Courtney Davis Sets Fannin County Record For Career Points

Sports, TeamFYNSports

Blue Ridge, GA – Courtney Davis has been a huge part of the Fannin County Lady Rebels success in her tenure with the team, and now her name will be etched in the record books forever.

In the first quarter of the Lady Rebels matchup vs Pickens on Tuesday night, Davis drove into the lane and banked in a left-handed layup for point number 1,407, breaking a record that stood for 30 years. Julie Mealer set the previous record of 1,406 in 1993.

The Lady Rebels would eventually lose the contest to Pickens County, but it was a night that will forever be remembered by Courtney and everyone on the floor.

“It was definitely a special moment,” Head Coach Ryan Chastain told TeamFYNSports. “You’re standing there watching a record be broken that has stood for 30 years, and Courtney still has over half of her senior season to go to add to it. There have been so many great women’s basketball players come through Fannin County. Courtney has really accomplished something great! She’s worked so hard and she definitely deserves all of the accolades,  but what I love most is through it all she has always put winning and her teammates first. She’s very confident in herself and humble at the same time. That’s the reason she has had so much success. She has an unbelievable work ethic paired with the right principles. She embodies everything we want our program to stand for. Tonight she solidified herself as one of the greatest Lady Rebels to ever play at Fannin, and that is exactly what she is.”

Davis has committed to continue her academic and athletic career at Young Harris College in the Fall.

Community Thanksgiving Open Table Sponsored by Good Samaritans of Fannin County, GA

News

Fannin County, GA                  VOLUNTEERS PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Fannin County celebrates Memorial Day Weekend

Community, Downtown Blue Ridge, Festivals, Memorial Day
fannin county veterans memorial park - Memorial Day ceremony

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — Memorial Day celebrations kicked off in Fannin County with the Spring Arts in the Park Festival. Then, on Monday, a Memorial Day Ceremony was held at the Fannin County Veterans Memorial Park.

Spring Arts in the Park

Memorial Day Weekend - Spring Arts in the Park

Arts in the Park, held in Blue Ridge during the Spring and Fall, celebrated its 47th year with Spring Arts in the Park this Memorial Day weekend.

The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, who host the yearly events, say the collection of festivals draw in an “excess of 20,000 attendees annually and a wide array of artists and food vendors .. with over 170+ artists, exhibitors, and vendors booths.”

 

 

Memorial Day

Over the holiday weekend, visitors could follow the various booths along Downtown Blue Ridge’s City Park. One such visitor told FYN: “I love seeing how creative our community is!”

 

 

Memorial Day Ceremony

Memorial DayOn Memorial Day, The North Georgia Honor Guard conducted a Memorial Day Ceremony at Fannin County’s Veterans Memorial Park. The ceremony included a rifle salute, the posting of the colors, placing wreaths, and a rendition of the National Anthem by Reece Lindstrom. Bill Stodghill served as the keynote speaker of the event, where he honored those who died in service and also recognized the servicemembers who were in attendance. “We stand as a nation that is strong, but we are humble because we remember that our freedoms come with a tremendous cost,” Stodghil said to the crowd during one portion of his speech.

“Many bright futures, hopes, and dreams were sacrificed for the opportunities that we have now. We must honor the sacrifices made by service men and women by dedicating our lives to peace and the defense of our freedoms that we enjoy each and every day. For these ideals of American freedoms, they fought and died, we must continue to strive for the same ideals today” Stodghil said.

The annual ceremony drew a crowd to the park to honor those who died while serving.

Grand opening of new Healthy Pet Clinic on March 27th

Featured Stories

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. – Come check out the grand opening of the Healthy Pet Clinic on Monday, March 27th!

Recently Brian and Lisa Pritchard were given a tour through the new Healthy Pet Clinic, preceding its grand opening!

Brian Pritchard as he toured the grounds for the new Healthy Pet Clinic.

The Clinic is a low cost clinic formed by the Humane Society of Blue Ridge to ‘provide basic veterinary care to those residents of Fannin County that could otherwise not afford them’.

The new setup will give new options for pet owners by making excellent care and top  notch facilities a reality.

