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The News Observer

The News Observer

Blue Ridge suffers wastewater spill

Hannah Jack
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
A city employee at the Blue Ridge Wastewater Treatment Plant reported an incidental spill last Friday night, July 29. Plant Superintendent James Weaver said the leak was due to a broken line. According to Weaver, a passerby noticed water in the road and reported it around 11:30 p.m. Friday night.
David Lee Roper

David Lee Roper

Less than 10 minutes from call to arrest

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Less than ten minutes after suspicious activity was reported to the Fannin County 911 center, an accused burglar found himself in the backseat of a Fannin County deputy sheriff’s patrol car headed to jail.
Fannin County Sheriff Dane Kirby, seated, right, and school resource officers and deputy sheriffs Anthony Walden, seated, and Jim Burrell, listen as Fannin County School System Associate Superintendent Darren Danner talks to Fannin County Middle School staff following the active shooter drill at the school. Kirby told the staff that, while there is no way to be prepared for every situation, “you’re training will kick in.”

Fannin County Sheriff Dane Kirby, seated, right, and school resource officers and deputy sheriffs Anthony Walden, seated, and Jim Burrell, listen as Fannin County School System Associate Superintendent Darren Danner talks to Fannin County Middle School staff following the active shooter drill at the school. Kirby told the staff that, while there is no way to be prepared for every situation, “you’re training will kick in.”

“Safety is not convenient” FCMS staff, teachers learn during active shooter drill

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
“Safety is not convenient,” School Resource Officer (SRO) Commander Lieutenant Darvin Couch told Fannin County Middle School teachers and staff members last week.
This sweet boy is a Lab Heeler mix who was owner surrendered July 18. He has a beautiful chocolate brown coat with tan patches throughout. View this cutie using intake number 254-22.

This sweet boy is a Lab Heeler mix who was owner surrendered July 18. He has a beautiful chocolate brown coat with tan patches throughout. View this cutie using intake number 254-22.

Adopt-A-Pet

Hannah Jack
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Fannin County Animal Control had 12 dogs in their care as of Monday morning, July 25. This past week, 11 dogs were taken in, while one was adopted. Four dogs were owner reclaimed, two went to Mountain Shelter and one dog went to Paw Angels Inc.
Special Olympics Golf Coach and Coordinator Craig Hartman, left, cheers for athlete Jay Jenkins, right, at Old Toccoa Farm Tuesday, July 19.

Special Olympics Golf Coach and Coordinator Craig Hartman, left, cheers for athlete Jay Jenkins, right, at Old Toccoa Farm Tuesday, July 19.

Special Olympics athletes shine at Old Toccoa Farm

Jenna Young
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
“It was a wonderful day at Old Toccoa Farms,” said Fannin County Special Olympics Local Area Coordinator Gini Tipton. The Fannin County Special Olympic athletes took to the golf course Tuesday, July 19.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Fannin, cities begin tax split negotiations

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
There were no decisions on how to divide the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) or Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), but everyone involved in the negotiations agreed public safety has to be a priority where tax dollars are concerned.
Ten-year-old Clay Maddox presents his $1,000 donation to Fannin County Recreation Department representatives to help pay fees for children who would like to play sports but cannot afford to register. Shown are, from left, John Spargo, Eddie O’Neal, Clay Maddox, Tim Towe, Earl Maddox and, in front, Clay’s dog Maverick.

Ten-year-old Clay Maddox presents his $1,000 donation to Fannin County Recreation Department representatives to help pay fees for children who would like to play sports but cannot afford to register. Shown are, from left, John Spargo, Eddie O’Neal, Clay Maddox, Tim Towe, Earl Maddox and, in front, Clay’s dog Maverick.

Maddox gives rec dept. $1,000 in Jake’s memory

News Staff
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Clay Maddox, 10, of Morganton, gave his donation of $1,000 to the Fannin County Recreation Department Monday, July 18. This was Maddox’s second summer selling lemonade in honor of his late German Shepherd, Jake. Last year, Jake was shot and killed by the family’s neighbor.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Body found in pond identified

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
“At this point, no foul play is suspected,” Fannin County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Sergeant J.K. Davenport said. Davenport was referring to the body of a man found floating in a pond off Harris Road just outside McCaysville the day before. The victim is identified as Nicholas E.
Fannin County School System (FCSS) officials and school board members gathered with contractors Thursday, July 21, to officially cut the ribbon dedicating the new FCSS Staff Development Center.

Fannin County School System (FCSS) officials and school board members gathered with contractors Thursday, July 21, to officially cut the ribbon dedicating the new FCSS Staff Development Center.

School’s new Staff Development Center unveiled with open house

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
A constant stream of people poured through the Fannin County School System’s (FCSS) new Staff Development Center during a special open house Thursday, July 21.