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News Observer photos/Enola Patterson: Sheree Ralston, left, and Spiro Amburn told of David Ralston’s love of reading and dedication to the library

News Observer photos/Enola Patterson: Sheree Ralston, left, and Spiro Amburn told of David Ralston’s love of reading and dedication to the library

New library opens to praise for Ralston’s help

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
“I'm grateful for a community who loves my husband...who honors him in this way,” Sheree Ralston said during the official dedication and grand opening of the new Fannin County Public Library Saturday.
Snack in a Backpack board Secretary Mary Langford presents Tristin Davenport of Blue Ridge Food Lion the Business Champion award at the organization’s Champions for Children Fundraiser March 2.

Snack in a Backpack board Secretary Mary Langford presents Tristin Davenport of Blue Ridge Food Lion the Business Champion award at the organization’s Champions for Children Fundraiser March 2.

Snack in a Backpack honors children champions

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
The Champions for Children were honored at Snack in a Backpack’s annual fundraiser Tuesday evening, March 3, at Twisted Tomato in Blue Ridge.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Six enter Fannin election

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Six candidates entered local races when election qualifying got underway Monday, March 2, in the Fannin County Board of Elections and Registration office. A total of three local contests are open during this 2026 mid-term election cycle.
Blue Ridge Medical Center (BRMC) has formally submitted a request for $3,999,500 in Congressional Direct Spending (CDS) funding through U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) to support the relocation and modernization of its Emergency Department (ED) and Clinical Laboratory.

Blue Ridge Medical Center (BRMC) has formally submitted a request for $3,999,500 in Congressional Direct Spending (CDS) funding through U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) to support the relocation and modernization of its Emergency Department (ED) and Clinical Laboratory.

Blue Ridge Medical asking federal govt. for $4 million

News Staff
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Blue Ridge Medical Center (BRMC) has formally submitted a request for $3,999,500 in Congressional Direct Spending (CDS) funding through U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) to support the relocation and modernization of its Emergency Department (ED) and Clinical Laboratory.
The new Fannin County Public Library offers spacious room for relaxing or searching for a book. A group of area leaders were treated to a soft opening of the facility Tuesday, February 24.

The new Fannin County Public Library offers spacious room for relaxing or searching for a book. A group of area leaders were treated to a soft opening of the facility Tuesday, February 24.

David Ralston remembered as unity praised for new library

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Many individuals and groups received accolades when a soft opening was held last week for the new Fannin County Public Library. But throughout the remarks by several speakers, one name appeared time and again, that of David Ralston.
Polk County JECDB Chairwoman Monica Farrow, District 3 Commissioner Keith Barker and County Executive Robby Hatcher, from left, discuss the Parks and Recreation Grant process with Russell Green of Kimley-Horn, an engineering, planning and design firm familiar with grants in Tennessee.

Polk County JECDB Chairwoman Monica Farrow, District 3 Commissioner Keith Barker and County Executive Robby Hatcher, from left, discuss the Parks and Recreation Grant process with Russell Green of Kimley-Horn, an engineering, planning and design firm familiar with grants in Tennessee.

Preparation continues for Polk grant application

News Staff
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Polk County’s Joint Economic Community Development Board (JECDB), which administers the Three Star Grant program, continued preparations last week to apply for a $300,000 Parks and Recreation Grant from the State of Tennessee.
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.