Man charged with attempted murder

News, Police & Government

Blue Ridge, Ga. – Timothy Charles Stiles is being charged with attempted murder after Fannin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) responded to a call of a stabbing in Mineral Bluff.

Fannin County, Georgia, Blue Ridge, Sheriff’s Office, Stabbing, Attempted Murder, Mineral Bluff, Timothy Stiles, Kenneth Arnold

Timothy Stiles has been charged with 3 felonies after stabbing incident in Mineral Bluff, Ga.

The incident occurred on the evening of Sept. 28. FCSO was dispatched to a call in Mineral Bluff around 7:00 p.m. The caller indicated that a person had been stabbed and was in need of medical attention.

Upon arriving at the scene, it became apparent that the victim, Kenneth Arnold, was in need of immediate emergency medical attention. Arnold was life-flighted to Gainesville for treatment. 

Warrants for Stiles arrest describe the wounds as “seriously disfiguring” to Arnold’s upper torso and abdomen. 

Stiles had already fled the scene upon officer arrival but was apprehended a few hours later. When found Stiles was inflicting stabbing wounds on himself and was transported for medical attention.

Friends of Stiles say that he suffered from mental illness but did not specify which illness(es). They also did not speculate on whether Stiles’s mental health issues played a part in the incident.

Stiles is being charged with 1 count felony aggravated assault, 1 count felony aggravated battery and 1 count felony criminal attempt “to commit the offense of murder”.

Fannin County, Georgia, Blue Ridge, Sheriff’s Office, Stabbing, Attempted Murder, Mineral Bluff, Timothy Stiles, Kenneth Arnold

Fannin County, Georgia, Blue Ridge, Sheriff’s Office, Stabbing, Attempted Murder, Mineral Bluff, Timothy Stiles, Kenneth Arnold

Fannin County, Georgia, Blue Ridge, Sheriff’s Office, Stabbing, Attempted Murder, Mineral Bluff, Timothy Stiles, Kenneth Arnold

Click here to see Fannin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report for the Week of 9/20/20 – 9/27/20

Boil water notice has been lifted for the Mineral Bluff area.

Community, News

Residents on the Blue Ridge Water System in the Mineral Bluff area may resume normal use of water.  The tests on the water have come back clean and the boil water notice has been lifted.  Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Phillip Cecil Collis: Obituary

Obituaries

 

Phillip Collis, age 69, of Mineral Bluff, passed away Friday, October 12, 2018, at his home. Mr. Collis was born August 9, 1949, in Ducktown, TN to the late Cecil & Bertha Collis. He was a member of New River Baptist Church and Mineral Bluff Masonic Lodge #483 F&AM. Mr. Collis retired from Fannin County as Assistance Road Department Supervisor after 46 years of service. Mr. Collis enjoyed collecting guns, was a die-hard Chevrolet fan, and was devoted to his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda Ruth Collis.

Survivors include: sons, Neil (Rachael) Collis, Paul (Jennifer) Collis, and Chuck (Karen) Collis, granddaughters, Samantha Collis, Brittany Collis, and Cheyenne Collis, grandsons, Austin Collis, Grant Collis, Phillip Collis and Blake Gray,brother, Michael (Tammy)Collis, sister, Cindi (Danny) Shinpaugh, great-grandchildren, Wesley Gray, Haegen Collis, and Jaxson Swaney.

Funeral services: Monday, October 15, 2018, at 3:00 pm at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Collis officiating. Interment will follow in Chastain Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers: Danny Shinpaugh, Denton Petty, Bryan Dillback, Craig Dutton, Butch Culberson, and David Howard. Honorary pallbearers: Ryan Dutton, Ernie Sellers, Kent Foster, Hoyt Green.

The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, Sunday, October 14, 2018, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Roy William Ball: Obituary

Obituaries

Roy William Ball – March 10, 1949 – October 6, 2018

Visitation

OCT 9. 05:00 PM – 09:00 PM

Henry-Cochran Funeral Home

3911 Appalachian Hwy

Blue Ridge, GA, US, 30513

 

Funeral Service

OCT 10. 01:00 PM

Henry-Cochran Funeral Home

3911 Appalachian Hwy

Blue Ridge, GA, US, 30513

 

Concord Baptist Church Cemetery

Hwy 60
Morganton, GA, 30560

Larry Guinn Eller: Obituary

Obituaries

Larry Guinn Eller, age 69, of Murphy, passed away October 3, 2018, at his home. Mr. Eller was born April 5, 1949, in Copperhill, TN, to the late Willie Guinn Eller and Georgia Mae Graves Eller. He was a member of Iron Workers Local Union 387 Atlanta. Larry loved the Lord and his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed his friends, watching wrestling and riding four-wheelers. Mr. Eller was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Helton Eller.