New facility for the Healthy Pet Clinic

New Equipment for the Healthy Pet Clinic

According to the Humane Society of Blue Ridge, “to utilize the clinic, you must apply and demonstrate financial need by providing proof of current financial aid. Once you submit your application with proof of aid, you will be notified of approval and can call to set up an appointment. Each year you can resubmit proof of financial aid to continue to utilize the clinic.”

The humane society has an excellent staff and the pets are given a loving environment until they are able to be placed in their fur-ever homes.

According to the Humane Society of Blue Ridge, If you are not one of the ones in need of a cost affordable pet clinic, please consider partnering with them so someone in need can receive these services.

“Would you consider being a Healthy Pet Hero by signing up to commit at least $20 per month to help subsidize the clinic? We will be operating at a loss each year in order to provide these low-cost services to the community…”

Fannin County Leaders and Elected Officials Meet with Community at Eggs and Issues

Community, Election, Featured Stories, Politics

Fannin County GA- Eggs and Issues Breakfast, hosted by the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, had a great turn out consisting of chamber and non-chamber members. 

In attendance was Senator Steve Gooch, along with local leadership and elected officials. 

Mayor of Blue Ridge, Rhonda Haight, spoke on issues within the city and county concerning young people of the community as well as the economy and housing. 

Mayor Haight is expanding the use of the farmers market and bringing back the ice-skating rink. 

She went on to say that she intends to put the farmers market to use and wants to involve young people in the community. Additionally, Mayor Haight spoke on affordable housing in Blue Ridge and in Fannin County. 

“The average house in Fannin County is priced at $800,000; that is too costly for our young people,” Haight stated.

She intends on pursuing affordable housing incentives as one of her focus points.

An ETC member also spoke on the grants awarded to ensure Georgians have access to fiber internet in the near future. 

While ETC was in the process of applying for grants, it was made possible by local and state leaders who supported the company through signatures and recommendations. 

On Feb. 1, 2022, ETC was awarded $3 million dollars for better internet and access to Georgians. This is a prime example of the leaders and elected officials working for the people of Georgia. Jammie Hensley, Fannin County Board of Commissioners, gave a few remarks on the importance of voting. 

“Progress begins when everyone gets on the same page to serve the community,” Hensley said. He continued “do not let our veterans down, do not let what they fought for be for nothing.”

Guest speaker, Senator Steve Gooch spoke on issues in the last year, and highlighted Governor Brian Kemp Saying, “I hope all of you will support him, he led us through some tough times.” Senator Gooch mentioned the efforts Governor Kemp made to keep businesses open during the time of the pandemic, despite backlash from others across the country.  “He [Governor Kemp] stepped up and took care of business.”

Senator Gooch went on to talk about the economy, interest rates, and Federal Policy.  The state of the economy is front and center for many voters in this upcoming election. 

Senator Gooch stated, “because of the efforts by your elected officials, Georgia will continue to lead in the southeast in regard to the economy.” 

Furthermore, Senator Gooch expressed his distaste for the Federal Government Policy pertaining to the abolishment of combustible engines that would in turn rid the use of fossil fuels. 

This policy would cost Georgia $2 billion dollars in the Georgia Department of Transportation, like the Gas Tax. The proposed policy to aid in this loss, Price Per Mile Legislation, would tax how much Georgians drive. 

Lastly, Senator Gooch spoke on Senate Bill 202, voter suppression. Yet, this election has had record turnout not only in Fannin County, but across Georgia.

Win & You’re In: Fannin Hosts Haralson County Thursday Night For Final Region 7AA Playoff Spot

Sports, TeamFYNSports

Photo courtesy of Rachel Adams

Blue Ridge, Ga- Every year since Chad Cheatham has taken over the reins as head football coach at Fannin County High School, the Rebels have seen postseason action. In his first year as head coach in 2018, he led the Rebels to a 4 and 7 record and their first playoff appearance in eight years. The Rebels’ success has only grown since then and they have two Region 7AA Titles in their trophy case to prove it.

While the Region Title may be out of reach this year, the Rebels have a chance to make their fifth straight playoff appearance in as many years with a win over the Haralson County Rebels this Thursday night.

