News

Izaiah Bradburn listens closely to instructions from Honor Guard member Richard Crosley on how to properly fold a U.S. flag.

Izaiah Bradburn listens closely to instructions from Honor Guard member Richard Crosley on how to properly fold a U.S. flag.

Students learn importance of respecting flag

Glenn Harbison
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
“The ground is for walking on. It’s not for our flag.” With those words, Bill Stodghill recently began a flag etiquette class for fifth grade students at Blue Ridge Elementary School. The class is an annual presentation by the North Georgia Honor Guard for Fannin County’s fifth graders.
A chain and lock secured these doors at the Copper Basin Community Center so a generator sitting outside could provide temporary power to the building.

A chain and lock secured these doors at the Copper Basin Community Center so a generator sitting outside could provide temporary power to the building.

Copper Basin Community Center closed

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
There is no estimate as to when the Copper Basin Community Center will re-open. Meanwhile, County Executive Robby Hatcher said Sunday he is working with contractors and the insurance company while trying to find a temporary location for the services.
Gary Poquette, left, is the new CEO of Blue Ridge Medical Center, succeeding William “Ed” Henry, middle. Also there to announce the change of reigns is Java Health Chief Executive Officer Bappa Mukherji.

Gary Poquette, left, is the new CEO of Blue Ridge Medical Center, succeeding William “Ed” Henry, middle. Also there to announce the change of reigns is Java Health Chief Executive Officer Bappa Mukherji.

Hospital returns to in-patient care October 1

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
A new chief executive officer (CEO) of Blue Ridge Medical Center has been announced along with plans of converting to a Critical Access Hospital (CAH). Reopening October 1, changes “will be a 25-bed facility license back to inpatient beds,” new CEO Gary Poquette said.
GDOT will pay majority.

GDOT will pay majority.

Deal reached for McCaysville highway

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Departments of transportation from Tennessee (TDOT) and Georgia (GDOT) have signed an agreement to work together on the project they have titled the “SR 5 Connector.
Fannin County senior Aidyn Patterson has been a stellar performer on the mound for the Lady Rebels softball team this season. The team traveled to Towns County Monday.

Fannin County senior Aidyn Patterson has been a stellar performer on the mound for the Lady Rebels softball team this season. The team traveled to Towns County Monday.

Lady Rebels earn region win over Model

Jenna Young
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
The Fannin County Lady Rebels softball team earned their first region win over Model 9-2, Tuesday, August 13.
Shari Bingear was one of the many folks to attend a reception honoring Jode Mull Thursday, August 15, at the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & CVB. Mull served the Chamber for 17 years.

Shari Bingear was one of the many folks to attend a reception honoring Jode Mull Thursday, August 15, at the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & CVB. Mull served the Chamber for 17 years.

Chamber event honors Jode Mull

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Jode Mull, then Jode Hanson, had moved to the North Georgia mountains in 2007 to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law. She had brought her job with her, but that unexpectedly went away with those of 199 other employees.
Keith Barker, left, Polk County District 3 commissioner, and Polk County District 2 Commissioner Shane Bowman remove a heavy metal desk from the Copper Basin Community Center. The desk was a piece of surplus property that was cluttering the building.

Keith Barker, left, Polk County District 3 commissioner, and Polk County District 2 Commissioner Shane Bowman remove a heavy metal desk from the Copper Basin Community Center. The desk was a piece of surplus property that was cluttering the building.

Copper Basin Senior Center not closing

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Polk County’s executive and District 3 commissioners sent clear messages to the crowd gathered at the Copper Basin Community Center – the senior center is not closing, rumors are false, and they intended all along for the seniors to have all the room they need to continue their activities.
After showing off their barrel racing skills, these cowgirls took time to sign autographs for the many Special Olympic athletes and their friends at the rodeo preview Friday.

After showing off their barrel racing skills, these cowgirls took time to sign autographs for the many Special Olympic athletes and their friends at the rodeo preview Friday.

Special Olympians treated to rodeo preview

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Fannin County’s Special Olympics athletes and many of their friends got a special treat last week  with a sneak preview of the weekend’s rodeo events.
Polk County Commissioner Greg Brooks makes a point about total tourism dollars versus tax dollars as Commissioner Samantha Trantham studies a Department of Tourism handout.

Polk County Commissioner Greg Brooks makes a point about total tourism dollars versus tax dollars as Commissioner Samantha Trantham studies a Department of Tourism handout.

Polk’s tourism dollars clarified by state officials

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Polk County Commissioner Greg Brooks declared tourism numbers released by the county’s Chamber of Commerce “fake news” in the commission’s July meeting. He said because of the way the Chamber presents the numbers, Polk County residents believe county government gets $29 million a year.
“Burkhalter misappropriated millions of dollars of investor funds to acquire and maintain a wealthy lifestyle,” the SEC alleges.

“Burkhalter misappropriated millions of dollars of investor funds to acquire and maintain a wealthy lifestyle,” the SEC alleges.

Burkhalters accused of $300 million scam

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is asking the assets of Russell Todd Burkhalter and Jacqueline Burkhalter  be frozen.