News

The News Observer

CLC Match-a-thon underway

Sydney Criteser

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Fannin Christian Learning Center’s (CLC) biggest fundraiser of the year, their annual Match-a-thon, is currently underway and will continue through July 31. All donations up to $15,000 received during the event will be matched.

The News Observer

Copperhill seeking grant to unclog pipes

Mollie Morrow

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

The City of Copperhill has applied for a $37,018 Governor’s Local Support Grant. If approved, the funds will go toward improving wastewater backups along and between South Grand Street and Ferry Street.

The News Observer

Census count sluggish in Fannin

Sydney Criteser

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Only 34.1% of households in Fannin County have responded to the 2020 United States Census. This figure falls below the state’s response rate at 56.5%, and the nation’s response rate at 60.4%. While the census bureau has noticed more people have chosen to complete the census online at 2020census.

The News Observer

Polk committee says no to pay adjustments

Glenn Harbison

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Members of the Polk County commission’s Handbook Committee debated for nearly two hours last week, finally agreeing to add a floating birthday holiday to the county’s personnel policies but failing to increase employee pay.

The News Observer

Polk offenders can stay out of jail

Glenn Harbison

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Polk County officials have agreed to offer some accused criminals an opportunity to stay out of jail. Sheriff Steve Ross said last week offenders have a “rare opportunity to take care of outstanding misdemeanor Failure to Appear (FTA) warrants without being arrested or booked on the charge.

The News Observer

Budget cuts threaten Fannin DFCS office

Sydney Criteser

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

As budget cuts are seen across the federal, state and local levels, Fannin County Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) is facing the possibility of closing the local Fannin County office and consolidating with the Gilmer County location.

The News Observer

Downtown market to open June 6

Sydney Criteser

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

The Downtown Blue Ridge Market opens this Saturday, June 6 for the 2020 season. The market, which is located on West Main Street in front of the Fannin County Courthouse, will be open each Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. through the end of November.

The News Observer

Basin museum cancels events

Sydney Criteser

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

The Ducktown Basin Museum has canceled all scheduled events on museum property for the months of June and July in response to ongoing COVID-19 concerns.

Fannin County Animal Control officer J.R. Cornett shows off this female Beagle Hound mix. She was found in Blue Ridge and will be staying with animal control until adopted. View this beautiful girl under Animal Control number 152-20.

Adopt A Pet

News Staff

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Animal Control Officers and volunteers alike hope folks will be willing to open their hearts and homes to the dogs in their facility. In the past week, officers brought in seven dogs. Owners reclaimed five dogs and one was taken by Doggone Rescue.

The old Blue Ridge City Hall and Jail are shown under construction in 1937. The building, which is located on Church Street between East Main and East First streets, now houses the Blue Ridge Police Department.

WPA decision brought help to Fannin County

Lauren Bearden

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Eighty-eight years ago this July, one president’s decision would greatly influence the tiny town of Blue Ridge. Almost three years into the Great Depression, on July 2, 1932, President Franklin D.