GCSO Employee Spotlight Communications Officer Chris Prince
Fetching Featured August 2, 2020
Our Sheriff’s Office employs just over 100 people including sworn deputies, 911 dispatchers, detention officers, and civilian employees serving Gilmer County. While a lot of you know someone that works here, we are recognizing employees on our page to give more people the opportunity to meet “us.”
This week, we would like to introduce you to Communications Officer Chris Prince. Prince has been employed with GCSO for 3.5 years as a Dispatcher in the 911 Center since day one.
Chris is a 2013 graduate of Copper Basin High School in Copperhill, Tennessee. His very first job was working at O’Reilly Auto Parts as a Parts Salesman.
Chris says his hobbies are spending time with his wife and children, hunting, fishing, and watching Nascar. He listed “anything BBQ” as his favorite food, “Remember the Titans” and/or “Days of Thunder” as his favorite movies, and said that Gatlinburg, Tennessee is his favorite place to vacation.
When asked what is one thing most people don’t know about him, he said he actually “writes amatuer sports articles for fun for a website called ‘Belly Up Sports.'”
Chris lists “the people I work with and helping the community” as his favorite part of his job here at GCSO.
Thanks for the difficult job you do for GCSO and Gilmer County citizens, Chris!
(article and photos provided by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department)
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President of the Gilmer Chamber, Paige Hutto tenders resignation
Lifestyle August 2, 2020
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – FYN has learned today that Gilmer Chamber President and CEO Paige Green has officially tendered her resignation to the Board of Directors.
Paige Green Hutto, President and CEO of the Gilmer Chamber
Green has worked in Gilmer’s Chamber for over 12 years and has worked in tourism for even longer since becoming Tourism Director in Eufaula, Alabama.
According to a release given to FYN since the announcement, Green is returning to her home-state for family including both her husband and parents. Her parents have always played a major part in her life. Hutto explained as much in a featured interview with FYN as she celebrated her 10-year anniversary with the Chamber.
Now, returning to her home state, coworkers are already beginning to speak about the loss that will be felt. However, Hutto will remain with the Chamber for the foreseeable future as the Board of Directors pairs with the Chason Group to find a replacement.
The full press release follows:
Following almost 12 years of service in which she helped build the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce to over 630 members, President and CEO Paige Green Hutto has submitted her resignation to the Board of Directors.
Hutto is making the change to join her new husband in Alabama and take the next step in her life with her new family.
“My love for this community and organization is only usurped by the love of my new husband and family in Alabama and it is time for that life to be whole,” she said. “It is because of that love that I tender my resignation with bittersweet feelings and a somewhat heavy heart.”
In her time at the Chamber, Hutto has presided over a period of exponential tourism growth in Gilmer County and an almost doubling of the organization’s membership. Her leadership has also been instrumental in the formation of the JDA, the Greater Gilmer Community Foundation and CORE- which grew out of a chamber-led trip to a business incubator in Carrollton.
“I hope above all that I will be remembered as someone who gave 100 percent and loved this community and organization and always worked for the betterment of both,” said Hutto.
Board Chair Chris Wang said Hutto will be missed.
“The Gilmer Chamber Board of Directors could not be more thankful of the extraordinary job President Paige Green Hutto has done these last 12 years,” he said. “Every chairperson has been able to walk in to a stronger organization year after year because of the tireless effort she contributed to this Chamber. Personally, Paige is one of the smartest and wisest leaders I have ever worked with. She will be missed greatly by this community and by those who worked beside her.”
Gilmer Chamber’s Board of Directors will work with The Chason Group to conduct a thorough executive search for the next leader of the organization. Hutto has agreed to remain during the search to enable a smooth transition.
“The incoming president not only has fashionable shoes to fill, but a highly competent mind to match. We wish nothing but the absolute best for Paige during this next chapter of her life,” said Wang.
North Georgia Senior Living: What Does Ready Look Like?
