Local

The News Observer

The News Observer

Coats for Kids drive begins today

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
While the thermometer hasn’t dipped into winter coat temperatures yet, it won’t be long. The approach of cold weather and Christmas mean the season has arrived for The News Observer’s annual Coats for Kids drive.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Board votes to raise lodging tax

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
The Fannin County Board of Commissioners, during a meeting Tuesday, September 24, passed a resolution to raise the county’s Hotel/Motel Tax from 5 percent to 6 percent. The resolution will now go on to the state legislature to be approved or disapproved during their next legislative session.
Eleanor and Mike Bliss dance the evening away to blues tunes at the Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival in downtown Blue Ridge, Saturday September 21.

Eleanor and Mike Bliss dance the evening away to blues tunes at the Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival in downtown Blue Ridge, Saturday September 21.

BLUES & BBQ FILL BLUE RIDGE

Lauren Bearden
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Featured Photo Gallery | See ABOVE
Jill Dyer, a Fannin County High School teacher, was named as Fannin County Teacher of the Year and will represent the county in the state competition. The announcement was made during the school system’s Teacher of the Year Banquet September 24.

Jill Dyer, a Fannin County High School teacher, was named as Fannin County Teacher of the Year and will represent the county in the state competition. The announcement was made during the school system’s Teacher of the Year Banquet September 24.

Jill Dyer named Fannin County’s Teacher of the Year

Lauren Bearden
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Fannin County High school teacher Jill Dyer was named Fannin County’s Teacher of the Year (TOTY) at the school system’s annual banquet, September 24, while Ashley Coffinger of Blue Ridge Elementary School was named runner up.
Shannon Joe Stuart

Shannon Joe Stuart

You can run, but you can’t hide

News Staff
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Shannon Joe Stuart was caught by Fannin County Sheriff’s Office deputies after a high speed chase and foot pursuit Wednesday, September 25. Stuart, 27, of 110 Carr Street in Copperhill, had run from deputies a week earlier and had been hiding since then.
Tracie Griffith, owner and mortgage broker of First Community Mortgage, sits next to the office’s wall showcasing many of the causes the business has sponsored and supported over the years, such as Relay for Life, St. Jude and Toys for Tots.

Tracie Griffith, owner and mortgage broker of First Community Mortgage, sits next to the office’s wall showcasing many of the causes the business has sponsored and supported over the years, such as Relay for Life, St. Jude and Toys for Tots.

Griffith’s efforts focused toward charity

Lauren Bearden
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Georgia girl Tracie Griffith said, “My heart goes to children and military,” and her love of kids and soldiers, and people in general, is evident in the amount of volunteer work, donations, sponsorships, events and fundraisers she has coordinated or assisted with over the last two to three decades.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Initial tap fee set at 10 percent

Sydney Criteser
Thursday, September 26, 2019
The Fannin County Water Authority, during a meeting Wednesday, September 18, voted to allow their customers to only pay 10 percent of their $1,650 tap fee up front, with the remaining fee to be paid off in payments.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Help needed for library book sale

Mollie Morrow
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Fannin County Public Library will hold a Fall Book Sale October 11 through 13 at the old fire station, 342 West Main Street, Blue Ridge. The hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, October 11, and Saturday, October 12, and  from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 13.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Missing hiker walks to safety

Lauren Bearden
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Missing hiker Alan Holt was found in the Cisco area of Murray County, Georgia, Saturday evening at 6:34 p.m. according to a report given to Fannin County Emergency Management Agency Director Robert Graham.