News

The News Observer

The News Observer

Police Chief Johnny Scearce released from CHI Memorial

After almost 94 days in the hospital, Blue Ridge Police Chief Johnny Scearce has been released from CHI Memorial in Chattanooga.  His Honor Walk, filmed at CHI Memorial, can be found on The News Observer's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/The-News-Observer-740175116028857.
This male Bulldog was picked up in Lakewood January 2, 2021. He is built like a Bully and has a light brown brindle coat. He is a sweetheart. View him using intake number 003-21. He is shown with Animal Control Manager John Drullinger.

This male Bulldog was picked up in Lakewood January 2, 2021. He is built like a Bully and has a light brown brindle coat. He is a sweetheart. View him using intake number 003-21. He is shown with Animal Control Manager John Drullinger.

Adopt A Pet

The Bulldog shown with Fannin County Animal Control Manager John Drullinger is this week’s featured pooch of the week! This boy was given the name Meatball by volunteers. He has a light brown, brindle coat and is very sweet. He was picked up in Lakewood January 2, 2021.
COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

206 COVID-19 cases added to Fannin total

Fannin County has seen an additional 206 cases of COVID-19 over the last two weeks as of Monday, January 11. This brings the county’s total up to 1,455 positive cases since the pandemic began.
This photo of an individual, referred to on the internet as the “zip tie guy,” taken inside the Senate’s Chamber dressed in paramilitary gear and holding zip ties is believed to be Eric Gavelek Munchel, a 2009 graduate of Fannin County High School.

This photo of an individual, referred to on the internet as the “zip tie guy,” taken inside the Senate’s Chamber dressed in paramilitary gear and holding zip ties is believed to be Eric Gavelek Munchel, a 2009 graduate of Fannin County High School.

Fannin grad arrested in invasion of U.S. Capitol

A 2009 graduate of Fannin County High School was arrested Sunday, January 10, in connection to the invasion of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. that occurred Wednesday, January 6.
Fannin County Election Office staff and poll workers across the county’s 12 precincts ensured Fannin County voters were able to cast their ballots in the January 5, 2021 General Election Runoff either through early voting, absentee by mail ballot or Election Day voting. Poll workers shown at the Toccoa precinct on Election Day are, from left,  Sharon Brewer, Jeff Paint, Marco Falgiano, Jim and Angela Huffstetler.

Fannin County Election Office staff and poll workers across the county’s 12 precincts ensured Fannin County voters were able to cast their ballots in the January 5, 2021 General Election Runoff either through early voting, absentee by mail ballot or Election Day voting. Poll workers shown at the Toccoa precinct on Election Day are, from left, Sharon Brewer, Jeff Paint, Marco Falgiano, Jim and Angela Huffstetler.

Over 13,000 Fannin voters cast ballots in runoff

Over 13,000 Fannin County votes were cast in the January 5, 2021 General Election Runoff that ultimately saw Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff and Republican Lauren Bubba McDonald, Jr. as the night’s victors, each by a razor-thin margin.
Jerry Whitehead, left, is the recipient of the 2020 Silver Beaver Award. Terry Bramlett, behind, presented the award to Whitehead.

Jerry Whitehead, left, is the recipient of the 2020 Silver Beaver Award. Terry Bramlett, behind, presented the award to Whitehead.

Jerry Whitehead presented 2020 Silver Beaver Award

Jerry Whitehead, of Blue Ridge, is the recipient of the 2020 Silver Beaver Award. Through the Boy Scouts of America, the award is nomination based and is the highest award the Scouts can bestow. It honors “registered scouters of exceptional character,” according to their website.
Steve, Elizabeth and Nikki Shamblin were all smiles following the adoption of Elizabeth from an orphanage in Colombia, South America.

Steve, Elizabeth and Nikki Shamblin were all smiles following the adoption of Elizabeth from an orphanage in Colombia, South America.

Elizabeth at home with Shamblins after two-year journey from Colombia

After more than two years, Elizabeth has made her way home to Steve and Nikki Shamblin and the rest of the family. The Shamblins have been hard at work since 2018 trying to adopt now 15-year-old Elizabeth from an orphanage in Colombia, South America.
Caleb Rush Cloer

Caleb Rush Cloer

Cloer charged with sodomy

Caleb Rush Cloer is being held in the Fannin County Detention Center after allegedly stealing a car, sexually assaulting a woman then fleeing to Atlanta.
David Neal York

David Neal York

School bus stolen

Decades ago, the now defunct Trailways Bus Line made a regular stop in Copperhill, carrying both passengers and freight into and out of town. Unable to find such a convenient way to leave, David Neal York is accused of stealing a Fannin County school bus to create his own personal bus line.