News

This is the type of damage in the Polk County Courthouse to be repaired.

This is the type of damage in the Polk County Courthouse to be repaired.

Polk receives $500,000 grant

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Polk County has been awarded a half million dollar grant to make major repairs to the courthouse in Benton. In an email to Polk County Executive Robby Hatcher, Kim Parks wrote, “Congratulations! Polk County was awarded a Historic Development Grant-Courthouse Round in the amount of $500,000.
Justin Turner (left) accepts the Officer Of The Year award from Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ross at the Fannin County Fire Department’s annual Christmas dinner.

Justin Turner (left) accepts the Officer Of The Year award from Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ross at the Fannin County Fire Department’s annual Christmas dinner.

First responders honored

Jason Queen
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
The Fannin County Fire Department honored some of its finest EMS staff during its annual Christmas dinner December 11 at the University of North Georgia David E. Ralston Hall in Blue Ridge.
Gale Mancuso packs a bag for an order with the Marine Corps League Detachment #1438 Toys for Tots.

Gale Mancuso packs a bag for an order with the Marine Corps League Detachment #1438 Toys for Tots.

Toys for Tots helps 1,000

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Roughly 1,000 children were able to wake up Christmas morning to gifts thanks to the Marine Corps Detachment #1438 Toys for Tots. In four hours, the volunteers served 130 families for Christmas Thursday, December 18.
Fannin County’s Braylee Davenport (#4) and Kylie Breeden (#33) defend against Copper Basin’s Alexis Hyatt in the Piedmont Holiday Classic tournament Saturday.

Fannin County’s Braylee Davenport (#4) and Kylie Breeden (#33) defend against Copper Basin’s Alexis Hyatt in the Piedmont Holiday Classic tournament Saturday.

Lady Rebels post 62-46 victory over Copper Basin

News Staff
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Maggie Ledford scored 20 points and Reese Lewis added 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Fannin County Lady Rebels defeated Copper Basin, 62-46, Saturday, December 20, in the Piedmont Holiday Classic tournament at Gilmer County High School.
Sergeant Brittny Depuy with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center helps this young girl find some new clothes during Shop With A Cop.

Sergeant Brittny Depuy with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center helps this young girl find some new clothes during Shop With A Cop.

Shop With A Cop serves 285

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office Shop With A Cop program served a record number 285 children this year. “This was made possible by all the generous donors and the volunteers who helped,” Shop With A Cop Board President Darvin Couch said.
Fannin County FFA members and supporters pay their respects during Wreaths Across America December 13 at Chastain Memorial Cemetery in Blue Ridge.

Fannin County FFA members and supporters pay their respects during Wreaths Across America December 13 at Chastain Memorial Cemetery in Blue Ridge.

Veterans honored with wreaths

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
The American Legion Post 248 initiated the county’s first Wreaths Across America event at Chastain Memorial Cemetery in Blue Ridge December 13. Around 325 veterans received wreaths on their graves that day.
Described as an “attached structure” in dispatch records, it was totally destroyed in an early morning fire that left Gina Golden severely burned.

Described as an “attached structure” in dispatch records, it was totally destroyed in an early morning fire that left Gina Golden severely burned.

Woman burned in early morning fire

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Gina Golden remains on a ventilator in critical care, suffering second and third degree burns following a residential fire in Copperhill December 16. Golden was airlifted to Wellstar Cobb Medical Center in Austell, Georgia, immediately following the early morning blaze.
The Old Toccoa Farm Ladies Golf Association (LGA) raised $32,500 during their fourth annual Pink & White Tournament in October. Presenting a check to Dr. Rosa Langella with Breast Cancer Thrive are, from left, LGA 2025 President Kathy Burke, Teri Necessary, Langella, Kerri Dewitz, Betsy Pope and LGA 2026 President Maria Guillen.

The Old Toccoa Farm Ladies Golf Association (LGA) raised $32,500 during their fourth annual Pink & White Tournament in October. Presenting a check to Dr. Rosa Langella with Breast Cancer Thrive are, from left, LGA 2025 President Kathy Burke, Teri Necessary, Langella, Kerri Dewitz, Betsy Pope and LGA 2026 President Maria Guillen.

OTF golfers raise $32,500

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
The Ladies Golf Association (LGA) of Old Toccoa Farm (OTF) has raised $32,500 for breast cancer post-operation and preventative care. The outgoing and incoming presidents and tournament co-chairs presented a check to Dr. Maria Langella December 9 at The Tavern at OTF.
The Fannin County High School gymnasium has been named the Coach Johnny Farmer Gymnasium. Farmer, who coached for over 30 years in the Fannin County School System, was honored at a dedication ceremony December 13. Members of Farmer’s family were on hand and honored also. Farmer, holding a plaque, is shown with family members Brianna Farmer, Navy Farmer, Neyland Farmer, Jordan Farmer, Donna Farmer, Deacon Farmer, Coach Farmer, Jonathan Farmer, Deana Farmer and Lindsey Farmer.

The Fannin County High School gymnasium has been named the Coach Johnny Farmer Gymnasium. Farmer, who coached for over 30 years in the Fannin County School System, was honored at a dedication ceremony December 13. Members of Farmer’s family were on hand and honored also. Farmer, holding a plaque, is shown with family members Brianna Farmer, Navy Farmer, Neyland Farmer, Jordan Farmer, Donna Farmer, Deacon Farmer, Coach Farmer, Jonathan Farmer, Deana Farmer and Lindsey Farmer.

Farmer’s coaching career honored with gym’s name

Jason Queen
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Longtime Fannin County High School basketball coach Johnny Farmer was honored Saturday, December 13, as his name was officially applied to the building he helped build.
The Blue Ridge Medical Center Auxiliary, known as the Pink Ladies, gathered with hospital staff and other visitors for their annual Love Lights tree lighting outside of the hospital December 2.

The Blue Ridge Medical Center Auxiliary, known as the Pink Ladies, gathered with hospital staff and other visitors for their annual Love Lights tree lighting outside of the hospital December 2.

Lives of love represented by Love Light tree

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
“Each of those lights represents a life, a life of a loved one.