Local

The News Observer

The News Observer

McCaysville amends SPLOST budget

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
The  McCaysville City Council voted, Thursday, May 28, to amend their 2019-2020 SPLOST budget to allow Police Chief Michael Earley to purchase computer equipment for the police department. “This amendment shows reallocation only and not an increase in total outlay,” council member Sue Beavers said.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Williams arrested in McCaysville

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
When Holly Danielle Williams stopped at a McCaysville convenience store, she must not have known law enforcement authorities were looking for her. Williams stopped at the Conoco on Blue Ridge Drive around 1:30 a.m. Friday, May 22.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Polk hears ambulance options from AMR

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Polk County commissioners heard three options Thursday, May 28, in negotiations with American Medical Response (AMR) over the current ambulance service contract. Josh Spencer, AMR’s regional director, presented the proposals to the commission’s ambulance committee at the courthouse in Benton.
Lady Rebel Morgan Holt goes up for a contested layup this past season for the Fannin County Lady Rebels basketball team.

Lady Rebel Morgan Holt goes up for a contested layup this past season for the Fannin County Lady Rebels basketball team.

Morgan Holt signs to play with University of North Georgia

Caleb Collins
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Fannin County Lady Rebel basketball player Morgan Holt recently chose to further her athletic and academic career by signing a scholarship with the University of North Georgia (UNG). Holt was a key part in the Lady Rebels’ offense for the past four seasons, proving to be a clutch scorer.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Fannin goes back to fully-insured health plan

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
The Fannin County Board of Commissioners voted, during a meeting Monday, June 1, to move back to a fully insured plan when they selected United Healthcare as the new health benefits provider for county employees.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Blue Ridge facing $873,000 shortfall

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
The City of Blue Ridge expects an $873,000 shortfall in revenue for the year. During a special called meeting Tuesday, May 19 department heads gave updates in which Finance Director Alicia Stewart presented the city’s financials.
Emma’s eight puppies born at and adopted out of the Humane Society of Blue Ridge’s adoption center celebrated their first birthday Monday, June 1.

Emma’s eight puppies born at and adopted out of the Humane Society of Blue Ridge’s adoption center celebrated their first birthday Monday, June 1.

Adoption milestone celebrated

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Eight Blue Ridge born puppies adopted out of the Humane Society of Blue Ridge (HSBR)’s adoption center celebrated their first birthday Monday, June 1. This is a significant milestone for the humane society because their mom, Emma, was the first dog to give birth at the adoption center.
The News Observer

The News Observer

“Howie” Bruce facing more drug charges

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
A former Fannin County commission chairman has again run afoul of law enforcement. Howell “Howie” Porter Bruce, 50, of 55 Shady Grove Lane in Blue Ridge was arrested Tuesday morning, May 26, and charged with four felonies and one misdemeanor. All are drug related.