News

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.
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.