Lifestyle July 26, 2020
BKP and Jessi Barton start the conversation for you this week about being ready. Looking at the “next transition” in life, the discussion becomes not if, but when. A next transition is always on the horizon at any stage of life.
With no end in sight for the pandemic, today becomes the time for many as they begin to think that now is the time to act. People also say that transitioning into Senior Living is something they wish they hadn’t waited on.
Jessi Barton touches on increases in Life Expectancy for people in Senior Living. Tales come from developing relationships to having more interactions through events and community supports. Studies show support for the idea of community as a major influence in that area.
Fear and uncertainty can be barriers there, and it can create a divide as maybe families are ready, but the senior isn’t. Jassi explains that the important question to ask is, “What does ready look like?”
Some may not have answers. Some may not have thought about it. If we focus so hard on the ‘what ifs’ and horror stories unintentionally. That only creates stress and anxiety.
Focusing on the memories, processing through the sentimentality. People want the feeling of “home.”
It comes back to an old cliche that still holds firmly true today. “You make a home, a house is just a structure.”
Sponsored by Cameron Hall in Ellijay, you can follow more of North Georgia Senior Living through the dedicated playlist on FYNTV and check out a wider variety of shows there as well.
If you’re enjoying the Sunday Edition, then consider becoming a contributor with your own articles. If you have an article that needs highlighting send it to [email protected] to become a part of our growing community of feature news.
GCSO Employee Spotlight Sgt. Gene Hefner
Fetching Featured July 26, 2020
Our Sheriff’s Office employs just over 100 people including sworn deputies, 911 dispatchers, detention officers, and civilian employees serving Gilmer County. While a lot of you know someone that works here, we are recognizing employees on our page to give more people the opportunity to meet “us.”
This week, we would like to introduce you to Sgt. Gene Hefner. Gene has been employed with the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office since 2010. Gene’s tenure here was briefly interrupted by a year-long stint in Kosovo in 2011 while serving with the National Guard.
Gene is a 2004 graduate of Cherokee High School in Canton, Georgia.
He honorably served with the National Guard for six years. His first job was as a Cashier at Kroger.
During his time with GCSO, he has served in the jail as a Detention Officer, Corporal, and Sergeant. He has been with the Uniform Patrol Division as a Deputy Sheriff, Corporal, and currently serves as a Sergeant since being promoted in August of 2018. In 2018, Gene was awarded a “Combat Award Certificate” at our annual awards banquet.
Gene listed his hobbies as fishing, hunting, and golf. He says pizza is his favorite food, “Cool Hand Luke” is his favorite movie, and the beach is his favorite place to vacation.
What many people may not know about Gene is he and his wife became foster parents about one year ago.
When asked about his favorite part of his job here at GCSO, he states “my coworkers.”
Gene, we sincerely hope working here with all of us has not caused you to go bald in your 30’s!! THANK YOU for the job you do for GCSO and Gilmer citizens!
(article and photos provided by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department)
If you’re enjoying the Sunday Edition, then consider becoming a contributor with your own articles. If you have an article that needs highlighting send it to [email protected] to become a part of our growing community of feature news.
Community Paramedicine meets students in schools offering
Fetching Featured July 12, 2020
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – As many are beginning to talk about the possibility of returning to school, some are still attempting to wrap up the previous year.
Members of Gilmer’s Community Paramedicine offer masks and informational flyers for students and parents in schools.
In Gilmer, part of that process occurred this week as students returned to the buildings to collect left-behind belongings. Planned in April, the Board of Education and Superintendent had the day set in order to offer a better sense of closure to the school year as the virus ended normal classes mid-semester. But as they returned, they were met by some unexpected people.
Gilmer County’s Public Safety offered a statement today saying. “It’s nearly school-time with many preparations underway. Part of those preparations is helping our kids understand the importance of good health practices. Gilmer County Community Paramedicine, with the generosity of Parkside Ellijay Nursing Home, paired together for a fun project this week at our elementary and middle schools.”
Students returned to school this week to collect belongings, but were met with Gilmer’s Community Paramedics offering a community support service during this time of viral outbreak.
