Local

The News Observer

The News Observer

City of Blue Ridge to pay for gravel on Galinski lots

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
The City of Blue Ridge will be paying to lay gravel on Mike Galinski’s (Green Rocks, LLC) Ada Street lots.  In a regular meeting Tuesday, February 11, council members agreed to approve the Parking Agreement Addendum “A” for the lots on Ada Street.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Rhodes charged with child molestation, child pornography

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Timothy Mitchell Rhodes is being held in the Fannin County Adult Detention Center without bond following his arrest February 4, 2020, on five felony charges stemming from alleged acts involving a female child under the age of 16 and the possession of pornographic material.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Board approves Hemptown Heights variance

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
A variance request for Keith Curr to place a house 30 feet from the edge of Oak Ridge Way and 35 feet from the centerline of the same road in the Hemptown Heights subdivision was approved by the Fannin County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, February 11, after being tabled to allow time for the...
The News Observer

The News Observer

Fitts halts plan

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
City of Blue Ridge Councilman Nathan Fitts shot down a plan by the mayor to replace the deck and wall on East Main Street without additional quotes for the project, during a regular meeting Tuesday, February 11. “That’s fine,” Mayor Donna Whitener said. “I mean I don’t care.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Comments left volunteers feeling trashed

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Comments made at the McCaysville City Council meeting in January have caused the city’s Revitalization Committee to lose one of its hardest workers and others say they have been unfairly treated. The backlash from the January comments was obvious when the council met Tuesday, February 11.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Mayor admits to mistake that cost city $341,000

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Financial troubles came to the forefront when the McCaysville City Council met Tuesday, Febraury 11. Mayor Thomas Seabolt read a statement admitting “I made a mistake” with the grant for the city park and the city will not be reimbursed for over $341,000 for work performed by Holloway Trenching.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Body found in river

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Authorities are working to identify a body found in the Ocoee River Sunday, February 16. Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross said a call was received at noon that a couple of fishermen had discovered a human body about 100 yards west of the Big Creek access.
One Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby contestant zooms toward the finish line during last year’s derby. Now’s the time to think about building the cars for the upcoming race taking place April 25 at Fannin County Middle School.

One Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby contestant zooms toward the finish line during last year’s derby. Now’s the time to think about building the cars for the upcoming race taking place April 25 at Fannin County Middle School.

Soap Box Derby needs sponsors

Lauren Bearden
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
W here can a group of students, a family, or a business build a soap box derby race car and race that car against others in hopes of winning a cash prize or a prize package?  Look no further. The second annual Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby (BRSBD)  is revving up for another race, April 25, 9 a.m.
This scene at the Whitepath FabTech property, recently purchased by Fannin County, caused concern among several residents when heavy rains caused water to rise into the building.

This scene at the Whitepath FabTech property, recently purchased by Fannin County, caused concern among several residents when heavy rains caused water to rise into the building.

Fannin’s purchase of Whitepath building

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Fannin County’s recently hired architectural company for the Whitepath FabTech building, Sutton Architectural Services, issued an Existing Facility Report on the building in May of last year that documents a series of observations and recommendations for improvement.
Spencer Douglas Young III

Spencer Douglas Young III

Drugs valued at $120,000 seized, 4 arrested

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Fannin County Sheriff’s Office investigators have made four arrests and seized a large amount of assorted drugs with a street value of $120,000. The arrests and seizures resulted from search warrants executed early last week at two separate residences.