FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — With the academic year officially underway, Fannin County students are returning to school with a new change in the cafeteria. A pandemic-era benefit that provided free school lunch to all students has expired after Congress did not extend it for another school year. The change has led many school districts to […]

PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — The Pickens County Board of Education heard continued discussions about the school district’s nutrition services, including supply and cost issues affecting  school meals. In a June board meeting School Nutrition Director Beth Thompson informed the board that pandemic-era free meals at Pickens County Schools would be coming to an end after […]

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. — At their latest meeting, the Ellijay City Council heard updates on the four-way stop at the intersection of North Avenue, North Main Street, and College Street. The council also approved the creation of a Harrison Park committee, and discussed contractor compensation for the Harrison Park restroom project. 11 special event permits […]

PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — The Pickens County Board of Education heard from Pickens County School System employees who discussed how the school district is tackling important issues. School Nutrition Director Beth Thompson spoke to the board about how the schools’ are handling shortage and cost-related problems. Notably, Thompson explained the end of automatic free meals, […]

PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — After receiving bids for the Water Pollution Control Plant expansion and sewerage system improvements project, the Jasper City Council approved the redistribution of ARPA funding and a reapplication for additional USDA funding. The unexpectedly high bids left the city over $11,000,000 short of the total funding necessary to complete the projects, […]

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 […]

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Fannin County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, with representatives from Fannin County Family Connection in attendance. The board also received an update on the city park agreement recently signed by the board and the Blue Ridge City Council. Recreation Director Eddie O’Neal […]

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — In a joint meeting, The Blue Ridge City Council and Fannin County Board of Commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement that aims to improve the Blue Ridge City Park. Among several notable provisions, the agreement includes a new swimming pool facility that will open in April of 2024. The city council and […]

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Fannin County Board of Commissioners met April 26, 2022. At the meeting they approved an appointment and several purchases. At their last meeting, the commissioners tabled the appointment of Steve Grable to the Fannin County Economic Development Authority. They all noted a desire to speak to Grable personally before approving […]

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — Lead Fire and Life Safety Educator Amanda Jones, with the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, presented a new Fire and Life Safety House that will be stationed in Fannin County. Fannin County Fire Chief Larry Thomas also attended the walkthrough, where Jones shared the features of the safety […]

PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — The Pickens Board of Commissioners proclaimed April 24-30, 2022 as Crime Victims’ Rights Week, filled a vacancy on the planning commission, and administered an oath of office for newly hired Fire Chief Tim Prather during their April meeting. Because the board held only one meeting in April, Chairman Kris Stancil noted […]

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. — At their latest meeting, the Ellijay City Council voted to approve the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) distribution rate and an Off Premise Consumption Ordinance for distilled spirits. They also approved a rezoning request to accommodate plans for new apartment units. After approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission and a […]

PICKENS, Ga. — The Jasper City Council held a work session on March 31. During the meeting the council discussed ordinance amendments, approved several purchases, and extended employment offers for Jasper Police and Fire Chief positions. After a nationwide search for Jasper’s next fire chief, the council unanimously voted to extend a conditional offer of […]

FANNIN, Ga. — The Fannin County Board of Commissioners heard updates on State Route 5 construction projects and approved purchases for the county’s jail and recreation center at their latest meeting State Route 5 Projects District Engineer Grant Waldrop, along with others involved in the project, spoke to the commissioners about current and future construction […]

FANNIN, Ga. — The Fannin County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on March 8. During the meeting they approved several purchases and proclaimed March as American Red Cross Month. Chairman Jamie Hensley read and signed a proclamation during the meeting that named March 2022 as American Red Cross Month in Fannin County. “In […]

FANNIN, Ga. — Fannin County candidates hoping to fill one of three county positions will have until noon on March 11 to qualify. During the May 22, 2022 General Election, one county commissioner seat and two school board seats will be on the ballot. As of 1 p.m. on March 8, four candidates have qualified: […]