Opinion

The News Observer

The News Observer

EDITORIAL: Statistics point to greatest need in budget challenge

News Staff
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Fannin County’s commissioners are faced with a huge task. They have to balance a budget containing expenses that are about $1.1 million more than projected revenue. Although some numbers are still preliminary, there is no doubt they have a long way to go to close the gap.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Prehistoric looking plant has value

Lauren Bearden
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
What can help build immunity, improve digestion, slow aging, improve the skin and improve dental health? It starts with an “a” and ends with an ends in an “a.” Aloe vera. The aloe vera plant looks a little prehistoric with its long, triangular, blade like leaves, and it’s full of healthy benefits.
The News Observer

The News Observer

EDITORIAL: Ordinance closes, opens many doors

News Staff
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
McCaysville’s elected officials won’t put the city’s Vendor Ordinance where it needs to be, in the trash can, but they aren’t saying why. The council hastily passed the ordinance at a called meeting Wednesday, June 26, just in time for the Independence Day celebration.
A photo of Jewell Robert Green and a United States Marine Corps coin were at the base of the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall Sunday, no doubt placed quietly by those who remembered sacrifices.

A photo of Jewell Robert Green and a United States Marine Corps coin were at the base of the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall Sunday, no doubt placed quietly by those who remembered sacrifices.

Stories were heard everywhere

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
S tories were everywhere around the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall while it was stationed in Blue Ridge.  Yet many, and I dare say most, stories were of the silent variety.
The News Observer

The News Observer

EDITORIAL: Time for TDOT to save lives on SR 68

News Staff
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
TDOT, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, has the perfect opportunity to save lives. Flashing lights are desperately needed at both ends of the school zone in front of the entrance to the Copper Basin schools on Highway 68 – a state route. The need has been talked about for years.
The News Observer

The News Observer

EDITORIAL: Tax hike for public safety a good plan

News Staff
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
The Fannin County Board of Commissioners are on the right track, raising the county’s hotel/motel tax from five to six percent.  It’s an easy way to raise much needed revenue while not hurting the tourism industry. The six percent levy will still be lower than tourists face in many locations.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Watch the prize and change the world

Lauren Bearden
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Do you ever think about how the decisions you make or the actions you take affect other people? Sure, this encompasses little things like our behavior while shopping, driving or eating out, but I’m more talking about how our life decisions ripple across the community creating action in others.
The News Observer

The News Observer

We talk, but some things don’t change

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
I’ve said many times I think I’ve been to football games that had to set some kind of record or another. Among these would be the coldest high school football game ever played in the South. When I make this claim, I use three examples. All were playoff games for Copper Basin.