Local

Fannin County Lady Rebel Coach Ryan Chastain, right, gives instruction to, seated, from left, Albany Cole, Reese Lewis, Maggie Ledford, Izzie Jabaley and Avi Ethington during the Piedmont Mountainside Holiday Classic tournament. - News Observer photo/Glenn Harbison

Fannin County Lady Rebel Coach Ryan Chastain, right, gives instruction to, seated, from left, Albany Cole, Reese Lewis, Maggie Ledford, Izzie Jabaley and Avi Ethington during the Piedmont Mountainside Holiday Classic tournament. - News Observer photo/Glenn Harbison

Motivation is driving force

News Staff
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
(Editor’s note: This is another in an annual series of personality profiles written by students in Jodi Williams’ English 1101 class at the University of North Georgia Blue Ridge campus. Each profile is a first hand account of a local person who has made an impact on the author).
Justin Turner (left) accepts the Officer Of The Year award from Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ross at the Fannin County Fire Department’s annual Christmas dinner.

Justin Turner (left) accepts the Officer Of The Year award from Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ross at the Fannin County Fire Department’s annual Christmas dinner.

First responders honored

Jason Queen
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
The Fannin County Fire Department honored some of its finest EMS staff during its annual Christmas dinner December 11 at the University of North Georgia David E. Ralston Hall in Blue Ridge.
Gale Mancuso packs a bag for an order with the Marine Corps League Detachment #1438 Toys for Tots.

Gale Mancuso packs a bag for an order with the Marine Corps League Detachment #1438 Toys for Tots.

Toys for Tots helps 1,000

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Roughly 1,000 children were able to wake up Christmas morning to gifts thanks to the Marine Corps Detachment #1438 Toys for Tots. In four hours, the volunteers served 130 families for Christmas Thursday, December 18.
Sergeant Brittny Depuy with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center helps this young girl find some new clothes during Shop With A Cop.

Sergeant Brittny Depuy with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center helps this young girl find some new clothes during Shop With A Cop.

Shop With A Cop serves 285

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office Shop With A Cop program served a record number 285 children this year. “This was made possible by all the generous donors and the volunteers who helped,” Shop With A Cop Board President Darvin Couch said.
Fannin County FFA members and supporters pay their respects during Wreaths Across America December 13 at Chastain Memorial Cemetery in Blue Ridge.

Fannin County FFA members and supporters pay their respects during Wreaths Across America December 13 at Chastain Memorial Cemetery in Blue Ridge.

Veterans honored with wreaths

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
The American Legion Post 248 initiated the county’s first Wreaths Across America event at Chastain Memorial Cemetery in Blue Ridge December 13. Around 325 veterans received wreaths on their graves that day.
Described as an “attached structure” in dispatch records, it was totally destroyed in an early morning fire that left Gina Golden severely burned.

Described as an “attached structure” in dispatch records, it was totally destroyed in an early morning fire that left Gina Golden severely burned.

Woman burned in early morning fire

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Gina Golden remains on a ventilator in critical care, suffering second and third degree burns following a residential fire in Copperhill December 16. Golden was airlifted to Wellstar Cobb Medical Center in Austell, Georgia, immediately following the early morning blaze.
Alexis Hyatt goes for two points for Copper Basin.

Alexis Hyatt goes for two points for Copper Basin.

Lady Cougars win

Jason Queen
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
The Copper Basin Lady Cougars hit the road December 12 to face Sweetwater High School and came home with an easy victory 70-35. “I thought the girls came out aggressively from the jump and overcame some early foul trouble and still took control from the start.
Brody Henson goes for a layup against Gilmer County.

Brody Henson goes for a layup against Gilmer County.

Rebels now 8-0

Jenna Young
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Kolton Kaylor and Keaton Watkins teamed up to lead the Fannin County Rebels past Gilmer County, 66-52, Saturday, December 13, as they move to 8-0. Watkins scored 12 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Kaylor scored 18 points.
Izzie Jabaley drives for two points.

Izzie Jabaley drives for two points.

Lady Rebels win

Jenna Young
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
The Fannin County Lady Rebels defeated Gilmer County, 54-51, in the rivalry game Saturday, December 13, as Reese Lewis scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. The Lady Rebels had a strong first half, leading 23-20 at halftime and never looked back, securing the victory.
The Old Toccoa Farm Ladies Golf Association (LGA) raised $32,500 during their fourth annual Pink & White Tournament in October. Presenting a check to Dr. Rosa Langella with Breast Cancer Thrive are, from left, LGA 2025 President Kathy Burke, Teri Necessary, Langella, Kerri Dewitz, Betsy Pope and LGA 2026 President Maria Guillen.

The Old Toccoa Farm Ladies Golf Association (LGA) raised $32,500 during their fourth annual Pink & White Tournament in October. Presenting a check to Dr. Rosa Langella with Breast Cancer Thrive are, from left, LGA 2025 President Kathy Burke, Teri Necessary, Langella, Kerri Dewitz, Betsy Pope and LGA 2026 President Maria Guillen.

OTF golfers raise $32,500

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
The Ladies Golf Association (LGA) of Old Toccoa Farm (OTF) has raised $32,500 for breast cancer post-operation and preventative care. The outgoing and incoming presidents and tournament co-chairs presented a check to Dr. Maria Langella December 9 at The Tavern at OTF.