This year has been one of ups and downs for the Fannin County faithful. Starting out the year 0 and 2 with losses to both of your bitter rivals wasn’t exactly the way Rebel fans thought this 2022 season would go. But since the shaky start, Cheatham and company have been able to right the ship, and they sit at 5-4 on the year with a chance to cement themselves into the playoffs in their final regular season game of the year.

A home game in Blue Ridge.

Against the “other” Rebels in Region 7AA.

For a spot in the GHSA State Playoffs.

You can’t script it any better than this.

Fannin County enters Thursday night’s contest coming off of a loss to the number 7 ranked team in AA ball, the Rockmart Yellow Jackets. Fannin was able to hold the powerhouse to just 21 points in the game, and while they may have taken the L they are holding their heads high. Haralson County enters the game 3-6 overall, coming off a blowout win over Murray County.

This is playoff football in Blue Ridge before the playoffs even start, and the “real” Rebels will need your support this Thursday night. This is shaping up to be one of the best regular season games in recent memory, so come out and support Fannin County in the quest to make it 5 in a row. Kickoff is at 6:30 in Blue Ridge.

 

Fannin County High School Students on Their Way to a CNA Certificate

Announcements, Community, Education

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. – As part of the Nursing Pathway at Fannin County High School students are able to obtain a Georgia certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This certification enables students to find immediate employment opportunities in the healthcare field as a CNA. The students pictured will finish their CNA training and take their state certification test in December.

Front row, Julie Biddy, Eden Callegari, Abby Baliles, Maddie Buchanan, Clara Payne, Riley Reeves, Angela Alvarez, Devin Hogsed, Ivy Hyde

Back row, left to right: Hayden Danner, Lucas Hanson, Michael Treon, Jacob Davenport, Jasmine Jackson

 

Dr. Michael Gwatney speaks on retirement and announcement

Community, News
Gwatney

It’s not the end for Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney. It’s just a transition, but a transition to what?

“That’s a good question,” said Gwatney in an interview with FYN. He added that he has his time and is eligible for retirement. He also said, “I feel like its time in life to start a new chapter.”

To understand how impactful this retirement is to both Gwatney and to the schools, one need look at more than just his service as Superintendent. Reaching all the way back to 1991, Michael Gwatney wasn’t a doctor, yet. He had just graduated from Fannin County High School and was originally planning to follow into Military Service.

Instead, circumstances set him into staying local and applying for work as a substitute teacher. This position lead into full time teaching, which lead to seven years in school administration with time spent as principal. Later, that path pushed into 10 years of system administration and, ultimately, his selection as Fannin County Schools Superintendent.

During that rise through Fannin County Schools, he also fostered his own passion for education within himself as he notes it, a drive to continue learning each day. A passion for education cannot be denied with Gwatney, whose office wall is covered by six diplomas, from his high school diploma in Fannin to college degrees from Truett McConnell University, Brenau University, and a Masters and Doctorate from the University of Georgia.

Yet, always, he returned home to Fannin and to its school system, growing and rising from substituting to teaching to administration to district level.

Gwatney said, “This is the first time since entering Fannin County Schools that I won’t be with Fannin County Schools… I will definitely miss that.”

With 31 years of service in the school system, he said he is looking forward to the next thing and spending a little time traveling. However, he won’t travel too far for too long as Gwatney said his heart is still in Fannin County. Whatever is next, he wants to continue residing in the county.

Throughout his education, career, and even his next step after retiring, Gwatney maintains a focus on where God leads him. He noted that even in college, he started at the University of North Georgia but left and went to Truett-McConnell with a broken foot. He planned on returning to UNG, but was in an automobile accident. As he recovered from that, his substitute teaching picked up and new doors opened that kept him at Truett-McConnell and then lead on to not only degrees all the way up to a Doctorate in Education Law, but also having a specialist degree in Supervision and Student Services.

Gwatney

Fannin Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney

Speaking on his service and the time he will spend training instead of announcing a hard date for retirement, he said, “I’m open to helping the schools in any way that I can serve the schools. That’s always been my mindset from the beginning.”