Survivors include: mother, Georgia Mae Eller, son, Chris (Tammy) Eller, son, Eric (Emily Hamby) Eller, daughter, Mandy (Ray Thomas) Eller, sister, Phyllis (Frank) Beeam, sister, Rita (Ronnie) Ross, grandchildren, Hallie Thomason, Katlynn Eller, Jeffrey Eller, Storm Eller, Mehgan Eller, Miranda Eller, great-grandchildren, Grayson Howe and Caymen Thomason.

Funeral services: Sunday, October 7, 2018, at 2:00 pm at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Josh Ledford. Music provided by Paula Culver. Interment will follow in Sweet Gum Baptist Church Cemetery in Mineral Bluff, GA. Pallbearers: Jeffery Eller, Storm Eller, Brandon Howe, Chad Beeam, Brett Ross, Shannon Owensby, Treylyn Owensby, and Cason Owensby.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday evening from 5 to 8 PM.

Arrangements entrusted to the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Johnny Wayne Deal: Obituary

Obituaries

Mr. Johnny Wayne Deal, better known as “J.W.”, passed away on October 8, 2018, at age 46. Born in Copperhill, TN he was the son of the late Thomas H. Deal, Sr. J.W. had worked in construction installing Drywall for a number of years. He loved spending time in the mountains and was an avid Hunter and Fisherman. He also had a vast knowledge of many trees, plants and flowers from his experience outdoors. He loved playing the guitar and his canine companion, Ruthy.

Survivors include his mother, Yvonne Deal of Copperhill; two brothers and their children, James Martin “Marty” Deal and sons, Jacob, Isaac and Michael Deal; Thomas “Jr.” Deal and his daughter, Taylor Marie Deal.

Graveside services will be conducted on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. from the Mt. Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. David O’Neal and Rev. Clifton Patterson officiating. Music will be by Kenny O’Neal. The following gentlemen were selected to serve as pallbearers: Gary Dobbs, Channon Morrow, Nathan Smith, Jameison Hyatt, Russell Locke and Danny O’Neal. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill, TN is in charge of the arrangements.

Willard “Snuffy” Smith: Obituary

Obituaries

Willard Smith, affectionately known to family and friends as “Snuffy”, age 95, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 6, 2018, in the Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, TN. Willard was born in Polk County, TN on December 27, 1922, to the late Lucius Napolean Smith and Lula Bell Bradburn. He was a Deacon at Zion Hill Baptist Church. He retired from City Services where he worked as a Crusher Operator. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He is also preceded in death by three sisters and four brothers.

Willard is survived by his niece, Betty Jo (Glen) Hughes of Turtletown; great-niece, Karen (Ronald) Martin of Turtletown; and many other nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, October 8, 2018 at 3:00 pm from Zion Hill Baptist Church. Rev. Stephen Smith and Glen Hughes will officiate. Music will be provided by Glen Hughes and Ryan Norton. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Ronald Martin, Kenny Martin, Johnny Smith, Mark Taylor, Dwight Dilbeck, and Seth Mathis serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Rev. Bill Maughan, Doad Hughes, Glen Hughes, Doug Smith, Kenneth Martin, Rev. Stephen Smith, Terry Humberd, and the Deacons of Zion Hill Baptist Church. The family will visit with friends at the church on Monday Afternoon from 12:00 pm until the service hour of 3:00 pm. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill is in charge of the arrangements.

Shirley Ann Seabolt: Obituary

Obituaries

Shirley Ann Seabolt, age 83, of Dallas, GA, passed away Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at Overlook at Cedarcrest Assisted Living and Memory Care in Acworth, GA. Mrs.Seabolt was born June 15, 1935, in Blue Ridge, GA, to the late Clyde Buchanan and the late Alma Pruitt Buchanan. Mrs. Seabolt was a homemaker, a loving mother to her children, and a dedicated wife to her husband. She was very involved and always by her husband’s side while serving in the ministry. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, four brothers and one sister, and by her husband, Evan Seabolt, and son, Grady Seabolt.

