News

Blue Ridge City Council members unanimously voted to opt out of House Bill 581.

Blue Ridge City Council members unanimously voted to opt out of House Bill 581.

Blue Ridge opts out of HB 581

News Staff
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
By Enola Patterson Blue Ridge City Council members unanimously voted to opt out of House Bill 581, Georgia’s statewide Homestead Exemption, at their regular meeting on Tuesday, February 18. Councilman Jack Taylor expressed concerns that the bill was permanent.
Fannin County Head Football Coach Chad Cheatham spoke with emotion when he talked about the Rebels at the Board of Education meeting last week.

Fannin County Head Football Coach Chad Cheatham spoke with emotion when he talked about the Rebels at the Board of Education meeting last week.

Coaching the soul foundation for success

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
“Coach the game, but more importantly coach the soul,” Chad Cheatham said as he described what held the Fannin County Rebels football team together through the 2024 season.
On behalf of Fannin County Family Connection board Vice Chair Robert Gleadall presented Feed Fannin with a “24 Carrot” award to show their appreciation. Feed Fannin Chair Ron Ciochon accepts the recognition.

On behalf of Fannin County Family Connection board Vice Chair Robert Gleadall presented Feed Fannin with a “24 Carrot” award to show their appreciation. Feed Fannin Chair Ron Ciochon accepts the recognition.

Feed Fannin benefits reviewed

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
During Feed Fannin’s 15th anniversary this past year, they provided over 308,166 pounds of food, or 257,000 meals, to their partners.
Megan Orton, middle, is Blue Ridge Elementary School’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. She is shown with Principal Mark Young and Assistant Principal Lisa Taylor.

Megan Orton, middle, is Blue Ridge Elementary School’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. She is shown with Principal Mark Young and Assistant Principal Lisa Taylor.

Fannin schools name Teachers of the Year

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
The Fannin County School System’s 2026 Teachers of the Year are Terry Flowers, Sydney Newton, Caitlin Snider, Kayleigh O’Neal and Megan Orton.
Mike Galinski, owner of the Riverwalk Shops complex, was all thumbs up when the iconic steel bridge spanning the Toccoa River and connecting the twin cities of McCaysville and Copperhill was re-opened after extensive repairs.

Mike Galinski, owner of the Riverwalk Shops complex, was all thumbs up when the iconic steel bridge spanning the Toccoa River and connecting the twin cities of McCaysville and Copperhill was re-opened after extensive repairs.

McCaysville plan would destroy steel bridge

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
McCaysville Mayor Terry Arp reviewed a letter he sent to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) regarding the replacement of the “new” bridge with members of the city council Tuesday, February 11.
“We Are Fannin” reflects the team approach to protecting local students.

“We Are Fannin” reflects the team approach to protecting local students.

Porn arrest tells threat

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Fannin school leaders respond to Gilmer incident “See it, say it.” Shannon Dillard uses those four words as the foundation for what needs to happen when something looks out of place in Fannin County schools.
Brendan Little, second from left, is this year’s STAR Student. He is shown with, from left, Fannin County High School Principal Dr. Scott Ramsey, STAR Teacher Sabrina Howard and school Counselor Christina Zell.

Brendan Little, second from left, is this year’s STAR Student. He is shown with, from left, Fannin County High School Principal Dr. Scott Ramsey, STAR Teacher Sabrina Howard and school Counselor Christina Zell.

STAR student named

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Fannin County High School’s Brendan Little is the 2025 STAR Student, and Sabrina Howard is the 2025 STAR Teacher. The pair was recognized during a banquet sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge Monday, February 3, at Circle J Family Steak House.
Fannin County Post Two Commissioner Glenn Patterson talks about the process that went into making the opt out decision for the county.

Fannin County Post Two Commissioner Glenn Patterson talks about the process that went into making the opt out decision for the county.

Fannin Co. opts out of state exemption

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Fannin County Post Two Commissioner Glenn Patterson stressed the commission board “went through all three meetings with an open mind” at the beginning of a special called meeting Tuesday morning, February 4.
Johnathan Randall Neal

Johnathan Randall Neal

Burglary suspect caught within hours

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Johnathan Randall Neal was in custody within eight hours after he is accused of breaking into the Blue Ridge Coin Shop, and days later was charged with that burglary and another in early 2024.