News

PruittHealth Blue Ridge regularly reaches out to the community through a variety of efforts. Recently, new winter coats were donated to the Fannin County Senior Center. Shown when the coats were delivered are, from left, PruittHealth Admissions Director Samantha Trantham, Hazel Martin, Tammy Mashburn, Frank Constable, Pam Godfrey, and PruittHealth Activities Director Melbay Wilder.

PruittHealth Blue Ridge regularly reaches out to the community through a variety of efforts. Recently, new winter coats were donated to the Fannin County Senior Center. Shown when the coats were delivered are, from left, PruittHealth Admissions Director Samantha Trantham, Hazel Martin, Tammy Mashburn, Frank Constable, Pam Godfrey, and PruittHealth Activities Director Melbay Wilder.

PruittHealth wants everyone to feel like family

Local Business Sponsor
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Sponsored Content Fannin Co. Development Authority They are not the typical sights and sounds someone might expect to find at a nursing facility. But PruittHealth Blue Ridge makes a special effort not to be a typical nursing facility.
William Joseph Woods

William Joseph Woods

Woods charged with murder

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Douglas Harper, 41, is dead and William Joseph Woods, 58, of 1321 Old Epworth Road, Epworth, is charged with his murder. Harper was also of Epworth. Fannin County deputies were dispatched to a shots fired call in the 1300 block of Old Epworth Road Thursday, October 9, at about 7:15 p.m.
Georgia State Representative Johnny Chastain visited Southern Drug Company in Blue Ridge last week to learn more about a House of Representatives bill that local pharmacies say is needed to level their playing field with larger, affiliated pharmacies. Shown during the visit are Amanda Moore, pharmacy owners John and Suzanne Davenport, Chastain, and Cheryl Stepp.

Georgia State Representative Johnny Chastain visited Southern Drug Company in Blue Ridge last week to learn more about a House of Representatives bill that local pharmacies say is needed to level their playing field with larger, affiliated pharmacies. Shown during the visit are Amanda Moore, pharmacy owners John and Suzanne Davenport, Chastain, and Cheryl Stepp.

Local pharmacies asking state to level playing field

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
A bill in the Georgia House of Representatives aims to level the financial playing field between independent pharmacies and larger, affiliated pharmacies.
CUCINELLA’S PIZZERIA

CUCINELLA’S PIZZERIA

CUCINELLA’S PIZZERIA

Local Business Sponsor
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Building on over 93 years of tradition and family values, the Cucinella family is thrilled to bring you our fourth generation pizzeria. Our family began making pizza and bread in Rochester, N.Y., back in 1932.   Located in the new Trackside complex in downtown Blue Ridge, Ga.
Suzanne and John Davenport’s concept for the Blue Ridge Creamery came from Suzanne’s grandmother, Christine Stovall, who owned the Tastee Freeze.

Suzanne and John Davenport’s concept for the Blue Ridge Creamery came from Suzanne’s grandmother, Christine Stovall, who owned the Tastee Freeze.

Community spirit at heart of family businesses

Local Business Sponsor
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Sponsored Content Fannin Co. Development Authority   When you enter Southern Drug Company on East First Street in Blue Ridge, you are greeted with a smile and treated like family.
The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce was presented an award for Blue Ridge/Fannin County being named the Rural Community of the Year by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. At the Rural Awards Luncheon in Tifton, Georgia, Wednesday, October 1, are, from left, Mike Rutan, The Open Arms Home for Children, Nicole Rohner, Fannin chamber, Tara Cantrell, Fannin Children’s Fund, Brittney Pittman, Fannin Children’s Fund, Sheena Rymer, Fannin Children’s Fund, Christie Gribble, Fannin chamber president, Sherry Echelburg

The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce was presented an award for Blue Ridge/Fannin County being named the Rural Community of the Year by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. At the Rural Awards Luncheon in Tifton, Georgia, Wednesday, October 1, are, from left, Mike Rutan, The Open Arms Home for Children, Nicole Rohner, Fannin chamber, Tara Cantrell, Fannin Children’s Fund, Brittney Pittman, Fannin Children’s Fund, Sheena Rymer, Fannin Children’s Fund, Christie Gribble, Fannin chamber president, Sherry Echelburg

Fannin earns rural community award

News Staff
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Fannin County has been named the Rural Community of the Year by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the community’s commitment to quality growth and economic development.
Julie Wooten holds a duck at her waterfowl rescue, Waddle on Inn. Two of her patients have been selected to work for Aflac.

Julie Wooten holds a duck at her waterfowl rescue, Waddle on Inn. Two of her patients have been selected to work for Aflac.

Dumped ducks headed for life of luxury

Jackson Elliott
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Working for Aflac is the most luxurious life a duck could possibly have. And the insurance company has just selected two Fannin County ducks for this opportunity.
Carter Ott, Harmon Smith and Steve Williamson, from left, found a chair and what seems to be an old refrigerator in the river during Rivers Alive at Tammen Park September 27.

Carter Ott, Harmon Smith and Steve Williamson, from left, found a chair and what seems to be an old refrigerator in the river during Rivers Alive at Tammen Park September 27.

Tons of trash pulled from waterways during Rivers Alive

Mollie Morrow
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Literal tons of trash were collected from area waterways Saturday, September 27, during the Rivers Alive cleanup. The cleanup took place in and along the Toccoa River at Tammen Park and Old Toccoa Farm, and Blue Ridge Lake at Morganton Point.
Candace Youngberg has given her customers plenty of reasons to keep coming back after opening her store, Crawford Collections, in 2013.

Candace Youngberg has given her customers plenty of reasons to keep coming back after opening her store, Crawford Collections, in 2013.

Candace Youngberg puts her customers first

Local Business Sponsor
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Sponsored Content Fannin Co. Development Authority   There are many reasons Fannin County has been enjoying an ever increasing number of visitors from around the region. But Candace Youngberg believes, in large part, three reasons stand out.
The Performing Arts Center was almost filled to capacity when the Turning Point message and instructions on starting a student led chapter were presented last week.

The Performing Arts Center was almost filled to capacity when the Turning Point message and instructions on starting a student led chapter were presented last week.

Turning Point rally urges unity, courage

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Faith, freedom and love of country rang throughout the Performing Arts Center (PAC) in preparation for Sarah Hope to talk about Turning Point USA’s (TPUSA) student movement. Hope, the field representative for TPUSA’s Club America, was welcomed to Fannin County last Monday night, September 22.