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The News Observer

The News Observer

Early voting underway in Polk County

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
East Polk County voters can early vote for the county’s General Election Saturday, July 25 and Wednesday, July 29 at the Ducktown Community Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
News Observer photo/Mollie Morrow - TVA's Government & Community Relations Specialist Kayleigh Heaton and Senior Strategic Communicator Tom Satkowiak give out weather radios during the event held in partnership with Fannin County EMA July 18 at the EMA headquarters.

News Observer photo/Mollie Morrow - TVA's Government & Community Relations Specialist Kayleigh Heaton and Senior Strategic Communicator Tom Satkowiak give out weather radios during the event held in partnership with Fannin County EMA July 18 at the EMA headquarters.

TVA, EMA give out weather radios

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Dam safety was the focus of the July 18 event with Fannin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) at the EMA headquarters in Blue Ridge.
News Observer photo/Jason Queen

News Observer photo/Jason Queen

Fannin athletes use new performance center weight room

News Staff
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Members of the Fannin County Middle School football team spend time in the new weight room of the Fannin County School System's Athletic Performance Center. The busy facility is part of the new Athletic Complex at Fannin County High School.
The News Observer

The News Observer

TVA and county testing sirens, giving out weather radios

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
The Tennessee Valley Authority and Fannin County Emergency Management will test the Blue Ridge Dam emergency warning siren system Saturday, July 18, and will host a public event to hand out weather radios to residents downstream of the dam and to members of the general public.
News Observer photo/Mollie Morrow - Rich Chism of Heron Hotels tells of plans for a 160-room hotel in Blue Ridge during an open house at United Community Bank in April.

News Observer photo/Mollie Morrow - Rich Chism of Heron Hotels tells of plans for a 160-room hotel in Blue Ridge during an open house at United Community Bank in April.

Planning Commission to hear plans for another hotel

Mollie Morrow
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Heron Hotels hosted a public open house of sorts in April to share plans for a boutique hotel in downtown Blue Ridge.Those plans will go before the Blue Ridge Planning Commission Tuesday, August 4 at 6 p.m.
News Observer photo/Jason Queen - Epworth Troop 32 Eagle Scout Roy Green earned 33 merit badges and multiple service awards. He completed all seven cub scout ranks and all seven boy scout ranks. He also served in every officer position.

News Observer photo/Jason Queen - Epworth Troop 32 Eagle Scout Roy Green earned 33 merit badges and multiple service awards. He completed all seven cub scout ranks and all seven boy scout ranks. He also served in every officer position.

Roy Green says scouting helped prepare him for firefighting

Jason Queen
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Roy Green, 18, has had a successful scouting career as a member of Scouting America Troop 32 in Epworth.“It’s just been a really great experience, and I wouldn't trade it for the world,” he said.
News Observer photo/Mollie Morrow - Maryjane and John Wysocki monitor the bounce house during Her Hope Pregnancy Center's Walk for Life Fundraiser June 6.

News Observer photo/Mollie Morrow - Maryjane and John Wysocki monitor the bounce house during Her Hope Pregnancy Center's Walk for Life Fundraiser June 6.

Walk for life raises $60,000 for Her Hope

Mollie Morrow
Monday, June 22, 2026
A $60,000 goal for the sixth annual Walk for Life benefitting Her Hope Pregnancy Center was met during the fundraising event June 6.The humidity didn't stop the numerous participants from getting their steps in at the Fannin County Recreation Complex on Tom Boyd Road.