Pictured with Hanna and Patrick Day and daughter Aurelia are, from left, public safety personnel Josh Taylor, Trace Swoszowski, Terry Stewart, Jody Holland, Jessica Wood, Don Strength and Jonathan Jones with GEMA. See more photos on page 6A. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Pictured with Hanna and Patrick Day and daughter Aurelia are, from left, public safety personnel Josh Taylor, Trace Swoszowski, Terry Stewart, Jody Holland, Jessica Wood, Don Strength and Jonathan Jones with GEMA. See more photos on page 6A. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Inaugural awards banquet honors White County Public Safety

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

By Carly Henderson White County public safety personnel were recognized for their service and accomplishments during the inaugural White County Public Safety Awards Banquet Saturday, Aug. 22, at the White County Performing Arts Center.

Local

Pictured with Hanna and Patrick Day and daughter Aurelia are, from left, public safety personnel Josh Taylor, Trace Swoszowski, Terry Stewart, Jody Holland, Jessica Wood, Don Strength and Jonathan Jones with GEMA. See more photos on page 6A. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Pictured with Hanna and Patrick Day and daughter Aurelia are, from left, public safety personnel Josh Taylor, Trace Swoszowski, Terry Stewart, Jody Holland, Jessica Wood, Don Strength and Jonathan Jones with GEMA. See more photos on page 6A. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Inaugural awards banquet honors White County Public Safety

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
By Carly Henderson 
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Local

Pictured with Hanna and Patrick Day and daughter Aurelia are, from left, public safety personnel Josh Taylor, Trace Swoszowski, Terry Stewart, Jody Holland, Jessica Wood, Don Strength and Jonathan Jones with GEMA. See more photos on page 6A. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Pictured with Hanna and Patrick Day and daughter Aurelia are, from left, public safety personnel Josh Taylor, Trace Swoszowski, Terry Stewart, Jody Holland, Jessica Wood, Don Strength and Jonathan Jones with GEMA. See more photos on page 6A. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Inaugural awards banquet honors White County Public Safety

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
By Carly Henderson 

Sports

WCHS defensive linemen Sam Harkins, right, and Josiah Williams track down East Hall quarterback Jody Dudley during the Warriors' 49-14 win last weelk at Warrior Stadium. STACI SULHOFF/WCN

WCHS defensive linemen Sam Harkins, right, and Josiah Williams track down East Hall quarterback Jody Dudley during the Warriors' 49-14 win last weelk at Warrior Stadium. STACI SULHOFF/WCN

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Warriors blast Vikings, 49-14

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
by Mark TurnerWhite County News
Members of the WCHS cross country teams are, front from left, Malena Smith, Addison Grizzle, Kelsey Lovell, Molly Free, Alexis Kelley, Angela Lozada and Carly Black; second row, Karis Goodman, Caylee McKay, Kate Collier, Anna Collier, Lucy Hartman, Legend London and Stephanie Hernandez; third row, Bentley Brooks, Aiden Cline, Gavin Gabhart, William McSpadden. Colin Nugyen and Ayden Mendez; fourth row, Vincent Lance, Konnor Sosebee, Reid Murphey, Gus Brackett, Maverick Barton and Weston Waller; top row, WCHS

Members of the WCHS cross country teams are, front from left, Malena Smith, Addison Grizzle, Kelsey Lovell, Molly Free, Alexis Kelley, Angela Lozada and Carly Black; second row, Karis Goodman, Caylee McKay, Kate Collier, Anna Collier, Lucy Hartman, Legend London and Stephanie Hernandez; third row, Bentley Brooks, Aiden Cline, Gavin Gabhart, William McSpadden. Colin Nugyen and Ayden Mendez; fourth row, Vincent Lance, Konnor Sosebee, Reid Murphey, Gus Brackett, Maverick Barton and Weston Waller; top row, WCHS

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WC cross country teams start chase for state

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
by Mark TurnerWhite County News
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Regional

Motorists will notice new signage saying “Welcome to Wellstar Mountain Lakes Medical Center” as the local hospital was officially acquired by Wellstar Health System. Wellstar Health System and Mountain Lakes Medical Center announced on Monday, Aug. 10, Wellstar has completed its acquisition of the hospital.

Motorists will notice new signage saying “Welcome to Wellstar Mountain Lakes Medical Center” as the local hospital was officially acquired by Wellstar Health System. Wellstar Health System and Mountain Lakes Medical Center announced on Monday, Aug. 10, Wellstar has completed its acquisition of the hospital.

