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The News Observer

The News Observer

Battle rages over holding election on schedule

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Governor Brian Kemp says he does not have the power to change Georgia’s May 19 election date. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger says neither does he. Speaker of the House David Ralston and the 11 Republican members of Georgia’s Congressional delegation disagree and want it changed.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Secretary of State says law requires election move ahead

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is moving forward with the state’s May 19 election schedule because that’s the law. Fannin County Election Supervisor Mary Ann Conner says local voters are already taking advantage of Raffensperger’s efforts.
Blue Ridge City Council members Rhonda Haight and Nathan Fitts, and Police Chief Johnny Scearce, from left, are shown with one of the signs placed downtown to remind everyone to shelter in place.

Blue Ridge City Council members Rhonda Haight and Nathan Fitts, and Police Chief Johnny Scearce, from left, are shown with one of the signs placed downtown to remind everyone to shelter in place.

Signs remind visitors to shelter

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Blue Ridge City Council members Nathan Fitts and Rhonda Haight knew people had not gotten the message that  Blue Ridge was a shelter-in-place city when they found downtown crowded with window shoppers Saturday, March 28.
Members of the Marine Corps League Lake Blue Ridge Detachment 1438 assisted Snack in a Backpack by delivering 600 meals to three Fannin County elementary schools for distribution Thursday, April 2. Shown are, from left, Gail O’Neil, Marine Jeff O’Neil, Marine Dale Greene, Toots Greene, Marine Chuck Clark and Marine Dee Leuthe.

Members of the Marine Corps League Lake Blue Ridge Detachment 1438 assisted Snack in a Backpack by delivering 600 meals to three Fannin County elementary schools for distribution Thursday, April 2. Shown are, from left, Gail O’Neil, Marine Jeff O’Neil, Marine Dale Greene, Toots Greene, Marine Chuck Clark and Marine Dee Leuthe.

Snack packing more meals for children

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Snack in a Backpack is still packing meals for Fannin County children during the COVID-19 pandemic and has added safety procedures to protect children and volunteers. Executive Director Debby Beck said, “The school meals program is serving hundreds of students a cold breakfast and lunch each day.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Food pantry serving more, needs volunteers

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
The Fannin County Family Connection Food Pantry has continued to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic and has implemented a few changes to help prevent the spread of the virus. The food pantry is open Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Fannin County School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney

Fannin County School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney

Students’ grades stand as of March 13

Sydney Criteser
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced that all K-12 schools will be closed for the rest of the school year due to COVID-19 Wednesday, April 1. Friday, April 3, Fannin County School System Superintendent Dr.
COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

Ninth COVID-19 case reported in Fannin County

News Staff
Monday, April 6, 2020
The Georgia Department of Health has reported nine cases of COVID-19 and no virus related deaths in Fannin County as of Monday, April 6 at noon. According to the department, there are 7,314 confirmed cases of COVID-19 statewide.
COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

Eight cases of COVID-19 reported in Fannin County

News Staff
Thursday, April 2, 2020
The Georgia Department of Health has reported eight cases of COVID-19 and no virus related deaths in Fannin County as of Thursday, April 2 at 7 p.m. According to the department, there are 5,444 confirmed cases of COVID-19 statewide.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Secretary of State addresses May 19 primary

Glenn Harbison
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is moving forward with the state’s May 19 election schedule because that’s the law. In a telephone interview with The News Observer, Raffensperger said this afternoon, Thursday, April 2, “right now, our hands are tied. We have to move forward.