ATLANTA – State Representative Johnny Chastain (R-Blue Ridge) was appointed by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve as a member of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on the Impact of Online Platforms on Georgia Youth. “I am grateful to Speaker Burns for establishing and appointing me to serve on this important study committee to […]

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Supreme Court of Georgia has upheld the murder conviction of a North Georgia man in connection with a 2018 deadly shooting in Fannin County involving multiple teenage suspects. Stephan Blake Dickey, also known as Blake Dye, was convicted of malice murder and other charges in the shooting death of 33-year-old […]

The Fannin County Chamber, University of Georgia Extension and Fannin County High School FFA and Blue Ridge Elementary School have partnered up to stratify milkweed (the milkweed glycosides help protect fireflies from predators) and will have FREE plants available for pick up! When: Friday, May 8 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. until supplies last. Where: […]

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. — Officials in Fannin County are taking steps to address a growing shortage of affordable housing that leaders say could impact the local workforce and economy. The Fannin County Development Authority (FCDA) has formed a housing committee made up of six local business and civic leaders: Billy Whitaker, Anita Hardy, William Mone, […]

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. – A local North Georgia resident is being recognized for her ongoing efforts to care for some of the area’s most vulnerable rescue dogs, particularly pregnant dogs and their newborn puppies. In a recent social media post, Sue Peet praised Donna McWilliams for her dedication to fostering dogs in need, highlighting the […]

MORGANTON, Ga. (April 2, 2026) — A late-night altercation between a father and son in Fannin County has resulted in the death of a 54-year-old man, according to the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office. Chief Deputy Maj. Keith Bosen said deputies were dispatched at approximately 10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, to a residence located at […]

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities are investigating the death of a Belgian draft mule found along a roadway in Fannin County under circumstances that have raised concerns among local residents. According to a statement from Cowgirl Up Stables, the animal, identified as “Big Jon,” was discovered deceased on Old Quarry Road, a heavily traveled route […]

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga.- Federal and state law enforcement agencies conducted coordinated raids Wednesday at multiple dermatology clinics across North Georgia and Southeast Tennessee, disrupting patient appointments and prompting questions about a potential ongoing investigation. Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services were seen at several locations […]

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. – A structure fire resulted in the total loss of a shop and its contents, including multiple vehicles, while firefighters were able to prevent the flames from spreading to a nearby residence. The property belonged to Becky Callihan, a local paramedic, firefighter, and Fannin County coroner. According to officials, the first engine […]

GEORGIA – Conservative Senator Steve Gooch is stepping up where others are content to grandstand, delivering real action to shield Georgians from the rising tide of lawlessness pushed by the far left. In the wake of media-fueled hysteria that has seen protesters storm churches mid-service to harass worshippers, Gooch didn’t hesitate. He introduced SB 591, […]

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. – Emergency crews responded to a search and rescue call Sunday after a hiker was injured along the Appalachian Trail near Springer Mountain, officials said. The hiker, who was rescued today, began his journey the day before and spent the night on the trail. He was unable to safely exit the area […]

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — Community members and local leaders gathered Saturday to celebrate the opening of Fannin County’s new public library with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of a project years in the making. The grand opening, held March 7, brought together officials, community advocates and residents to mark the launch of the new […]

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — A Fannin County man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after a Cherokee County jury convicted him of trafficking more than a kilogram of methamphetamine. Ricky Dwight Wright, 39, received the sentence Wednesday following a trial in which jurors deliberated for approximately 15 minutes before returning a guilty verdict […]

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. – A 46-year-old man was rescued Saturday after becoming ill while hiking on the Appalachian Trail near Hawk Mountain in Fannin County. According to emergency officials, Fannin County 911 received a call at approximately 10:39 a.m. on Feb. 21, 2026, reporting that the hiker had become ill and was unable to walk […]

GEORGIA – February 17 – As State Senator for Georgia’s 51st District and the Republican frontrunner for Lieutenant Governor, I am committed to putting Georgia families first and aligning our state with President Trump’s America First agenda. Last week, I introduced Senate Bill 465, a targeted measure to hold businesses accountable and discourage the hiring […]