Local

News Observer photo/Glenn Harbison Long awaited renovations have forced the temporary closing of the Ducktown Basin Museum. No date is yet known for when the popular attraction may re-open.

News Observer photo/Glenn Harbison Long awaited renovations have forced the temporary closing of the Ducktown Basin Museum. No date is yet known for when the popular attraction may re-open.

Ducktown Basin Museum closed for renovations

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
One of the Copper Basin area’s most popular attractions, the Ducktown Basin Museum, is closed. Museum Director Mitchell Hicks said last week that long awaited and much needed renovations of the museum and other buildings on the property are now taking place.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Fees adopted, tech review ordered

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
An update to the City of Blue Ridge’s Planning and Zoning fees was approved in a resolution during their regular meeting March 17. Demolition permits were added with commercial costing $200 and residential $100.
News Observer photo/Glenn Harbison Fannin County Recreation Director Eddie O’Neal was honored as the Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year for his work with Tourism Product Development monies and the county’s youth. He received the award Saturday night from Chamber President Christie Gribble.

News Observer photo/Glenn Harbison Fannin County Recreation Director Eddie O’Neal was honored as the Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year for his work with Tourism Product Development monies and the county’s youth. He received the award Saturday night from Chamber President Christie Gribble.

Chamber honors service to organization, community

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Christie Gribble introduced “Mountain Magic” as the theme for this years’ 41st annual Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & CVB banquet by saying magic is not just found along the trails or riverbanks, but in the businesses, leaders and friends who make the area extraordinary every day.
photo/Glenn Harbison Will Cobb is shown at a taping for the development authority last week.

photo/Glenn Harbison Will Cobb is shown at a taping for the development authority last week.

Gateway project a step closer

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
The long awaited, major retail expansion in Blue Ridge to be anchored by a new grocery store gets closer to reality every day. “We feel like we’re getting very close to the finish line.
A home in the Kingtown section of McCaysville was totally destroyed by fire March 8. Though the official cause of the blaze has not been determined, investigators believe propane gas played a role in the blaze

A home in the Kingtown section of McCaysville was totally destroyed by fire March 8. Though the official cause of the blaze has not been determined, investigators believe propane gas played a role in the blaze

Blaze destroys home, sends owner to hospital

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
A homeowner was taken to a metro Atlanta hospital and a residence totally destroyed as the result of an explosion and fire in the Kingtown area of McCaysville. A call was received by the Fannin County 911 Center at 10:06 p.m.
McCaysville Councilman Billy Wayne Chastain remained against putting liquor by the drink on a ballot for voters to decide.

McCaysville Councilman Billy Wayne Chastain remained against putting liquor by the drink on a ballot for voters to decide.

Citizens will vote on liquor

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
The vote was 3-2, but thanks to Jason Woody, Gilita Carter and Susan Kiker, McCaysville voters will decide whether or not to allow liquor by the drink in the city’s restaurants.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Races set for May 19 primary

Glenn Harbison
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Qualifying ended Friday, March 6, setting Georgia’s ballots for the May 19 General Primary and Non-Partisan elections, and at the same time giving a look at the November General Election.
News Observer photos/Enola Patterson: Sheree Ralston, left, and Spiro Amburn told of David Ralston’s love of reading and dedication to the library

News Observer photos/Enola Patterson: Sheree Ralston, left, and Spiro Amburn told of David Ralston’s love of reading and dedication to the library

New library opens to praise for Ralston’s help

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
“I'm grateful for a community who loves my husband...who honors him in this way,” Sheree Ralston said during the official dedication and grand opening of the new Fannin County Public Library Saturday.