Photo from the UCSO Facebook page. Blairsville, GA  — Two instructors from the Union County Sheriff's Office recently returned from the 2026 International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA) Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, where they enhanced their skills to better serve and protect the community. Last month, Lt. Walker and Sgt. Pilote traveled to the conference, held March 16-21 at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. The event drew more than 600 att

Photo from the Union County Fire and Rescue Facebook page . Firefighters with Union County Fire and Rescue have completed advanced training focused on responding to aviation emergencies, according to a recent department announcement. Members of the department participated in the Basic Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting course at the Atlanta Fire Training Center. The program included 40 hours of online instruction followed by an additional 40 hours of hands-on training at Hartsf

Families and visitors are invited to take part in a festive Easter-themed event in downtown Blairsville next weekend. The Downtown Blairsville Easter Egg Stroll is set for Saturday, April 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a casual and family-friendly way to celebrate the holiday while supporting local businesses. Organizers say participants can stroll through the downtown square and participating merchants in search of hidden Easter eggs. The eggs will be scattered througho

Photo from the Union County Fire & Rescue Facebook page . The Union County Fire Department recognized the service and achievements of its firefighters during its annual awards banquet held March 21. Firefighters, both career and volunteer, gathered to celebrate another year of service while enjoying a meal and fellowship. The event highlighted the department’s accomplishments and honored individuals for their dedication to protecting the community. Awards presented during the

Firefighters with Union County Fire & Rescue spent two days sharpening life-saving skills during a specialized auto extrication training held March 14–15. The department partnered with the North American Vehicle Rescue Association (NAVRA) to deliver the hands-on course, which focused on both foundational techniques and newer methods used in emergency vehicle rescues. During the training, firefighters reviewed core extrication principles while also learning updated strategies

Press Release Free Bird Southern Spring Water will make its official NASCAR Cup Series debut as the primary sponsor of Chase Briscoe's No. 19 Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing at Darlington Raceway on March 22, marking a major milestone for the fast-rising Southern beverage brand. The Darlington race marks the first time Free Bird will appear as the primary partner on Briscoe's car, launching a three-race primary sponsorship schedule during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series seas

As spring arrives, Union County Fire and Rescue is reminding residents about the importance of safe outdoor burning practices to prevent wildfires. Each year, officials share guidance as more residents begin burning leaves and yard debris. While many of these fires are small and contained on private property, they can still raise concerns due to visible smoke. Fire officials say most are controlled burns and not cause for alarm, but proper precautions remain critical. Under G

Blue Ridge Mountain EMC is warning members about a phone scam reported by multiple customers involving fraudulent claims of unpaid balances. According to the utility, several members reported receiving calls from individuals claiming they owed money on their accounts. The callers allegedly instructed victims to visit a Dollar General store and purchase a specific form of payment. BRMEMC officials emphasized that the company does not conduct business in that manner and will ne