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Aubrey Hutson pulls her hand back, loaded with a snow ball, to throw at her sister at their donated cabin in Copperhill Friday, January 14.

Aubrey Hutson pulls her hand back, loaded with a snow ball, to throw at her sister at their donated cabin in Copperhill Friday, January 14.

A DREAM CAME TRUE

A young Florida girl’s dream of playing in the snow became reality Friday, January 14, thanks to the Fannin County and Copper Basin community’s support. Being from Lakeland, Florida, Aubrey Hutson had never seen snow except for on YouTube or the TV.
Large orange barrels line Highway 5 south of McCaysville as contractors being preparations for widening the highway.

Large orange barrels line Highway 5 south of McCaysville as contractors being preparations for widening the highway.

Preparations underway for first phase of widening Hwy. 5 south of McCaysville

The large orange barrels along both sides of Highway 5 just south of McCaysville have been attracting a lot of attention. They represent the construction area for the widening of the highway from Wash Wilson Road near Abernathy’s Home Furnishings to Old Flowers Road just south of McCaysville.
Francis “Frank” Xavier Moore

Francis “Frank” Xavier Moore

Blue Ridge police arrest local attorney

Local attorney Francis “Frank” Xavier Moore, 67, of Campbell Camp Circle in Blue Ridge, was arrested for public drunkeness and “use of ‘fighting words’ obscene and vulgar language; phone call” Saturday, January 8, off Roberts Way in Blue Ridge.
Jenna Gentry highlighted Jennifer Fortenberry in an essay written for Jodi Williams’ English class at  the Blue Ridge campus of the University of North Georgia.

Jenna Gentry highlighted Jennifer Fortenberry in an essay written for Jodi Williams’ English class at the Blue Ridge campus of the University of North Georgia.

Jennifer Fortenberry: Striving to meet students’ needs

Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of stories that were written by students in Jodi Williams’ English 1101 class at the University of North Georgia Blue Ridge campus. They are first-hand accounts of local people who have made an impact on the authors.
This photo of an unblocked Shallowford Bridge was taken Monday, January 10. As of a letter Friday, January 7, the Georgia Department of Transportation wrote, that as the result of a survey conducted Wednesday, January 5, the bridge would be allowed to remain open. The speed limit is to be reduced to 5 mph and the weight limit reduced to three tons.

This photo of an unblocked Shallowford Bridge was taken Monday, January 10. As of a letter Friday, January 7, the Georgia Department of Transportation wrote, that as the result of a survey conducted Wednesday, January 5, the bridge would be allowed to remain open. The speed limit is to be reduced to 5 mph and the weight limit reduced to three tons.

Shallowford Bridge to stay open

Fear and worry turned to relief last week when Fannin County officials learned the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) found a way to keep Shallowford Bridge open.
This male mix was surrendered by his owner December 29. This boy is black and white. View this good boy using intake number 456-21. He is shown with animal control Officer Luke McDonald.

This male mix was surrendered by his owner December 29. This boy is black and white. View this good boy using intake number 456-21. He is shown with animal control Officer Luke McDonald.

Adopt-A-Pet

It is a new year so consider visiting Fannin County Animal Control to adopt a new family friend for 2022. This past week, one dog was adopted, one dog was reclaimed by its owner and 18 dogs were taken in and are under animal control’s care.
News Observer photo/Caleb Collins Chasen Ethington gets past a defender on the way to a two-point basket in recent action for the Fannin County Rebels basketball team. Ethington had 19 points in the Rebels match up against the Johns Creek Gladiators Wednesday, December 29.

News Observer photo/Caleb Collins Chasen Ethington gets past a defender on the way to a two-point basket in recent action for the Fannin County Rebels basketball team. Ethington had 19 points in the Rebels match up against the Johns Creek Gladiators Wednesday, December 29.

Fannin comes from behind to beat Duluth

The Fannin County Rebels wrapped up their appearance in the Kelly King Holiday Classic with a come from behind win over the Duluth High School Wildcats. The Thursday morning, December 30, contest was the final of three tournament games for the Rebels at Lumpkin County High School in Dahlonega.
The Humane Society of Blue Ridge has been awarded a $239,000 grant to go toward construction of a veterinarian clinic.

The Humane Society of Blue Ridge has been awarded a $239,000 grant to go toward construction of a veterinarian clinic.

Vet clinic gets grant funding

Details are still being worked out, but thanks to a $239,000 grant the Humane Society of Blue Ridge has the funds it needs to build a low-cost vet clinic. Diane Basco, executive director-development for the society, said last week the grant award comes from the DJ&T Foundation.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Body found in Blue Ridge

A 28-year-old Fannin County woman, who had been reported missing only a short time earlier, was found dead inside her vehicle Saturday in Blue Ridge.