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The News Observer

The News Observer

Blue Ridge refinances $11.6 million debt

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
The Blue Ridge City Council has voted to re-finance over $11.6 million in debt, saying the move will save $2.5 million between now and 2054. Three of the five members of the council approved a bond resolution and a bond purchase agreement Wednesday, December 16.
A 13x13 parcel at the beginning of Robert’s Way in Blue Ridge currently houses these dumpsters, one of which was over flowing with garbage Sunday afternoon, January 31. The parcel is being placed for lease by the City of Blue Ridge after council members agreed the situation needs to be cleaned up.

A 13x13 parcel at the beginning of Robert’s Way in Blue Ridge currently houses these dumpsters, one of which was over flowing with garbage Sunday afternoon, January 31. The parcel is being placed for lease by the City of Blue Ridge after council members agreed the situation needs to be cleaned up.

City to lease Farmer’s Market, dumpster area

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Blue Ridge’s elected officials have decided to offer two city properties to the highest bidders as they work to fix situations that have raised concerns at recent city council meetings.
COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

207 added to COVID-19 rolls in Fannin

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Fannin County has seen an additional 207 cases of COVID-19 over the last two weeks as of Monday, February 1. This brings the county’s total up to 1,811 positive cases since the pandemic began.
Pickleballers Gail O’Neil, left, and Ray Wallett smile after a game at the Fannin County Recreation Center. There is open pickleball play Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Pickleballers Gail O’Neil, left, and Ray Wallett smile after a game at the Fannin County Recreation Center. There is open pickleball play Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Rec Center activities in full swing

Caleb Collins
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
The Fannin County Recreation Center is currently open and keeping regular hours, however, the facility will be closed on Wednesdays for cleaning until 3 p.m.  Fannin County Recreation Department Director Eddie O’Neal said, “We will have hand sanitizing stations and encourage people to wear masks.
Marine Corps League Detachment 1438’s annual Toys for Tots campaign was once again successful in meeting the community’s need thanks to their many volunteers. Among those volunteers were, from left, Ian and Jody Guttridge, Kathy Smyth, Sue Hoagland and Emily Guttridge.

Marine Corps League Detachment 1438’s annual Toys for Tots campaign was once again successful in meeting the community’s need thanks to their many volunteers. Among those volunteers were, from left, Ian and Jody Guttridge, Kathy Smyth, Sue Hoagland and Emily Guttridge.

Marine Corps League overcomes obstacles in Toys for Tots success

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Members of Marine Corps League Detachment 1438 wrapped up another successful Toys for Tots campaign at the end of last year, however, COVID-19 and an increased need in the community made for an entirely different year for the organization.
The Fannin County Health Department will now administer COVID-19 vaccinations at the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge facility on Jones Street in Blue Ridge in order to accommodate the high volume of vaccinations currently scheduled. Shown preparing to administer vaccines are, from left, Amanda Gibbs, Kristin Long, Sandi Barton, Angel Graham, Hollye Petty, Lauren Graham, Melissa Chastain, Patsy Reed, Amy Hilliard, Amie Dodson, Hollie Strickland and Raquel Wiggins.

The Fannin County Health Department will now administer COVID-19 vaccinations at the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge facility on Jones Street in Blue Ridge in order to accommodate the high volume of vaccinations currently scheduled. Shown preparing to administer vaccines are, from left, Amanda Gibbs, Kristin Long, Sandi Barton, Angel Graham, Hollye Petty, Lauren Graham, Melissa Chastain, Patsy Reed, Amy Hilliard, Amie Dodson, Hollie Strickland and Raquel Wiggins.

COVID-19 vaccines move to fairgrounds

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
The Fannin County Health Department has begun indefinitely using the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge facility as a mass COVID-19 vaccination location after the demand for the vaccine proved too high for the department’s regular facility.
Rod McIntyre flew several missions via helicopter during his service in the Vietnam War. He managed to take a photo, shown above, from behind the pilot of a helicopter as his crew descended into the landing zone using a “daisy chain” technique.

Rod McIntyre flew several missions via helicopter during his service in the Vietnam War. He managed to take a photo, shown above, from behind the pilot of a helicopter as his crew descended into the landing zone using a “daisy chain” technique.

Rod McIntyre: Memories of Vietnam

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
West Virginia native, and now Fannin County local, Rod McIntyre had not intended to join the military, but due to difficulty finding a job while people were being drafted into service, he found his way to Vietnam.
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.