News

Tyler Watkins works high above Blue Ridge Drive Sunday afternoon to restore power to Tri-State EMC members in McCaysville. Crews were still working Tuesday morning to fix problems as 1,490 customers were reported without electricity.

Tyler Watkins works high above Blue Ridge Drive Sunday afternoon to restore power to Tri-State EMC members in McCaysville. Crews were still working Tuesday morning to fix problems as 1,490 customers were reported without electricity.

Storm wreaks havoc

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
A severe afternoon storm that seemed to come out of nowhere Sunday kept first responders and Tri-State EMC crews busy, some still working Tuesday. The first strong winds and heavy rains struck the East side of Fannin County around 4 p.m.
Amy Moran-Yannis is a veteran of the U.S. Army. When she joined, she went against the family tradition of service in the Air Force. She grins when she says “I went rouge.”

Amy Moran-Yannis is a veteran of the U.S. Army. When she joined, she went against the family tradition of service in the Air Force. She grins when she says “I went rouge.”

Amy Moran-Yannis: A history of patriotism

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
A my Moran-Yannis tells of her strong commitment to family and patriotism when she talks about how the U.S. Army was “the single best decision I made” in shaping her life. Moran-Yannis comes from a long line of patriots. Her father, mother, older brother, and brother-in-law all served.
Nate Maloof chose his mother, Alison Sosebee, for his personality profile.

Nate Maloof chose his mother, Alison Sosebee, for his personality profile.

Bracelet a daily reminder to do the right thing

News Staff
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
 By Nate Maloof “Seek Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly” is the text engraved on a bracelet worn by Alison Sosebee on her right wrist every day when she leaves home. The small, silver bracelet was gifted to her by a friend and would not usually catch one’s eye.
First responders work during an Auto Extrication Advanced Patient Handling Class at the Blue Ridge Kiwanis Club Fairgrounds.

First responders work during an Auto Extrication Advanced Patient Handling Class at the Blue Ridge Kiwanis Club Fairgrounds.

Class teaches advanced techniques

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
The Kiwanis Club Fairgrounds in Blue Ridge were filled with 26 cars and one school bus as first responders from across North Georgia took part in an Auto Extrication Advanced Patient Handling Class.
Sunny D camp veterans helping with this year’s camp and productions are, from left, front, Arwyn Jones, Sarah Creed, Erica Sanders, Sarah Shelton, Courtnee Tabacchi and Sophie Burnette; and, back, Faith Mann, Garrison Hamm and Lilybet Jones.

Sunny D camp veterans helping with this year’s camp and productions are, from left, front, Arwyn Jones, Sarah Creed, Erica Sanders, Sarah Shelton, Courtnee Tabacchi and Sophie Burnette; and, back, Faith Mann, Garrison Hamm and Lilybet Jones.

Sunny D veterans back to help this year’s camp

News Staff
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Two dozen wonderful former Sunny D students and other college students are helping Blue Ridge Community Theater to put on the best theater camp ever. Here’s a bit about each of these great kids and what they are doing to produce this year’s series of shows entitled Play Among the Stars.
The Madola Road bridge over Fightingtown Creek is clearly marked with a weight limit of five tons. However, this is part of the route outlined for trucks carrying biosolids. Their weight was found to be as high as 73,000 pounds by law enforcement officers. The route is outlined in the pilot program plans filed with the Tennessee Department of Conservation and Environment.

The Madola Road bridge over Fightingtown Creek is clearly marked with a weight limit of five tons. However, this is part of the route outlined for trucks carrying biosolids. Their weight was found to be as high as 73,000 pounds by law enforcement officers. The route is outlined in the pilot program plans filed with the Tennessee Department of Conservation and Environment.

Pilot program document, Denali contract with Cobb County answer questions, reveal plans for biosolids

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Growing concern over the transportation and spreading of biosolids continues to raise questions among citizens and government officials alike. Documents obtained by The News Observer shed light on some concerns, while related questions went unanswered.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Food costs drive up Fannin school lunch prices

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Students and adults will see increases in their cafeteria meal prices when Fannin County schools begin a new year this fall. Martha Williams, director of Nurtrition and Wellness, told school board members last week prices will increase next year after being unchanged for the last four years.
Matthew Mills is shown with the subject of his personality profile, Alejandra Mills.

Matthew Mills is shown with the subject of his personality profile, Alejandra Mills.

Rich in spirit works to fulfill the American Dream

News Staff
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
By Mathew Mills The American Dream is different for everyone. Some believe the American Dream is being rich and living in a mansion. For others, it is simply to have enough money to buy food and have a home big enough for a family to sleep in separate rooms.
Leigh Elkins, Danny Bivins and Kaitlin Messich, from left, of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia listen to ideas from citizens regarding the future of the Ocoee Whitewater Center.

Leigh Elkins, Danny Bivins and Kaitlin Messich, from left, of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia listen to ideas from citizens regarding the future of the Ocoee Whitewater Center.

Work begins to reimagine Ocoee Whitewater Center

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
A team from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia began their part last week to “Reimagine the OWC” (Ocoee Whitewater Center). Their effort is part of a “collaborative visioning process” underway by the U.S.