Local

Jayson A. Wentworth

Jayson A. Wentworth

Wentworth charged with murder in Polk Co. shooting

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
An early morning shooting near the McDonald’s restaurant in Ocoee, Tennessee, has left one man dead and another charged with his murder. The victim has been identified as Mickey Lee Goodman, 52. Charged with Second Degree Murder in his death is Jayson A.
Tim Doherty, owner of Doc’s Healing Hives, opens the door to a geodesic dome under construction.

Tim Doherty, owner of Doc’s Healing Hives, opens the door to a geodesic dome under construction.

Healing Hives needs help to grow

Jackson Elliott
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
At Doc’s Healing Hives (DHH), veteran Tim Doherty is building an army to fight for America’s veterans. His soldiers are bees. “I knew beekeeping helped me, and therefore I knew it could help others,” Doherty, DHH’s founder, said.
Aiden Mullins races in the Blue Ridge Freedom 5K. Mullins was one of five racers taking part in the Friday morning event thanks to the volunteers working with the Kyle Pease Foundation. The foundation works to provide opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Ashley Weeks is Fannin County’s Community Engagement Coordinator for the organization.

Aiden Mullins races in the Blue Ridge Freedom 5K. Mullins was one of five racers taking part in the Friday morning event thanks to the volunteers working with the Kyle Pease Foundation. The foundation works to provide opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Ashley Weeks is Fannin County’s Community Engagement Coordinator for the organization.

Kyle Pease Foundation efforts shine in Blue Ridge Freedom 5K Run

Jackson Elliott
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
As the sun rose, five athletes prepared to run the July 4 Blue Ridge Freedom 5K race. They were all in wheelchairs. Before the national anthem, 19-year-old Brady Smith said he was “good” and planned to “win.
Fannin County Barking Buddies sponsored a free microchipping event at Toccoa River Park June 28. Members volunteered at the event and gave out free gift bags to guests. Volunteers who helped included, from left, Christina Nnaji, Emma Chambers, Debi Holcomb, Donna Turek, Marge Heald, Tina LaCombe, Meri Taylor, Donna McWilliams, and Sandy Taylor.

Fannin County Barking Buddies sponsored a free microchipping event at Toccoa River Park June 28. Members volunteered at the event and gave out free gift bags to guests. Volunteers who helped included, from left, Christina Nnaji, Emma Chambers, Debi Holcomb, Donna Turek, Marge Heald, Tina LaCombe, Meri Taylor, Donna McWilliams, and Sandy Taylor.

Free microchips put in 37 dogs during event

Enola Patterson
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
The City of McCaysville hosted a free microchipping event at Toccoa River Park June 28. The event was sponsored by Fannin County Barking Buddies and Homeward Bound Pet Rescue. Officer Luke McDonald from Fannin County Animal Control assisted with chipping 37 dogs.
Six new-to-the-area chimpanzees are headed to Project Chimps in Morganton.

Six new-to-the-area chimpanzees are headed to Project Chimps in Morganton.

Chimpanzees, SROs, Hwy. 2 work approved by commissioners

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Six new-to-the-area chimpanzees are headed to Project Chimps in Morganton. Deanna Stratton with Project Chimps approached the Fannin County Board of Commissioners during their Tuesday, June 24, meeting to request approval for the chimps to be moved into the sanctuary.
Fannin County firefighters Brett Crane, Earl Maddox, Leigh Hollins, Josh Curtis and Mike Miller plan a lesson at the FDIC conference.

Fannin County firefighters Brett Crane, Earl Maddox, Leigh Hollins, Josh Curtis and Mike Miller plan a lesson at the FDIC conference.

Fannin Firefighters teach at national conference

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Five Fannin County firefighters made up a select group who helped train fellow firefighters at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana, earlier this year.
The folks at Blue Ridge’s Food Lion, from left, Jacob Keppel, Charles McNash and Helen Ramey are excited to announce the Food Lion Feeds campaign.

The folks at Blue Ridge’s Food Lion, from left, Jacob Keppel, Charles McNash and Helen Ramey are excited to announce the Food Lion Feeds campaign.

Food Lion drive underway

News Staff
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Food Lion has launched its sixth annual Food Lion Feeds campaign to address childhood food insecurity. Now through July 15, Food Lion customers will be able to support the cause with the purchase of specially-designed reusable shopping bags for $2.