News

This photo of a fire at a Blue Ridge Lake home was believed to have been taken only minutes after firefighters were called to the scene shortly before 3 p.m. last Wednesday, July 26. The resident who was at home reported discovering the blaze when the entire front of the structure, facing the lake, was already fully involved in flames. Neighbors removed the boat shown in the foreground to a different dock.

This photo of a fire at a Blue Ridge Lake home was believed to have been taken only minutes after firefighters were called to the scene shortly before 3 p.m. last Wednesday, July 26. The resident who was at home reported discovering the blaze when the entire front of the structure, facing the lake, was already fully involved in flames. Neighbors removed the boat shown in the foreground to a different dock.

Resident escapes, two firefighters sent to hospital

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
The resident of a home on Blue Ridge Lake escaped just moments before a fire that erupted on the exterior consumed the entire house, but two firefighters battling the blaze were transported to the hospital.
This van used by Mineral Springs Center was one of two damaged beyond repair when a large White Oak destroyed it during a June 25 storm.

This van used by Mineral Springs Center was one of two damaged beyond repair when a large White Oak destroyed it during a June 25 storm.

Mineral Springs Center needs help to replace two vans

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Mineral Springs Center suffered a huge blow to the staff’s daily efforts to offer clients access to community activities through group and individual services when both its wheelchair accessible vehicles were totally destroyed Sunday, June 25.
Concerned citizens gathered at the entrance to Copperhill Industries Tuesday morning, July 18, to protest the continued spreading of biosolids at the site of former mining and milling operations.

Concerned citizens gathered at the entrance to Copperhill Industries Tuesday morning, July 18, to protest the continued spreading of biosolids at the site of former mining and milling operations.

TDEC won’t return for town hall meetings

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) officials have said they will not attend any more town hall meetings in Polk County, and County Executive Robby Hatcher has no faith in their suggestion where citizens can get the answers they so desperately seek.
Celeste Lance gets ready to cut Addyson’s hair as part of the Back to School Bash at Fannin County High School Saturday. Sponsors estimated 450 students took advantage of the annual event which featured the free haircuts.

Celeste Lance gets ready to cut Addyson’s hair as part of the Back to School Bash at Fannin County High School Saturday. Sponsors estimated 450 students took advantage of the annual event which featured the free haircuts.

Back to School Bash helps 450 students

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
The Back to School Bash this past Saturday probably attracted more participants than anyone could have imagined. Enthusiasm started ahead of schedule as parents and their youngsters were lining up at 8:15, before the scheduled 9 a.m. start in the Fannin County High School gymnasium.
A positive identification is expected to have to be made through DNA samples.

A positive identification is expected to have to be made through DNA samples.

Body found in creek Sunday

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Investigators are working to identify a body recovered from Hemptown Creek behind the Bee Hive Grocery in Mineral Bluff Sunday evening, July 23. Investigations Sergeant J.K.
Fannin County officials unveiled the Emergency Management Agency’s (EMA) new Mobile Command Center last week. Shown in front of the large bus that is capable of operating the entire 911 communications center are, from left, Fire Chief Larry Thomas, Commission Chairman Jamie Hensley, Post 2 Commissioner Glenn Patterson, Post 1 Commissioner Johnny Scearce, Deputy EMA Director Patrick Cooke and EMA Director Robert Graham.

Fannin County officials unveiled the Emergency Management Agency’s (EMA) new Mobile Command Center last week. Shown in front of the large bus that is capable of operating the entire 911 communications center are, from left, Fire Chief Larry Thomas, Commission Chairman Jamie Hensley, Post 2 Commissioner Glenn Patterson, Post 1 Commissioner Johnny Scearce, Deputy EMA Director Patrick Cooke and EMA Director Robert Graham.

New Mobile Command Center adds capabilities

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
The Fannin County Emergency Management Agency’s (EMA) new mobile command center (MCC) has the ability to operate the entire 911 communications center if the worst possible situation were to occur.
The City of Blue Ridge will not open the cannery this year. The school board had operated the facility for several years, but returned it to the city earlier this year.

The City of Blue Ridge will not open the cannery this year. The school board had operated the facility for several years, but returned it to the city earlier this year.

Blue Ridge cannery won’t open this year

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Blue Ridge officials have decided the cannery will not open this year. City Administrator Eric Soroka said last week an inventory of the equipment determined “it has served its useful life.
Three suspects are being held in connection with the incident that claimed Satterfield's life.

Three suspects are being held in connection with the incident that claimed Satterfield's life.

Murder charges filed in Satterfield death

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Two suspects remained in custody in the Fannin County jail Tuesday facing Felony Murder and other charges in connection with the June death of Levi Jasper Satterfield. A third suspect is also held in connection with the incident that claimed Satterfield’s life.
Members of the Fannin County High School mini dance camp and their instructors gathered at the conclusion of the camp to perform for family and friends.

Members of the Fannin County High School mini dance camp and their instructors gathered at the conclusion of the camp to perform for family and friends.

FCHS dance team supported by camp

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
The Fannin County High School (FCHS) mini dance camp was held recently to support and help raise funds for the FCHS dance team. Colbie Rogers, who organized the camp, said this coming school year will be the second year of the newly formed dance team.