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It’s been almost a full year since Johnny Scearce began feeling ill last August. Then mid-September came and the first of 120 days he would be hospitalized with COVID-19 and related problems. Last week, Johnny and his wife, Brenda, relived their journey so far as Johnny continues his recovery.

It’s been almost a full year since Johnny Scearce began feeling ill last August. Then mid-September came and the first of 120 days he would be hospitalized with COVID-19 and related problems. Last week, Johnny and his wife, Brenda, relived their journey so far as Johnny continues his recovery.

One Year Later

Glenn Harbison
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Johnny and Brenda Scearce have some memories no one would want when they talk about the last year of their lives. Those memories are the ones filled with doctors, machines, tubes, medicines, hopelessness and death itself. But they have a reason for wanting others to know what they went through.
The Buck Bald Beautification Brigade gathered together to pick-up trash along Highway 68 in Copperhill Wednesday, August 4. Shown, from left, are Tennessee Litter Grant Director for Polk County William Wallace, Ray Aballo, Matt Wright, Jake Reuse, Mary Langford, Jeanne Marie Crosier, Sarah Wright, Courtney Castro, Karen Herring, Mike Herring, Walter Smith, Ross DeLoach and Kevin McCarty.

The Buck Bald Beautification Brigade gathered together to pick-up trash along Highway 68 in Copperhill Wednesday, August 4. Shown, from left, are Tennessee Litter Grant Director for Polk County William Wallace, Ray Aballo, Matt Wright, Jake Reuse, Mary Langford, Jeanne Marie Crosier, Sarah Wright, Courtney Castro, Karen Herring, Mike Herring, Walter Smith, Ross DeLoach and Kevin McCarty.

Group targets trash in twin cities area

Krista Craig
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
A group of patrons and newly discovered friends from Buck Bald Brewing who are concerned citizens from North Georgia, Western North Carolina, and East Tennessee came together to pick up trash along Highway 68 in Copperhill Wednesday, August 4.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Scearce encourages everyone to get COVID-19 vaccine

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
When Johnny Scearce came down with COVID-19 in September 2020 there were no vaccines available to combat the virus. Since then, three have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. So would Johnny take the vaccine? He already has, and so has his wife, Brenda.
Engineering II students James Kyle, left, and Bryce Ware show off their completed robot to their teacher Bubba Gibbs at Fannin County High School Friday, August 6.

Engineering II students James Kyle, left, and Bryce Ware show off their completed robot to their teacher Bubba Gibbs at Fannin County High School Friday, August 6.

Bubba Gibbs, FCHS lab earn pair of top honors

Krista Craig
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
A native of Fannin County and a graduate of Fannin County High School (FCHS) in 1987, Bubba Gibbs was recently nominated for the Engineering & Technology Education Division (eTED) of the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education (GACTE) Teacher of the Year Award.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Almost a kilo of meth seized, two arrests made

News Staff
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
An investigation that spanned several months, a traffic stop, and the subsequent search of a residence on Old Salem Road has resulted in the arrests of two Fannin County residents, and the seizure of over three-quarters of a kilo of methamphetamine, other assorted drugs, and a little over $4,000 in...
West Fannin Elementary School started the first day of the 2021-2022 school year Friday, July 30. Emily and Josh Hawkins were there to help their children, Jonesy (front left) and Aeria, to their first classes.

West Fannin Elementary School started the first day of the 2021-2022 school year Friday, July 30. Emily and Josh Hawkins were there to help their children, Jonesy (front left) and Aeria, to their first classes.

WFES KICKS OFF 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

Caleb Collins
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
The News Observer

The News Observer

Water, sewer bills likely to increase in McCaysville

Krista Craig
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
McCaysville City Clerk Nancy Godfrey began a city council work session to discuss the city budget Wednesday, July 28 by saying, “I just need to get some good clear numbers tonight so that we can proceed with advertisements and public hearings. We are already in a new budget year.
Laura Thorton and Joshua smile for a photo while in the hospital. Joshua Thorton recently spent 75 days in the hospital after undergoing a tracheotomy.

Laura Thorton and Joshua smile for a photo while in the hospital. Joshua Thorton recently spent 75 days in the hospital after undergoing a tracheotomy.

Home will help Joshua survive

Mollie Morrow
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
For Laura Thorton, an affordable mortgage and zero down payment means that she will be able to continue giving her 8-year-old son Joshua the care that he so desperately needs to survive.
The News Observer

The News Observer

More noise likely for Blue Ridge

Krista Craig
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
By Krista Craig krista@thenewsobserver.com      A town hall meeting, held to hear pros and cons regarding noise allowed from Blue Ridge businesses, failed to produce definite promises, but left a tone current regulations will be relaxed.