Local

Santa Claus had plenty of help to pass out toys and play games with the children when he visited the Copper Basin Community Center in Ducktown Friday, December 13. The event, which provided free toys to the children was organized by Polk County Executive Robby Hatcher. Shown during a break are, from left, Heather Hill, Lois Potts, Zoie Hatcher, Santa, Catrice Lowe, Tina Hatcher and Robby Hatcher.

Santa Claus had plenty of help to pass out toys and play games with the children when he visited the Copper Basin Community Center in Ducktown Friday, December 13. The event, which provided free toys to the children was organized by Polk County Executive Robby Hatcher. Shown during a break are, from left, Heather Hill, Lois Potts, Zoie Hatcher, Santa, Catrice Lowe, Tina Hatcher and Robby Hatcher.

SANTA CAME TO TOWN – DUCKTOWN

Glenn Harbison
Monday, December 23, 2019
Animal Control Manager John Drullinger kneels while this male Boxer mix, who volunteers have named Mississippi, stands tall. Mississippi was dropped off December 4 and will be at Animal Control until reclaimed or adopted. This good boy sports a brindle coat of brown, black and white. View him under Animal Control number 359-19.

Animal Control Manager John Drullinger kneels while this male Boxer mix, who volunteers have named Mississippi, stands tall. Mississippi was dropped off December 4 and will be at Animal Control until reclaimed or adopted. This good boy sports a brindle coat of brown, black and white. View him under Animal Control number 359-19.

Adopt A Pet

Mollie Morrow
Monday, December 23, 2019
The folks at Animal Control would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and the dogs still have stockings hanging from their kennels hoping for some holiday treats. In the past week, officers brought in three dogs with two reclaimed, two adopted, one going to P.A.W.S.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Change planned at Grassy Creek

Glenn Harbison
Monday, December 23, 2019
East Polk County residents may see a short delay to drop off their garbage when the county takes over the Grassy Creek Convenience Center. But County Executive Robby Hatcher said he hopes that delay won't be very long.
The News Observer

The News Observer

COLD approach in Fannin schools seeks for learning to continue

Sydney Criteser
Monday, December 23, 2019
Fannin County School System Director of Instructional Technology Heather Finley and Director of Instructional Services & Policy Sarah Welch have created a new curriculum called Curriculum Online Learning Day (COLD) for days the school system experiences inclement weather and is forced to close.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Sidewalk rules tabled, water rates to be studied

Mollie Morrow
Monday, December 23, 2019
Following the first reading of the amendment to the City of Copperhill’s Sidewalk Ordinance November 18, the second reading was tabled during a regular meeting Monday, December 16. No public notice was announced regarding the ordinance, causing a delay in the adoption.
Jackie Gilbert, founder of the non-profit organization Freedom for Fido (FFF), and her husband and advisor Fritz Gilbert held a fundraiser at Blue Jeans Pizza to raise money to build more fences for family pets. The goal of FFF is to free dogs sentenced to life on a chain.

Jackie Gilbert, founder of the non-profit organization Freedom for Fido (FFF), and her husband and advisor Fritz Gilbert held a fundraiser at Blue Jeans Pizza to raise money to build more fences for family pets. The goal of FFF is to free dogs sentenced to life on a chain.

Local non-profit frees dogs

Lauren Bearden
Monday, December 23, 2019
Since starting in April, the new non-profit organization Freedom for Fido (FFF) has built four fences for local residents, which freed 10 dogs from a life confined. The group held a food and wine pairing fundraiser Tuesday December 10.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dillon Miller laughs with Fire Chief Larry Thomas during the annual EMA Banquet at Willow Creek Falls and Vineyard in Blue Ridge Thursday, December 12.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dillon Miller laughs with Fire Chief Larry Thomas during the annual EMA Banquet at Willow Creek Falls and Vineyard in Blue Ridge Thursday, December 12.

Emergency service members hold annual banquet

Mollie Morrow
Monday, December 23, 2019
Members of Fannin County’s emergency services gathered Thursday, December 12, for their annual banquet at Willow Creek Falls and Vineyard in Blue Ridge. Awards were given following a catered meal.
Retired U.S. Army Staff Sergent Stephen Fry Jr., sits with service dog Valor at one of his Operation Supply Drop Afghanistan checkpoints, Starbucks of Blue Ridge.

Retired U.S. Army Staff Sergent Stephen Fry Jr., sits with service dog Valor at one of his Operation Supply Drop Afghanistan checkpoints, Starbucks of Blue Ridge.

Supply Drop helps troops

Mollie Morrow
Monday, December 23, 2019
Operation Supply Drop Afghanistan is a go as Blue Ridge resident Stephen Fry Jr., retired U.S. Army staff sergeant, has been gathering supplies to send to deployed troops stationed at Camp Dwyer in Afghanistan.
Elizabeth is a 14-year-old girl living in a group home in Colombia. She is eagerly awaiting the culmination of the adoption process so she can come home to a forever family here in Fannin County with Steve and Nikki Shamblin and their family of five other children.

Elizabeth is a 14-year-old girl living in a group home in Colombia. She is eagerly awaiting the culmination of the adoption process so she can come home to a forever family here in Fannin County with Steve and Nikki Shamblin and their family of five other children.

Elizabeth wants to come home

Lauren Bearden
Monday, December 23, 2019
Imagine meeting an orphaned 14-year-old girl and wanting to make her a part of the family. Now imagine not being able to bring her home for over two years.  So it is with Steve and Nikki Shamblin and their efforts to adopt Elizabeth from an orphanage in Colombia.  “When are you gonna come get me?
James Payne flashes his signature thumbs up signalling that he’s ready to go.

James Payne flashes his signature thumbs up signalling that he’s ready to go.

Payne to retire after 43 years

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
James “Red Beard” Payne, Fannin County Public Works employee, is retiring after 43 years of service. Trustworthy, one-of-a-kind and loyal are just a few words Public Works Director Zack Ratcliff used to describe Payne. Ratcliff said of him, “He always meets and greets you with a smile.