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Jerry Whitehead, left, is the recipient of the 2020 Silver Beaver Award. Terry Bramlett, behind, presented the award to Whitehead.

Jerry Whitehead, left, is the recipient of the 2020 Silver Beaver Award. Terry Bramlett, behind, presented the award to Whitehead.

Jerry Whitehead presented 2020 Silver Beaver Award

Jerry Whitehead, of Blue Ridge, is the recipient of the 2020 Silver Beaver Award. Through the Boy Scouts of America, the award is nomination based and is the highest award the Scouts can bestow. It honors “registered scouters of exceptional character,” according to their website.
Steve, Elizabeth and Nikki Shamblin were all smiles following the adoption of Elizabeth from an orphanage in Colombia, South America.

Steve, Elizabeth and Nikki Shamblin were all smiles following the adoption of Elizabeth from an orphanage in Colombia, South America.

Elizabeth at home with Shamblins after two-year journey from Colombia

After more than two years, Elizabeth has made her way home to Steve and Nikki Shamblin and the rest of the family. The Shamblins have been hard at work since 2018 trying to adopt now 15-year-old Elizabeth from an orphanage in Colombia, South America.
Caleb Rush Cloer

Caleb Rush Cloer

Cloer charged with sodomy

Caleb Rush Cloer is being held in the Fannin County Detention Center after allegedly stealing a car, sexually assaulting a woman then fleeing to Atlanta.
David Neal York

David Neal York

School bus stolen

Decades ago, the now defunct Trailways Bus Line made a regular stop in Copperhill, carrying both passengers and freight into and out of town. Unable to find such a convenient way to leave, David Neal York is accused of stealing a Fannin County school bus to create his own personal bus line.
The News Observer

The News Observer

COVID-19 vaccinations underway

Georgia is currently in Phase 1 of the Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Plan, and as of Monday, January 11, all adults 65 years of age and older, law enforcement and fire personnel were officially able to receive the first dose of the vaccination.
Santa Claus waves from the helicopter as he and pilot Damon Williams land at the Fannin County Recreation Department Wednesday, December 23. Santa made his appearance during a special drive-thru event. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, he wasn’t able to visit personally with children, but his appearance brightened many faces.

Santa Claus waves from the helicopter as he and pilot Damon Williams land at the Fannin County Recreation Department Wednesday, December 23. Santa made his appearance during a special drive-thru event. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, he wasn’t able to visit personally with children, but his appearance brightened many faces.

This male mix was picked up on Millsaps Circle in Epworth December 7. He has a short, red coat and is a sweetie. View him using intake number 353-20. This boy is ready for his forever home. He is shown with Animal Control Manager John Drullinger.

This male mix was picked up on Millsaps Circle in Epworth December 7. He has a short, red coat and is a sweetie. View him using intake number 353-20. This boy is ready for his forever home. He is shown with Animal Control Manager John Drullinger.

Adopt A Pet

The adorable mix shown with Fannin County Animal Control Manager John Drullinger is this week’s featured pooch of the week! Named Rory by volunteers, this feller’s cute, pointy ears and orange color makes him favor a kangaroo. He loves the outdoors and playing.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Fitts denies non-residency allegations

“My residence has always been in the city (of Blue Ridge),” Blue Ridge Councilman Nathan Fitts said following allegations that he was not living within city limits prior to qualifying for the 2017 election.
Georgia Mountains Health Nurse Lesa Parker was one of the first in Fannin County to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday, December 23. The injection is the first of two shots. The second round must be completed 28 days after the initial injection. Nurse Kiersten Lanier is shown administering the vaccine.

Georgia Mountains Health Nurse Lesa Parker was one of the first in Fannin County to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday, December 23. The injection is the first of two shots. The second round must be completed 28 days after the initial injection. Nurse Kiersten Lanier is shown administering the vaccine.

First doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrive in Fannin Co.

Nearly nine months into a global pandemic, a COVID-19 vaccine has been created, and it’s here in Fannin County. Wednesday, December 23, Georgia Mountains Health received ten doses of what is the first round of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.