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Mountain Lakes Medical Center officially acquired by Wellstar

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
By Megan Horn, CNI News Service Mountain Lakes Medical Center is now officially Wellstar Mountain...
Matthew Cook said he didn’t disagree with the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s remarks about the efficacy of the Flock camera system. “It’s a great tool, and he told you about the policies for how it’s supposed to be used. The problem is, ‘supposed to’ doesn’t always work,” Cook said, as townhall host Anita Anderson Spangler looked on. KEITH MURDEN/CNI

Matthew Cook said he didn’t disagree with the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s remarks about the efficacy of the Flock camera system. “It’s a great tool, and he told you about the policies for how it’s supposed to be used. The problem is, ‘supposed to’ doesn’t always work,” Cook said, as townhall host Anita Anderson Spangler looked on. KEITH MURDEN/CNI

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Flock camera controversy rolls on

News Staff
Thursday, August 6, 2026
By Keith Murden, CNI News Service 
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Pictured with Hanna and Patrick Day and daughter Aurelia are, from left, public safety personnel Josh Taylor, Trace Swoszowski, Terry Stewart, Jody Holland, Jessica Wood, Don Strength and Jonathan Jones with GEMA. See more photos on page 6A. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Pictured with Hanna and Patrick Day and daughter Aurelia are, from left, public safety personnel Josh Taylor, Trace Swoszowski, Terry Stewart, Jody Holland, Jessica Wood, Don Strength and Jonathan Jones with GEMA. See more photos on page 6A. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Inaugural awards banquet honors White County Public Safety

News Staff
By Carly Henderson White County public safety personnel were recognized for their service and accomplishments during the inaugural White County Public Safety Awards Banquet Saturday, Aug. 22, at the White County Performing Arts Center.Employees from Animal Control, Emergency Management, 911…
WCHS defensive linemen Sam Harkins, right, and Josiah Williams track down East Hall quarterback Jody Dudley during the Warriors' 49-14 win last weelk at Warrior Stadium. STACI SULHOFF/WCN

WCHS defensive linemen Sam Harkins, right, and Josiah Williams track down East Hall quarterback Jody Dudley during the Warriors' 49-14 win last weelk at Warrior Stadium. STACI SULHOFF/WCN

Warriors blast Vikings, 49-14

News Staff
by Mark TurnerWhite County NewsThe opening night of the 2026 high school football season couldn't have gone much better for the White County Warriors as they completely dominated East Hall on the way to a 49-14 victory.The win was the first opening game victory since 2022 when the Warriors knocked…
Members of the WCHS cross country teams are, front from left, Malena Smith, Addison Grizzle, Kelsey Lovell, Molly Free, Alexis Kelley, Angela Lozada and Carly Black; second row, Karis Goodman, Caylee McKay, Kate Collier, Anna Collier, Lucy Hartman, Legend London and Stephanie Hernandez; third row, Bentley Brooks, Aiden Cline, Gavin Gabhart, William McSpadden. Colin Nugyen and Ayden Mendez; fourth row, Vincent Lance, Konnor Sosebee, Reid Murphey, Gus Brackett, Maverick Barton and Weston Waller; top row, WCHS

Members of the WCHS cross country teams are, front from left, Malena Smith, Addison Grizzle, Kelsey Lovell, Molly Free, Alexis Kelley, Angela Lozada and Carly Black; second row, Karis Goodman, Caylee McKay, Kate Collier, Anna Collier, Lucy Hartman, Legend London and Stephanie Hernandez; third row, Bentley Brooks, Aiden Cline, Gavin Gabhart, William McSpadden. Colin Nugyen and Ayden Mendez; fourth row, Vincent Lance, Konnor Sosebee, Reid Murphey, Gus Brackett, Maverick Barton and Weston Waller; top row, WCHS

WC cross country teams start chase for state

News Staff
by Mark TurnerWhite County NewsThe White County High School cross country teams are off to a good start this fall, posting some fast times in their first two meets of the season.As usual, the WCHS program's plans include the annual trip to Carrollton in November for the state meet. This year, the…
White County Food Pantry volunteers Pat Roland, left, and Richard Ingels put food boxes together for clients. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

White County Food Pantry volunteers Pat Roland, left, and Richard Ingels put food boxes together for clients. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

White County Food Pantry celebrates 30 years of community service

News Staff
Special to the White County News  The White County Food Pantry is celebrating 30 years of service this year.Tom Kelly founded the Food Pantry  in 1996. In the early days, Kelly and other volunteers distributed food to those in need through an operation that was funded by donations…
White County School System Director of Secondary Education Cindy Free presents Milestones Assessment scores to the school board Tuesday morning. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

White County School System Director of Secondary Education Cindy Free presents Milestones Assessment scores to the school board Tuesday morning. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

White County's Milestones scores show improvement across the board

News Staff
By Denise Etheridge White County students are showing improvement in most subject areas, according to recent standardized test scores released by the state. During a Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Director of Secondary Education Cindy Free presented 2025-2026 Milestones…
Bill Hager

Bill Hager

Zen and the art of fly line maintenance

News Staff
By Bill Hager My first backcast of the day got hung in some tall grass on the other side of the small creek I was fishing. I had a choice: should I walk back and untangle my fly from the grass or should I give it a quick tug and hope that it would come free on its own?  Fortunately, I had…
Crawford and Ann Skelton

Crawford and Ann Skelton

SLICE OF LIFE: Coffee and carrot cake to celebrate 97th birthday

News Staff
David Paal submitted this photo of his “coffee buddies,” Crawford and Ann Skelton, who were at Chick-Fil-A in Cleveland on Aug. 15. They celebrated Crawford Skelton's 97th birthday with  carrot cake. The Skeltons are Cleveland residents. They've been married 73 years.
Ronda Rich

