Local

Sarah Mickens is the new Basin Museum director.

Sarah Mickens is the new Basin Museum director.

Mickens named new director at Ducktown Basin Museum

Lauren Bearden
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Sarah Mickens has been appointed as the new executive director of the Ducktown Basin Museum. Mickens assumed her duties Thursday, January 2. “I am excited about this new chapter in my life,” said Mickens.
The Fannin County Board of Education recognized local law enforcement’s hard work and dedication to Fannin County schools for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Thursday, Janaury 9. Shown are, from left, front, Assistant Superintendent Darren Danner, School Resource Officer Tracy Summers, Sherriff Dane Kirby and Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney; back, board members Terry Bramlett, Lewis DeWesse, Chad Galloway, Mike Cole and Bobby Bearden.

The Fannin County Board of Education recognized local law enforcement’s hard work and dedication to Fannin County schools for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Thursday, Janaury 9. Shown are, from left, front, Assistant Superintendent Darren Danner, School Resource Officer Tracy Summers, Sherriff Dane Kirby and Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney; back, board members Terry Bramlett, Lewis DeWesse, Chad Galloway, Mike Cole and Bobby Bearden.

Decubellis named at WFES

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Deborah Decubellis has been named interim assistant principal at West Fannin Elementary School for the remainder of the school year.
GDOT announces start date

GDOT announces start date

GDOT says Highway 5 work will start in June

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Travelers along Highway 5 between Blue Ridge and McCaysville can expect construction beginning this June, according to Georgia Department of Transportation District 6 Communications Officer Joe Schulman.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Polk residents have new option for carrying guns

Lauren Bearden
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Polk County, Tennessee, residents have a new gun carry permit to choose from, as of January 1, 2020. Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) has created a new firearm permit called Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CCP).
The News Observer

The News Observer

Library announces packed January schedule

News Staff
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
The following happenings will occur in January at the Fannin County Public Library: •Story time at the library, Tuesday, January 14, 21 and 28. Their Youth Services Specialist, Catherine Burr, will be having story times Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Go for songs, rhymes, books and crafts.
Animal Control Officer Pat Patterson kneels with Murphy, a male mix, who was picked up on Josh Hall Road in Blue Ridge, October 9. He will be staying at Animal Control until reclaimed or adopted. Murphy has a short black and white coat and is the perfect gentleman. View him under Animal Control number 308-19.

Animal Control Officer Pat Patterson kneels with Murphy, a male mix, who was picked up on Josh Hall Road in Blue Ridge, October 9. He will be staying at Animal Control until reclaimed or adopted. Murphy has a short black and white coat and is the perfect gentleman. View him under Animal Control number 308-19.

Adopt A Pet

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
The dogs at Fannin County Animal Control have one new year’s resolution: to become the best family member to a loving adoptee.
Nathan Fitts & Team with ReMax were the winners of First Community Mortgage’s Toys for Tots Challenge. Shown representing are, from left, Kristy Baugh, Hannah Watkins, Daniel Kaylor, Bethany Patterson, Nathan Fitts, Tracie Griffith, Grant Fitts, Blythe Dawson, Kimberly Burger and Brittany Patterson.

Nathan Fitts & Team with ReMax were the winners of First Community Mortgage’s Toys for Tots Challenge. Shown representing are, from left, Kristy Baugh, Hannah Watkins, Daniel Kaylor, Bethany Patterson, Nathan Fitts, Tracie Griffith, Grant Fitts, Blythe Dawson, Kimberly Burger and Brittany Patterson.

Toys for Tots Challenge winners named

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
The winners of First Community Mortgage Group in Blue Ridge have announced the winners of their annual Toys for Tots Challenge. First Community Mortgage Group hosts a challenge every year aiding the Marine Toys for Tots program.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Restaurant scores range from 77 to 100

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Fannin County Environmental Health has released the scores of recent restaurant health inspections. Scores vary with the lowest being 77 and the highest being 100. The following examines ten restaurants that were evaluated between December 2 and December 18.
Steve and Nikki Shamblin are continuing their fundraising effort to adopt Elizabeth, above, from a group home in Colombia, South America.

Steve and Nikki Shamblin are continuing their fundraising effort to adopt Elizabeth, above, from a group home in Colombia, South America.

Fundraising to adopt Elizabeth continues

Lauren Bearden
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
In The News Observer’s Christmas issue, we shared the story of Steve and Nikki Shamblin and their journey to adopt a 14-year-old girl, Elizabeth, from a group home in Colombia, South America.  Elizabeth is getting closer to having her own home!