News

This announcement from November 2022 continues to barely hang on the front door of the Polk County courthouse in Ducktown. Commissioners will meet there this week as they work to build a new building.

This announcement from November 2022 continues to barely hang on the front door of the Polk County courthouse in Ducktown. Commissioners will meet there this week as they work to build a new building.

Polk County commissioners still working on a plan to replace Ducktown courthouse

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Polk County commissioners continue to wrestle with building a new courthouse on the East side of the county. The commission’s Building and Grounds (B&G) Committee closed the courthouse in Ducktown November 30, 2022, declaring it unsafe.
This little bobcat kit was needing someone to come save him and Ryan Berndt did just that.

This little bobcat kit was needing someone to come save him and Ryan Berndt did just that.

Story turned tragic reminds of heat’s danger

Bobbi Pippin
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
What would you do if you came across a bobcat? What if that bobcat was just a baby who was going to die without help? This happened to Ryan Berndt and he didn’t skip a beat. Berndt was just relaxing on his porch with his dogs drinking coffee when his neighbor walked over to his house.
Many have heard talk about THC being added into candy and other snacks, appealing to children, but what isn’t discussed is how closely this actually resembles the candy in a grocery store.

Many have heard talk about THC being added into candy and other snacks, appealing to children, but what isn’t discussed is how closely this actually resembles the candy in a grocery store.

CBD with or without THC added to banned substances

Bobbi Pippin
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
How closely are you looking at the candy your kids are eating? Many have heard talk about THC being added into candy and other snacks, appealing to children, but what isn’t discussed is how closely this actually resembles the candy in a grocery store.
Macy Hawkins was surrounded by her family as signed her Letter of Intent to play basketball for the Truett McConnell University Bears. Witnessing the event were, from left, front, Michael Davis, Hawkins, and Vera Davis; and, back, Cooper Davis, Levi Davis, Bears Coach Tiek Fields Kayla Shields and Holly King.

Macy Hawkins was surrounded by her family as signed her Letter of Intent to play basketball for the Truett McConnell University Bears. Witnessing the event were, from left, front, Michael Davis, Hawkins, and Vera Davis; and, back, Cooper Davis, Levi Davis, Bears Coach Tiek Fields Kayla Shields and Holly King.

Hawkins to play for Truett McConnell

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
A “lanky” seventh grader from Fannin County Middle School is now on the way to play basketball for a North Georgia university. Macy Hawkins was surrounded by her family, extended basketball family and support system Tuesday afternoon, June 25, as she committed to continuing her basketball career.
Gina Burchfiel

Gina Burchfiel

Burchfiel Tennessee’s top trustee

News Staff
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
The Tennessee County Trustee’s Association honored Gina Burchfiel with the distinct honor of Outstanding Tennessee Trustee of the Year Award, May 16, 2024.
While the rate is the same, the distribution of the revenue shifted.

While the rate is the same, the distribution of the revenue shifted.

Polk tax rate remains unchanged

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Polk County property owners will see the same tax rate when they get their annual bills this year following action taken by county commissioners Thursday, June 27. Commissioners adopted a property tax rate of $1.6895 for 2024, which is identical to the 2023 rate.
Assessment notices that  were mailed to Fannin County property owners Friday, June 28, include a tax estimate based on last year’s millage rates.

Assessment notices that  were mailed to Fannin County property owners Friday, June 28, include a tax estimate based on last year’s millage rates.

Assessments don’t reflect tax bills

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Assessment notices that  were mailed to Fannin County property owners Friday, June 28, include a tax estimate based on last year’s millage rates. But the actual tax bill will be based on the millage rates that have not yet been adopted by the current boards of commissioners and education.
Johnny Chastain has been selected to study Georgia’s waterways.

Johnny Chastain has been selected to study Georgia’s waterways.

Chastain to serve on House study committee

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
State Representative Johnny Chastain got his wish last week when he was named to a House of Representatives Study Committee on Navigable Streams and Related Matters. House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newton) named Chastain (R-Blue Ridge) as one of seven committee members.