News

The News Observer

The News Observer

Reward offered for fire station theft

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
A $700 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who broke into Fannin County Fire Station #6 and stole over $1,000 worth of equipment last week.
Fannin County graduate Matthew Shirah gives his Valedictory Address during Fannin County’s graduation Friday, May 22.

Fannin County graduate Matthew Shirah gives his Valedictory Address during Fannin County’s graduation Friday, May 22.

Fannin High graduates hear words of encouragement

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Words of encouragement filled the Fannin County High School football stadium Friday night, May 22, as Lexi McGill and Matthew Shirah delivered their salutatory and valedictory addresses. McGill encouraged her fellow classmates, "don't lose hope, never give up.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Whitener “appalled” at council decision

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
“I’m kind of appalled that you actually wanna be a department head over the supervisors,” City of Blue Ridge Mayor Donna Whitener said after council members voted to assign each member to a specific city department during a special called meeting Tuesday, May 19.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Blue Ridge tables annexation plan

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
“I should not have taken the word of the mayor who I’ve found out has lied about a lot of stuff,” Blue Ridge City Councilman Nathan Fitts said during a special called meeting Tuesday, May 19, which led to tabling the annexation amendment instead of rescinding it.
Snack in a Backpack volunteers packed lunches Wednesday, May 20. Among those packing were Executive Director Debby Beck, Mike Nunnally, Fred Wright, Gordon Riddoch, Tim May, Jeanie May, Bailey Mundy, Vicki Smith, Mary Kay Bailey, Mary Langford, Kirk Williams and Rev. Ron Wikander.

Snack in a Backpack volunteers packed lunches Wednesday, May 20. Among those packing were Executive Director Debby Beck, Mike Nunnally, Fred Wright, Gordon Riddoch, Tim May, Jeanie May, Bailey Mundy, Vicki Smith, Mary Kay Bailey, Mary Langford, Kirk Williams and Rev. Ron Wikander.

Summer food programs target needs

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Families and children in the area who are in need of meals during the summer will have multiple options this year. Faith Presbyterian Church, Fannin County Family Connection, Snack in a Backpack, Temple Baptist Church and St.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Annexation meeting scheduled

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
The City of Blue Ridge will hold a town hall meeting Monday, June 1 at 5 p.m. to discuss annexing sections of Highways 5 and 515. The meeting will take place at City Hall, 480 West First Street.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Early voting continues with Saturday added

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Early voting is currently underway in Fannin County for June 9th’s Presidential Preference Primary (PPP), General Voter 2020 Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election elections, and voters will have the opportunity to vote this Saturday, May 30.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Fannin needs census boost

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Only 34% of Fannin County households have responded to the 2020 Census, and the U.S. Census Bureau is still urging residents to respond by mail, phone or online. According to Maria Mangum, Partnership Specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau, the national self response rate is 59.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Fitts says to Whitener, “you lie”

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
“I think every other council member sitting out here can attest that they went through exactly what we’re going through, that you lie, you manipulate, and you don’t tell the truth, and don’t tell us – every single person that’s ever been on council with you said that,” City of Blue Ridge Councilman...