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The News Observer

The News Observer

Johnson gives pay to volunteers

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Fannin County Post One Commissioner Earl Johnson donated the entirety of his 2020 commissioner’s salary, close to $10,000, to the Fannin County volunteer firefighters who did not receive hazard pay from the county last year for working calls in the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Plan would transform CBMC into hospital for veterans

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Veterans may benefit from the closing of Copper Basin Medical Center (CBMC) if plans presented to the Polk County Commission become reality. Gary Hunt told commissioners he wants to buy the hospital as part of a plan to bring in a non-profit veterans operation.
The Fannin County Board of Education recognized West Fannin Elementary School STEM teacher Kim Patterson as a Georgia Youth Science & Technology Centers 2021 Georgia STEM Scholar Award recipient Thursday, January 14. Shown are, from left, board members Lewis DeWeese, board Chair Chad Galloway, Principal Alison Danner, board Vice-Chair Terry Bramlett, Patterson, Director of Applied & Integrated Instruction and CTAE Director & STEM/STEAM Coordinator Lucas Roof, Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney, board member

The Fannin County Board of Education recognized West Fannin Elementary School STEM teacher Kim Patterson as a Georgia Youth Science & Technology Centers 2021 Georgia STEM Scholar Award recipient Thursday, January 14. Shown are, from left, board members Lewis DeWeese, board Chair Chad Galloway, Principal Alison Danner, board Vice-Chair Terry Bramlett, Patterson, Director of Applied & Integrated Instruction and CTAE Director & STEM/STEAM Coordinator Lucas Roof, Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney, board member

Kim Patterson receives state STEM Scholar Award

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
West Fannin Elementary School (WFES) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) teacher Kim Patterson has been awarded the 2021 Georgia STEM Scholar Award by the Georgia Youth Science & Technology Centers.
A large crowd of family and friends gathered at the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge Friday, January 22, for a balloon release to celebrate the life of 19-year-old Sydnie Jones. The Fannin County High School graduate passed away from injuries received in a tragic car crash January 12. Countless tributes on a Memorial Wall in her honor remembered Sydnie for her beautiful smile and outgoing personality.

A large crowd of family and friends gathered at the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge Friday, January 22, for a balloon release to celebrate the life of 19-year-old Sydnie Jones. The Fannin County High School graduate passed away from injuries received in a tragic car crash January 12. Countless tributes on a Memorial Wall in her honor remembered Sydnie for her beautiful smile and outgoing personality.

Sydnie Jones' life celebrated with balloon release

Caleb Collins
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Fannin County Middle School Principal Keith Nuckolls will be leaving the Fannin County School System at the end of March.

Fannin County Middle School Principal Keith Nuckolls will be leaving the Fannin County School System at the end of March.

Fannin Middle's Keith Nuckolls leaving for full-time ministry

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Fannin County Middle School Principal Keith Nuckolls will be leaving the Fannin County School System at the end of March to pursue a full-time pastoral position in his hometown of Hayesville, North Carolina.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Blue Ridge defines parades

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
The Special Events Ordinance was approved with Mayor Donna Whitener’s suggestion during a regular meeting Tuesday, January 12. In addition, the Short-Term Rental Variance was removed from the Short-Term Vacation Rental Ordinance, and water rates for short-term rentals were changed.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Polk hears from CareMed

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Polk County commissioners heard a  promise last week that CareMed plans to live up to its contract to provide ambulance service to the county within two weeks – maybe.
The Fannin County Board of Education voted, January 20, to build a new Transportation Facility at a cost of $6,438,627, which will include a 8,340 square foot bus maintenance area, a training center, a break room and room for storage among other things.

The Fannin County Board of Education voted, January 20, to build a new Transportation Facility at a cost of $6,438,627, which will include a 8,340 square foot bus maintenance area, a training center, a break room and room for storage among other things.

School board approves $10 million projects

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Fannin County Board of Education members unanimously voted, Thursday, January 22, to build both a Transportation Facility and a Staff Development Center at the Toccoa Property at a cost not to exceed $9,998,763.
Fannin County Middle School student Annelise Hughes ended the Fannin County School System District Spelling Bee as the winner after spelling the winning word, “Etruscan,” correctly Thursday, January 14. She will now move on to the region level. She is joined by Principal Keith Nuckolls.

Fannin County Middle School student Annelise Hughes ended the Fannin County School System District Spelling Bee as the winner after spelling the winning word, “Etruscan,” correctly Thursday, January 14. She will now move on to the region level. She is joined by Principal Keith Nuckolls.

Spelling Bee winners announced

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 19, 2021