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Budget and urban camping ordinances pass
Mollie Morrow
The new 2026 budget and urban camping ordinance was passed during the Blue Ridge City Council’s regular meeting May 19.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Local
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Runoff advance voting begins Monday
News Staff
Advance voting for the Georgia General Primary Election Runoff begins Monday, June 8 and continues through Friday, June 12.It will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the courthouse, 400 West Main St. in Blue Ridge.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
News Observer photo/Mollie Morrow - Members of the North Georgia Honor Guard perform the Rifle Salute during the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Fannin County Veterans Memorial Park in Blue Ridge May 25.
Memorial Day honors those who sacrificed it all
Mollie Morrow
"This is a memorial to all those that have been transferred to the highest authority. Don't forget them please," Bill Stodghill told those in attendance for the annual Memorial Day ceremony May 25.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
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McCaysville staying dry after vote
News Staff
McCaysville voters have said “no” to liquor by the drink and will remain a dry city.After residents and business owners fought to have the opportunity to vote on the matter, 146 citizens showed up to cast ballots out of 848 registered voters.
Thursday, May 28, 2026
News Observer photo/Mollie Morrow - McCaysville Mayor Terry Arp, in the hat, shows citizens a map that GDOT provided showing where routes will be redirected when the concrete bridge is replaced during GDOT's Open House May 14.
GDOT planning commercial detours, taking comments
Mollie Morrow
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is accepting comments up until tomorrow May 28 regarding their proposal for the concrete "Boss" Mull bridge replacement in McCaysville.
Thursday, May 28, 2026
News Observer photo/Mollie Morrow - Fannin County High School graduates Eva McNelley, Hudson Lynch and Ryleigh Loudermilk, from left, first row, walk onto the field at Rebel Stadium for graduation Friday, May 22.
Storm threat didn't stop FCHS graduation
Mollie Morrow
Memories, faith and congratulations were shared during Fannin County High School’s graduation Friday, May 22, at Rebel Stadium.Despite looming storms and gusty winds, seniors and their loved ones filled the stadium in support of the students’ “next chapter” as Principal Dr.
Thursday, May 28, 2026
The News Observer
Heed warning now to prevent summer tragedy
News Staff
The warning was repeated elsewhere in last week’s edition of The News Observer, repeated for at least the fourth time.Now is a good time to make sure your boat dock is safe from the hazard of electrical shock, or worse, electrocution.The warning is repeated because it needs to be heard and heeded.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The News Observer
Polk receives $64,000 grant
Glenn Harbison
A $64,000 grant to update Polk County’s Parks and Rec Master Plan has been awarded.Monica Farrow announced the grant in an email to county commissioners and other officials Thursday, May 7.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The News Observer
Sidewalk staying put for now
Mollie Morrow
A request to remove a condition for a rezoning that was previously granted was denied by the Blue Ridge Planning Commission May 5.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Construction was on hold for the evening last Friday, April 10, on the Blue Ridge Drive roundabout in McCaysville. This photo was taken from the highest point of where dirt has been placed so far, looking north toward Blue Ridge Drive toward the downtown area. Papa’s Pizza is seen on the right.
McCaysville to see slower traffic
Glenn Harbison
Significant construction on Blue Ridge Drive in McCaysville is expected to create longer traffic delays than motorists are already experiencing.
The work will also bring a reduced speed limit.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026