News

The Blue Ridge City Park on Gray Street is open to the public with mulch. The playground was formerly filled with sand.

The Blue Ridge City Park on Gray Street is open to the public with mulch. The playground was formerly filled with sand.

Caution tape doesn’t stop play: fix promised by March 1

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Despite many who have ignored the caution tape around Blue Ridge’s downtown playground, it is still closed for construction, but it is anticipated to open by March 1, according to Councilman Mike Panter.
Mandy Housley received her second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by Tamra Head Monday, February 8, at the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge Fairgrounds.

Mandy Housley received her second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by Tamra Head Monday, February 8, at the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge Fairgrounds.

Fannin's COVID-19 rolls up by 133 in two weeks

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Fannin County has seen an additional 133 cases of COVID-19 over the last two weeks as of Monday, February 8. This brings the county’s total up to 1,857 positive cases since the pandemic began.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Ralston honors Fannin County Rebels

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
“Our community has much to be proud of, but our young people are surely our greatest point of pride,” David Ralston said in congratulating the Fannin County High School Rebels football team.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Fire burned through four ETC cables

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Friday’s early morning fire that destroyed a West Tennessee Avenue home in Copperhill left as many as 500 ETC customers without some or all service. Frankie Rigdon, vice president of operations for ETC, said the fire burned through four cables, two coaxial cables and two fiber optic lines.
James McKinley Bell

James McKinley Bell

Jimmy Bell free on attempted murder, other felony charges

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
James McKinley “Jimmy” Bell, who faces multiple felony charges in Polk County, is free. Bell was arrested December 3, 2020, and booked into the Polk County Detention Center charged with two counts of attempted first degree murder and especially aggravated burglary.
The many small businesses in Blue Ridge, many shown on this downtown kiosk, Riverwalk Shops in McCaysville and Ed’s Supply Company in the county’s spec building are all examples of the county’s strong small business economy.

The many small businesses in Blue Ridge, many shown on this downtown kiosk, Riverwalk Shops in McCaysville and Ed’s Supply Company in the county’s spec building are all examples of the county’s strong small business economy.

Small business plays major role

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
A recent study by SmartAsset, combined with a previous Appalachian Regional Commission study, reflect the major role small businesses play in Fannin County’s economy. But the statistics came as no surprise to two leaders at the heart of economic progress.
Members of the Fannin County Board of Education and Fannin County School System leadership broke ground on two new facilities, a Transportation Facility and Staff Development Center, Thursday, February 4. Shown are, from left, Bowen & Watson Construction President Drew Watson, Mike Spurlin, Transportation Director Denver Foster, board members Lewis DeWeese and Mike Cole, board Vice-Chair Terry Bramlett, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Operations Darren Danner, board Chair Chad Galloway, board mem

Members of the Fannin County Board of Education and Fannin County School System leadership broke ground on two new facilities, a Transportation Facility and Staff Development Center, Thursday, February 4. Shown are, from left, Bowen & Watson Construction President Drew Watson, Mike Spurlin, Transportation Director Denver Foster, board members Lewis DeWeese and Mike Cole, board Vice-Chair Terry Bramlett, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Operations Darren Danner, board Chair Chad Galloway, board mem

New facility kicked off

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Chilly weather couldn’t keep members of the Fannin County Board of Education, Fannin County School System district leadership and construction representatives from officially breaking ground on the school system’s new Transportation Facility and Staff Development Center Thursday, February 4.
This residence on West Tennessee Avenue was totally destroyed by an early morning fire last Friday.

This residence on West Tennessee Avenue was totally destroyed by an early morning fire last Friday.

Couple escapes house blaze

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Residents of a house that burned to the ground blamed a kerosene heater for the fire that sent at least one person to Fannin Regional Hospital and knocked out internet service to as many as 500 ETC customers (see related story on A2).
Seventh Grade Math and Seventh and Eighth Grade STEM Teacher Amber Daly is Copper Basin High School’s Teacher of the Year.

Seventh Grade Math and Seventh and Eighth Grade STEM Teacher Amber Daly is Copper Basin High School’s Teacher of the Year.

Amber Daly Teacher of the Year at Copper Basin

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Seventh Grade Math and Seventh and Eighth Grade STEM Teacher Amber Daly is Copper Basin High School’s Teacher of the Year. In her 16th year teaching, Daly said, “I wanted to express thankfulness to my colleagues for awarding me with this honor and considering me worthy of the title.