News

Fannin County’s Justin Burrell, left, captured three awards at Pigs on the Ridge, the annual Young Farmers Association Market Hog Show.

Fannin County’s Justin Burrell, left, captured three awards at Pigs on the Ridge, the annual Young Farmers Association Market Hog Show.

Ten from Fannin win in Pigs on the Ridge events

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Members of 4H and FFA organizations from Fannin, Dawson and Walker counties gathered January 16 to compete in Pigs on the Ridge. This was the annual Fannin County Young Farmers Association Invitational Market Hog Show held at the Fannin County School System Ag Center.
David Nichols is the new head coach of the Fannin County Rebels football team.

David Nichols is the new head coach of the Fannin County Rebels football team.

Nichols named head football coach at FCHS

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
David Nichols was unanimously handed the reins as Fannin County High School’s new head football coach by the school board Friday afternoon, January 23.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Rezoning clears way for $40 million plan

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
A rezoning request for property along Blue Ridge Drive was approved by the Blue Ridge City Council January 20, clearing the way for what Erick Youngberg described as a $40 million dollar project that will create 300 jobs. Council members agreed unanimously to rezone 8.
When Blue Ridge Elementary School found itself on a list for Targeted Support & Improvement, Prinicpal Mark Young credits everyone for pulling together to come off that list in just 10 weeks. Most schools, when faced with the same problem, develop three year plans in hopes of the same result.

When Blue Ridge Elementary School found itself on a list for Targeted Support & Improvement, Prinicpal Mark Young credits everyone for pulling together to come off that list in just 10 weeks. Most schools, when faced with the same problem, develop three year plans in hopes of the same result.

Blue Ridge Elementary draws attention for rapid turnaround

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
The staff at Blue Ridge Elementary School pulled together last year to accomplish in ten weeks what most schools work to achieve in three years. The accomplishment earned them praise from the state Department of Education (DOE) and Fannin County School System leaders alike.
Freedom for Fido Co-Founder Fritz Gilbert secures the metal for a covered awning the volunteers built at their 200th fence build for the dog, Kie, to take shelter from rain and weather.

Freedom for Fido Co-Founder Fritz Gilbert secures the metal for a covered awning the volunteers built at their 200th fence build for the dog, Kie, to take shelter from rain and weather.

Freedom for Fido celebrates 200th fence

Enola Patterson
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Freedom for Fido volunteers completed and celebrated their 200th free fence build Sunday, January 11.  Volunteers at the event built a fenced in area on a portion of the owners yard for the dog, Kie, to run free in a safe area.
Cline Bowers describes his water plant’s operation to members of the Fannin County Water Authority last week. Fannin commissioners were at the meeting.

Cline Bowers describes his water plant’s operation to members of the Fannin County Water Authority last week. Fannin commissioners were at the meeting.

Fannin buying water plant

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Fannin County commissioners wasted no time Wednesday afternoon, January 14, when they were presented with an opportunity they agreed would greatly enhance the county’s ability to provide water to its residents.
Abishai Rittweger was joined by his step dad, Charles Tucker, and East Fannin Elementary Principal Mathew Price, right, after he accepted his trophy for winning the Fannin County School District Spelling Bee last week.

Abishai Rittweger was joined by his step dad, Charles Tucker, and East Fannin Elementary Principal Mathew Price, right, after he accepted his trophy for winning the Fannin County School District Spelling Bee last week.

Rittweger crowned Fannin’s top speller

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
East Fannin Elementary School’s Abishai Rittweger emerged from the tenth round of the annual Spelling Bee competition as the Fannin County School  District Champion. The event was held last Friday, January 9, at the school system district office.
Bubba Gibbs takes his Oath of Office for the Blue Ridge City Council Monday, January 5 at City Hall.

Bubba Gibbs takes his Oath of Office for the Blue Ridge City Council Monday, January 5 at City Hall.

New Blue Ridge leaders take office

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Mayor Andy Rhodes and council members Bubba Gibbs and Jacqueline Kiker were sworn into their new City of Blue Ridge positions Monday, January 5. In an opening address by Rhodes, he received a standing ovation from the large audience inside City Hall.
Fannin officials and members of the Lois Nell Stanley Long family gathered to dedicate the bridge over Big Creek on Aska Rd. Shown are Post 2 Commissioner Glenn Patterson, Public Works Director Zack Ratcliff, Commission Chairman Jamie Hensley, Merle and Freddy Long, Post 1 Commissioner Johnny Scearce, Robbie Long, Gerald Long, Gina Golden, Heather Long, Shane Rogers, Rocco Rogers, Marley Rogers, Annette Long, Lyle and Cathy Scruggs, Ray, Jordan, Josh, Brody, and Erin Golden, Aly Ethington, Allison Rodgers.

Fannin officials and members of the Lois Nell Stanley Long family gathered to dedicate the bridge over Big Creek on Aska Rd. Shown are Post 2 Commissioner Glenn Patterson, Public Works Director Zack Ratcliff, Commission Chairman Jamie Hensley, Merle and Freddy Long, Post 1 Commissioner Johnny Scearce, Robbie Long, Gerald Long, Gina Golden, Heather Long, Shane Rogers, Rocco Rogers, Marley Rogers, Annette Long, Lyle and Cathy Scruggs, Ray, Jordan, Josh, Brody, and Erin Golden, Aly Ethington, Allison Rodgers.

Longs, Stanleys remembered as pioneers

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
A large part of rural Fannin County history was honored Thursday, January 8, when the bridge over Big Creek on Aska Road was dedicated as the Lois Nell Stanley Long Bridge. The dedication memorialized two pioneer families in what is now the Dial area of the county, the Longs and Stanleys.
Dr. Jenny Jaffe will lead a question-and-answer session when Project Chimps hosts a Cheers for Chimps fundraiser January 20.

Dr. Jenny Jaffe will lead a question-and-answer session when Project Chimps hosts a Cheers for Chimps fundraiser January 20.

Project Chimps kicking off 2026 with Cheers for Chimps fundraiser

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Project Chimps is kicking off the new year with a new series, Cheers for Chimps, at Mountain Mama’s Coffee Lounge Tuesday, January 20. Join Dr. Jenny Jaffe, veterinarian, for an exclusive questions-and-answer session.