The News Observer

In the April 22, 2026, issue of The News Observer I wrote, “Last week’s issue of The News Observer was not the professional looking, delivered on time product you’ve trusted and expected for almost 37 years under the current name and another 18 years before that as The Observer and its predecessor, the Blue Ridge Summit-Post…We’re changing. The newspaper has new owners. There are a lot of things that are no longer done the way they used to be.”

I continued by asking for patience as we worked through changes to return The News Observer to the newspaper you’ve depended on for years. All of here at what you’ve known as your local newspaper have worked hard toward that goal.

The new owners, Paxton Media Group, has a very specific business model for the newspapers they own. That’s their right. But the model is unyielding. Changes I have hoped to make and advocated for have not been possible.

So last Wednesday, May 13, I was invited to a meeting with two corporate officials. The conclusion was it was time for us to part company. That was official at the end of business Friday, May 15.

So it’s time to say, “See ya later.” Those who know me, whether personally or just through my writings, know I don’t believe in saying “goodbye.”

Fannin County and the Copper Basin have been the center of my life since the first day I walked through the door at the Blue Ridge Summit-Post in 1978. While I went away for a short while, and fought to come back, “local” is who I have been, who I am, and who I will always remain.

I say my sincere thanks to all the loyal readers, advertisers, community leaders, elected officials – all the many people who I have come to know as friends – that I have had the honor and privilege to get to know. I thank those who have been complimentary, and those who have offered constructive criticism.

I thank all those who have worked at the various newspapers I’ve overseen during the past 48 years. The newspapers have never been any better than the staffs who worked so hard to make them the best they could be.

Thanks for reading!

Godspeed,

Glenn Harbison

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it in this week's edition, serving Fannin and East Polk counties. 🧐📰

While ownership has changed, there has been NO change in leadership within The News Observer's office. 🙂

Don't let the front page fool ya, there's plenty to read about in this week's edition.

📌Mineral Springs Improv Team returns
📌Copperhill approves contracts with sheriff, fire
📌Sports
📌Adopt A Pet.. and much more!

Office building closed for the day for construction.
Please call the office with any questions or for assistance.

You've got mail! 📬📧 This week's edition is available now in all the usual places.

Coming in the April 22 issue of The News Observer:

A review of contribution statements for candidates in the race for Polk County Executive shows Robby Hatcher has accepted only one contribution while Stan Howard has accepted several totaling over $14,000.
Hatcher, the incumbent, has accepted one $500 contribution and made a $500 loan to himself.
Howard’s statement shows a total received of $14,700. Of that, $5,700 came from one East Polk family, Bryon "Buddy" Haynes and Sara Haynes of Copperhill, and Keaton Mickens, also of Copperhill. Each contributed $1,900 to Howard. Mickens is also running for a seat on the county commission from District 3.

See the April 22 issue of The News Observer for the full story.

This week's edition is jam packed with local info 🤏🆕📰 Get a copy at Food Lion, Walmart, Dollar General, many gas stations, our office and online!

Meet this week's featured Dogs of the Week from Fannin County Animal Control‼ They are Rowdy, Clint, Bella and Dudley. 🐾 Learn more about them in this week's paper!