News

Master Sergeant Laura Ash, middle, is pictured with her parents Billie Ash and Dellon Ash II at her Air Force retirement ceremony.

Master Sergeant Laura Ash, middle, is pictured with her parents Billie Ash and Dellon Ash II at her Air Force retirement ceremony.

Ash completes lengthy career in U.S. Air Force

Hannah Jack
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Master Sergeant Laura A. Ash is currently serving as the Traffic Manager at the Headquarters of the U.S. Air Force, within the Logistics Readiness Division, Directorate of Logistics at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. where she is stepping into retirement after over two decades of service.
The Fannin County High School Track team was recognized at last week’s Fannin County School Board meeting. Pictured are, from left, back row, school board members Terry Bramlett, Bobby Bearden, Mike Cole, Chad Galloway and Lewis DeWeese; and, front row, Dr. Scott Ramsey, Alden Falls, Airianna Galloway, Annaleigh Cheatham, Karli Sams, Ava Acker, Lindsey Holloway, Cooper Born, Katherine Cheatham, Miranda Roof, Dr. Lucas Roof and School Superintendent Shannon Dillard.

The Fannin County High School Track team was recognized at last week’s Fannin County School Board meeting. Pictured are, from left, back row, school board members Terry Bramlett, Bobby Bearden, Mike Cole, Chad Galloway and Lewis DeWeese; and, front row, Dr. Scott Ramsey, Alden Falls, Airianna Galloway, Annaleigh Cheatham, Karli Sams, Ava Acker, Lindsey Holloway, Cooper Born, Katherine Cheatham, Miranda Roof, Dr. Lucas Roof and School Superintendent Shannon Dillard.

Board honors students

Hannah Jack
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
The Fannin County school board met Thursday, August 8, where they recognized several students who attend Fannin County High School (FCHS) for their contributions. Fannin County School Superintendent Shannon Dillard started special recognitions by inviting Dr.
Members of the Polk County commission’s Emergency Medical Services Committee want to see the level of ambulance service care improved.

Members of the Polk County commission’s Emergency Medical Services Committee want to see the level of ambulance service care improved.

Better service goal of Polk EMS committee

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Members of the Polk County commission’s Emergency Medical Services Committee want to see the level of ambulance service care improved.
School board members are not happy with the Georgia Department of Transportation’s plan for the entrance to West Fannin Elementary School.

School board members are not happy with the Georgia Department of Transportation’s plan for the entrance to West Fannin Elementary School.

School board tells GDOT safety first

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Fannin County school board members made the decision to stand their ground for the safety of children, teachers and parents at West Fannin Elementary School (WFES) when they voted to table an offer from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).
Kathy Beck, vice chair of Ag Education for Feed Fannin, led a tour of the Feed Fannin garden earlier this year for members of the FCYFA. The garden has provided 1,807 pounds of fresh produce for the Fannin County Family Connection Food Pantry this year.

Kathy Beck, vice chair of Ag Education for Feed Fannin, led a tour of the Feed Fannin garden earlier this year for members of the FCYFA. The garden has provided 1,807 pounds of fresh produce for the Fannin County Family Connection Food Pantry this year.

Feed Fannin fundraiser has $20,000 match

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Feed Fannin is launching a two-month long campaign next week to raise money for holiday meals this Thanksgiving and Christmas. Donors can help provide hams and turkeys for families in need by donating to the Holiday Meals Campaign that kicks off August 15 and continues through October 15.
Last Thursday’s voter turnout is being called the lowest in Polk County history.

Last Thursday’s voter turnout is being called the lowest in Polk County history.

Pankey keeps seat in low Polk voter turnout

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Last Thursday’s voter turnout is being called the lowest in Polk County history as only 1,665 out of the county’s 13,347 registered voters cast ballots. Voting included the General Election for the county and the General Primary for state and federal offices.
Averie Chambers, who could not attend, is at right.

Averie Chambers, who could not attend, is at right.

Pink Ladies present scholarships

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
The Blue Ridge Medical Center Auxiliary, the Pink Ladies, presented $1,000 scholarships to three students during a special ceremony at the hospital last week. Averie Chambers, Trevor Couch and Shelley Stiles were recognized as they continue their educations in various health care fields.
Suzanne Davenport helps a customer at Southern Drug Company in Blue Ridge. She says local, independent pharmacies are counting on state legislators to bring back SB 198. State Representative Johnny Chastain (R-Blue Ridge) says the goal of the bill is to level the playing field between the large chains and the small business owners in regard to prescription reimbursements.

Suzanne Davenport helps a customer at Southern Drug Company in Blue Ridge. She says local, independent pharmacies are counting on state legislators to bring back SB 198. State Representative Johnny Chastain (R-Blue Ridge) says the goal of the bill is to level the playing field between the large chains and the small business owners in regard to prescription reimbursements.

Independent pharmacies ask level playing field

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Chastain says new law will come back up Owners of independent, local pharmacies and 218 state legislators from all over Georgia suffered a setback with a May 7 veto by Governor Brian Kemp, but the fight is not over.
Marion Atrion Johnson

Marion Atrion Johnson

Johnson to serve 15 years for burglary

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
When you do the crime in Fannin County, you’re going to get caught, indicted, convicted, and go to prison. That’s the message District Attorney Frank Wood III hopes criminals across the southeastern United States get when they hear about Marion Atrion Johnson.
The Fannin County Fire Department’s burn building, constructed of used shipping containers, offers firefighters real world experience at battling a fire. Various scenarios can be created inside the building for students to overcome.

The Fannin County Fire Department’s burn building, constructed of used shipping containers, offers firefighters real world experience at battling a fire. Various scenarios can be created inside the building for students to overcome.

Training works to improve fire protection score

Glenn Harbison
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
The latest Insurance Services Office (ISO) evaluation of Fannin County’s fire protection system maintained the current 5/5X rating, but when he thought about all the hard work to improve that rating, Michael Cornelius said, “I honestly believe we’re a 4/4X.