And that offer of service is being taken as of now. This announcement is actually a very early announcement for him. Dr. Gwatney offered to stay on with the schools as they search for and hire a replacement. Even after that, he will be staying on to train and advise the new Superintendent until the board finishes the transition sometime during the next school year.

“More consistency,” this is the main thing that Dr. Gwatney said his continued service will offer the school system. Without the extra step of an interim Superintendent, the schools will continue on as normal while they complete their search and process. This also means no need for a transition and introduction of an interim and repeating the process for the final selection of the new Superintendent. “It’s certainly more efficient… more stable.”

While the board has the list of requirements and skills they will seek in a new Superintendent, Dr. Gwatney said he has hopes that his successor “loves Fannin County Schools and is the right fit for the board to be able to continue to accomplish the vision of the board.”

Accomplishing that vision, working with the board, and handling the issues and trials that each year brings are the daily tasks of a Superintendent. For Dr. Gwatney, those major challenges have been very public through issues like COVID and school closures, rising Vape usage, and the publicized issues with transgendered people and the bathrooms and locker rooms.

Yet, these were not just school issues alone. Gwatney noted that even though he is retiring, he is still a part of the Fannin County Community. He said, “Really, schools mirror the community.”

He went on to add, “When you’re the leader of an organization, whether you’re the superintendent or the principal of a school, your job is to keep things moving to the benefit of the children. As the superintendent, you are obligated to do so in an efficient manner that is respectable to the taxpayer as well. And so, whatever the issue is, we, I say we being the superintendent and my team, are professional problem solvers.”

It is the passion of the people leading that make experiences as normal as possible during times of abnormality like the closing of schools during COVID. It is a tying bond in this country that everyone receives an education. Gwatney said it is the one thing that we all have in common.

Improving that common bond in Fannin County has come through great teachers which have always been in the county since before he even started substitute teaching. Gwatney noted that he has great hopes for the future based on its past through those great teachers, strong leaders, and a stable Board. He said that the county’s support also has given amazing things to the kids through things like the ESPLOST. Gwatney noted it as the single greatest difference since he started teaching and one that has fundamentally changed the face of Fannin County Schools.

Facilities like the Performing Arts Center were possible because of the ESPLOST and projects continue to build and renovate other facilities like the gym, stadium, and the ag center. The change came as it added better resources to the fantastic people who work there.

Looking ahead, he said there are no set plans for his immediate future as he is focused on completing his time with Fannin Schools and preparing for the incoming Superintendent. Those preparations include guiding the board of education into its two new debt-free facilities on July 21, 2022, when they hold the ribbon cutting and first meeting in the new facility. He also said he looks forward to the current board’s location and its future as a public library.

It truly is the people that set Fannin County apart from other school systems in the country. Gwatney said that these schools can compete with anyone thanks to those people. With that in mind, Gwatney said his outlook on the future of the county and it’s school system after he leaves is “extremely bright, outstanding. I look for good things to happen in our district.”

Tying his past work with that outlook on Fannin’s future, Gwatney said that five years ago, he made a promise to the board to leave the school system better than he found it. He stated, “I think the record speaks for itself.”

He went on to add, “My challenge to the next one is the same goal, ‘Leave it better than you found it.’ And I know he or she will.”

Fannin County May 2022 Primary Results

Board of Commissioners, Board of Education, Election
Primary results

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — Georgia’s May 24, 2022 primary has received nationwide attention over its U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races. For Fannin County voters, the ballots also included two seats on the Fannin County Board of Education and the Post 2 seat on the Fannin County Board of Commissioners. The primary results came in late on Tuesday evening.

After polls closed at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening, results from all 12 voting precincts were not given until after 10 p.m. Fannin County saw a total of 2,184 early and absentee ballot votes, and unofficial results from the Georgia Secretary of State website show a turnout of almost 32%. While an official summary and certified results were not yet ready, the initial primary results were given at the Fannin County Courthouse.

Board of Commissioners

Larry Syputa

Larry Syputa ran unopposed in the Democratic primary for Post 2 Commissioner.

