Local

The many small businesses in Blue Ridge, many shown on this downtown kiosk, Riverwalk Shops in McCaysville and Ed’s Supply Company in the county’s spec building are all examples of the county’s strong small business economy.

The many small businesses in Blue Ridge, many shown on this downtown kiosk, Riverwalk Shops in McCaysville and Ed’s Supply Company in the county’s spec building are all examples of the county’s strong small business economy.

Small business plays major role

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
A recent study by SmartAsset, combined with a previous Appalachian Regional Commission study, reflect the major role small businesses play in Fannin County’s economy. But the statistics came as no surprise to two leaders at the heart of economic progress.
Members of the Fannin County Board of Education and Fannin County School System leadership broke ground on two new facilities, a Transportation Facility and Staff Development Center, Thursday, February 4. Shown are, from left, Bowen & Watson Construction President Drew Watson, Mike Spurlin, Transportation Director Denver Foster, board members Lewis DeWeese and Mike Cole, board Vice-Chair Terry Bramlett, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Operations Darren Danner, board Chair Chad Galloway, board mem

Members of the Fannin County Board of Education and Fannin County School System leadership broke ground on two new facilities, a Transportation Facility and Staff Development Center, Thursday, February 4. Shown are, from left, Bowen & Watson Construction President Drew Watson, Mike Spurlin, Transportation Director Denver Foster, board members Lewis DeWeese and Mike Cole, board Vice-Chair Terry Bramlett, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Operations Darren Danner, board Chair Chad Galloway, board mem

New facility kicked off

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Chilly weather couldn’t keep members of the Fannin County Board of Education, Fannin County School System district leadership and construction representatives from officially breaking ground on the school system’s new Transportation Facility and Staff Development Center Thursday, February 4.
This residence on West Tennessee Avenue was totally destroyed by an early morning fire last Friday.

This residence on West Tennessee Avenue was totally destroyed by an early morning fire last Friday.

Couple escapes house blaze

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Residents of a house that burned to the ground blamed a kerosene heater for the fire that sent at least one person to Fannin Regional Hospital and knocked out internet service to as many as 500 ETC customers (see related story on A2).
Seventh Grade Math and Seventh and Eighth Grade STEM Teacher Amber Daly is Copper Basin High School’s Teacher of the Year.

Seventh Grade Math and Seventh and Eighth Grade STEM Teacher Amber Daly is Copper Basin High School’s Teacher of the Year.

Amber Daly Teacher of the Year at Copper Basin

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Seventh Grade Math and Seventh and Eighth Grade STEM Teacher Amber Daly is Copper Basin High School’s Teacher of the Year. In her 16th year teaching, Daly said, “I wanted to express thankfulness to my colleagues for awarding me with this honor and considering me worthy of the title.
Copper Basin Elementary School Teacher of the Year Gerome Smith checks on the Garden Club’s tomatoes after school this past fall.

Copper Basin Elementary School Teacher of the Year Gerome Smith checks on the Garden Club’s tomatoes after school this past fall.

Smith top teacher

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Gerome Smith has been named Copper Basin Elementary School’s (CBES)Teacher of the Year by faculty and staff. “Even though it is incredibly difficult to teach crazy children for many years without absolutely losing your mind, Mr.
This handsome, male, Lab mix named Cooper has been at Animal Control since January 14. He has a short, reddish-blonde coat and is very well behaved and playful. View him using intake number 015-21. Cooper is shown with Animal Control Officer J.R. Cornett.

This handsome, male, Lab mix named Cooper has been at Animal Control since January 14. He has a short, reddish-blonde coat and is very well behaved and playful. View him using intake number 015-21. Cooper is shown with Animal Control Officer J.R. Cornett.

Adopt A Pet

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
This week, every dog photographed was surrendered by their owner. Additionally, a suggestions box has been added to the lobby of Fannin County Animal Control in which visitors are able to give their feedback. Cooper, the male, Lab mix shown with Animal Control Officer J.R.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Blue Ridge refinances $11.6 million debt

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
The Blue Ridge City Council has voted to re-finance over $11.6 million in debt, saying the move will save $2.5 million between now and 2054. Three of the five members of the council approved a bond resolution and a bond purchase agreement Wednesday, December 16.
A 13x13 parcel at the beginning of Robert’s Way in Blue Ridge currently houses these dumpsters, one of which was over flowing with garbage Sunday afternoon, January 31. The parcel is being placed for lease by the City of Blue Ridge after council members agreed the situation needs to be cleaned up.

A 13x13 parcel at the beginning of Robert’s Way in Blue Ridge currently houses these dumpsters, one of which was over flowing with garbage Sunday afternoon, January 31. The parcel is being placed for lease by the City of Blue Ridge after council members agreed the situation needs to be cleaned up.

City to lease Farmer’s Market, dumpster area

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Blue Ridge’s elected officials have decided to offer two city properties to the highest bidders as they work to fix situations that have raised concerns at recent city council meetings.
COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

207 added to COVID-19 rolls in Fannin

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Fannin County has seen an additional 207 cases of COVID-19 over the last two weeks as of Monday, February 1. This brings the county’s total up to 1,811 positive cases since the pandemic began.
Pickleballers Gail O’Neil, left, and Ray Wallett smile after a game at the Fannin County Recreation Center. There is open pickleball play Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Pickleballers Gail O’Neil, left, and Ray Wallett smile after a game at the Fannin County Recreation Center. There is open pickleball play Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Rec Center activities in full swing

Caleb Collins
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
The Fannin County Recreation Center is currently open and keeping regular hours, however, the facility will be closed on Wednesdays for cleaning until 3 p.m.  Fannin County Recreation Department Director Eddie O’Neal said, “We will have hand sanitizing stations and encourage people to wear masks.