a deep cleaning and to avoid exposure of the worker at the location who could be at risk. However, the main branch and welcome center will remain open.
Also, the City of Ellijay has canceled its March meeting for Monday, March 16, 2020.
Stay tuned to FYN as we continue to update you and post new closings from the community as they are announced.
UPDATED – March 14, 2020
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – More closings and announcements are continuing this weekend as another two county services close in response to concerns and State Government urgings to shut down to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
A statement from the Gilmer Animal Shelter announces closing next week.
The Gilmer County Animal Shelter announced around noon today that they would be closing “until further notice.”
The shelter is closing to both public access and volunteer workers. However, there will still be staff members taking care of the animals.
They stated, “We are only allowing staff to come in and care for our animals at this time. Animal Control will be running as normal. Calls will be returned as often as possible. Please be patient as we work through this.”
The shelter apologized for the inconvienice, but stated they are trying to both care for the animals at the shelter while also making sure the community is safe.
The statement also added, “Please know that we would never allow the animals to go without care.”
As county services close, it is not just in the animal shelter as the Gilmer’s Sequoyah Regional Library is also announcing a closure.
The general social media page for the the Sequoyah Regional Library System stated:
Out of an abundance of caution, all branches of the Sequoyah Regional Library System will close on Monday, March 16 until further notice. e-Library services will continue as normal. Advance voting will continue as scheduled at Ball Ground Public Library, Hickory Flat Public Library, and Rose Creek Public Library. Materials should be kept at home. Fines will not accrue while the library is closed. Please check this page for updates and additional information.
The post was also shared and copied onto the Gilmer Library page as well.
The Gilmer Library is not only closing, but cancelling events and programs next week for the Coronavirus.
This closure is not just a building closing however as the announcement is spreading to several events, services, and public access opportunities along with it. The Library has already announced the cancellation of the events “Journey into the Amazing Body!” and “Letters from a Confederate Soldier.”
However, a new post today came saying, “In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sequoyah Regional Library System is suspending all programming, outreach, conference room use, and community room use beginning Monday, March 16 through the end of March. We will not be accepting community room applications at this time. We will continue to provide updates as they become available. We apologize for any inconvenience.”
ORIGINAL POST – March 12, 2020 – Closings and Cancellations due to COVID-19/Coronavirus
GILMER, Ga. – According to a release from Gilmer County Schools, the system will shut down with all school closings 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 closings 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.”
The closings 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:
Fashion Show raises funds for FOGAS
Community, News January 5, 2019
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Lovers of animals often do whatever they can to support shelters and organizations that help their favorite four-legged-friends.
The owners of Whimz Boutique in Ellijay Georgia, Steve and Marie Cortes did just that when they presented Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS) President Sharon Sahr and Treasurer Karen Johnson with a $564 check from their November 2018 charity fashion show.
Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter is an all-volunteer, 501 (C3), charity that strives to make Gilmer County Georgia a better home for both people and pets by sponsoring subsidized spay/neuter certificates for the public, vetting Gilmer County Animal Shelter homeless pets, and other community projects.
Their event is part of the community financial support that makes up approximately 75 % of Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter’s annual revenue.
This and all other donations to FOGAS are used to provide subsidized $25 spay/neuter certificates to Gilmer County residents, pay veterinarian costs for selected Gilmer County Animal Shelter pets that are being transported to waiting adopters or rescues, and to support other Gilmer County pet-related projects.
The Fashion Charity event saw over 100 people attending to view pieces designed and donated by Whimz Boutique and Julian’s Boutique. With the success of the fashion show, FOGAS has stated they are intending to use the proceeds for their 2019 budget. Specifically, they said, “In 2019 FOGAS will be focusing on new ways to assist the Gilmer County Animal Shelter with reducing pet overpopulation. We will also be looking into offering Gilmer County children information on caring for their pets.”
With this set as the first annual show, support is set to continue for the Animal Shelter through its support organization, FOGAS. But, ultimately, its citizens putting on events like this and donating that helps the efforts of the local animal shelter and the county’s efforts to house and adopt pets in need of “forever homes.”
Snow in Gilmer could cause further issues with refreezing
News December 9, 2017
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Authorities continue to monitor and patrol the area, but citizens are even beginning to venture back out into town today.
While officials have reported the main roads to be clearing, others are still fighting the slush and ice that is following the melt seen across the county today. The Sheriff’s office is still encouraging those traveling on the roads today to “use common sense and take extra time that may be needed if you drive today.”
Additionally, as the sun sets tonight, the dangers will return according to the Sheriff’s office: “The temperatures are expected to drop into the teens tonight, so be cautious of black ice that may form as a result of any moisture remaining on any roadways.”
