Local

Rich Chism of Heron Hotels tells of his plans for a hotel and dwelling units at 260 East Main Street in Blue Ridge.

Rich Chism of Heron Hotels tells of his plans for a hotel and dwelling units at 260 East Main Street in Blue Ridge.

Plans for 160-room hotel unveiled

Mollie Morrow
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Plans for a 160-room hotel in downtown Blue Ridge were heard during a “Community Input Session” hosted by the developer Tuesday, April 7. Rich Chism of Heron Hotels out of Chattanooga, Tennessee, spoke briefly of his plans to develop 6.43 acres at 260 East Main Street.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Trout Fest back for another year

News Staff
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
The Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventures Festival makes its annual return Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Blue Ridge. Admission costs $10 for those 13 and older; children 12 and below are free. Leashed pets are welcome.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Family altercation claims life

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
A late night altercation between a father and son Wednesday, April 1, resulted in the death of the son. Fannin County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Major Keith Bosen said the son, Charles Gregory “Greg” Dillingham succumbed to his injuries at Northeast Georgia Medical.
Students from Blue Ridge Elementary School planted trees at the Fannin County Recreation Park to help firefly populations. Pictured is Emily Owenby of Noontootla Creek Farms (center) digging a hole for the tree while Ellianna Urano (left) and Hope Ingle (right) wait to put the tree in the ground and cover it up.

Students from Blue Ridge Elementary School planted trees at the Fannin County Recreation Park to help firefly populations. Pictured is Emily Owenby of Noontootla Creek Farms (center) digging a hole for the tree while Ellianna Urano (left) and Hope Ingle (right) wait to put the tree in the ground and cover it up.

BRES class continues environmental work

Jason Queen
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
For the third year in a row, Blue Ridge Elementary School teacher Tori Arp has led the school’s Agrisplorers Club in making a difference in the environment.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Grant updates focus of Polk board meetings

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Grant updates were the main topic of discussions when Polk County’s Industrial and Economic Development Board (IEDB) and Joint Economic and Community Development Board (JECDB) met one after another last Thursday, April 2.
Fannin County officials joined with several citizens to get a first hand look at the county fire department’s new ladder truck.

Fannin County officials joined with several citizens to get a first hand look at the county fire department’s new ladder truck.

Fannin County unveils new fire dept. ladder truck

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Passersby could not help but notice the 40-foot long ladder truck stretched across several parking spaces in front of the Fannin County Courthouse last Tuesday evening, March 24.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Paxton Media Group acquires The News Observer

News Staff
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Paxton Media Group (PMG) has acquired nine community newspapers in the Murphy and Franklin regions of western North Carolina and north Georgia from Community Newspapers, Inc. (CNI), based in Athens, Georgia.
The News Observer

The News Observer

McCaysville readies alcohol changes

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
All five McCaysville City Council members agreed they would approve revisions to the city’s alcohol ordinance if voters approve liquor by the drink May 19. That revised ordinance, containing updates to 47 sections, was discussed in a council workshop Thursday, March 26.
Emma Benoit is shown with her husband, Evan, before telling students about the devastating effects of suicide.

Emma Benoit is shown with her husband, Evan, before telling students about the devastating effects of suicide.

Fannin students hear terrors of suicide, plea to get help

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Her mother’s terror-filled 911 call introduced Emma Benoit’s life to the students at Fannin County High School. They heard the frantic voice of Chelsey Benoit who had discovered her 16-year-old daughter laying on the floor of the family’s Louisiana home bleeding, unresponsive and barely breathing.
News Observer Photo/Jason Queen A ribbon cutting ceremony took place at The Cal Ripken STEM Center at the Fannin County Recreation Department in Blue Ridge on March 12. Pictured at the event were, from left, front, Parker Martin, Elisabeth Nicholson, Bradford Carpenter, Aniston Graham, Karmen Rymer, Leah Hughes, Sam Kochish, Oliver Parks; back, center assistant Carrie Wooten, Recreation Facility Manager Lorraine Panter, TVA representative Edith Perez, Fannin County Recreation Department Director Eddie O’Nea

News Observer Photo/Jason Queen A ribbon cutting ceremony took place at The Cal Ripken STEM Center at the Fannin County Recreation Department in Blue Ridge on March 12. Pictured at the event were, from left, front, Parker Martin, Elisabeth Nicholson, Bradford Carpenter, Aniston Graham, Karmen Rymer, Leah Hughes, Sam Kochish, Oliver Parks; back, center assistant Carrie Wooten, Recreation Facility Manager Lorraine Panter, TVA representative Edith Perez, Fannin County Recreation Department Director Eddie O’Nea

TVA, foundation partnership opens STEM center at Fannin rec dept.

Jason Queen
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
The Fannin County Recreation Department officially opened its Cal Ripkin Sr. STEM Center March 12 in hopes to give children the chance to explore, create, and discover new interest in science, technology, engineering and math.