The Ferst Foundation, which provides books free of charge to some of Fannin’s youngest children, received a $3,500 donation thanks to the Blues & BBQ Festival. The free book effort is a project of the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge. Accepting the check from festival organizers were, from left, Steven Miracle and Troy Shirbroun of the Kiwanis Club and festival organizers Paul Gribble, Greg Spencer and Dena Martin.

New Chief of Police Robbie Stuart is shown as he is sworn in to the chief position by Blue Ridge Mayor Rhonda Haight.

The “Glitter Girls” took third place in the Child Division of the National Gingerbread Competition in Asheville, North Carolina. Their creation showcased Mrs. Claus and her Arctic friends. Shown, from left, are Sarah Miller, Violet Lake, and Bryna Thompson.

Trent Lowery, center, is taking advantage of a partnership between the Fannin County Emergency Management Agency/Emergency Medical Services and the Fannin County School System that will qualify him for a career before he graduates from high school. With Lowery are EMT instructor Bill Brown and EMS Director Becky Huffman.

The Toys for Tots Christmas toy drive commenced Friday, December 16, at Family Connections when this group of volunteers were among those passing out the thousands of toys collected. Shown are, from left, front row, are Jody Guttridge, Dale Greene, Claire Bryant, Jan Carney, Cheryl Jordan, Olivia Coffone, Joel Warner, Brandie Forrestier and Greg Coffone. Second row, from left, are Ian Guttridge, Sue Warner, Dick Evelyn, Sheila Lenord, Thelma Coffone, Conner Kyle, James Kyle, Bryce Ware, Sam Jabaley, Gale Ma

Frank Wood, chief assistant district attorney for the Appalachian Judicial Circuit, was presented a certificate of appreciation for service as the guest speaker for the recent Governor’s Office of Highway Safety banquet in McCaysville. McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley presented the certificate.

The City of Blue Ridge has awarded former Police Chief Johnny Scearce with an appreciation certificate and proclaimed Tuesday, December 13, 2022, Johnny J. Scearce Day. Pictured at the presentation are, from left, City Attorney Chuck Conerly, City Councilman William Whaley, Mayor of Blue Ridge Rhonda Haight, Former Police Chief Johnny Scearce, Police Chief Robby Stuart, City Councilwoman Christy Kay, City Councilman Bill Bivins, City Councilman Jack Taylor, and City Administrator Eric Soroka.

A drug trafficking organization operating in three states has been broken up with the arrest of two individuals.

Bond was denied for three suspects charged with burglarizing Kingtown Baptist Church in McCaysville and a variety of other crimes.

Steven Miracle, chief executive officer of Georgia Mountains Health, displays the facility received as a Quality Leader from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.