Ronda Rich

The oldest possum in the world

News Staff
By Ronda Rich                A couple of years ago, our rescue beagle led me to another orphan taking refuge on the Rondarosa — in the garage.        He was a baby possum, just old enough to be on solid food. Tink, fortunately, was…
Phil Hudgins

Phil Hudgins

Country stores offered a place to spit opinions and tobacco

News Staff
By Phil Hudgins           As city editor of a southern daily newspaper several decades ago, I asked a reporter to drive out to a certain country store and see what the old boys sitting around the stove were talking about. I thought it was a simple assignment. …
Send Letters to the Editor to editor@whitecountynews.net. Please include a phone number and town of residence.

Send Letters to the Editor to editor@whitecountynews.net. Please include a phone number and town of residence.

OUR VIEW: Fall, festivals and fun are on the way

News Staff
Even before the leaves change, White County's season of fall festivals and events kicks off over Labor Day weekend and continues full steam throughout September and into October.In less than two weeks, the annual Folk Pottery & Arts Festival returns for its 18th year. The festival is from 10 a…
Send Letters to the Editor to editor@whitecountynews.net. Please include a phone number and town of residence.

Send Letters to the Editor to editor@whitecountynews.net. Please include a phone number and town of residence.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Writer urges voters to reject Democratic incumbent

News Staff
From Jonathan Berry of Cleveland  We are approaching the midterm elections and the Democrats are obfuscating the truth and deceiving the public to lure the ill-informed to vote for their destruction of America. Never forget that they believe we are a “nation in decline,” “inherently…

Regional

Motorists will notice new signage saying “Welcome to Wellstar Mountain Lakes Medical Center” as the local hospital was officially acquired by Wellstar Health System. Wellstar Health System and Mountain Lakes Medical Center announced on Monday, Aug. 10, Wellstar has completed its acquisition of the hospital.

Motorists will notice new signage saying “Welcome to Wellstar Mountain Lakes Medical Center” as the local hospital was officially acquired by Wellstar Health System. Wellstar Health System and Mountain Lakes Medical Center announced on Monday, Aug. 10, Wellstar has completed its acquisition of the hospital.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Mountain Lakes Medical Center officially acquired by Wellstar

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
By Megan Horn, CNI News Service Mountain Lakes Medical Center is now officially Wellstar Mountain...
Matthew Cook said he didn’t disagree with the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s remarks about the efficacy of the Flock camera system. “It’s a great tool, and he told you about the policies for how it’s supposed to be used. The problem is, ‘supposed to’ doesn’t always work,” Cook said, as townhall host Anita Anderson Spangler looked on. KEITH MURDEN/CNI

Matthew Cook said he didn’t disagree with the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s remarks about the efficacy of the Flock camera system. “It’s a great tool, and he told you about the policies for how it’s supposed to be used. The problem is, ‘supposed to’ doesn’t always work,” Cook said, as townhall host Anita Anderson Spangler looked on. KEITH MURDEN/CNI

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Flock camera controversy rolls on

News Staff
Thursday, August 6, 2026
By Keith Murden, CNI News Service 

Sports

WCHS defensive linemen Sam Harkins, right, and Josiah Williams track down East Hall quarterback Jody Dudley during the Warriors' 49-14 win last weelk at Warrior Stadium. STACI SULHOFF/WCN

WCHS defensive linemen Sam Harkins, right, and Josiah Williams track down East Hall quarterback Jody Dudley during the Warriors' 49-14 win last weelk at Warrior Stadium. STACI SULHOFF/WCN

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Warriors blast Vikings, 49-14

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
by Mark TurnerWhite County News
Members of the WCHS cross country teams are, front from left, Malena Smith, Addison Grizzle, Kelsey Lovell, Molly Free, Alexis Kelley, Angela Lozada and Carly Black; second row, Karis Goodman, Caylee McKay, Kate Collier, Anna Collier, Lucy Hartman, Legend London and Stephanie Hernandez; third row, Bentley Brooks, Aiden Cline, Gavin Gabhart, William McSpadden. Colin Nugyen and Ayden Mendez; fourth row, Vincent Lance, Konnor Sosebee, Reid Murphey, Gus Brackett, Maverick Barton and Weston Waller; top row, WCHS

Members of the WCHS cross country teams are, front from left, Malena Smith, Addison Grizzle, Kelsey Lovell, Molly Free, Alexis Kelley, Angela Lozada and Carly Black; second row, Karis Goodman, Caylee McKay, Kate Collier, Anna Collier, Lucy Hartman, Legend London and Stephanie Hernandez; third row, Bentley Brooks, Aiden Cline, Gavin Gabhart, William McSpadden. Colin Nugyen and Ayden Mendez; fourth row, Vincent Lance, Konnor Sosebee, Reid Murphey, Gus Brackett, Maverick Barton and Weston Waller; top row, WCHS

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WC cross country teams start chase for state

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
by Mark TurnerWhite County News