News

This male mix was picked up in McCaysville Thursday, March 17. He has a white coat with black spots. View this cutie using intake number 078-22. He is shown with animal control Interim Manager J.R. Cornett.

This male mix was picked up in McCaysville Thursday, March 17. He has a white coat with black spots. View this cutie using intake number 078-22. He is shown with animal control Interim Manager J.R. Cornett.

Adopt-A-Pet

Spring into Fannin County Animal Control for a life-long companion. This past week, eight dogs were taken in while three were reclaimed by their owners. Coon Hound Rescue took one dog. Volunteers are welcome to visit, walk and play with dogs at the facility during business hours.
This map identifies available parking within the Central Business District.

This map identifies available parking within the Central Business District.

Proposed Blue Ridge parking solutions unveiled

The “first reading” of the proposed parking solutions were performed at the Blue Ridge City Council’s meeting Tuesday, March 15. The solutions, within Chapter 22 in the city’s Municode of ordinances, include a three-hour parking limit between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Boys & Girls Club of America could be coming to the Basin by summer time.

Boys & Girls Club of America could be coming to the Basin by summer time.

Basin may get Boys & Girls Club

There are hopes of a Boys & Girls Club coming to Copper Basin as early as this summer. Kimberly Goins, director of Community Outreach at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region, says that it is “something they’ve been working toward for a while.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, right, is shown with Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge President Bill Echelberger while at the club’s meeting Monday, March 21.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, right, is shown with Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge President Bill Echelberger while at the club’s meeting Monday, March 21.

Raffensperger talks voting ideas at Kiwanis meet

Georgia’s Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger stopped at the Circle J Family Steakhouse in Blue Ridge, Monday, March 21, to speak to members of the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge.
This male Hound mix was picked up on Doublehead Gap Road in Blue Ridge March 7. This big boy has a black and tan coat. View him using intake number 068-22. He is shown with animal control Officer Luke McDonald.

This male Hound mix was picked up on Doublehead Gap Road in Blue Ridge March 7. This big boy has a black and tan coat. View him using intake number 068-22. He is shown with animal control Officer Luke McDonald.

Adopt-A-Pet

Fannin County Animal Control is the place to go to find a forever friend. This past week, nine dogs were taken in while two were reclaimed, and another was adopted. Homeward Bound Pet Rescue took two dogs, Atlanta Humane Society took one, and Forsyth Humane Society took three.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Shallowford Bridge saved by board vote

Fannin County commissioners have agreed to spend a little of $167,000 to keep Shallowford Bridge open, improve safety for Public Works department employees, and add needed road work equipment. The commissioners made a trio of unanimous decisions when they met in regular session Tuesday, March 8.
Neil Kevin Collis

Neil Kevin Collis

Collis charged with assaults at Life Care

Neil Kevin Collis, 50, of 550 Austin Street, Blue Ridge, is free under bonds totaling $150,000 after his arrest Friday, March 11, by Polk County authorities. Collis is charged with one felony count each of rape and sexual battery and two misdemeanor counts of indecent exposure.
Vernon Ronald Bennett

Vernon Ronald Bennett

Bennett charged with murder, assault

Within minutes after he is accused of shooting Kevin Franklin, Vernon Ronald Bennett was apprehended by  a Fannin County deputy sheriff. Corporal Dustin Carder spotted the vehicle Bennett was driving heading into Blue Ridge on Ada Street from the scene of the shooting.
Jennifer Criteser is shown holding Bella Luna, one of many baby goats on the rescue farm she started after realizing how many animals need a good home.

Jennifer Criteser is shown holding Bella Luna, one of many baby goats on the rescue farm she started after realizing how many animals need a good home.

Criteser’s rescue farm grew from just a couple of chickens

By Hannah Jack Jennifer Criteser of Blue Ridge has recently started a non-profit organization called J&C Farm and Rescue. Starting with just a couple chickens as a way to have a fun hobby, Criteser’s farm quickly began to grow.