Local

The News Observer

The News Observer

Scearce plans to take oath of office

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Johnny Scearce, elected last November to the Post One seat on the Fannin County Board of Commissioners, is ready to get to work. It’s just going to be a little longer. Scearce is continuing to recover from a battle with complications brought on by COVID-19.
The News Observer

The News Observer

CARES Act money wasn't properly recorded

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Fannin County government’s former administration did not appropriately reimburse county departments with CARES Act money received from the federal government, which resulted in several departments appearing to be significantly over their approved 2020 budgets.
This male mix was picked up on Wilscot Lane in Blue Ridge February 3. He has a short, blonde and white coat, and he is a total sweetie. View him using intake number 028-21. He is shown with Animal Control Manager John Drullinger.

This male mix was picked up on Wilscot Lane in Blue Ridge February 3. He has a short, blonde and white coat, and he is a total sweetie. View him using intake number 028-21. He is shown with Animal Control Manager John Drullinger.

Adopt A Pet

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Rescued animals are arguably the best animals, and that’s why you should consider adopting a life-long companion at Fannin County Animal Control. This week’s Featured Pooch of the Week is the handsome mix shown with Animal Control Manager John Drullinger.
The Blue Ridge City Park on Gray Street is open to the public with mulch. The playground was formerly filled with sand.

The Blue Ridge City Park on Gray Street is open to the public with mulch. The playground was formerly filled with sand.

Caution tape doesn’t stop play: fix promised by March 1

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Despite many who have ignored the caution tape around Blue Ridge’s downtown playground, it is still closed for construction, but it is anticipated to open by March 1, according to Councilman Mike Panter.
Mandy Housley received her second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by Tamra Head Monday, February 8, at the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge Fairgrounds.

Mandy Housley received her second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by Tamra Head Monday, February 8, at the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge Fairgrounds.

Fannin's COVID-19 rolls up by 133 in two weeks

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Fannin County has seen an additional 133 cases of COVID-19 over the last two weeks as of Monday, February 8. This brings the county’s total up to 1,857 positive cases since the pandemic began.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Ralston honors Fannin County Rebels

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
“Our community has much to be proud of, but our young people are surely our greatest point of pride,” David Ralston said in congratulating the Fannin County High School Rebels football team.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Fire burned through four ETC cables

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Friday’s early morning fire that destroyed a West Tennessee Avenue home in Copperhill left as many as 500 ETC customers without some or all service. Frankie Rigdon, vice president of operations for ETC, said the fire burned through four cables, two coaxial cables and two fiber optic lines.
James McKinley Bell

James McKinley Bell

Jimmy Bell free on attempted murder, other felony charges

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
James McKinley “Jimmy” Bell, who faces multiple felony charges in Polk County, is free. Bell was arrested December 3, 2020, and booked into the Polk County Detention Center charged with two counts of attempted first degree murder and especially aggravated burglary.