News

The new site of the Fannin County Public Library is on track to be completed in December.

The new site of the Fannin County Public Library is on track to be completed in December.

Fannin Co. library build on schedule

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
The construction of  the Fannin County Public Library is “right on schedule,” Fannin County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jamie Hensley said Friday. Ground was broken on the new location this past March and completion is expected in December, Hensley said.
This warning at the rafting take out on the Ocoee River caused concern. According to TDEC, it reflects conditions in the Parksville reservoir.

This warning at the rafting take out on the Ocoee River caused concern. According to TDEC, it reflects conditions in the Parksville reservoir.

Fish warning for Parksville one of many posted in Tennessee

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Worry over any possible long range affects of biosolid contamination in the Ocoee River prompted Monica Farrow to question Catfish Consumption warning signs downstream from Copperhill Industries.
Guided fly fishing trips are part of the outdoor gem that is Noontootla Creek Farms.

Guided fly fishing trips are part of the outdoor gem that is Noontootla Creek Farms.

Outdoor lovers paradise home to casting, blasting

Local Business Sponsor
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Sponsored Content Fannin Co. Development Authority   Don’t let the name fool you. Noontootla Creek Farms is not a place where you will see planting and harvesting. What makes this rural Fannin County gem such a popular destination is best described by two other action verbs: blasting and casting.
Harley Thomas Golden is currently serving 60 days in the Polk County Jail and will be extradited once he has completed his sentence, Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross said in an email Friday.

Harley Thomas Golden is currently serving 60 days in the Polk County Jail and will be extradited once he has completed his sentence, Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross said in an email Friday.

Golden to be extradited after serving 60 days

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Harley Thomas Golden is currently serving 60 days in the Polk County Jail and will be extradited once he has completed his sentence, Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross said in an email Friday.
Rhonda Gayle Deal, who is charged with First Degree Murder in the death of Buell Cody Thomason, is free under a $200,000 bond.

Rhonda Gayle Deal, who is charged with First Degree Murder in the death of Buell Cody Thomason, is free under a $200,000 bond.

Deal free after posting $200,000 bond

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Rhonda Gayle Deal, who is charged with First Degree Murder in the death of Buell Cody Thomason, is free under a $200,000 bond. Deal posted a combination property/surety bond after the amount was set by General Sessions Judge Brooklyn Townsend, Polk County Clerk of Court records confirm.
Parents are being left in the dark regarding the impending closure of Mountain Education’s (ME) Fannin campus.

Parents are being left in the dark regarding the impending closure of Mountain Education’s (ME) Fannin campus.

Parents in the dark over Mountain Ed

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Parents are being left in the dark regarding the impending closure of Mountain Education’s (ME) Fannin campus. The news of the closure came from Fannin County School System Superintendent Shannon Dillard late last month.
The Blue Ridge/Toccoa River KOA won the Rising Star award in 2025 for exemplifying KOA standards.

The Blue Ridge/Toccoa River KOA won the Rising Star award in 2025 for exemplifying KOA standards.

Campground exemplifies KOA standards

Local Business Sponsor
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Sponsored Content Fannin Co. Development Authority After camping for 30 years, John and Beth Kieffer always envisioned opening a campground. While working in Blue Ridge, John found a beautiful piece of property on the Toccoa River, and knew it was the perfect place.
Rhonda Gayle Deal

Rhonda Gayle Deal

Deal charged in Polk murder

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Buell Cody Thomason, 39, is dead, and Rhonda Gayle Deal, 51, of Grassy Creek Road, Copperhill, has been arrested and charged with First Degree Murder. The Polk County 911 Center received a call at approximately 8:31 Friday night, August 22, in reference to a shooting at 266 Grassy Creek Road.
Fannin’s chapter of Mountain Education, commonly known as the night school or Mountain Education Charter High School, is set to close in December.

Fannin’s chapter of Mountain Education, commonly known as the night school or Mountain Education Charter High School, is set to close in December.

Mtn. Ed school to close

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Fannin’s chapter of Mountain Education, commonly known as the night school or Mountain Education Charter High School, is set to close in December. Fannin County School Superintendent Shannon Dillard said Friday she had been told by Mountain Education officials they had made an “economic decision.
This map shows the detour route that will be put in place while the Fightingtown Creek bridge on Madola Road is replaced.

This map shows the detour route that will be put in place while the Fightingtown Creek bridge on Madola Road is replaced.

Route approved for Madola detour

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
While the exact dates are not known, the detour has been approved around work to replace the bridge over Fightingtown Creek on Madola Road. The total length of the detour is about 10.