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The News Observer

The News Observer

Fannin Tax Assessors office closed to public

News Staff
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
The Fannin County Tax Assessors office is temporarily closed to the public, but citizens needing assistance can still call the office for help. Staff members will do all they can over the phone and will take messages as necessary to fulfill requests.
Integrity Development Group, LLC. Managing Member Johnnie Hastings presents his plans, if his rezoning request were to be approved, during a regular Blue Ridge City Council meeting Tuesday, January 12.

Integrity Development Group, LLC. Managing Member Johnnie Hastings presents his plans, if his rezoning request were to be approved, during a regular Blue Ridge City Council meeting Tuesday, January 12.

Blue Ridge council tables zoning vote – again

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
The request by Johnnie Hastings to rezone a 14.15-acre parcel along Appalachian Highway (515) was tabled following nearly two hours of discussion Tuesday, January 12. On behalf of Integrity Development Group, LLC., Hastings presented their intentions with the property.
Garbage in this dump site in the Shuler Creek area of Polk County revealed the names of four Georgia residents. Those residents have been charged by U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers and face federal penalties if convicted.

Garbage in this dump site in the Shuler Creek area of Polk County revealed the names of four Georgia residents. Those residents have been charged by U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers and face federal penalties if convicted.

Georgia residents face federal penalties for dumping trash

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Four Georgia residents are each facing up to six months in prison and $5,000 in fines if convicted of dumping garbage in the Shuler Creek area of Polk County.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Johnson sets conditions for service

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
While Fannin County Post One Commissioner Earl Johnson will continue to serve as the county waits for Commissioner-Elect Johnny Scearce to be sworn in, he has chosen to abstain from all votes that do not require a tie-breaker and to not be compensated by the county.
Julie Wootten’s rescue duck “Belle” has found a sanctuary at Wootten’s rescue Waddle On Inn, however, roaming dogs have caused an issue for Wootten and her rescues. Belle, two geese and a gosling were attacked by a roaming dog last week, and Wootten had difficulty getting help from Fannin County Animal Control.

Julie Wootten’s rescue duck “Belle” has found a sanctuary at Wootten’s rescue Waddle On Inn, however, roaming dogs have caused an issue for Wootten and her rescues. Belle, two geese and a gosling were attacked by a roaming dog last week, and Wootten had difficulty getting help from Fannin County Animal Control.

Roaming dogs blamed for killing two geese, injuring other rescues

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
A roaming dog has yet again caused issues for Julie Wootten and her geese and other rescue animals at Waddle On Inn in Fannin County.
Johnny Scearce was all smiles as he prepared to leave CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga last week. He is surrounded by several members of the hospital team that took care of him. Scearce was moved to an intensive rehab program where he will undergo physical therapy.

Johnny Scearce was all smiles as he prepared to leave CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga last week. He is surrounded by several members of the hospital team that took care of him. Scearce was moved to an intensive rehab program where he will undergo physical therapy.

'A Very Miraculous Recovery'

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
"With an enormous amount of dedication from the nurses and the respiratory therapists and the intensive care doctors here and an enormous amount of patience and trust on the part of the chief’s family, the almost impossible happened, and his lungs started to recover, and he made a very miraculous...
The News Observer

The News Observer

Teens on road to recovery

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Three well-known local teenagers, all graduates of Fannin County HighSchool, who were injured in a crash on Highway 515 Tuesday, January 12, are said to be recovering from their injuries.
COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 vaccine hotline experiencing high call volumes

Sydney Criteser
Friday, January 15, 2021
Due to a high volume of residents trying to arrange COVID-19 vaccination appointments online, North Georgia Health District (NGHD)’s server became overloaded and failed last week resulting in an inability to offer an online registration option as previously planned.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Police Chief Johnny Scearce released from CHI Memorial

News Staff
Thursday, January 14, 2021
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

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
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.