The project was to meet students in the schools and hand out face masks and flyers. According to Public Safety, the Community Paramedicine team visited three of our schools across the county supplied with the generous donation of 1,000 face-covering masks donated by Parkside Ellijay, and 1,000 informational flyers in English and Spanish.
The team handed out all the masks and 700 of the flyers to students and parents who arrived over the three-day period to collect their end-of 2019 school year belongings.
Public Safety was grateful for its partners in the endeavor, saying, “Many thanks to Michael Feist, Director & Part-Owner of Parkside Ellijay for the wonderful donation of the face covering masks, and to Dr. Shanna Downs, School Superintendent, for allowing our Community Paramedicine team to conduct this very successful service to our school children.”
If you’re enjoying the Sunday Edition, then consider becoming a contributor with your own articles. If you have an article that needs highlighting send it to [email protected] to become a part of our growing community of feature news.
GCSO Employee Spotlight Detention Officer Wilson Giorgione
Fetching Featured July 12, 2020
Our Sheriff’s Office employs just over 100 people including sworn deputies, 911 dispatchers, detention officers, and civilian employees serving Gilmer County. While a lot of you know someone that works here, we are recognizing employees on our page to give more people the opportunity to meet “us.”
This week, we would like to introduce you to Detention Officer Wilson Giorgione. Wilson has been employed with GCSO for just under one year and works in our Detention Center.
Wilson is a 2019 graduate of Sonoraville High School in Calhoun, Georgia. Landscaping was his very first job.
The only hobby Wilson has listed is “working out.” He says his favorite movie is “John Wick,” his favorite food is “grilled chicken and white rice,” and says his favorite place to vacation is Florida. He said his favorite thing about his job here at GCSO is his coworkers.
He didn’t have an answer when asked what is one thing most people don’t know about him, but one of his coworkers answered for him and simply says he is an “absolute 100% sweetheart.” We also learned that Wilson is named after his maternal grandfather, Darrell Wilson, who is a retired Asst. District Attorney from our Appalachian Judicial Circuit.
It is truly encouraging to see people like Wilson beginning their law enforcement careers at such an early age!
(article and photos provided by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department)
If you’re enjoying the Sunday Edition, then consider becoming a contributor with your own articles. If you have an article that needs highlighting send it to [email protected] to become a part of our growing community of feature news.
GCSO Employee Spotlight Civil Clerk Eva Estes
Fetching Featured July 5, 2020
Our Sheriff’s Office employs just over 100 people including sworn deputies, 911 dispatchers, detention officers, and civilian employees serving Gilmer County. While a lot of you know someone that works here, we are recognizing employees on our page to give more people the opportunity to meet “us.”
This week, we would like to introduce you to Civil Clerk Eva Estes. Eva has been employed with GCSO for 6.5 years. Eva started as a Communications Officer in our 911 Center and worked there over three years. For over three years since, she has worked as a Civil Clerk. Her smiling face will be the first one you see if you ever apply for a Concealed Carry Permit and need to be fingerprinted. She is also a certified TAC (Terminal Agency Coordinator), enters warrants and civil papers to be served, and she handles anything to do with GCIC (Georgia Crime Information Center) and NCIC (National Crime Information Center).
Eva is a 1987 graduate of Cherokee High School in Canton, Georgia. Her very first job was in food service where she worked at the Burger Chief.
Eva says her hobbies are “being a grandmother, spending time with my family, and doing small projects around the house.” She told us her favorite movie is “The Notebook,” her favorite food is Italian, and her favorite place to vacation is Hilton Head, South Carolina.
When asked what her favorite part of her job is here at GCSO, she said, “I enjoy being a part of the puzzle that ensures criminal history information is correct for the safety of officers and community.”
When asked what is something people don’t know about her, Eva says, “I used to play drums.”
Eva, your dedication to the important job you do doesn’t go unnoticed. GCSO and your community thanks you for the service you provide!