Survivors include her daughters, Melanie Yvonne (Lindsey) Gaspard, Judy (Eddie) Wallace and brother, Jack (Martha) Buchanan, granddaughters, Jeanine Smith and Amber Gaspard, three great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 2:00 pm at the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery in Suches, GA, with Rev. Jack Buchanan officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Saturday, October 13, 2018, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA. You may send condolences

Helen Elizabeth Mack Taylor: Obituary

Obituaries

Helen Elizabeth Mack Taylor, age 79, of Soddy Daisy, TN, passed away Saturday, October6, 2018. Helen was born in Turtletown, TN to the late Olin and Jackie Griffith Mack. She was retired from the Interlink Corporation working as a telephone operator. She was a member of the Refuge Assembly of God Church in Soddy Daisy, TN and was preceded in death by her son, Toby Taylor.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Taylor of the home; children, Stephen Taylor of Dallas, GA, Johnathan (Marissa) Taylor of Columbus, GA, Jacqueline Michelle Chitwood of Lithia Springs, GA and Suzanna Shockley of Soddy Daisy, TN. Eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, October 8, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill Chapel with Pastor Dennis Parillo officiating. Music will be provided by Pastor Dennis and Bobbie Parillo. Interment will follow in the Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers are Dustin Taylor, Zack Taylor, Seaver Taylor, Logan Taylor, Andrew Shockley, and Dylan Taylor. The family will visit with friends at the funeral home on Sunday Evening from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill is in charge of the arrangements.

Kathleen (Kathy) Porter: Obituary

Obituaries

Mrs. Kathleen (Kathy) Porter, 76, of Blue Ridge, was escorted home by the angels, Sunday, October 7, 2018 surrounded by the love of family and friends. Mrs. Porter was born June 22, 1942 in Fannin County to the late John Oliver Porter and Gertrude Abercrombie Porter Galiher.

Along with her parents, Kathy is preceded in death by brothers Lloyd, Junior, Eugene and Wayne; sisters, Hazel and Martha; step-father Clarence Galiher; very special sisters-in-law Aubree and Jennie Porter; nephews Jim and Lynn Porter, and father of her children Tony Sampson.

She is survived by sons Stacey (Cristy) Sampson of Kingsport, TN; daughters Rhonda Sampson Helton (Mark Whitaker) of Gray, TN, Tracey Sampson (Bruce Collins) of Morganton, and Jennifer Sampson Holt (Alan) of Blue Ridge; grandchildren Kim McCallister, Samantha Crow, Sydney Helton, Derek and Dylan Jarnagin, Brandi Jarnagin Greene (Chase), Evan Collins, Austin (Kristy) Hawkins, Logan, Payton and Morgan Holt, and the loves of her life, her great-grandbabies Aubrey Gracen, Kaylee Jane, Kenley and Trip.

Kathy leaves behind her sisters Grace, Christine, Bernice, Charlotte and Wanda whom she considered the very best parts of her life.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 12, 2018 at 1pm at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Eric Kincaid officiating. Interment will follow at the Hot House Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home on Thursday, October 11, 2018 from 6-9 pm.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Marlene Payne: Obituary

Obituaries

Marlene Payne, age 84, of McCaysville, GA, passed away Thursday, October 4, 2018. Mrs. Payne was born in McCaysville, GA to the late William Lloyd and Elzie Estelle Bradley Pittman. She attended Bethany Church. She was also preceded in death by her husband, R.V. Payne, daughter, Mary Lou Taylor and brother, Kenneth Pittman.

She is survived by children, Charles (Judy) Payne of McCaysville, GA, Donald (Lynn) Payne of McCaysville, GA, Linda Hancock of McCaysville, GA, Jannie (Tom) Hedden of Blue Ridge, GA; sister Eulene (Melvin) Harper of Mineral Bluff, GA. Seventeen grandchildren; twenty-six great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted Sunday, October 7, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. from the Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill Chapel with Preacher Jimmy Dickey officiating. Music was by April Jones. Pallbearers included Cody Knight, Riley Hedden, Chris Prince, Chad Allen, Ryan Knight and Tyler Allen. Interment followed in the Mt. Liberty Baptist Church cemetery. Condolences to the family may be sent online to akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill was in charge of the arrangements.

Edith Sue Branyon: Obituary

Obituaries

Edith Sue Branyon, age 77, of Ducktown, TN passed away Wednesday, October 3, 2018. Mrs. Branyon was born in Gastonia, NC to the late Elmer and Pauline Burger Taylor. She was a member of the Victory Temple Holiness Church. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Branyon and brothers, Harold Taylor and Charlie Taylor, sister Dorothy Taylor.

