Local

Polk County commissioners unanimously voted to pass a resolution Thursday, June 25, requesting an action plan from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to correct issues the county is currently facing. Shown are, from left, commissioners John Hoyt Pippenger, Jeremy Kimsey, James Woody, County Clerk Jackie Rogers (back), Dewey Esquinance, Debbie Davis, Samantha Trantham and Greg Brooks.

Polk County commissioners unanimously voted to pass a resolution Thursday, June 25, requesting an action plan from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to correct issues the county is currently facing. Shown are, from left, commissioners John Hoyt Pippenger, Jeremy Kimsey, James Woody, County Clerk Jackie Rogers (back), Dewey Esquinance, Debbie Davis, Samantha Trantham and Greg Brooks.

Polk County looks to TWRA for help at Patty Bridge

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Concerns over the Patty Bridge access points to the Hiwassee River in West Polk County resulted in the Polk County Board of Commissioners breaking from regular meeting procedure Thursday, June 25.
Joshua Burrell distributed raffle tickets during the 2020 Riding the Ridge to benefit the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office’s annual Shop With a Cop. Each year, Shop With a Cop works to provide a brighter Christmas for less fortunate area children. Riding the Ridge was held Saturday, June 27 with participants gathering for the start at Fannin County Middle School.

Joshua Burrell distributed raffle tickets during the 2020 Riding the Ridge to benefit the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office’s annual Shop With a Cop. Each year, Shop With a Cop works to provide a brighter Christmas for less fortunate area children. Riding the Ridge was held Saturday, June 27 with participants gathering for the start at Fannin County Middle School.

Ride the Ridge benefits shop with a cop

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
The News Observer

The News Observer

Fannin wants bids for three paving projects

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Fannin County Public Works Director Zack Ratcliff will solicit bids for paving and striping projects on Galloway Road, Curtis Switch Road and Sugar Creek Road following approval at the Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday, June 23.
The News Observer

The News Observer

USDA reminds fireworks illegal on all public lands

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
With celebrations of the U.S.A’s independence underway, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)  issued a warning this week reminding everyone that fireworks are illegal on public lands, forests and campsites.
The News Observer

The News Observer

McCaysville fireworks event set for Friday night, July 3

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Loud booms and glistening bursts of light will soar through the air Friday, July 3 when the City of McCaysville hosts their annual fireworks show around 9:15 p.m. from Tater Hill. Folks can expect events to deviate from previous years, as a result of COVID-19.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Blue Ridge Lake fireworks show planned Saturday, July 4

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
The annual fireworks show on Blue Ridge Lake will still take place Saturday, July 4, starting at approximately 9:30 p.m. The event is coordinated by the Lake Blue Ridge Civic Association and sponsored by a number of local businesses and organizations as well as private donations.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Two teens killed

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Two Hiwassee Dam, North Carolina, brothers died following a single-vehicle accident Thursday, June 25.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Polk County to bid ambulance service

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Polk County commissioners have decided to seek bids for ambulance services. The decision came at the conclusion of the commission’s ambulance committee meeting Tuesday, June 23.
This fire hydrant on Fawn Way was reported in Blue Ridge as being out-of-service.

This fire hydrant on Fawn Way was reported in Blue Ridge as being out-of-service.

Fire hydrants at heart of concerns

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Insurance Service Office (ISO) will not be re-evaluating Fannin County’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) until at least November of this year, rather than July as Fire Chief Larry Thomas had previously expected.