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The News Observer

The News Observer

Heed warning now to prevent summer tragedy

News Staff
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The warning was repeated elsewhere in last week’s edition of The News Observer, repeated for at least the fourth time.Now is a good time to make sure your boat dock is safe from the hazard of electrical shock, or worse, electrocution.The warning is repeated because it needs to be heard and heeded.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Polk receives $64,000 grant

Glenn Harbison
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
A $64,000 grant to update Polk County’s Parks and Rec Master Plan has been awarded.Monica Farrow announced the grant in an email to county commissioners and other officials Thursday, May 7.
Construction was on hold for the evening last Friday, April 10, on the Blue Ridge Drive roundabout in McCaysville. This photo was taken from the highest point of where dirt has been placed so far, looking north toward Blue Ridge Drive toward the downtown area. Papa’s Pizza is seen on the right.

Construction was on hold for the evening last Friday, April 10, on the Blue Ridge Drive roundabout in McCaysville. This photo was taken from the highest point of where dirt has been placed so far, looking north toward Blue Ridge Drive toward the downtown area. Papa’s Pizza is seen on the right.

McCaysville to see slower traffic

Glenn Harbison
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Significant construction on Blue Ridge Drive in McCaysville is expected to create longer traffic delays than motorists are already experiencing. The work will also bring a reduced speed limit.
Rich Chism of Heron Hotels tells of his plans for a hotel and dwelling units at 260 East Main Street in Blue Ridge.

Rich Chism of Heron Hotels tells of his plans for a hotel and dwelling units at 260 East Main Street in Blue Ridge.

Plans for 160-room hotel unveiled

Mollie Morrow
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Plans for a 160-room hotel in downtown Blue Ridge were heard during a “Community Input Session” hosted by the developer Tuesday, April 7. Rich Chism of Heron Hotels out of Chattanooga, Tennessee, spoke briefly of his plans to develop 6.43 acres at 260 East Main Street.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Trout Fest back for another year

News Staff
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
The Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventures Festival makes its annual return Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Blue Ridge. Admission costs $10 for those 13 and older; children 12 and below are free. Leashed pets are welcome.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Family altercation claims life

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
A late night altercation between a father and son Wednesday, April 1, resulted in the death of the son. Fannin County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Major Keith Bosen said the son, Charles Gregory “Greg” Dillingham succumbed to his injuries at Northeast Georgia Medical.
Students from Blue Ridge Elementary School planted trees at the Fannin County Recreation Park to help firefly populations. Pictured is Emily Owenby of Noontootla Creek Farms (center) digging a hole for the tree while Ellianna Urano (left) and Hope Ingle (right) wait to put the tree in the ground and cover it up.

Students from Blue Ridge Elementary School planted trees at the Fannin County Recreation Park to help firefly populations. Pictured is Emily Owenby of Noontootla Creek Farms (center) digging a hole for the tree while Ellianna Urano (left) and Hope Ingle (right) wait to put the tree in the ground and cover it up.

BRES class continues environmental work

Jason Queen
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
For the third year in a row, Blue Ridge Elementary School teacher Tori Arp has led the school’s Agrisplorers Club in making a difference in the environment.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Grant updates focus of Polk board meetings

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Grant updates were the main topic of discussions when Polk County’s Industrial and Economic Development Board (IEDB) and Joint Economic and Community Development Board (JECDB) met one after another last Thursday, April 2.
Fannin County officials joined with several citizens to get a first hand look at the county fire department’s new ladder truck.

Fannin County officials joined with several citizens to get a first hand look at the county fire department’s new ladder truck.

Fannin County unveils new fire dept. ladder truck

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Passersby could not help but notice the 40-foot long ladder truck stretched across several parking spaces in front of the Fannin County Courthouse last Tuesday evening, March 24.