Local

Miranda Roof, left, and Madeline Schueneman are this year’s STAR teacher and student.

Miranda Roof, left, and Madeline Schueneman are this year’s STAR teacher and student.

Schueneman, Roof named FCHS STARs

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Fannin County High School (FCHS)’s Madeline Schueneman is Fannin County’s STAR student for 2026, and Miranda Roof is the STAR teacher.
Fannin County School System Chief Operations Officer Darren Danner discusses a rendering of the new CTAE facility during a school board workshop last week.

Fannin County School System Chief Operations Officer Darren Danner discusses a rendering of the new CTAE facility during a school board workshop last week.

School board approves plans for CTAE building at FCHS

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Another step was taken last week  by school board members toward building a new Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) facility at Fannin County High School. Meeting in a work session Thursday, February 12, Bobby Bearden, Ashley H.
A January donation to Feed Fannin was among those pushing Roundup grants to area organizations over $1 million. Roundup board Chairman Glenn Harbison, from left, presented the check to Feed Fannin’s Andy Livingston, Priscilla Cashman, vice chair; Peggy Caldwell, treasurer; and Kathy Beck, vice chair.

A January donation to Feed Fannin was among those pushing Roundup grants to area organizations over $1 million. Roundup board Chairman Glenn Harbison, from left, presented the check to Feed Fannin’s Andy Livingston, Priscilla Cashman, vice chair; Peggy Caldwell, treasurer; and Kathy Beck, vice chair.

Tri-State Roundup passes $1 million mark

News Staff
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Tri-State EMC members have now donated over $1 million to local organizations through the Tri-State EMC Foundation, commonly known as Operation Roundup.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Six credited with life-saving rescue

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
A total of six Fannin County first responders, three deputy sheriffs and three firefighters, are now being credited with saving the lives of two persons from a burning home.
The Blue Ridge Planning Commission has approved rezoning this East Second Street property.

The Blue Ridge Planning Commission has approved rezoning this East Second Street property.

Rezoning approved; final decision rests with city council

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
A rezoning request for 742 East Second Street was heard by the Blue Ridge Planning Commission during a February 4 meeting, and ultimately the rezoning from C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial District) to CBD (Central Business District) was approved with conditions recommended on a Staff Analysis.
Project Chimps Executive Director Ali Crumpacker (left) and veterinarian Dr. Jenny Jaffe answered questions and provided information about the Blue Ridge chimpanzee sanctuary from those in attendance at Mountain Mama’s Coffee Lounge in Blue Ridge January 20.

Project Chimps Executive Director Ali Crumpacker (left) and veterinarian Dr. Jenny Jaffe answered questions and provided information about the Blue Ridge chimpanzee sanctuary from those in attendance at Mountain Mama’s Coffee Lounge in Blue Ridge January 20.

A look at Project Chimps offered

Jason Queen
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Project Chimps, a 230-acre chimpanzee sanctuary in the Blue Ridge, held a question and answer session for the public January 20 at Mountain Mama’s Coffee Lounge in downtown Blue Ridge. Project Chimps Executive Director Ali Crumpacker and lead veterinarian Dr.
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 28 of Blue Ridge is in need of drivers to help take veterans to and from VA appointments. A clean driving record and willing heart are the only requirements.

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 28 of Blue Ridge is in need of drivers to help take veterans to and from VA appointments. A clean driving record and willing heart are the only requirements.

Veterans need driving help

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Community help is being sought for veterans needing help getting to and from medical appointments. Paul Hunter, commander of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 28 in Blue Ridge, said last week volunteers are needed to drive the DAV van to and from VA appointments.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Fannin firefighters rescue two from Saturday blaze

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Fannin County firefighters are being credited with saving the lives of two residents after a home caught fire Saturday night. Firefighters were dispatched to the home on Windy Ridge Road after the caller to 911 said she was on oxygen and could not get out of the house.
Fannin County’s Justin Burrell, left, captured three awards at Pigs on the Ridge, the annual Young Farmers Association Market Hog Show.

Fannin County’s Justin Burrell, left, captured three awards at Pigs on the Ridge, the annual Young Farmers Association Market Hog Show.

Ten from Fannin win in Pigs on the Ridge events

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Members of 4H and FFA organizations from Fannin, Dawson and Walker counties gathered January 16 to compete in Pigs on the Ridge. This was the annual Fannin County Young Farmers Association Invitational Market Hog Show held at the Fannin County School System Ag Center.