She is survived by her children, Perry (Renee) Branyon of Blairsville, GA, James W. (Milisa) Branyon of Magnolia, TX, Linda (Gilbert) Johnson of Farner, TN; Brothers, Abe Taylor of Turtletown, TN, Tommy Taylor of Turtletown, TN, Junior Taylor of McCaysville, GA, Leroy Taylor of Rome, GA; sisters, Joy Davis of Ellijay, GA, Opal Loudermilk of Calhoun, GA; five grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted Sunday, October 7, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. from the Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill Chapel with Rev. Frank Jalbreath and Bro. Randall Nicholson officiating. Music was by Randall & Joel Nicholson. Pallbearers included Abe Taylor, Daniel Johnson, Tim Johnson, Jonathan Branyon, Micah Branyon and Samuel Branyon. Interment followed in the New Hope Holiness Church Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be sent online to akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill was in charge of the arrangements.

Randy E. Ray: Obituary

Obituaries

Mr. Randolph “Randy” Erwin Ray, age 64, of Blue Ridge, passed away on October 14, 2018 at his residence. He was born in Wyandotte, MI to the late Boon Robert Ray and Helen Lucille Cross Ray. He graduated from Flat Rock High School in Flat Rock, MI in 1972.  Mr. Ray had worked as a painter and carpenter for many years. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and time with his wife visiting flea markets and parks. Also preceding him in death was a brother, Ron Ray; and one niece, Clarissa Ray.

 

Survivors include his loving wife, Mona Hicks Ray; children, Hope Ray Longworth and husband of Tampa, FL, Dwayne, Phillip Ray of TX, Nathan Ray of MI and Billy Wayne Sisson of Savannah, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Rob and Sherry Ray of McCaysville, GA; sisters, Janet Ray Shepherd of Jasper, GA, Joyce Ray Hogan of Orange Park, FL, Juanita Ray of Cleveland, TN, Jeneva Ray Long and husband Franklin of Dalton, GA and Sunshine Ray Davenport and husband Jeremy of Tunnel Hill, GA; grandson, Jacob Longworth; special nephew and caregiver, Corey Ray of Blue Ridge, GA; many nieces, nephews, friends locally and from Flat Rock Creek, MI and his canine companion, Rosie.

 

Graveside services will be conducted on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. from the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Larry Hughes officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help defray final expenses. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA is in charge of the arrangements.

Fannin County under Winter Storm Warning

Fannin County EMA/EMS, News

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Fannin County residents woke up to the first snow of the season. The county along with surrounding counties in north Georgia was issued a Winter Storm Warning by the National Weather Service in the early afternoon of Dec. 7.

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Morganton, McCaysville, Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, Director, Robert Graham, EMA, Snow, Winter Weather Advisory, Winter Storm Warning

Snow falls in downtown Blue Ridge early Friday morning.

This warning warning called for up to one inch of snow and was effective through Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7 a.m. Forecast models varied greatly on this winter weather, some calling for only a half-inch on grassy surfaces and others stating to expect up to five inches of snow.

Fannin County School Systems canceled school on Friday, and the Fannin County Courthouse will close early at noon.

Fannin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Robert Graham spoke with FetchYourNews on current road conditions and what to expect overnight.

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Morganton, McCaysville, Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, Director, Robert Graham, EMA, Snow, Winter Weather Advisory, Winter Storm Warning

Snow continues to fall downtown.

As of 10 a.m., Graham reported that most roads in our county were still in good condition and no major problems had been reported to his team. “We are starting to experience the roads becoming covered and there are patchy areas. Aska, out toward Dial, and Hwy. 60 as you go out to Suches has some tricky areas,” Graham said, speaking of current road conditions.

“I would recommend not getting out unless you have to,” the EMA Director answered when asked about the safety of the roads through the afternoon.

With temperatures expected to drop well below freezing tonight, Graham cautioned about roadways freezing overnight and into early tomorrow morning. “If you need supplies, the earlier you can get them, the better. We could see more snow, and with all this precipitation, we could see some black ice,” Graham stated.

Graham recommended avoiding travel tonight as there is still uncertainty about what this winter storm could bring.

Fannin County remains under a Winter Storm Warning until 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9.

Fannin County EMA latest weather update via Nixle:

Winter Storm Warning until 07:00AM Saturday

…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY…

* WHAT…Periods of snow expected. Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the morning commute on Friday. Total snow accumulations of one to two inches are expected with higher elevations above 1500 feet potentially receiving up to three inches.

