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Marine Corps League Detachment 1438’s annual Toys for Tots campaign was once again successful in meeting the community’s need thanks to their many volunteers. Among those volunteers were, from left, Ian and Jody Guttridge, Kathy Smyth, Sue Hoagland and Emily Guttridge.

Marine Corps League Detachment 1438’s annual Toys for Tots campaign was once again successful in meeting the community’s need thanks to their many volunteers. Among those volunteers were, from left, Ian and Jody Guttridge, Kathy Smyth, Sue Hoagland and Emily Guttridge.

Marine Corps League overcomes obstacles in Toys for Tots success

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Members of Marine Corps League Detachment 1438 wrapped up another successful Toys for Tots campaign at the end of last year, however, COVID-19 and an increased need in the community made for an entirely different year for the organization.
The Fannin County Health Department will now administer COVID-19 vaccinations at the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge facility on Jones Street in Blue Ridge in order to accommodate the high volume of vaccinations currently scheduled. Shown preparing to administer vaccines are, from left, Amanda Gibbs, Kristin Long, Sandi Barton, Angel Graham, Hollye Petty, Lauren Graham, Melissa Chastain, Patsy Reed, Amy Hilliard, Amie Dodson, Hollie Strickland and Raquel Wiggins.

The Fannin County Health Department will now administer COVID-19 vaccinations at the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge facility on Jones Street in Blue Ridge in order to accommodate the high volume of vaccinations currently scheduled. Shown preparing to administer vaccines are, from left, Amanda Gibbs, Kristin Long, Sandi Barton, Angel Graham, Hollye Petty, Lauren Graham, Melissa Chastain, Patsy Reed, Amy Hilliard, Amie Dodson, Hollie Strickland and Raquel Wiggins.

COVID-19 vaccines move to fairgrounds

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
The Fannin County Health Department has begun indefinitely using the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge facility as a mass COVID-19 vaccination location after the demand for the vaccine proved too high for the department’s regular facility.
Rod McIntyre flew several missions via helicopter during his service in the Vietnam War. He managed to take a photo, shown above, from behind the pilot of a helicopter as his crew descended into the landing zone using a “daisy chain” technique.

Rod McIntyre flew several missions via helicopter during his service in the Vietnam War. He managed to take a photo, shown above, from behind the pilot of a helicopter as his crew descended into the landing zone using a “daisy chain” technique.

Rod McIntyre: Memories of Vietnam

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
West Virginia native, and now Fannin County local, Rod McIntyre had not intended to join the military, but due to difficulty finding a job while people were being drafted into service, he found his way to Vietnam.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Johnson gives pay to volunteers

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Fannin County Post One Commissioner Earl Johnson donated the entirety of his 2020 commissioner’s salary, close to $10,000, to the Fannin County volunteer firefighters who did not receive hazard pay from the county last year for working calls in the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Plan would transform CBMC into hospital for veterans

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Veterans may benefit from the closing of Copper Basin Medical Center (CBMC) if plans presented to the Polk County Commission become reality. Gary Hunt told commissioners he wants to buy the hospital as part of a plan to bring in a non-profit veterans operation.
The Fannin County Board of Education recognized West Fannin Elementary School STEM teacher Kim Patterson as a Georgia Youth Science & Technology Centers 2021 Georgia STEM Scholar Award recipient Thursday, January 14. Shown are, from left, board members Lewis DeWeese, board Chair Chad Galloway, Principal Alison Danner, board Vice-Chair Terry Bramlett, Patterson, Director of Applied & Integrated Instruction and CTAE Director & STEM/STEAM Coordinator Lucas Roof, Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney, board member

The Fannin County Board of Education recognized West Fannin Elementary School STEM teacher Kim Patterson as a Georgia Youth Science & Technology Centers 2021 Georgia STEM Scholar Award recipient Thursday, January 14. Shown are, from left, board members Lewis DeWeese, board Chair Chad Galloway, Principal Alison Danner, board Vice-Chair Terry Bramlett, Patterson, Director of Applied & Integrated Instruction and CTAE Director & STEM/STEAM Coordinator Lucas Roof, Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney, board member

Kim Patterson receives state STEM Scholar Award

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
West Fannin Elementary School (WFES) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) teacher Kim Patterson has been awarded the 2021 Georgia STEM Scholar Award by the Georgia Youth Science & Technology Centers.
A large crowd of family and friends gathered at the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge Friday, January 22, for a balloon release to celebrate the life of 19-year-old Sydnie Jones. The Fannin County High School graduate passed away from injuries received in a tragic car crash January 12. Countless tributes on a Memorial Wall in her honor remembered Sydnie for her beautiful smile and outgoing personality.

A large crowd of family and friends gathered at the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge Friday, January 22, for a balloon release to celebrate the life of 19-year-old Sydnie Jones. The Fannin County High School graduate passed away from injuries received in a tragic car crash January 12. Countless tributes on a Memorial Wall in her honor remembered Sydnie for her beautiful smile and outgoing personality.

Sydnie Jones' life celebrated with balloon release

Caleb Collins
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Fannin County Middle School Principal Keith Nuckolls will be leaving the Fannin County School System at the end of March.

Fannin County Middle School Principal Keith Nuckolls will be leaving the Fannin County School System at the end of March.

Fannin Middle's Keith Nuckolls leaving for full-time ministry

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Fannin County Middle School Principal Keith Nuckolls will be leaving the Fannin County School System at the end of March to pursue a full-time pastoral position in his hometown of Hayesville, North Carolina.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Blue Ridge defines parades

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
The Special Events Ordinance was approved with Mayor Donna Whitener’s suggestion during a regular meeting Tuesday, January 12. In addition, the Short-Term Rental Variance was removed from the Short-Term Vacation Rental Ordinance, and water rates for short-term rentals were changed.