Local

Julie Wootten’s rescue duck “Belle” has found a sanctuary at Wootten’s rescue Waddle On Inn, however, roaming dogs have caused an issue for Wootten and her rescues. Belle, two geese and a gosling were attacked by a roaming dog last week, and Wootten had difficulty getting help from Fannin County Animal Control.

Julie Wootten’s rescue duck “Belle” has found a sanctuary at Wootten’s rescue Waddle On Inn, however, roaming dogs have caused an issue for Wootten and her rescues. Belle, two geese and a gosling were attacked by a roaming dog last week, and Wootten had difficulty getting help from Fannin County Animal Control.

Roaming dogs blamed for killing two geese, injuring other rescues

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
A roaming dog has yet again caused issues for Julie Wootten and her geese and other rescue animals at Waddle On Inn in Fannin County.
Johnny Scearce was all smiles as he prepared to leave CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga last week. He is surrounded by several members of the hospital team that took care of him. Scearce was moved to an intensive rehab program where he will undergo physical therapy.

Johnny Scearce was all smiles as he prepared to leave CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga last week. He is surrounded by several members of the hospital team that took care of him. Scearce was moved to an intensive rehab program where he will undergo physical therapy.

'A Very Miraculous Recovery'

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
"With an enormous amount of dedication from the nurses and the respiratory therapists and the intensive care doctors here and an enormous amount of patience and trust on the part of the chief’s family, the almost impossible happened, and his lungs started to recover, and he made a very miraculous...
The News Observer

The News Observer

Teens on road to recovery

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Three well-known local teenagers, all graduates of Fannin County HighSchool, who were injured in a crash on Highway 515 Tuesday, January 12, are said to be recovering from their injuries.
COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 vaccine hotline experiencing high call volumes

Sydney Criteser
Friday, January 15, 2021
Due to a high volume of residents trying to arrange COVID-19 vaccination appointments online, North Georgia Health District (NGHD)’s server became overloaded and failed last week resulting in an inability to offer an online registration option as previously planned.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Police Chief Johnny Scearce released from CHI Memorial

News Staff
Thursday, January 14, 2021
After almost 94 days in the hospital, Blue Ridge Police Chief Johnny Scearce has been released from CHI Memorial in Chattanooga.  His Honor Walk, filmed at CHI Memorial, can be found on The News Observer's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/The-News-Observer-740175116028857.
This male Bulldog was picked up in Lakewood January 2, 2021. He is built like a Bully and has a light brown brindle coat. He is a sweetheart. View him using intake number 003-21. He is shown with Animal Control Manager John Drullinger.

This male Bulldog was picked up in Lakewood January 2, 2021. He is built like a Bully and has a light brown brindle coat. He is a sweetheart. View him using intake number 003-21. He is shown with Animal Control Manager John Drullinger.

Adopt A Pet

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
The Bulldog shown with Fannin County Animal Control Manager John Drullinger is this week’s featured pooch of the week! This boy was given the name Meatball by volunteers. He has a light brown, brindle coat and is very sweet. He was picked up in Lakewood January 2, 2021.
COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

206 COVID-19 cases added to Fannin total

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Fannin County has seen an additional 206 cases of COVID-19 over the last two weeks as of Monday, January 11. This brings the county’s total up to 1,455 positive cases since the pandemic began.
This photo of an individual, referred to on the internet as the “zip tie guy,” taken inside the Senate’s Chamber dressed in paramilitary gear and holding zip ties is believed to be Eric Gavelek Munchel, a 2009 graduate of Fannin County High School.

This photo of an individual, referred to on the internet as the “zip tie guy,” taken inside the Senate’s Chamber dressed in paramilitary gear and holding zip ties is believed to be Eric Gavelek Munchel, a 2009 graduate of Fannin County High School.

Fannin grad arrested in invasion of U.S. Capitol

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
A 2009 graduate of Fannin County High School was arrested Sunday, January 10, in connection to the invasion of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. that occurred Wednesday, January 6.
Fannin County Election Office staff and poll workers across the county’s 12 precincts ensured Fannin County voters were able to cast their ballots in the January 5, 2021 General Election Runoff either through early voting, absentee by mail ballot or Election Day voting. Poll workers shown at the Toccoa precinct on Election Day are, from left, Sharon Brewer, Jeff Paint, Marco Falgiano, Jim and Angela Huffstetler.

Fannin County Election Office staff and poll workers across the county’s 12 precincts ensured Fannin County voters were able to cast their ballots in the January 5, 2021 General Election Runoff either through early voting, absentee by mail ballot or Election Day voting. Poll workers shown at the Toccoa precinct on Election Day are, from left, Sharon Brewer, Jeff Paint, Marco Falgiano, Jim and Angela Huffstetler.

Over 13,000 Fannin voters cast ballots in runoff

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Over 13,000 Fannin County votes were cast in the January 5, 2021 General Election Runoff that ultimately saw Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff and Republican Lauren Bubba McDonald, Jr. as the night’s victors, each by a razor-thin margin.