* WHERE…Generally north and east of a line from Ellijay to Dawsonville to Dahlonega to Cleveland in northeast Georgia.

* WHEN…From 5 AM Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Slick and dangerous road conditions are possible, especially in higher elevations and on elevated bridges and overpasses.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

* AFFECTED AREAS: DAWSON … FANNIN … GILMER … LUMPKIN … TOWNS … UNION … WHITE

Follow FetchYourNews.com for the latest updates on this winter weather system.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Utility companies work to restore power to Fannin County residents

Community, News
Blue Ridge, Mineral Bluff, Morganton, McCaysville, Georgia, Fannin County, Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation, BRMEMC, Tri-State Electric, Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, EMC, Robert Graham, Winter Storm Benji, Snow, David Lewis

Crews immediately on the scene after Friday’s snow. Photo courtesy of BRMEMC.

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Fannin County was not spared the effects of Winter Storm Benji as the storm made its way northeast across the United States. Nationally, this winter storm was noted for record amounts of snowfall in many areas, and estimates have come in that as many as 300,000 homes and businesses lost power nationwide.

Many residents in Fannin County are entering their third day without power due to Winter Storm Benji, and crews with local power companies have been working around the clock to restore power to these citizens.

Fannin County reached the height of power outages on Saturday, Dec. 9. Tri-State Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) reported between 1,000 to 1,200 members affected. Tri-State EMC has approximately 19,000 meters in their service area. Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation (BRMEMC) services approximately 49,000 meters and reported roughly 14,000 members affected by outages.

Many residents, like Robert Moe, of Blue Ridge, were prepared. Moe stated, “We lost power about 3:30 a.m. Saturday. We put in a back-up generator three years ago. Great decision. Hope to have power back before our propane tank runs out.”

“If we run out of propane, we have kerosene and propane heaters,” Moe discussed of his preparedness. “You have to prepare in advance and not wait until you have problems to try to find answers.”

Lulu Lewis, a Morganton resident, has been without power since approximately 11 a.m. Friday morning. Lewis explained how her household is making it through: ” We have a generator for lights, water, TV, refrigerator and freezer. For heat, we have a wood cooking stove.”

Although the past few days have been difficult without power, some residents have not lost their sense of humor. Ken Burdette, of Blue Ridge, describes losing power twice: “Lost power Friday … came back on around midnight. Heard the power guys holler, ‘Just drag it off.’ Power went off again around 9 a.m. Saturday morning and has been dark ever since.”

Blue Ridge, Mineral Bluff, Morganton, McCaysville, Georgia, Fannin County, Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation, BRMEMC, Tri-State Electric, Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, EMC, Robert Graham, Winter Storm Benji, Snow, David Lewis

Broken power poles and downed lines as a result of Winter Storm Benji. Photo courtesy of BRMEMC.

Burdette says it’s not all bad, and that he’s “rather enjoying candle light dinners with Vienna sausage and cold red wine.” He does admit though, “The hot tub has lost its appeal.”

David Lewis, IT Manager with Tri-State EMC, spoke of the difficulties in dealing with power outages of this nature: “With these outages, it’s a little different than outages because of wind or tornadoes. It was a lot more sporadic.”

Lewis spoke of the causes saying, “It’s mainly from downed trees, pines.” He explained that snow of this nature is very heavy. The weight of the snow can cause downed lines, but trees breaking under the snow’s weight is the main source for the outages.

He talked of crews working around the clock to restore power: “Not only is there a threat from the downed lines, but you also have to deal with snow and ice in reaching some of these areas, and some of these areas can be pretty remote. It’s a pretty dangerous situation.”

As of 12:20 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, BRMEMC reported that 2,455 members were currently without power and stated via Facebook, “Crews are still working to restore all power and will not stop until all power is back on.”

Fannin County Emergency Management Agency Director Robert Graham stated that there are no shelters open in Fannin County at this time. A temporary shelter was opened in Union County for residents without power or heat.

With another arctic blast headed our way on Tuesday, Dec. 12, and temperatures expected to dip into the teens, residents are hoping that power can be restored to all of Fannin County before the freezing temperatures hit.

 

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Fannin County EMA continues to prepare for future demand

Fannin County EMA/EMS, News

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Fannin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) continues to grow with demand and make updates to systems to keep the residents of Fannin County safe.

