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The News Observer

The News Observer

Fall Arts in the Park canceled

The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (BRMAA) has decided to call off the annual Fall Arts in the Park festival that was scheduled for October 10 and 11. The cancellation is a result of the ongoing public health concerns related to COVID-19.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Grand juries to reconvene in Appalachian Circuit

While all types of cases are currently being heard throughout the Appalachian Judicial Circuit, Fannin County will begin convening grand juries again November 9. “Our communities have been hit hard by the global pandemic,” Appalachian Judicial Circuit Chief Superior Court Judge Brenda Weaver said.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Blue Ridge moves toward keeping mowing contract

The City of Blue Ridge opted to stay in their contract with 4-V Ranch after renegotiating Monday, September 14. The new deal includes services for eight months out of the year, and will only require the city to pay for those months of service instead of paying for the entire 12 months.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Suspect charged after fight in parking lot

A Knoxville man learned that if his idea of having fun was taking a swing at his female companion, then the Hometown IGA parking lot in McCaysville was not the place to be. McCaysville Police Chief Mike Earley said officers received a call Saturday afternoon about a verbal altercation.
McCaysville Police Chief Mike Earley, right, used needle-nosed pliers to pick shards of crystal methamphetamine from a suspect’s wrecked vehicle Saturday night in McCaysville. Detective Cory Collogan, along with other McCaysville officers, helped collect the evidence, which includes 16  and 1/2 grams of heroin.

McCaysville Police Chief Mike Earley, right, used needle-nosed pliers to pick shards of crystal methamphetamine from a suspect’s wrecked vehicle Saturday night in McCaysville. Detective Cory Collogan, along with other McCaysville officers, helped collect the evidence, which includes 16 and 1/2 grams of heroin.

Chase ends with wreck, arrest for heroin trafficking

A Blue Ridge man was arrested in McCaysville Saturday night, September 19, after a short chase ended in his vehicle being wrecked and the discovery of a large amount of drugs and money. Brian Joseph Martell, 35, of 125 Jones Street Apartment C-2, faces 19 charges including trafficking in heroin.
The University of North Georgia held a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, September 16, for the opening of the Blue Ridge Campus. Shown are, from left, University Systems of Georgia Chancellor Dr. Steve Wrigley, UNG President Dr. Bonita Jacobs, Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston and District 51 Senator Steve Gooch.

The University of North Georgia held a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, September 16, for the opening of the Blue Ridge Campus. Shown are, from left, University Systems of Georgia Chancellor Dr. Steve Wrigley, UNG President Dr. Bonita Jacobs, Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston and District 51 Senator Steve Gooch.

Ribbon cutting celebrates opening of Blue Ridge campus

The University of North Georgia (UNG) celebrated the opening of its new Blue Ridge Campus with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Wednesday, September 16.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Time running out for census count

You have the ability to secure approximately $2,300 worth of federal funds for your state and local communities as well as have an impact on how your district is represented at the state and federal levels. How can you do this?