While the snow is melting, citizens and county and city workers are proceeding with clean up and repairs from last night. People are finding situations like this photo on Holden Road showing a tree across the power lines. Many citizens still do not have power. One report from the Amicalola Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) early this morning reported Gilmer County alone is seeing 4,695 members without power.
Crews are out working on these issues as quickly as possible in the current conditions.
Other reports are coming in as to how people prepared for the snowfall. One report from the Volunteers Helping the Gilmer County Animal Shelter said the shelter’s director took matters upon himself saying, “Well, we have a wonderful director, who spent the night and will be taking care of the shelter today.”
Others are venturing into town for warmer places and taking the day to enjoy the winter weather amidst the issues.
Make sure to stay with FYN as we continue to monitor for updates and changes to the storm. Officials are suggesting that citizens once again avoid the roads tonight due to the possibility of black ice.
Karla’s Korner – Give the gift of a local Christmas this year
Community, Gilmer County Chamber December 5, 2017
Karla started her show this morning saying GO DAWGS!!! I have to agree with her on that note. Then she told us that TODAY is the 75th anniversary of the repeal of prohibition. So this holiday season while you are getting festive you can buy your favorite spirits from these local places: The Hitching Post, Mountain Treasures, Cartecay Vineyards, Chateau Mitchre, and Appalachian Beverage. The next great local gift you can give your family and friends is gift certificates to local restaurants. There are so many great ones in our small town to choose from. Lastly if your family has been thinking about getting a new furry friend; visit you local animal shelter. Make a difference in an animal’s life this Christmas by giving them a forever home with your family. As always we would like to thank the Gilmer County Chamber for sponsoring this segment.
Gilmer Animal Shelter Achieves a Zero in May
Community June 8, 2017
Ellijay, GA – As of the end of May, the Gilmer County Animal Shelter reported 130 cats/kittens taken into the shelter according to Director Daniel Laukka.
Of those 130 cats and kittens, Laukka stated that only three required euthanizing. Two of them were requested by owners of the animals, the final one was necessary due to injuries.
This result means that the Gilmer Animal Shelter has found homes or other means of care or transfer for cats coming into the shelter. The work has been done so well, that no cat was euthanized for space.
Laukka praised the Friends of the Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS) as well as all citizens who aid the Animal Shelter for all their aid and support to accomplish such a feat.
This does not mean, however, that the shelter has no cats or kittens for adoption. People are still needed for those animals left in need of homes and families. Make sure to call (706)635-2166 for the Gilmer Animal Shelter to set up a time to visit your future animals and plan your adoption today.
Rocky – an Urgent Pet of the Week
Lifestyle December 15, 2016
Gilmer County Animal Shelter is asking it’s citizens for help with a special case, as part of their Pet of the Week Program, Rocky a 4 year old, 60 pound, Labrador/Bassett mix, Rocky is looking for a new home.
Rocky is a low-riding love machine that is a sight to see and too lovable to forget. He has the body of a Labrador Retriever and the short legs of a Bassett Hound.
Rocky’s mom must leave state for a long term, lifesaving, medical treatment. This medical emergency leaves Rocky with no one to love & care for him. So his family is giving Rocky up with very heavy hearts.
Rocky loves kids and adults but is not fond of other canines or felines.
Rocky is house trained, knows his basic commands, healthy, neutered, and up to date on all vaccines.
Rocky’s family is very passionate about finding him a good loving home. Rocky is free to any qualified home.
Rocky comes complete with his sleeping crate and other accessories.
Rocky’s family has to leave this Saturday December 17th. So he desperately needs a permanent or a temporary foster home before then.
Rocky lives in Marietta. But transportation can be arranged.
Call the numbers below to meet Rocky or for more information.
(678)488-4772 or (678)447-3161
Molly – Pet of the Week
Lifestyle December 8, 2016
When planning this year’s Christmas dinner invitations, don’t forget those that are less fortunate.
We often overlook those that do not have the financial means or the ability to prepare their own holiday table. Molly came to GCAS malnourished and unloved. But she has since had some proper nutrition, all of her shots, and preventative treatments.
A turkey spread could go a long way towards helping Molly regain her former voluptuous figure. Molly is too gentle and quiet to invite herself to dinner. You must take that first step.
Call or visit GCAS today and invite Molly to your family feast.
This Christmas, make sure that there is not an empty place at or under your table.
Ps. Molly would love to help with the dishes and could be convinced to stay for leftovers.
Gilmer County Animal shelter
4152 Highway 52 E Ellijay Ga 30536 (706)635-2166
Hours Tuesday –Friday 1pm-4pm, Saturday 1pm-4pm