News

Blue Ridge Councilman Mike Panter has been accused of making a criminal threat against Councilman Nathan Fitts.

Blue Ridge Councilman Mike Panter has been accused of making a criminal threat against Councilman Nathan Fitts.

No formal reports of alleged threat

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Following accusations made by Blue Ridge Councilman Nathan Fitts of a criminal threat made by Councilman Mike Panter against Fitts during a February 9 council meeting, Fitts said, “There will be action regarding it, however, per the advice of my attorney, I’m letting him handle these things because...
Eric Gavelek Munchel is allegedly shown in this picture during the invasion of the Capitol.

Eric Gavelek Munchel is allegedly shown in this picture during the invasion of the Capitol.

Judge denies release for "zip tie guy"

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Fannin County High School graduate Eric Gavelek Munchel, known as the “zip tie guy” in connection with the invasion of the U.S. Capitol January 6, will remain in jail until his trial.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Murder-suicide blamed for couples' death

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
A man and woman are both dead in what authorities have classified as a murder-suicide. Investigations Captain Justin Turner of the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched to 41 Community Hill Drive in The Last Resort area shortly before 5 a.m. Saturday, February 13.
Eric Morris is a client who has been participating in the Mineral Springs Center, Inc. fun virtually through Medicaid’s Disaster Aid Plan.

Eric Morris is a client who has been participating in the Mineral Springs Center, Inc. fun virtually through Medicaid’s Disaster Aid Plan.

Center needs help

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Unknown to many, the Mineral Springs Center, Inc. was founded in 1973 as a day center for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The News Observer

The News Observer

SCAM ALMOST WORKED

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Staff members at Blue Ridge Assisted Living are being credited with stopping a scam that could have cost a resident a lot of money. Fannin County Sheriff Dane Kirby said Deputy Sheriff Corporal Matthew Peardon was called to the Ballewtown Road facility shortly before noon, Thursday, February 18.
The Humane Society of Blue Ridge cat of the week is Tilly. She is a nine-month-old gray tabby who came to the Adoption Center with her kittens and was a very good mother to them. Tilly is now ready to have fun as a single kitty! She is friendly and loves people, but she would prefer to be the only feline in the household. Tilly is spayed, micro-chipped and current on her vaccinations. Contact the Adoption Center at 706-632-4357 for more information about Tilly.

The Humane Society of Blue Ridge cat of the week is Tilly. She is a nine-month-old gray tabby who came to the Adoption Center with her kittens and was a very good mother to them. Tilly is now ready to have fun as a single kitty! She is friendly and loves people, but she would prefer to be the only feline in the household. Tilly is spayed, micro-chipped and current on her vaccinations. Contact the Adoption Center at 706-632-4357 for more information about Tilly.

Adopt A Pet

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Fannin County Animal Control has changed their hours at the facility and had adopted and rescued out all of the dogs at the facility, except for one cutie, as of Friday, February 12. The facility’s new hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Downtown Blue Ridge businesses have been plagued by vandalism.

Downtown Blue Ridge businesses have been plagued by vandalism.

City hopes cameras will catch vandals

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Extra eyes will be on all who enter downtown Blue Ridge as the council approve three extra security cameras be mounted during a Tuesday, February 9, meeting. As a result of reported vandalism and theft downtown, Councilwoman Rhonda Haight suggested incorporating security cameras around the area.
COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

Officials see decline in new COVID-19 cases

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Fannin County has seen an additional 44 cases of COVID-19 in the last week, however, local officials said they were seeing a decline in new cases locally and across the region. This brings the county’s total up to 1,901 positive cases since the pandemic began.