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The News Observer

The News Observer

Toys for Tots served over 900

Lauralee Callegari
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Generous community support is being credited for the successful efforts of the 2023 Toys for Tots campaign. Again this year, the Marine Corps League Detachment #1438 of Blue Ridge spearheaded the effort.
Frank Wood is a veteran of the district attorney’s office.

Frank Wood is a veteran of the district attorney’s office.

Frank Wood to assume role as district attorney

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Frank Wood will become the Appalachian Judicial Circuit’s acting district attorney when Alison Sosebee is sworn in as the circuit’s new Superior Court judge. He will assume the role until Sosebee’s replacement is appointed by Governor Brian Kemp.
Alison Sosebee was appointed by the governor.

Alison Sosebee was appointed by the governor.

Sosebee named Superior Court judge

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Alison Sosebee has been appointed by Governor Brian Kemp as the new Superior Court Judge for the Appalachian Judicial Circuit. She fills the vacancy created by the unexpected passing of Judge John Worcester.
Kayden Ja’Quan Hodges

Kayden Ja’Quan Hodges

Bond violation sends suspect back to jail

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
An 18-year-old Fannin County man was denied bond Monday morning, December 18, less than two weeks after being freed from custody. Kayden Ja’Quan Hodges, 18, of 55 Cherrywood Court, Blue Ridge, was first arrested December 5 on a charge of Sexual Battery.
Sue Beaver is shown at the December 12 meeting of the McCaysville City Council as she completed her second, four-year term. She decided earlier this year she would not seek re-election

Sue Beaver is shown at the December 12 meeting of the McCaysville City Council as she completed her second, four-year term. She decided earlier this year she would not seek re-election

“I love my McCaysville,” Beaver says at last meeting

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Sue Beaver’s eight years of service on the McCaysville City Council were recognized when her fellow council members, other city officials and employees, and a handful of residents wished her well following her last council meeting.
Joshua Darrin Hughes in his June 2023 booking photo.

Joshua Darrin Hughes in his June 2023 booking photo.

Cause of inmate’s death not known

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Joshua Darrin Hughes was found unconscious and unresponsive in the Fannin County Jail one day before he was scheduled to be transferred into the Drug Court program. He was pronounced dead at Blue Ridge Medical Center about an hour later.
Fannin County Deputy Sheriff Charlie Yannis watched as Jacee Fain picked out some clothes during Shop With A Cop. Walmart in Blue Ridge welcomed the shoppers for the big day Saturday, December 9, as well as on several follow up days.

Fannin County Deputy Sheriff Charlie Yannis watched as Jacee Fain picked out some clothes during Shop With A Cop. Walmart in Blue Ridge welcomed the shoppers for the big day Saturday, December 9, as well as on several follow up days.

Shop With A Cop largest yet for children, help

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
The largest number of volunteers gathered to help the largest number of children Shop With A Cop Saturday, December 9. This year’s program, which is sponsored by the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office, grew by a third over previous years as almost 150 children were served.
Fannin County’s newest firefighters are shown following graduation ceremonies Saturday in Blue Ridge. Having just received their certification certificates are, from left, front, Jamie Hensley, Hailee Jo Turner, Lauren Lasley, and Jason Hall; and, back row, Noah Turner, Trent Lowery, Matt Curtis, Alex Allison Jr., Thomas Green, Tyson Conley, and Dakota Green.

Fannin County’s newest firefighters are shown following graduation ceremonies Saturday in Blue Ridge. Having just received their certification certificates are, from left, front, Jamie Hensley, Hailee Jo Turner, Lauren Lasley, and Jason Hall; and, back row, Noah Turner, Trent Lowery, Matt Curtis, Alex Allison Jr., Thomas Green, Tyson Conley, and Dakota Green.

Eleven firefighters graduate

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Fannin County’s newest firefighters graduated from an intensive training program during a special ceremony Saturday, December 2, at Fire Station #1 in Blue Ridge.
An overhead view of the Tri-State Model Railroaders “Old Line” shows how truly expansive the layout is. The layout is an “around the room” loop to loop. The model is an exact miniature replica of the Old Line Railroad that was a part of a project to link Knoxville, Tennessee, to Marietta, Georgia, by rail.

An overhead view of the Tri-State Model Railroaders “Old Line” shows how truly expansive the layout is. The layout is an “around the room” loop to loop. The model is an exact miniature replica of the Old Line Railroad that was a part of a project to link Knoxville, Tennessee, to Marietta, Georgia, by rail.

Railroaders host annual ride, plan Christmas Open House Dec. 16

Lauralee Callegari
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Ride the Rails came chugging down the tracks when the Tri-State Model Railroaders hosted their annual Ride the Rails November 24 and 25 at the Historic Mineral Bluff Depot. Next on the railroaders agenda is the Christmas Open House planned for Saturday, December 16, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Charles Brent Gray

Charles Brent Gray

Gray faces multiple molestation charges

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Charles Brent Gray, 20, of 1930 Star Creek Road, Morganton, remains held without bond in the Fannin County Jail following his arrest on six felony charges. All six charges involve sexual assaults on two children, both under the age of 10.