News

Troop 32 scouts learn how to build a makeshift stretcher, which could become necessary for an unexpected accident deep in the forest.

Troop 32 scouts learn how to build a makeshift stretcher, which could become necessary for an unexpected accident deep in the forest.

Scouts work to be well rounded by preparing for the unknown

Jason Queen
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Whether it’s camping, traveling, learning a skill or making lifelong friends, there is something for everyone in Scouting America Troop 32 in Epworth. Founded in 1943, Troop 32 has trained young people to be prepared for anything that comes their way. “You are preparing for what?
Qualifying opens Monday morning, March 2, at 9 a.m. for the Post 2 seat on the Fannin County Board of Commissioners and two seats on the Board of Education.

Qualifying opens Monday morning, March 2, at 9 a.m. for the Post 2 seat on the Fannin County Board of Commissioners and two seats on the Board of Education.

Fannin election qualifying starts Mon.

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Qualifying opens Monday morning, March 2, at 9 a.m. for the Post 2 seat on the Fannin County Board of Commissioners and two seats on the Board of Education. According to an announcement from Sonia Smith, election superintendent, qualifying will continue daily through Friday, March 6, at noon.
Fannin County Tax Commissioner Julie Walker, right, talked about her office and the collection rate achieved by her staff when she addressed Leadership Fannin last week. Also talking about how the tax system works was Dawn Cochran, Fannin County’s chief tax appraiser, left.

Fannin County Tax Commissioner Julie Walker, right, talked about her office and the collection rate achieved by her staff when she addressed Leadership Fannin last week. Also talking about how the tax system works was Dawn Cochran, Fannin County’s chief tax appraiser, left.

Leadership class hears from Fannin leaders

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Every year the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & CVB sponsors Leadership Fannin. Once a week, typically from February through May, the program takes its participants on an educational tour through a different part of life in Fannin County.
Miranda Roof, left, and Madeline Schueneman are this year’s STAR teacher and student.

Miranda Roof, left, and Madeline Schueneman are this year’s STAR teacher and student.

Schueneman, Roof named FCHS STARs

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Fannin County High School (FCHS)’s Madeline Schueneman is Fannin County’s STAR student for 2026, and Miranda Roof is the STAR teacher.
Fannin County School System Chief Operations Officer Darren Danner discusses a rendering of the new CTAE facility during a school board workshop last week.

Fannin County School System Chief Operations Officer Darren Danner discusses a rendering of the new CTAE facility during a school board workshop last week.

School board approves plans for CTAE building at FCHS

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Another step was taken last week  by school board members toward building a new Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) facility at Fannin County High School. Meeting in a work session Thursday, February 12, Bobby Bearden, Ashley H.
A January donation to Feed Fannin was among those pushing Roundup grants to area organizations over $1 million. Roundup board Chairman Glenn Harbison, from left, presented the check to Feed Fannin’s Andy Livingston, Priscilla Cashman, vice chair; Peggy Caldwell, treasurer; and Kathy Beck, vice chair.

A January donation to Feed Fannin was among those pushing Roundup grants to area organizations over $1 million. Roundup board Chairman Glenn Harbison, from left, presented the check to Feed Fannin’s Andy Livingston, Priscilla Cashman, vice chair; Peggy Caldwell, treasurer; and Kathy Beck, vice chair.

Tri-State Roundup passes $1 million mark

News Staff
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Tri-State EMC members have now donated over $1 million to local organizations through the Tri-State EMC Foundation, commonly known as Operation Roundup.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Six credited with life-saving rescue

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
A total of six Fannin County first responders, three deputy sheriffs and three firefighters, are now being credited with saving the lives of two persons from a burning home.
The Blue Ridge Planning Commission has approved rezoning this East Second Street property.

The Blue Ridge Planning Commission has approved rezoning this East Second Street property.

Rezoning approved; final decision rests with city council

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
A rezoning request for 742 East Second Street was heard by the Blue Ridge Planning Commission during a February 4 meeting, and ultimately the rezoning from C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial District) to CBD (Central Business District) was approved with conditions recommended on a Staff Analysis.
Project Chimps Executive Director Ali Crumpacker (left) and veterinarian Dr. Jenny Jaffe answered questions and provided information about the Blue Ridge chimpanzee sanctuary from those in attendance at Mountain Mama’s Coffee Lounge in Blue Ridge January 20.

Project Chimps Executive Director Ali Crumpacker (left) and veterinarian Dr. Jenny Jaffe answered questions and provided information about the Blue Ridge chimpanzee sanctuary from those in attendance at Mountain Mama’s Coffee Lounge in Blue Ridge January 20.

A look at Project Chimps offered

Jason Queen
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Project Chimps, a 230-acre chimpanzee sanctuary in the Blue Ridge, held a question and answer session for the public January 20 at Mountain Mama’s Coffee Lounge in downtown Blue Ridge. Project Chimps Executive Director Ali Crumpacker and lead veterinarian Dr.