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This is an architectural rendering of the plans for Phase 2 at Fannin County High School. Shown are the ball fields and associated facilities, tennis courts, and the new annex building, which is in the center. Also indicated is the next step, Phase 3, the new Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) building.

This is an architectural rendering of the plans for Phase 2 at Fannin County High School. Shown are the ball fields and associated facilities, tennis courts, and the new annex building, which is in the center. Also indicated is the next step, Phase 3, the new Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) building.

Progress back on track at Fannin County High

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Wetlands and a creek sent Fannin County school officials back to the drawing board for the athletic fields and other improvements at Fannin County High School (FCHS). But progress is back on track with a possible timeline for Phase 2 and a starting point for Phase 3 (See related story).
Sherry (center) and Bill Echelberger were recognized as Snack in a Backpack’s Community Champions at the annual Champions for Children event Thursday, February 29, at Fightingtown Tavern. For a description of their contributions, please see page A10. Jeannie May, Snack chairwoman, presented the award.

Sherry (center) and Bill Echelberger were recognized as Snack in a Backpack’s Community Champions at the annual Champions for Children event Thursday, February 29, at Fightingtown Tavern. For a description of their contributions, please see page A10. Jeannie May, Snack chairwoman, presented the award.

Snack in a Backpack honors Champions for Children

News Staff
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
By Bobbi Pippin Snack in a Backpack, hosted their 12th annual Champions for Children fundraiser at Fightingtown Tavern in downtown Blue Ridge Thursday, February 29. People in attendance enjoyed food, drinks, live music, and raffle prizes.
the former Copper Basin Medical Center

the former Copper Basin Medical Center

Basin hospital sold to Ducktown

News Staff
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
By Bobbi Pippin Polk County commissioners have agreed to sell Copper Basin Medical Center to the City of Ducktown for $600,000. Going into the Tuesday, February 20, commission meeting, Polk County owned three-fourths of the hospital and the other fourth was owned by Ducktown.
Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) Commander Harold Bargeron recently presented a check to Christian Junior ROTC Instructor Technical Sergeant John Tucker at Mountain Area Christian Academy. Shown during the presentation are, from left, Cadet Maxwell Scott, Cadet Alyha Hawkins, Tucker, Bargeron, Cadet Jacob Corley and Cadet Rebekah Pickelsimer.

Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) Commander Harold Bargeron recently presented a check to Christian Junior ROTC Instructor Technical Sergeant John Tucker at Mountain Area Christian Academy. Shown during the presentation are, from left, Cadet Maxwell Scott, Cadet Alyha Hawkins, Tucker, Bargeron, Cadet Jacob Corley and Cadet Rebekah Pickelsimer.

Hometown Heroes

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Harold Bargeron echoes the organization’s national motto when he says, “No one does more for veterans,” as he talks about the work of the  Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
April Ross, executive director of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, shared her story of being a victim of domestic violence at the fundraiser.

April Ross, executive director of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, shared her story of being a victim of domestic violence at the fundraiser.

“Love Shouldn’t Hurt” raises funds to serve victims of domestic violence

News Staff
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Special to The News Observer --- Spreading awareness with the theme of “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” set the stage for the North Georgia Mountain Crisis Network (NGMCN) Inaugural Love, Honor, Cherish Gala.  The gala, held at The Art Center in Blue Ridge February 10, raised over $30,000.
Bella Patton answers questions from Kevin Atlas’ presentation at Fannin County High School last Tuesday. Atlas drove home a message of self worth, overcoming life’s challenges, and the importance of looking out for each other. Atlas’ life included playing Division I college basketball despite having only one arm.

Bella Patton answers questions from Kevin Atlas’ presentation at Fannin County High School last Tuesday. Atlas drove home a message of self worth, overcoming life’s challenges, and the importance of looking out for each other. Atlas’ life included playing Division I college basketball despite having only one arm.

Students hear ‘this is your family, take care of each other’

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
The band has been at every football game. Has the football team ever attended a band concert? The drama club would appreciate more attendance at their performances. Have they ever gone to a soccer match? Build a flag and save a life.
The new swimming pool and splash pad at the Fannin County Recreation Complex off Gray Street in Blue Ridge were estimated to be 70% complete last week by county Recreation Director Eddie Hawkins who said the facility is on track to open May 27.

The new swimming pool and splash pad at the Fannin County Recreation Complex off Gray Street in Blue Ridge were estimated to be 70% complete last week by county Recreation Director Eddie Hawkins who said the facility is on track to open May 27.

New pool on track to open May 27, fees set for facility, recreation center

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
The long awaited return of a swimming pool to Fannin County is a step closer with Eddie O’Neal’s prediction the new facility on Gray Street might open earlier than expected.
Avery Crowder (15) scored 22 points in the Copper Basin win over Whitwell to end the Cougars’ regular season home schedule.

Avery Crowder (15) scored 22 points in the Copper Basin win over Whitwell to end the Cougars’ regular season home schedule.

Cougars defeat Whitwell

John Spargo
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Copper Basin’s Cougars hosted Whitwell Friday, February 9, to wrap up the regular season home schedule, as district tournaments will get cranked up in the next two weeks.