Emir Caner was Truett McConnell University’s president for 17 years. He separated from TMU in September 2025.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
By Carly Henderson Former Truett McConnell University President Emir Caner has filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against the university, alleging trustees improperly terminated his employment last year despite a contract that was set to run through 2031.
Emir Caner was Truett McConnell University’s president for 17 years. He separated from TMU in September 2025.
Commissioners met on June 15 to adopt the budget for Fiscal Year 2027. From left are Commissioners Shan Ash and Craig Bryant, Chairman Travis Turner and Commissioners Ed Nix and Lyn Holcomb. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN
Sgt. Chris Barrett presents a retirement award to Officer William “Rice” Poteat during the June 16 City of Helen Commission meeting recognizing Poteat’s years of service with the Helen Police Department. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
Local Cub Scout Pack 140 kicked off its annual Twilight Camp this week. Scouts from kindergarten through fifth grade enjoyed a special visit from the North Georgia Wildlife Park where they met several fascinating animals up close. From left are Xander Wooley, Olivia Parsons, Kade Gibson, Joann Wooley, Malachai, Bryce Willis, Weston Thomas, Jonas Wade, Matt Wooley and North Georgia Wildlife Park animal handler Tom Bennett. (Photo by Kim Wooley)
Phil Hudgins
Send Letters to the Editor to editor@whitecountynews.net. Please include a phone number and town of residence.
Emir Caner was Truett McConnell University’s president for 17 years. He separated from TMU in September 2025.
Commissioners met on June 15 to adopt the budget for Fiscal Year 2027. From left are Commissioners Shan Ash and Craig Bryant, Chairman Travis Turner and Commissioners Ed Nix and Lyn Holcomb. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN
Sgt. Chris Barrett presents a retirement award to Officer William “Rice” Poteat during the June 16 City of Helen Commission meeting recognizing Poteat’s years of service with the Helen Police Department. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
Members of the 10U team are Paisley Autry, Cora Biddy, Olivia Brown, Faith Bunch, Zoe Hester, Bravely Lisk, Breckan Milligan, Averie Morgan, Kamryn Pressley, Weslynn Vandegriff, Lennon Wiley and Madison Worley. JENNIFER KNIGHT/SPECIAL
Spencer Adams is currently in the Top 10 in five pitching categories in the ALPB. GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS/SPECIAL
The WCMS Lady Warriors capped off a perfect season with a 4-1 win over Lumpkin County in the NGML title game. JENNIFER KNIGHT/SPECIAL
The Afternoon Delight was docked in the parking lot of Lake Zwerner last week as Duke Neslen and Beau Donner prepared to launch their newly-purchased 25-foot sailboat into the reservoir waters. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Motorists passing through on Highway 441 and visitors to the City of Dillard should use caution as there is ongoing road construction in the area. MEGAN HORN/CNI
A young man drowned at Panther Creek in Habersham County on June 7. FILE PHOTO
Emir Caner was Truett McConnell University’s president for 17 years. He separated from TMU in September 2025.
The Afternoon Delight was docked in the parking lot of Lake Zwerner last week as Duke Neslen and Beau Donner prepared to launch their newly-purchased 25-foot sailboat into the reservoir waters. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Members of the 10U team are Paisley Autry, Cora Biddy, Olivia Brown, Faith Bunch, Zoe Hester, Bravely Lisk, Breckan Milligan, Averie Morgan, Kamryn Pressley, Weslynn Vandegriff, Lennon Wiley and Madison Worley. JENNIFER KNIGHT/SPECIAL
Spencer Adams is currently in the Top 10 in five pitching categories in the ALPB. GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS/SPECIAL
Local Cub Scout Pack 140 kicked off its annual Twilight Camp this week. Scouts from kindergarten through fifth grade enjoyed a special visit from the North Georgia Wildlife Park where they met several fascinating animals up close. From left are Xander Wooley, Olivia Parsons, Kade Gibson, Joann Wooley, Malachai, Bryce Willis, Weston Thomas, Jonas Wade, Matt Wooley and North Georgia Wildlife Park animal handler Tom Bennett. (Photo by Kim Wooley)
Phil Hudgins
Send Letters to the Editor to editor@whitecountynews.net. Please include a phone number and town of residence.
Nathan Eason is the White County Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent.
The African American Heritage Site Cabin is located on the Sautee Nacoochee Center campus, 283 Highway 255 North in Sautee Nacoochee. FILE PHOTO
Ronda Rich
Kristi Casey
The Afternoon Delight was docked in the parking lot of Lake Zwerner last week as Duke Neslen and Beau Donner prepared to launch their newly-purchased 25-foot sailboat into the reservoir waters. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Motorists passing through on Highway 441 and visitors to the City of Dillard should use caution as there is ongoing road construction in the area. MEGAN HORN/CNI
A young man drowned at Panther Creek in Habersham County on June 7. FILE PHOTO
Members of the 10U team are Paisley Autry, Cora Biddy, Olivia Brown, Faith Bunch, Zoe Hester, Bravely Lisk, Breckan Milligan, Averie Morgan, Kamryn Pressley, Weslynn Vandegriff, Lennon Wiley and Madison Worley. JENNIFER KNIGHT/SPECIAL
Spencer Adams is currently in the Top 10 in five pitching categories in the ALPB. GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS/SPECIAL
The WCMS Lady Warriors capped off a perfect season with a 4-1 win over Lumpkin County in the NGML title game. JENNIFER KNIGHT/SPECIAL
