BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston and State Senator Steve Gooch spoke and goals for the 2022 legislative session at the Fannin Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs and Issues. Increasing crime rates across the state will be one area of focus for Speaker Ralston who’s presenting a $50 million plan to […]
Read More »Green Creek Trail future tabled until October 26
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Fannin Commissioners tabled the decision to move forward with a grant for Green Creek Trail until they can gather more information. Economic Development Director Christie Gribble presented details about the trail. Green Creek Trail is located by the boat launch and is currently a decommissioned campground at the Lake Blue Ridge […]
Read More »Commissioners pass addendum to lodging tax contract with Chamber
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Commissioners approved an addendum concerning lodging (hotel/motel) tax split between the Chamber of Commerce and Fannin County for tourism product development. Previously, the split was 50/50 between the two entities and now the county will receive another eighth and third of the tax. The funds could go toward needs at the […]
Read More »Fannin man arrested on child exploitation charges
Blue Ridge, GA (September 30, 2021) – On Wednesday, September 29, 2021, Richard Shane Arp, age 45, of Fannin County, Georgia, was arrested and charged with three counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children (Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material) and one count of Sexual Exploitation of Children (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material) by the […]
Read More »Public hearings address Fannin 2021 millage rate
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Two public hearings were held on September 23, 2021, concerning the setting of Fannin County’s millage rate. On the county side, the millage rate remained the same as the 2020 rate at 3.862 mills. Fannin County Schools rolled back its rate to 10.159 mills. The total rate will be set at […]
Read More »Millage Rate public hearings on Thursday, September 23
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Two public hearings concerning the 2021 millage rate will be held tomorrow at the Fannin County Courthouse in the Jury Assembly Room. The first public hearing will take place at 11:30 a.m. and the second at 6 p.m. The county portion of the millage rate is remaining the same as last […]
Read More »Senate releases proposed Congressional Map, moves Clyde out of Ninth?
ATLANTA – The proposed Senate Congressional Map, presented by Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan and Senator John F. Kennedy, Chairman of the Senate Redistricting and Reapportionment Committee, makes significant changes to the Ninth District. The map places Jackson County in the Tenth District. Ninth Congressman Andrew Clyde (R-Ga) resides in Jackson County. If the proposed map […]
Read More »COVID-19 vaccine moving off-site at some health department locations
GAINESVILLE – In anticipation of the upcoming flu season and to prepare for the approval of the COVID-19 booster dose for the general population, District 2 Health Departments will be re-opening some of its off-site COVID-19 mass vaccination sites. Approval for the booster dose is still pending; however, starting Monday, September 20, Forsyth and Hall […]
Read More »EMS rates are increasing in Fannin County
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – The billing rates for emergency medical services (EMS) in Fannin County will be increasing for the first time in 10 years. The increase will still put Fannin below the average prices of surrounding counties like Gilmer and Pickens. One reason for the rise in rates is inflation. PPE products have fallen […]
Read More »COVID-19 policy updates adopted by Fannin Commissioners
BLUE RIDGE, Ga: During the September 14, 2021, county meeting, Fannin County Commissioners enacted a new sick leave policy and approved taking bids for a new HVAC system due to COVID-19. As COVID-19 outbreaks continue to occur, county employees continue to be affected. Quarantine measures require workers to stay home for up to two weeks, […]
Read More »Community celebrates life of Sydnie Grace Jones at intersection dedication
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – The Sydnie Grace Jones Memorial Intersection dedication was a heartfelt event for everyone in attendance as family and friends celebrated the young woman’s life. Sydnie, a Fannin County High School graduate, tragically died in January 2021. She was 19 years old. Two other Fannin students and Sydnie were involved in a horrific […]
Read More »Tiny home subdivision moratorium extended until January 2022
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – After continued discussion on the matter, Fannin County Commissioners opted to extend the tiny home subdivision moratorium until 2022. Tiny homes can be on wheels or on a foundation and have risen in popularity recently. The “tiny life” movement is focused on living with less and creating a more efficient space. […]
Read More »Hall County Health Department providing vaccines on Labor Day
HALL COUNTY – Labor Day weekend will look a little different this year due to an increased need to be vaccinated due to the Delta surge. Hall County Health Department will be working on Labor Day to vaccinate the community. On Friday, September 3, Governor Kemp is providing paid time off for state employees to […]
Read More »2021 Fannin millage rate resolution passed
BLUE RIDGE Ga – Commissioners unanimously accepted the millage rate resolution for 2021 at the August 24 Fannin County Commission meeting. The county portion of the millage rate is remaining the same as last year at 3.862 mills. By not accepting the rollback rate, the commission was required to advertise the millage rate as a […]
Read More »Georgia sending more state-supported staff to help hospitals
ATLANTA – Governor Brian Kemp announced the state will increase the total number of supported staff in hospitals to 2,800 from the original 1,300. Across the state, hospitals told the governor’s office that they needed more staff to treat the influx of COVID-19 patients as well as other patients. Through October 2021, Georgia had committed […]
Read More »Fannin and ETC applying for broadband funds from the state
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – As part of the county’s commitment to bring broadband to the underserved, the commissioners approved the application of another grant with ETC to hopefully increase the coverage area. Another grant application with Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (BRMEMC) already in process. If approved, BRMEMC would strive to provide broadband internet South of […]
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