Glenn Patterson

Patterson is the incumbent Post 2 Commissioner.

In the Republican primary for Post 2 Commissioner, Incumbent Glenn Patterson was challenged by Greg Staffins, Larry Sosebee, and Anita Weaver. Patterson won the Republican primary for Post 2 Commissioner, and will face the lone Democratic candidate, Larry Syputa, during the November 2022 general election.

Glenn Patterson received a total of 3,500 votes across all 12 voting precincts, early votes, and absentee ballots. Larry Syputa received a total of 455 votes in his primary.

 

 

Board of Education

Bearden will remain on the Fannin County Board of Education after winning his primary.

Mike Cole

Mike Cole is the incumbent Vice Chair on the Board of Education.

The incumbent, Bobby Bearden, was challenged by Debi Holcomb and Clarence “Junior” Farmer in the Republican primary. Bearden won his primary with a total of 3,690 votes across 12 voting precincts, early votes, and absentee ballots.

Incumbent Mike Cole will also return to the Fannin County Board of Education after an uncontested re-election bid. Cole has served on the board since he was elected in 2018. He received a total of 5,011 votes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full election results can be found here.

 

Lady Rebels Headed To Round Two With 66-34 Win Over Temple

Sports, TeamFYNSports

Blue Ridge- The region 7 #1 seed Lady Rebels played host to region 5 #4 seed Temple in the first round of the GHSA AA State Playoffs. The Lady Rebels took care of business, and are now headed to the second round after a 66-34 rout of the Lady Tigers.

Fannin County will host Washington County in round two, after Washington defeated Early County 78-27 in the opening round. Washington County will be a pretty tough sweet 16 matchup for Fannin, as the Golden Hawks come in ranked 13th in AA.

 

Homeward Bound Pet of the Week- Fergie

Fast & Furriest

Fergie came to us from animal control in NW Georgia.  She had been found as a stray and nobody claimed her.  This little girl is about 2 years old; 22# and will treat everyone she meets with a waggy tail and puppy kisses.  She loves sitting on your lap and getting hugs.  Fergie is reactive to the other dogs so do not think she’s a good candidate for a multi-pet home but just know that she would be a perfect only pet.

For more information about the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue pets, check out our website and apply online:  www.hbpr.org.  We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs.  We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

Fannin County Republican Party’s 2022 Valentine’s Day Dinner & Candidate Forum

News

Homeward Bound Pet of the Week: Gordy

Fast & Furriest

Meet Gordy, a 6# chi who was born in July, 2021. He was surrendered along with 2 other chi’s who were living outside. Gordy is a loving little boy, very active and playful. He is getting along well with the fosters’ 2 male dogs. Because of his size and age, we would not recommend little children. Gordy is in a foster home where he is being house trained. He loves to take leash walks and snuggling in a blanket.
For more information about the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue pets, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

Tyler Ensley Wins State Championship in the Georgia Electrathon Rally

Rebel's Corner
Congratulations to Tyler Ensley for winning the State Championship in the Georgia Electrathon Rally on Jekyll Island in November. The pit crew consisted of Devyn Caruthers, James Kyle, Luke Pelfrey, and Rob Russell. Thank you to our sponsors: Mr. Fixit, Nicholson Tire, and Mountain Valley Motors.
Here is a link to the video of the race:

Fannin County Middle School Students of the Month: November

Fannin Middle, Rebel's Corner

Congratulations to our 8th grade Students of the Month for November. Students are chosen by their academic teachers for this distinction. Qualifications for this honor include outstanding citizenship, good attendance, respectfulness toward faculty and peers, and a good academic standing.

Madelyn Usry, Jacob Green, Vince Foster, and Harley Stanley

Fannin County Middle School Students of the Month: October 2021

Fannin Middle, Rebel's Corner

Fannin County Middle School 8th grade teams have announced Students of the Month for October. Students are chosen by their academic teachers for this distinction. Qualifications for this honor include outstanding citizenship, good attendance, respectfulness toward faculty and peers, and a good academic standing.

October:

Brogen Sehl

Madeline Scheuneman

Noley Nations

Kendall Clore

Back to Top