(article and photos provided by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department)
Up close and personal with Gilmer Fire and Rescue – Daniel Kauffman
Fetching Featured July 5, 2020
We are beginning a series of posts to become “up close and personal” with some of the finest men and women in the Fire Service – the personnel of Gilmer County Fire and Rescue. Today we’re proud to visit with our outstanding Fire Chief, Daniel Kauffman…
“My fire service career started soon after completing high school in Auburndale, Florida. I attended the Florida State Fire College in Ocala, Florida for my firefighter compliance, and the College of Central Florida Emergency Medical Technician program. I volunteered briefly with the South Marion Fire Department before gaining full time employment with Marion County Fire Rescue in 1988. Throughout that 30 year career I have served in the positions of firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, District Captain, Battalion Chief (Safety Officer), and Battalion Chief (Shift Commander). I was also active in Special Operations, serving as the Hazardous Material Response Team Commander. I had a front row seat to rapid growth and I was able to be an active part of positive progression from a BLS department to an ALS department and eventually ALS patient transport. The career of a firefighter is that of a life-long student, always perfecting their craft. Over the years I have found the positive affect of continuing education not only on my fire service career, but also in my daily life. The completion of an Environmental Science, Fire Science, and Human Resource Management degrees better prepared me for the position of Fire Chief with Gilmer County Fire Rescue. Likewise, I would support and encourage all of our employees to continue their education and professional development.
“When the position of Fire Chief became available in Gilmer County, we were pleasantly surprised. Gilmer County Fire Rescue was one of the few places that could have brought me out of my 9 month retirement. While I really did not plan to start a second career in the fire service, I really feel that God opened a door here for us in Gilmer County. Our family had been vacationing in Ellijay since 2005 and loved the area with all the activities it presented. My wife Stephanie and our blended family of three girls (London, Hannah, and Neve) would make many trips from Florida during school breaks to enjoy the outdoor activities. Now that we are full time residents of Gilmer County, we usually can be found spending our weekends hiking with our rescue dog, Piper, who came from Homeward Bound Pet Rescue. We have recently purchased an RV and plan to venture outside of Gilmer County to see what else the beautiful North Georgia mountains have to offer. Our fresh start here has been met with new friends and great coworkers. The opportunity to work and play in an area we love has been such a blessing and we look forward to what our future holds here in Gilmer County.”
(article and photos of Daniel Kauffman provided by the Gilmer County Public Safety)
GCSO Employee Spotlight Detective Scott Camp
Fetching Featured June 28, 2020
Our Sheriff’s Office employs just over 100 people including sworn deputies, 911 dispatchers, detention officers, and civilian employees serving Gilmer County. While a lot of you know someone that works here, we are recognizing employees on our page to give more people the opportunity to meet “us.”
This week, we would like to introduce you to Detective Scott Camp. Scott has been working for GCSO for 16.5 years. During that time, he has worked as a Detention Officer, Patrol Deputy, and School Resource Officer. He has worked in the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) as a Detective and Evidence Custodian since 2012.
The winner of MANY awards here at GCSO, he has been recognized as: Detention Officer of the Year in 2005, Deputy of the Year in 2011, Detective of the Year in 2012, 2013, 2014, and he also received the Sheriff’s Citation Medal in 2017.
Scott is a 1993 graduate of Alexander High School in Douglasville, Georgia. His very first job was at a Hardee’s in Douglasville.
Scott lists his hobbies as fishing, camping, anything outdoors, gardening, any sports, video games, and playing games. He says his favorite food is steak and shrimp, favorite movies he likes is anything James Bond, and his favorite place to vacation is Casey Key, Florida.
When asked about his favorite part of his job at GCSO, he says he enjoys helping people, and that he especially likes recovering stolen property.
Detective Camp saves a puppy from a wrecked vehicle at the bottom of an embankment.
On the question to name one thing people might not know about him, Scott says he began losing his hair at the age of 17! As the post narrator, I’d also like to add that he once saved a puppy from a wrecked car that slid down the embankment next to the river!
GCSO thanks you for your outstanding service and the many years you have dedicated to the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Gilmer County!
