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These drivers squared off in last year’s Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby. Organizers are promising this Saturday’s action will be bigger and better than ever. Racing starts at 10 a.m. at Fannin County Middle School with gates opening at 9 a.m. A field of nearly 50 drivers is scheduled to compete.

These drivers squared off in last year’s Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby. Organizers are promising this Saturday’s action will be bigger and better than ever. Racing starts at 10 a.m. at Fannin County Middle School with gates opening at 9 a.m. A field of nearly 50 drivers is scheduled to compete.

Soap Box Derby Saturday

News Staff
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
The Kiwanis Soap Box Derby returns this Saturday, May 6, with gates opening at 9 a.m. and racing beginning at 10 a.m. at Fannin County Middle School. With a field on nearly 50 drivers, organizers say this is promising to be the biggest race in the local derby’s history.
Some familiar faces smile at Syd’s Place in anticipation for the Grand Opening Saturday, May 6. Shown are, from left, back row, Emily Salas, Anthony Villegas, Highland Outdoor Ministry Director Austin Leach and Madison Mitchum; front row, Andrew Jones, Lesley Salas, Samantha Rosas, Giovanni Leal and Juan Leal.

Some familiar faces smile at Syd’s Place in anticipation for the Grand Opening Saturday, May 6. Shown are, from left, back row, Emily Salas, Anthony Villegas, Highland Outdoor Ministry Director Austin Leach and Madison Mitchum; front row, Andrew Jones, Lesley Salas, Samantha Rosas, Giovanni Leal and Juan Leal.

Sydnie Jones’ dream to become reality with opening of Syd’s Place Saturday

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Less than two years ago Bob Richardson told a crowd gathered at Meeks Park in Blairsville that a skate park would be built in Blue Ridge thanks to the motivation of Sydnie Jones. Richardson was then the pastor of Blue Ridge First Baptist Church.
Shirley Copeland and Jean Bonnewitz were presented pins honoring each of them for 6,500 hours of volunteer service to Fannin Regional Hospital. Copeland is also president of the Hospital Auxiliary, the Pink Ladies. Shown during the presentation of the pins are, from left, Chief Quality Officer Susan Aft, Copeland, Director of Patient Relations Susan Kiker, Bonnewitz, and Interim CEO/CFO Geoff Blomeley.

Shirley Copeland and Jean Bonnewitz were presented pins honoring each of them for 6,500 hours of volunteer service to Fannin Regional Hospital. Copeland is also president of the Hospital Auxiliary, the Pink Ladies. Shown during the presentation of the pins are, from left, Chief Quality Officer Susan Aft, Copeland, Director of Patient Relations Susan Kiker, Bonnewitz, and Interim CEO/CFO Geoff Blomeley.

Pink Ladies honored

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Members of the Hospital Auxiliary, the Pink Ladies, at Fannin Regional Hospital were honored last Wednesday, April 19, during National Auxiliary Week. Susan Kiker, director of Auxiliary Services, said the celebration is a time to honor “those important people who volunteer.
Barbara Davenport and Zac Meaders are two of the volunteer leaders who help Snack in a Backpack prepare food for children every week.

Barbara Davenport and Zac Meaders are two of the volunteer leaders who help Snack in a Backpack prepare food for children every week.

Volunteers, funds needed to feed kids this summer

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Donations and volunteers are needed as five organizations are again partnering to make sure Fannin County children in need have a meal this summer. Faith Presbyterian Church, Fannin County Family Connection, Snack in a Backpack, Feed Fannin, and St.
School Resource Officers and Fannin County deputy sheriffs Jim Burrell, left, and Lieutenant Darvin Couch were busy getting hamburgers and hotdogs ready for the participants in Saturday’s Riding the Ridge to benefit Shop With a Cop.

School Resource Officers and Fannin County deputy sheriffs Jim Burrell, left, and Lieutenant Darvin Couch were busy getting hamburgers and hotdogs ready for the participants in Saturday’s Riding the Ridge to benefit Shop With a Cop.

Riding the Ridge kicked off Shop With a Cop fundraising

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
“Thank ya’all from the bottom of my heart,” Dawn Cochran told participants in Saturday’s Riding the Ride, the annual pilgrimage of Jeeps through Fannin County’s countryside to raise money for Shop With a Cop.
Lee Dillard operates the crane moving the Veterans Monument as Albert Queen helps guide it into position.

Lee Dillard operates the crane moving the Veterans Monument as Albert Queen helps guide it into position.

Veterans Monument moved

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
There was no shortage of nervous onlookers last Wednesday when the historic Veterans Monument was moved from the spot it has occupied in McCaysville since 1946.
Richard and Heather Gazaway’s daughters, Skylar and Riley, and several other family members were among special guests at the Coporal Richard Gazaway Memorial Golf Tourney. They are shown in front of the banner with Wayne and Glenda Stover and Dawn Jamison. Among the many volunteers who worked to organize the tournament and make it a success are, from left, Dustin Carder, Jacob Pless, Todd Pack, Charles Yannis, Justin Turner, Amber Twiggs, J.K, Davenport, and Brad Mathis.

Richard and Heather Gazaway’s daughters, Skylar and Riley, and several other family members were among special guests at the Coporal Richard Gazaway Memorial Golf Tourney. They are shown in front of the banner with Wayne and Glenda Stover and Dawn Jamison. Among the many volunteers who worked to organize the tournament and make it a success are, from left, Dustin Carder, Jacob Pless, Todd Pack, Charles Yannis, Justin Turner, Amber Twiggs, J.K, Davenport, and Brad Mathis.

SCENES FROM THE CORPORAL RICHARD GAZAWAY MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Featured Photo Gallery
Sheryl Banks, Annabel Lillard and Alyssa Lewis prepare a patient for surgery at the Healthy Pet Clinic operated by the Humane Society of Blue Ridge. The clinic opened its doors March 27 with a goal of providing basic veterinary care to low income residents. Initially, the clinic planned to only serve Fannin County, but its organizers have decided to expand services to Polk and Gilmer County residents.

Sheryl Banks, Annabel Lillard and Alyssa Lewis prepare a patient for surgery at the Healthy Pet Clinic operated by the Humane Society of Blue Ridge. The clinic opened its doors March 27 with a goal of providing basic veterinary care to low income residents. Initially, the clinic planned to only serve Fannin County, but its organizers have decided to expand services to Polk and Gilmer County residents.

Clinic opens, service area expanded, fundraising continues

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
The Healthy Pet Clinic  is open, its service area has been expanded, a $10,000 grant has given a boost to fundraising, and donors are still needed to maintain the clinic’s ongoing services. The Humane Society of Blue Ridge opened the doors to the clinic off Mineral Springs Road March 27.
Allie Thomas and Brayden Mullins race to the finish during the Fannin County Special Olympics Track and Field Day Friday, April 14, at the Fannin County Recreation Department. Both are from Blue Ridge Elementary School.

Allie Thomas and Brayden Mullins race to the finish during the Fannin County Special Olympics Track and Field Day Friday, April 14, at the Fannin County Recreation Department. Both are from Blue Ridge Elementary School.

Special Olympics athletes shine

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Competitors came from all five Fannin County schools, Mountain Area Christian Academy and Gilmer County schools to show off their skills in the annual Fannin County Special Olympics Track and Field event last Friday at the Fannin County Recreation Department.