The latest updates come after the recent approval by the Board of Commissioners (BOC) to purchase a GPS locating system for 911 calls coming into Fannin County’s E-911 center.

EMA Director Robert Graham was present at the Feb. 27 BOC meeting to provide the commissioners and the public with the latest information regarding his department.

Blue Ridge, Fannin County, Georgia, Board of Commissioners, Finance Director Robin Gazaway, EMA, Emergency Management Agency, Robert Graham, Larry Joe Sosebee, Copper Basin Medical Center, Fannin Regional Hospital

A new ambulance arrived to Fannin County in 2017. Graham hopes this will help with increased demand.

The main topic of discussion was the progress of the new Fannin County E-911 center and fire station on Windy Ridge Road.

Graham informed the board that the structural completion of this project is about a third of the way through. After recently speaking with the contractor in charge of this undertaking, Graham said that crews are still on time to have the building complete in May or June of this year.

Commission Chairman Stan Helton also pointed out that the contractor was currently staying on budget with the project.

Post 2 Commissioner Larry Joe Sosebee questioned Graham as to how soon the new facility would be in use once the contractor’s work is complete.

“There will be a little bit of time to coordinate the moving of the 911 equipment and phones,” Graham said, explaining the difficult nature of the situation, “to make sure we do not put anybody without 911 service.”

Post 1 Commissioner Earl Johnson then questioned Graham as to what equipment would be moved and what equipment the county would need to purchase for the center.

Graham explained that all the electronic systems would be moved, citing the servers and phone system as examples, but that new furniture would need to be purchased.

Each dispatcher has five display monitors on their desk, and Graham explained that as the dispatcher’s equipment expands, so too does the need for a larger area. The new desks to be purchased would provide just that according to Graham and would allow room for extra equipment in the future.

These new desks are also equipped to be raised so that a dispatcher can stand while working. Dispatchers can work up to 12 hours a shift, and the new desks will allow them the ability to take a break from sitting without leaving their work area.

The new building will also have raised floors. Raised floors were a priority in the original design concept. The purpose of the raised floors is to allow infrastructure of the building to be easily accessible. This would save money in the future if need arises for upgrades or repairs.

New ambulances and fire trucks are also making their way into Fannin County. These new vehicles were approved in 2017.

One of the two ambulances approved in 2017 has already been located to Fannin County, and the other will arrive this month. The Fannin County Fire Department (FCFD) received one new fire truck in February and two additional fire trucks are expected to join the FCFD fleet in March of this year.

Blue Ridge, McCaysville, Morganton, Mineral Bluff, Fannin County, Georgia, Emergency Management Agency, EMA, E-911, Fannin County Fire Department, Fannin County Board of Commissioners, Chairman, Post 1 Commissioner, Post 2 Commissioner, Homeland Security Grant, Trauma Grant, Georgia Trauma Commission, SPLOST, Robert Graham, Stan Helton, Larry Joe Sosebee, Earl Johnson

One of three new fire engines slated to arrive in Fannin County in 2018.

Fire Station 1, the McCaysville Fire Station, and the Morganton Fire Station will each receive one of the new fire trucks. The trucks that the new engines will be replacing at these stations will be moved to other stations throughout the county.

“The reason we put the three trucks in those stations,” Graham described of the logistics of the new equipment, “those are three of our manned stations and they get quite a bit more use.”

Earl Johnson asked about the progress of finding a new location for the Mineral Bluff Fire Station, to which Graham replied that his department is looking but has yet to find a suitable area.

“The problem is if we don’t stay close to where that station is, it changes ISO (Insurance Service Office) ratings for some of the residents and that can affect their insurance considerably,” Graham told of the restrictions of finding a location for a new fire station in that area.

Johnson, understanding of the need to find land near to the existing station, would still like to see progress made in the search. He noted that the Mineral Bluff Fire Station should be next in line to be replaced once Fire Station 1 is complete.

After receiving a Homeland Security Grant in 2017 for the purchase of new equipment for command vehicles, Graham announced the EMA had once again been able to secure another grant.

“We did receive a trauma grant, or trauma equipment grant, for EMS through the Georgia Trauma Commission,” Graham told the board.

This grant will provide $7,500 to upgrade laptops in the county’s ambulances. This money was originally budgeted for the department through Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds but will no longer need to be taken from that account.

At the conclusion of the update, Post 1 Commissioner Earl Johnson asked Graham if his department had any other needs.

Graham replied, “We’re in pretty good shape.”

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

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