Brittany Holbrooks

In the name of local wildfire prevention, the Union County Firewise Citizens Coalition held its second meeting on Feb. 25, hosted by the Union County Fire Department at Station No. 1 Headquarters. Inspired by Towns County’s state-leading Firewise program, the Union iteration has seen steady growth since beginning last year. It’s an especially important initiative…

The Union County Board of Education recognized the Union County High School Cross Country Teams at its Feb. 26 work session following state tourney placements for both boys and girls. Specifically, the boys team won Third Place in state, and the girls took home Fourth Place. Similarly, the Extra Mile Award was awarded to Union County Fire…

Plans to expand Blairsville’s sewer service approximately 2.5 miles east of city limits on Georgia 515 were discussed during a Feb. 20 called meeting at City Hall. Environmental Engineer Lacey Tucker of Engineering Management, Inc., presented the findings of a recent environmental study, and between her and Mayor Robert “Buddy” Moore, the two offered further…

The latest flag retirement ceremony by the American Legion Ira Weaver Post 121 on Saturday, Feb. 28, was unique thanks to a very special guest of honor: Richard Helsley, a 99-years-young U.S. Army veteran of World War II who was invited to head up the ceremony that day. According to Post 121 Sr. Vice Cmdr. Kathy Merritt, a neighbor noticed that the flag above Helsley’s residence was faded and tattered….

Thanks to his regular scam awareness classes and work as a dedicated financial crimes investigator, Union County Sheriff’s Sgt. Robert “Bob” Calamari has been making a real difference in preventing residents from becoming victims of fraud-based crimes. For his efforts, he was recently honored with a commendation medal after a brief presentation of his background courtesy of Sheriff Shawn Dyer. Read more…

In February 2006, Shannon Elliott began fostering dogs in her home to make a difference for Union County’s four-legged residents, giving rise to an effort that would grow over the next 20 years into one of the most readily recognized local animal welfare groups: Castoff Pet Rescue. Formerly known as Castaway Critters, Castoff Pet Rescue has expanded into a multifaceted facility that provides shelter for homeless dogs and cats as well as cost-effective care in league with…

Two renewed souls graduated from North Enotah Drug Court on Feb. 12, surrounded by family and other loved ones as they looked forward to their new leases on life. With an added presence of Freedom Ministries, faith played a big role in the brief but no less moving celebration. Hon. T. Buckley “Buck” Levins, Superior Court Judge of the Enotah Circuit, introduced the graduates and…

Back by popular demand, the Mountain Film Festival by the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity will return to the Union County Fine Arts Center on Saturday, March 28, as part of the 2025-2026 World Tour. But before that, the final selections must be screened for community reception, as they were earlier this month at the Union County Public Library, with audience responses of the screened films going…

In honor of the long-term partnership between the Union County Sheriff’s Office and the Union County Public Library, the latter was officially thanked last week for its role in regularly hosting UCSO Sgt. Robert “Bob” Calamari’s scam awareness classes. On behalf of the local library, Assistant Branch Manager Morgan Bilicki traveled to the Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 3 to shake Calamari’s hand and accept the Sheriff’s Office letter of recognition with a smile. Read more…

Waylon William Dillard entered the world on Friday, Jan. 2, earning him the title of Union General Hospital’s 2026 New Year Baby. Though he had a difficult start to life, little Waylon is now home safe, and his parents are hopeful for a bright future for their little fighter. Alexus Godbold – soon to be Alexus Dillard…