Local

The News Observer

The News Observer

Mayor operated business without license

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
A downtown Blue Ridge pay-to-park lot, owned by Mayor Donna Whitener, was in operation without a license. An open records request was made on behalf of The News Observer Thursday, November 12, to obtain a copy of the license.
Pam Smith, Carolyn Howard, Sandy Daugherty and Kristi Buchanan, from left, volunteered for the Good Samaritans's annual Open Table event, which was held Thanksgiving Day at the Fannin County Senior Center. This year the event had to be changed from the annual sit-down, festive occasion to a drive-thru offering. These volunteers were busy preparing plates for hungry participants.

Pam Smith, Carolyn Howard, Sandy Daugherty and Kristi Buchanan, from left, volunteered for the Good Samaritans's annual Open Table event, which was held Thanksgiving Day at the Fannin County Senior Center. This year the event had to be changed from the annual sit-down, festive occasion to a drive-thru offering. These volunteers were busy preparing plates for hungry participants.

GOOD SAMARITANS HOST OPEN TABLE

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
The News Observer

The News Observer

Annual Christmas parade Saturday in twin cities

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Everyone is invited to celebrate the Christmas season and first responders during the Kiwanis Club of Copperhill’s 99th Annual Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is “American Heroes Christmas,” for the parade that will take place Saturday, December 5, beginning at 2 p.m.
January 7, 2021's General Election Runoff Sample Ballot

January 7, 2021's General Election Runoff Sample Ballot

Voter registration set to end Dec. 7 as runoff nears

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Fannin County voters who are not currently registered to vote have through next Monday, December 7, to do so in order to vote in the January 5, 2021, General Election Runoff. The runoff will feature three races, and statewide early voting is set to begin Monday, December 14.
Every Fannin County High School welding student had a hand in a complete build of a smoker as one of this year’s program projects. Shown are, from left, Thomas Green, Coy Mealer, Peyton O’neal and Kayden Couch.

Every Fannin County High School welding student had a hand in a complete build of a smoker as one of this year’s program projects. Shown are, from left, Thomas Green, Coy Mealer, Peyton O’neal and Kayden Couch.

Fannin students shining in new welding program

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Fannin County High School students are shining in a new trade thanks to this year’s addition of a welding program in the Career, Technical, Agricultural and Education (CTAE) Department.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Fitts says Whitener doesn't live in city, mayor claims domicile

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
“I know for a fact that you live at 23 Long View Lane (Blue Ridge), which is in Staurolite Mountain subdivision, and that has been your residence,” Blue Ridge Councilman Nathan Fitts said in an email Monday, November 9, to Mayor Donna Whitener and other council members, accusing Whitener of not...
The News Observer

The News Observer

Hazard pay approved for Fannin first responders

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
The majority of Fannin County first responders will now receive hazard pay after the Fannin County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to pay it during a regular meeting Tuesday, November 24, held via teleconference in order to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Tree lighting Friday, Nov. 27 in McCaysville

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Get ready for the Christmas season in the Twin Cities of McCaysville and Copperhill. The cities will kick off the holiday festivities with Copper Friday, November 27; their own version of Black Friday. Merchants and restaurants will offer special deals and stay open longer.