News

The News Observer

Commission vote puts Polk closer to broadband coverage

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Broadband internet will soon be available all across Polk County. At least that is the goal of the county commissioners as they voted Thursday, December 16, to enter into an Internet Service Agreement with Array Communications, LLC, which will do business as Ocoee Communications.

The News Observer

Fannin school board hears several system updates

Mollie Morrow

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Several members of the Fannin County School System provided the Board of Education with updates when they met Thursday, December 16. West Fannin Elementary School (WFES) Principal Alison Danner provided an update on the school’s happenings.

The News Observer

TVA enhancing safety at Blue Ridge Dam

Glenn Harbison

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

“Blue Ridge Dam is safe. We are enhancing our safety system,” Mary Ellen Miller said last week. Miller, Community Relations program manager for TVA, was responding to questions over a TVA update for winter reservoir levels.

Polk County deputies seized a large amount of illegal drugs, over $20,000 in cash and a firearm in conjunction with the arrest of Larry Dwain Shaw of Etowah.

Etowah man charged in Polk

Glenn Harbison

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

The report of a small child left alone in a car led Polk County Sheriff’s deputies to an arrest and the seizure of a large amount of illegal drugs.

Jonathan Waters, a client from the Mineral Springs Center, enjoys an outing in downtown Blue Ridge.

Mineral Springs Center in need of donations

Krista Craig

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Tis the season for giving, and the Mineral Springs Center needs community assistance in the form of donations in order to help them continue to serve their current clientele and to keep the center operating now and into the new year.

The News Observer

Fannin roads to see improvements

Glenn Harbison

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Fannin County residents can expect to see several road improvements following votes by the Board of Commissioners combined with funding from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).

The News Observer

No motor vehicle transactions to be done Dec. 30 to Jan.3

News Staff

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

SPECIAL TO THE NEWS OBSERVER Between December 30, 2021, and January 3, 2022, there will be no motor vehicle transactions online or in person at the Fannin County Tax Commissioners Office. Those with birthday deadlines during this period should renew early.

The News Observer

Nature area planned

Mollie Morrow

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Hikers and cyclists can look forward to a new site to adventure in Blue Ridge for free. The non-profits Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land, Inc.

Abby Lanni re-affirms the Oath of Commissioned Officers with Colonel Richard Ball, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Chief of Staff, during her lieutenant colonel promotion ceremony at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, November 23.

Fannin grad continues stellar career

Mollie Morrow

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

“Someone once told me you do your first deployment for your country because it is what is asked. Your second deployment is for you. You know what to expect and know what is expected of you in combat. Your third deployment is for your friends and family.

Sydnie Jones was an original, driving force behind the skate park.

Good news for planned skate park

Mollie Morrow

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

The late Sydnie Jones’ dream of a skate park in Blue Ridge is coming to life and will be ready this coming summer season.