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Polk County Executive Robby Hatcher shows Copper Basin Fire Chief Marty Senterfitt the progress being made at the Copper Basin Community Center.

Polk County Executive Robby Hatcher shows Copper Basin Fire Chief Marty Senterfitt the progress being made at the Copper Basin Community Center.

Polk agrees to help Basin FD; inspection speaks to conditions

Polk County commissioners listened to multiple problems alleged at Copper Basin Fire Department (CBFD) stations prior to the regular commission meeting Thursday, November 21.
Members of the McCaysville Police Department display the first place trophy representing the department’s success in the Governor’s Challenge competition sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. With the award are, from left, Officer Steve Bennett, Assistant Chief Cory Collogan, Assistant Chief Bill Cole, Lieutenant Brian Collis, Chief Michael Earley and officers Brandon Patterson, Pete Kusek and Eric Fears.

Members of the McCaysville Police Department display the first place trophy representing the department’s success in the Governor’s Challenge competition sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. With the award are, from left, Officer Steve Bennett, Assistant Chief Cory Collogan, Assistant Chief Bill Cole, Lieutenant Brian Collis, Chief Michael Earley and officers Brandon Patterson, Pete Kusek and Eric Fears.

McCaysville Police Department wins first place in state competition

The McCaysville Police Department has been awarded First Place in Category 1 of the Governor’s Challenge competition. The honor was presented in Macon, Georgia, October 25.
Blue Ridge City Councilman Jack Taylor said he has officially taken over “the function of the city,” following Mayor Rhonda Haight’s recent decision to ask city council members to take on responsibilities with city departments.

Blue Ridge City Councilman Jack Taylor said he has officially taken over “the function of the city,” following Mayor Rhonda Haight’s recent decision to ask city council members to take on responsibilities with city departments.

Jack Taylor takes over operations at City Hall

Blue Ridge City Councilman Jack Taylor said he has officially taken over “the function of the city,” following Mayor Rhonda Haight’s recent decision to ask city council members to take on responsibilities with city departments.
The FCHS Volleyball team was recognized for making it to the State Playoffs. The team from left, front, Keslie Kea, Lexi Howard, Karleigh Hurd and Tatum Ledford; middle, coaches Suzianne Pass and Heather Ades, Maddie Pelfrey, Rylee King, Kaylie Davenport, Maggie Ledford, Bailee Stiles, Ashlyn Jones, Maya Butler, Karis Hurd, Kendall Clore, Piper Stromer, Taber Pass, Ali Jones, Audrey Veal, Dr. Scott Ramsey and Shannon Dillard; back, Terry Bramlett, Bobby Bearden, Mike Cole, Chad Galloway and Lewis DeWeese.

The FCHS Volleyball team was recognized for making it to the State Playoffs. The team from left, front, Keslie Kea, Lexi Howard, Karleigh Hurd and Tatum Ledford; middle, coaches Suzianne Pass and Heather Ades, Maddie Pelfrey, Rylee King, Kaylie Davenport, Maggie Ledford, Bailee Stiles, Ashlyn Jones, Maya Butler, Karis Hurd, Kendall Clore, Piper Stromer, Taber Pass, Ali Jones, Audrey Veal, Dr. Scott Ramsey and Shannon Dillard; back, Terry Bramlett, Bobby Bearden, Mike Cole, Chad Galloway and Lewis DeWeese.

Outstanding students recognized by school board

Several students and a teacher within the Fannin County School System were recognized for achievements during the board of education’s Thursday, November 14, meeting.
Brittany Campbell Patterson

Brittany Campbell Patterson

DA reviewing Patterson warrant

District Attorney Frank Wood said Friday his office is aware of the warrant against Brittany Campbell Patterson, 41, of 530 Marble City Road, Mineral Bluff, and is “actively reviewing” the case to determine the next step in the judicial process.
This dedicated group of volunteers are pictured unloading their first shipment of hams and turkeys for Feed Fannin’s Holiday Meals Campaign.

This dedicated group of volunteers are pictured unloading their first shipment of hams and turkeys for Feed Fannin’s Holiday Meals Campaign.

Feed Fannin ready with hams for the holidays

Feed Fannin has officially received its first shipment of hams and turkeys for the holiday season, thanks to the generosity of local donors to the Holiday Meals Campaign.
Freedom for Fido recently completed its 150th fence build Friday, November 8, in Epworth. Volunteers are shown, from left, Nick Robinson, Pepperr McConnell, Dee Hoult, Sheila Robinson, Carol Shannon, Jimmy Jones, Eric Pavis, Co-Founder Jackie Gilbert, Co-Founder Fritz Gilbert, Andy Livingston, Peggy Caldwell, Robert Simpson, Sandra Simpson and Tom Corey.

Freedom for Fido recently completed its 150th fence build Friday, November 8, in Epworth. Volunteers are shown, from left, Nick Robinson, Pepperr McConnell, Dee Hoult, Sheila Robinson, Carol Shannon, Jimmy Jones, Eric Pavis, Co-Founder Jackie Gilbert, Co-Founder Fritz Gilbert, Andy Livingston, Peggy Caldwell, Robert Simpson, Sandra Simpson and Tom Corey.

Freedom for Fido celebrates 150th fence

“We call this Freedom Day,” Co-Founder Fritz Gilbert said while helping complete Freedom for Fido’s 150th fence build to date. The build took place in Epworth Friday, November 8, with the help of 14 volunteers including founders Fritz and Jackie Gilbert.
World War II Navy veteran Bill Langford signs the rudder of the plane following his “Dream Flight.” This is a privilege for WWII veterans alone.

World War II Navy veteran Bill Langford signs the rudder of the plane following his “Dream Flight.” This is a privilege for WWII veterans alone.

“Dream Flights” treats veterans to adventure

Not many 80, 90 and even 100 year olds can say they had the opportunity to ride in a plane with an open cockpit at their age, but five local veterans can say they’ve done just that.
Spiro Amburn, former chief of staff for the late Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, Georgia State Senator Steve Gooch, Matthew Ralston, the son of Speaker Ralston, and University of North Georgia President Dr. Michael Shannon, from left, stand inside the school’s upcoming David E. Ralston Hall on the Blue Ridge Campus.

Spiro Amburn, former chief of staff for the late Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, Georgia State Senator Steve Gooch, Matthew Ralston, the son of Speaker Ralston, and University of North Georgia President Dr. Michael Shannon, from left, stand inside the school’s upcoming David E. Ralston Hall on the Blue Ridge Campus.

David Ralston honored at UNG Blue Ridge campus

Honoring the late Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, the University of North Georgia’s (UNG) Blue Ridge Campus will soon be able to educate students with a pair of bachelor degrees.