News

A hay bale made this young cowboy’s ride comfortable during the parade through McCaysville and Copperhill.

A hay bale made this young cowboy’s ride comfortable during the parade through McCaysville and Copperhill.

McCAYSVILLE CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Saturday, July 1, brought a full day of activities to McCaysville for the annual Independence Day celebration. A fishing rodeo for children began the day and was followed by a free hotdog cookout, parade and car show.
Patriotism was everywhere in Blue Ridge.

Patriotism was everywhere in Blue Ridge.

Old Timers' Parade biggest ever

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
The annual Old Timers’ Parade brought a crowd estimated to be in the thousands by officials to Blue Ridge July 4. The Independence Day event featured participants that stretched all around the downtown area.
Sydney Chastain, left, is shown with the subject of her personality profile, Fannin County Emergency Medical Services Director Becky Huffman.

Sydney Chastain, left, is shown with the subject of her personality profile, Fannin County Emergency Medical Services Director Becky Huffman.

Another set of eyes suddenly looked back

News Staff
Monday, July 3, 2023
Editor’s note: This is another in a series of personality profiles written by students in Jodi Williams’  English 1101 class at the University of North Georgia Blue Ridge campus. Each story is a first hand account of a local person who has made an impact on the author.
Glenn Chambers reads the plaque on the wall at the entrance to Fannin County Family Connection recognizing his family for their donation of the building. He is joined by his wife, Lynda, and their sons, Chris and Patrick.

Glenn Chambers reads the plaque on the wall at the entrance to Fannin County Family Connection recognizing his family for their donation of the building. He is joined by his wife, Lynda, and their sons, Chris and Patrick.

Family Connection building dedicated to Chambers family

Glenn Harbison
Monday, July 3, 2023
The Family County Family Connection (FCFC)building was dedicated Tuesday, June 27, as one person after another thanked the Chambers family for their generous donation of the facility.
More detailed information about The Rescue and Overwatch Foundation is offered on their website including information about the Blue Ridge Classic golf tournament coming August 29 to Old Toccoa Farm.

More detailed information about The Rescue and Overwatch Foundation is offered on their website including information about the Blue Ridge Classic golf tournament coming August 29 to Old Toccoa Farm.

Foundation promises service to veterans

Glenn Harbison
Monday, July 3, 2023
The goal of The Rescue and Overwatch Foundation is simple, “It’s all about serving our veterans.” The words are an introduction to the new organization’s website, and are echoed by Ken Brenneman who is chairman of the non-profit group.
Polk County commissioners, from left, Samantha Trantham, Greg Brooks, John Pippenger and Mush Davis address concerns being expressed over biosolids during last week commission meeting at the Copper Basin Community Center.

Polk County commissioners, from left, Samantha Trantham, Greg Brooks, John Pippenger and Mush Davis address concerns being expressed over biosolids during last week commission meeting at the Copper Basin Community Center.

Chemical concerns among biosolid worries

Glenn Harbison
Monday, July 3, 2023
Chemical concerns, legal avenues and questions about enforcement powers over biosolids and their transport were all raised by area residents as they addressed two representatives of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).
Java Health Chief Executive Officer Bappa Mukherji and Chief Financial Officer Martha Henley greeted visitors to Riverstone Medical Campus and introduced the hospital team.

Java Health Chief Executive Officer Bappa Mukherji and Chief Financial Officer Martha Henley greeted visitors to Riverstone Medical Campus and introduced the hospital team.

“Providing the best quality of care” critical to success

Glenn Harbison
Monday, July 3, 2023
Officials of Java Health, Inc., were introduced to the community last Thursday, and they brought with them a new name for Fannin Regional Hospital. The local health care facility will now be known as Blue Ridge Medical Center as its new owners officially took over July 1.
Jason Cook and Travis Sisson work to clear brush and trees to reach the power pole needing cable run to it.

Jason Cook and Travis Sisson work to clear brush and trees to reach the power pole needing cable run to it.

How long? Power is restored as quickly as possible

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Everyone who has ever experienced a power outage has probably asked, “How long until they get the power back on?” “They,” of course, would be the power company, and waiting for the electricity to flow is never the best test of anyone’s patience.
Fannin County native Amanda Mercier was sworn in as the new chief judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals last week.

Fannin County native Amanda Mercier was sworn in as the new chief judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals last week.

Amanda Mercier top Appeals judge

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Amanda Mercier was sworn in last week as the new chief judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals, The Fannin County native took her oath during a ceremony Thursday, June 22, in the Court of Appeals Courtroom of the Nathan Deal Judicial Center in Atlanta.