Local

Blue Ridge police officers, from left, Patrolman Thomas Davis, Captain Robbie Stuart and Chief Johnny Scearce, are shown directing one of the approximate 50 to 75 vehicles flying a variety of flags through Blue Ridge Saturday evening. They are at the intersection of West Main and Depot streets.

Blue Ridge police officers, from left, Patrolman Thomas Davis, Captain Robbie Stuart and Chief Johnny Scearce, are shown directing one of the approximate 50 to 75 vehicles flying a variety of flags through Blue Ridge Saturday evening. They are at the intersection of West Main and Depot streets.

Public safety priority with streets crowded

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
“The police department did a great job,” Rhonda Haight said just after a string of between 50 and 75 vehicles made its way through downtown Blue Ridge. The Blue Ridge councilwoman was referring to a group of flag wavers that passed through  late Saturday evening, September 5.
The News Observer

The News Observer

No decision on OneGeorgia grant

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
The tension that built up during the McCaysville City Council’s public hearing to discuss the 2020-’21 budget spilled over into a special called meeting of the mayor and council to discuss a OneGeorgia grant available for the city park.
COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

One student, one staff have COVID-19

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Fannin County has seen an increase of 80 cases of COVID-19 over the last two weeks as of Friday, September 4. This brings the county’s total up to 484. Eight of those people who had contracted the virus have died, and 38 have been hospitalized.
Rhonda Haight doesn’t think mowing should cost $90,000.

Rhonda Haight doesn’t think mowing should cost $90,000.

Council disputes grass mowing contract

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
A review of the Grass Maintenance Contract with 4V Ranch, which was signed by Mayor Donna Whitener, brought up discrepancies as to what was originally agreed upon during a City of Blue Ridge workshop Tuesday, September 1.
Blue Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care resident Nancy McDowell, left, and her sister, Sheryle Roach, were able to visit Thursday, September 3, while following COVID-19 guidelines thanks to the facility’s recently implemented “front porch visits.”

Blue Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care resident Nancy McDowell, left, and her sister, Sheryle Roach, were able to visit Thursday, September 3, while following COVID-19 guidelines thanks to the facility’s recently implemented “front porch visits.”

Front porch reunites residents, loved ones

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
While Blue Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care may still be closed to the public, they have implemented front porch visits so that their residents can spend socially distanced time with their loved ones as the facility moves into their seventh month dealing with COVID-19 regulations and...
The News Observer

The News Observer

Body found in front of church

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
The identity of a body found in front of Wilscot Baptist Church last week has not been determined, but foul play is not suspected in connection with the death. Fannin County Coroner Becky Callihan said sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene around 11 a.m.
Nicholas Craig Payne

Nicholas Craig Payne

Suspect arrested after fighting officer

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Rodney Patterson is being credited for keeping a bad situation from getting worse when he helped McCaysville Police Officer Peter Kusek take a suspect into custody last Monday night, August 31.