(article and photos provided by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department)
GCSO Employee Spotlight Deputy Sheriff Kenny Wiggins
Fetching Featured June 21, 2020
Our Sheriff’s Office employs just over 100 people including sworn deputies, 911 dispatchers, detention officers, and civilian employees serving Gilmer County. While a lot of you know someone that works here, we are recognizing employees on our page to give more people the opportunity to meet “us.”
This week, we would like to introduce you to Deputy Kenny Wiggins. As one of our longest employed, Kenny has been working for GCSO for the last 25 years! During that time, he has worked as a Detention Officer, Patrol Deputy, Patrol Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant (Watch Commander), and his most recent position as School Resource Officer at Mountain View Elementary.
Kenny is a 1978 graduate of Gilmer High School. After graduating, he honorably served in the United States Navy from 1979-1993. His very first job was working at Gilmer Park & Rec in the early 70’s helping the maintenance crew with the upkeep of the ball fields.
Between the Navy and beginning at GCSO, Kenny worked two years from 1991-1993 on the base as Master at Arms Force of Fleet Combat Training Center (FCTCL), Atlantic as a Patrol Officer. He then worked one year as a Jail Officer with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office from 1993-1994.
Kenny lists his hobbies as trout fishing, Nascar, and studying history, especially American history and the history of Native Americans of the Southeastern U.S. He says his favorite food is southern cuisine, particularly cornbread, pinto beans, fried potatoes, corn on the cob, fried okra for dinner then biscuits and gravy with eggs and bacon or sausage with a big cup of black coffee for breakfast! When asked his favorite movie, he says: “Anything by John Wayne but if I had to choose one of his it would be “In Harm’s Way.” He also said one of the best westerns ever made is “Shane.” He lists “anywhere in southern Appalachia and Yellowstone” as his favorite place to vacation.
When asked what is something most people wouldn’t know about him, he said he is a “very tenderhearted person when it comes to animals,” wishing it was feasible that he could take in all cats and dogs that need to be loved.
Kenny says his favorite part of his job here at GCSO is “the people I work with. There is no better group of people to work with than what Sheriff Nicholson has assembled here at GCSO.”
We THANK YOU, Deputy Wiggins, for your lifelong service to your country, to the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office and the Gilmer County citizens!
(article and photos provided by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department)
Homeward Bound Pet Rescue’s – Pets of the Week – A trio
Fast & Furriest June 14, 2020
Meet the 3 amigos; Buddy, age 8 ½ , 14 lbs., Hannah and Jean Luc who are 5 ½ years old, 25 lbs.
brother and sister. The chiweenies’ mom passed away suddenly and they found themselves without a
place to go within the family. They are used to being in a fenced yard and have never been leash
trained. They still need booster shots, are spayed and neutered, and appear to be healthy little dogs.
Buddy, Hannah and Jean Luc are located at Homeward Bound Pet Rescue in Blue Ridge, GA. Apply
online: www.hbpr.org
Senior Living: Barton Returns!
Lifestyle May 24, 2020
With the return of Jessi Barton and our Senior Living segment, we catch up with our Senior Concierge on all things Cameron Hall and how they are handling the shutdown and return to normal Senior Life. Jessi also speaks on the admissions still going on during this outbreak.
Sponsored by Cameron Hall in Ellijay, you can follow more of North Georgia Senior Living through the dedicated playlist on FYNTV’s Youtube channel and check out a wider variety of shows there as well.
Optimists show signs of care for Gilmer Graduates
Fetching Featured May 24, 2020
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer County’s 2020 graduates have had more than a few setbacks in their senior year due to COVID-19, from missing half a semester, one quarter of their entire senior year, to cancellations of their graduation and prom before rescheduling.
Many school districts in Georgia are trying their best to provide a little extra recognition for their graduates this year due to quarantining practices shutting down the entire state’s school system.
Gilmer is no different as the Board has rescheduled both prom and graduation in addition to providing a digital graduation this Friday. But the community of the county still didn’t think this was enough to make up for months of separation and a lack of closure to the grade school lives.
