News

The News Observer

The News Observer

Polls open next week

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Fannin County voters can return to the polls next week as early voting for the January 5, 2021 General Election Runoff kicks off next Monday, December 14.
4-V Ranch began removing the mulch from the City of Blue Ridge’s downtown playground Monday, November 2.

4-V Ranch began removing the mulch from the City of Blue Ridge’s downtown playground Monday, November 2.

Playground to open with fresh mulch

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Blue Ridge’s downtown playground will open once again but with fresh mulch. The decision came after many months of feuding among council members and a long, heated debate during Monday’s special called meeting, December 30.
This male, Bulldog mix was picked up in Morganton November 23. He has a short, white coat with brindle patches. He’s a good boy. View him using intake number 325-20. He is shown with Animal Control Officer J.R. Cornett.

This male, Bulldog mix was picked up in Morganton November 23. He has a short, white coat with brindle patches. He’s a good boy. View him using intake number 325-20. He is shown with Animal Control Officer J.R. Cornett.

Adopt A Pet

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
The handsome Bulldog mix shown with Fannin County Animal Control Officer J.R. Cornett is this week’s featured pooch of the week! This guy is fairly laid back and would make a great addition to the family. He has a short, white coat with brindle spots. He was picked up in Morganton November 23.
Fannin County resident Chris McKee served during the Vietnam War in the United States Air Force for 21 and a half years.

Fannin County resident Chris McKee served during the Vietnam War in the United States Air Force for 21 and a half years.

Chris McKee knew in tenth grade he would serve

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Chris McKee knew in tenth grade that he was going to serve at least 20 years in the United States Air Force, and that’s exactly what he did. “The Air Force recruiter knew he had me in the tenth grade,” McKee said.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Mayor operated business without license

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
A downtown Blue Ridge pay-to-park lot, owned by Mayor Donna Whitener, was in operation without a license. An open records request was made on behalf of The News Observer Thursday, November 12, to obtain a copy of the license.
Pam Smith, Carolyn Howard, Sandy Daugherty and Kristi Buchanan, from left, volunteered for the Good Samaritans's annual Open Table event, which was held Thanksgiving Day at the Fannin County Senior Center. This year the event had to be changed from the annual sit-down, festive occasion to a drive-thru offering. These volunteers were busy preparing plates for hungry participants.

Pam Smith, Carolyn Howard, Sandy Daugherty and Kristi Buchanan, from left, volunteered for the Good Samaritans's annual Open Table event, which was held Thanksgiving Day at the Fannin County Senior Center. This year the event had to be changed from the annual sit-down, festive occasion to a drive-thru offering. These volunteers were busy preparing plates for hungry participants.

GOOD SAMARITANS HOST OPEN TABLE

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
The News Observer

The News Observer

Annual Christmas parade Saturday in twin cities

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Everyone is invited to celebrate the Christmas season and first responders during the Kiwanis Club of Copperhill’s 99th Annual Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is “American Heroes Christmas,” for the parade that will take place Saturday, December 5, beginning at 2 p.m.
January 7, 2021's General Election Runoff Sample Ballot

January 7, 2021's General Election Runoff Sample Ballot

Voter registration set to end Dec. 7 as runoff nears

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Fannin County voters who are not currently registered to vote have through next Monday, December 7, to do so in order to vote in the January 5, 2021, General Election Runoff. The runoff will feature three races, and statewide early voting is set to begin Monday, December 14.