News

Veteran Kevin O’Quinn leads members of the Memorial Day crowd in saluting during the service Monday, May 27, at Veterans Memorial Park in Blue Ridge.

Veteran Kevin O’Quinn leads members of the Memorial Day crowd in saluting during the service Monday, May 27, at Veterans Memorial Park in Blue Ridge.

Concentration camp picture created lasting impression

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
War leaves sights that are never forgotten, some turning into scars that shape lifelong ideals for those who witnessed them.
Don't make deals on the Internet.

Don't make deals on the Internet.

Facebook scam costs victim $600

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
“If you’re going to deal with someone, do it face to face,” Fannin County Sheriff Dane Kirby said last week. He made the comment after the latest scam was reported that had cost the victim $600 and left another, unknowing victim embarrassed.
Valedictorian Peyton Nelson and Salutatorian Sydney Chancey, right, enjoyed their high school graduation.

Valedictorian Peyton Nelson and Salutatorian Sydney Chancey, right, enjoyed their high school graduation.

Class of 2024 celebrated at FCHS

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Sydney Chancey’s words drove home an important message to her classmates and the entire Fannin County High School community when she said, “Don’t wait on tomorrow for tomorrow may never come.” Chancey spoke the words in her salutatory address during the FCHS Class of 2024 graduation Friday, May 17.
Fannin County Sheriff Dane Kirby, left, shared a story about Robert Graham’s early days that got a laugh from new Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick Cooke and Graham. Not surprisingly, Graham later denied the story was true.

Fannin County Sheriff Dane Kirby, left, shared a story about Robert Graham’s early days that got a laugh from new Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick Cooke and Graham. Not surprisingly, Graham later denied the story was true.

Graham retires after 44 years serving Fannin County

Bobbi Pippin
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Robert Graham fought fires, combed forests for lost people, and was the saving grace for countless individuals involved in car accidents for 44 years. Those were just part of his responsibilities as he rose from volunteer all the way to director of the Fannin County Emergency Management Agency.
The Polk County commission honored Zoie Hatcher for her state championship in agribusiness. Shown with her are commissioners John Pippenger, Keith Barker, Danny Carver, Debbie Davis, Samantha Trantham, Hatcher, Kelley Morgan, Mush Davis, Christy Hardin, Greg Brooks and County Executive Robby Hatcher.

The Polk County commission honored Zoie Hatcher for her state championship in agribusiness. Shown with her are commissioners John Pippenger, Keith Barker, Danny Carver, Debbie Davis, Samantha Trantham, Hatcher, Kelley Morgan, Mush Davis, Christy Hardin, Greg Brooks and County Executive Robby Hatcher.

Zoie Hatcher honored by state, Polk County

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Zoie Hatcher was honored by both the Polk County commission and State Representative Dan Howell (R-Cleveland) during the commission meeting Thursday, May 23.
Morgan Thomas, left, gives Lyla Swafford a hand in putting the final touches on her birdhouse.

Morgan Thomas, left, gives Lyla Swafford a hand in putting the final touches on her birdhouse.

Camp Cocoon helps youngsters deal with grief

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Grief can make a person feel all alone, no matter that person’s age. With that thought in mind, Camp Cocoon opens its doors to help children ages 5 to 14 deal with their losses.
Valerie French places a flag at a veteran’s headstone in J.P. Chastain Memorial Park.

Valerie French places a flag at a veteran’s headstone in J.P. Chastain Memorial Park.

Fannin Middle School students honor veterans

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Christy Kay is determined that area veterans will be honored and their sacrifices remembered. Fueled by that determination, she organized the American flag display that stands at the corner of highways 515 and 5 in Blue Ridge. The flags fly on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and July 4.
Robert Patterson

Robert Patterson

Kirby cruises to fifth term

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Results: Voters send clear school board message Fannin County Sheriff Dane Kirby cruised to victory in Tuesday’s General Primary Election, and local voters were just as clear in their choices as they removed three incumbent school board members from their seats.
Breaking Chains was able to bring a large tub into the Fannin County Detention Center to baptize those who had given their life to Jesus. Members of Breaking Chains prayed for each individual prior to the service.

Breaking Chains was able to bring a large tub into the Fannin County Detention Center to baptize those who had given their life to Jesus. Members of Breaking Chains prayed for each individual prior to the service.

Breaking Chains ministry working to set the captives free spiritually

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Kristen Young calls sharing Jesus Christ with inmates in the Fannin County Detention Center, “The greatest honor of my life.” Listen to Young for just  a few minutes and you’ll know she is not just reciting  empty words, her love of Jesus rolls off her tongue with every syllable she speaks.