News

Hope for the Hungry Director Tom Neville meets Ocean Forte, center, and Sandy Payne. Neville says Hope for the Hungry is more than just getting food to those who need it.

Hope for the Hungry Director Tom Neville meets Ocean Forte, center, and Sandy Payne. Neville says Hope for the Hungry is more than just getting food to those who need it.

Hope for the Hungry about more than food

Jackson Elliott
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Visitors come to the Morganton Mountaintown Baptist Association’s  (MMBA) food bank for many reasons. Seven-year-old Ocean Forte wants to be a good mom to her Hello Kitty. Already, she is working on teaching her how to walk, speak English and speak Spanish.
Carson Parris is waiting, hoping for a Golden Ticket to Hollywood following his American Idol audition in Nashville, Tennessee.

Carson Parris is waiting, hoping for a Golden Ticket to Hollywood following his American Idol audition in Nashville, Tennessee.

Parris hoping Hollywood invite follows audition

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Turtletown teenager and Copper Basin High School basketball player Carson Parris is praying for the Golden Ticket to Hollywood after auditioning for American Idol in Nashville Friday, June 6. “I just want to give a special thanks to my mom, dad and brothers for being my biggest fans.
On this porch, bears have knocked over and raided a non bear-resistant trash can.

On this porch, bears have knocked over and raided a non bear-resistant trash can.

Garbage, food should be kept away from bears

Jackson Elliott
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Every week, Fannin County residents leave piles of delicious and accessible free food outside their homes... At least, from the perspective of a bear. But that isn’t a good thing for people or bears, founder and CEO of Appalachian Friends of the Bears Gerald Hodge said.
CUCINELLA’S PIZZERIA

CUCINELLA’S PIZZERIA

CUCINELLA’S PIZZERIA

Local Business Sponsor
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Building on over 93 years of tradition and family values, the Cucinella family is thrilled to bring you our fourth generation pizzeria. Our family began making pizza and bread in Rochester, N.Y., back in 1932. QR CODE Located in the new Trackside complex in downtown Blue Ridge, Ga.
Lori Walden is a veteran with 32 years of service in the Air Force.

Lori Walden is a veteran with 32 years of service in the Air Force.

Hometown Heros

Jackson Elliott
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Every time an F-22 breaks the sound barrier, it’s because of a vast network of on-the-ground mechanics, crew and air traffic control airmen. And these airmen in turn need places to live and work. Retired Colonel Lori Walden started serving her country as an architect to build homes for them.
Several churches were set up at Fannin County Park during Her Hope Pregnancy Center’s Walk for Life fundraiser Saturday, June 7. Abby Noblitt, Tim Smallwood, Debbie Jones and Pat Young, from left, represented First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge.

Several churches were set up at Fannin County Park during Her Hope Pregnancy Center’s Walk for Life fundraiser Saturday, June 7. Abby Noblitt, Tim Smallwood, Debbie Jones and Pat Young, from left, represented First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge.

Walk raises $60,020 for Her Hope

Jackson Elliott
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Her Hope Pregnancy Center raised a total of $60,020 at their annual Walk For Life. “It feels really nice to know that we are supported,” Client Services Director Brittany Stites said. She thanked Fannin residents for the love they showed for local new mothers.
Jared Herum and Tina Lee display the sign for the new Fannin Christian Learning Center.

Jared Herum and Tina Lee display the sign for the new Fannin Christian Learning Center.

CLC Classes coming to FCMS

Jackson Elliott
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
As life brings Fannin students new challenges, the Bible provides well-tested wisdom, Fannin Christian Learning Center (CLC) Executive Director Tina Lee said. The CLC will offer Bible classes for middle schoolers starting this school year. “Middle school is tough,” Lee said.
Kathy Beck, Feed Fannin’s Farm and Facilities Manager, works the organization’s garden located off Ada Street Friday, June 6.

Kathy Beck, Feed Fannin’s Farm and Facilities Manager, works the organization’s garden located off Ada Street Friday, June 6.

Feed Fannin readying for harvest

Mollie Morrow
Thursday, June 12, 2025
The volunteers of Feed Fannin have been hard at work preparing the garden for harvest. Come late summer and early fall, corn, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans and more will be ready to fill the bellies of locals in need.
Back to School Bash organizers are busy getting ready for the annual event, which is set for July 26 at Fannin County High School. Tara Cantrell, Sheena Rymer, Celeste Jay and Brandon Mendoza, from left, are busy preparing.

Back to School Bash organizers are busy getting ready for the annual event, which is set for July 26 at Fannin County High School. Tara Cantrell, Sheena Rymer, Celeste Jay and Brandon Mendoza, from left, are busy preparing.

Time to help Back to School Bash

Jackson Elliott
Thursday, June 12, 2025
The Back to School Bash gives students the opportunity to enjoy a festival atmosphere, get school supplies and get a great haircut before school begins. In the words of one little girl who attended last year, the Bash is the “best day ever.
Kayla, Erik and baby Jax Giddens are shown during their time in Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Kayla, Erik and baby Jax Giddens are shown during their time in Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Giddens give warmth for warmth in appreciation

Mollie Morrow
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Erik, Kayla and Jackson “Jax” Giddens have brought warmth, in more ways than one, to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).