The Gilmer County Optimist Club pushed forward with a new project this week, and if you’ve driven down Industrial Blvd. this week, you’ve seen the roadside parade of handmade signs that the club has donated and erected to honor these students.
Also recognized at this weeks BOE meeting, the project is getting great appreciation from both the school board and community driving past with honks of appreciation as the project was completed.
The project lead, Lisa Salman, who is also Tourism Director for the Gilmer Chamber, said the idea came together through watching other counties and districts through social media and listening to our own community.
All in the span of about two weeks, Salman pitched the idea to Superintendent Shanna Downs and received approval from the city for a sign permit, then gathered volunteers and donations to buy the materials and hand craft the signs you see on the road. Early Saturday morning, May 16, 2020, volunteers gathered before noon to put up the completed signs. This is the original planned week of graduation.
Graduates each have their own sign recognizing their work and efforts. Salman said that she knew the school was doing things, but said their was meaning in people doing something by hand for the extra recognition. Different volunteers have painted and created different signs, so not all the signs are the same either.
This project is not completed however. Maintenance continues through the week as heavy winds and passing cars have seen a few signs blow down. Salman said they are continue during the week to repair and maintain the project through graduation day.
When asked about the importance of projects like this, Salman said, “We’re friends of youth. Children are so important and I want them to be recognized… I want to make sure they are recognized and t hey could see their name as people drive by and honk.”
The project went up this week to the surprise of all the students as Salman said they spoke with Downs and the City privately to keep this as a Graduation week surprise for the students.
The project saw donations from 35 people and time from 7 volunteers to complete the designs, construction, and finally completion of putting the signs up on the road.
(Photo and video provided by th Gilmer County Optimist Club.)
Gilmer Chamber refuses to “cancel” Taste of Ellijay
Fetching Featured, Tastebuds May 17, 2020
Not canceled, but not the same. It seems to be a trending theme in the last two months of events like Taste of Ellijay are being amended to work around the viral outbreak, quarantines, and distancing.
Gilmer County’s Chamber President and CEO Paige Green released a video on social media three days ago speaking about Taste of Ellijay Week. Instead of one day downtown, 2020 will see a whole week of social media posts, updates, highlights, and photos of the flavors and foods that Ellijay provides.
Chamber Communications Manager Caitlin Neal said that the Chamber did not want to completely cancel many people’s favorite event of the year. Most events like this have planned “rainout days” to reschedule the event if needed, but with the sheltering and quarantining, even that day was unsure of viability. Neal said they wanted to find some option to make the event still accessible. “We just didn’t want to not have a Taste of Ellijay,” she said.
With many restaurants doing curbside, delivery, or take options. But some are also having to work off limited menus due to the situation. A natural response is to connect citizens with the event to those restaurants who are struggling through this virus or others who are just reopening.
Neal took it a step further, however, as she said the Chamber is taking all the stress out of finding a restaurant as well. Instead of the common argument asking ‘where do you want to eat?’ Neal said the Chamber has made a Facebook and Instagram filter for randomizing Ellijay’s Tastes. The Taste of Ellijay filter will get you started into the week easily, randomizing and deciding for you on where to go.
With testing a beta testing, the filter is already been viewed 11,900 times and captured close to 1,400. With the event not starting until tomorrow, these statistics are all from preview testing and beta runs.
But filters, social media, and online efforts are still not enough for our Chamber as Neal expressed plans for more outside of restaurants like chalking information on the sidewalk in addition to other ideas. The entire campaign is not only helping a favored event to survive, but also to rally citizens to support local businesses amid the Coronavirus outbreak.
As the week continues and we follow up with the event, the Chamber will be hosting and resharing posts of their own as they curate the mostly online campaign for Ellijay. Follow the #TasteOfEllijay on social media outlets for more as well.
Chamber Office Re-Opened – A Message from Gilmer Chamber Board of Directors
Fetching Featured May 10, 2020
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