Local

Thirty roof-mounted solar panels were installed at the Sautee Nacoochee Center as part of a new solar energy system that also includes a 40-panel ground array. The installation is expected to save the center nearly $500,000 in energy costs over the panels’ 30-year lifespan. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Thirty roof-mounted solar panels were installed at the Sautee Nacoochee Center as part of a new solar energy system that also includes a 40-panel ground array. The installation is expected to save the center nearly $500,000 in energy costs over the panels’ 30-year lifespan. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Sautee Nacoochee Center to celebrate solar installation with July 19 event

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
By Carly Henderson  The Sautee Nacoochee Center will celebrate the installation of its new solar panels with a Solar Celebration from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 19.
Open houses for the upcoming school year are scheduled to begin in July. FILE PHOTOS

Open houses for the upcoming school year are scheduled to begin in July. FILE PHOTOS

School open houses set for July, August

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
It's nearly time to welcome students back to White County's public schools.The following open houses have been scheduled:White County Middle School will hold a sixth grade camp from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on Thursday, July 30. Drop-off is at 8:30 a.m. WCMS is located at 283 Old Blairsville Road, Cleveland.
Run for Freedom 5K participant Obadiah Kipruto came in first place in the race with a time of 17:47.9. PHOTOS BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Run for Freedom 5K participant Obadiah Kipruto came in first place in the race with a time of 17:47.9. PHOTOS BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Cleveland-White 250 marks Independence Day with spirit, daylong festivities

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
By Carly Henderson  Last Saturday in Cleveland was an all-day celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. From early morning into the night, the city was alive with holiday festivities, complete with fun, fireworks and even some sweat.
Crowds of people descended on the City of Helen to celebrate the nation's 250th Independence Day. People spread out in the city's parks on picnic blankets, tail gated in parking lots or relaxed by the Chattahoochee River. The city set off fireworks after dark from Wilkins' Field. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Crowds of people descended on the City of Helen to celebrate the nation's 250th Independence Day. People spread out in the city's parks on picnic blankets, tail gated in parking lots or relaxed by the Chattahoochee River. The city set off fireworks after dark from Wilkins' Field. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Flags, families and fireworks: Helen celebrates America at 250

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
The “Agnes' Women” exhibit is on display at the Sautee Nacoochee Center gallery now through Aug. 23. The artists represent four generations of the Agnes Stephens' family. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

The “Agnes' Women” exhibit is on display at the Sautee Nacoochee Center gallery now through Aug. 23. The artists represent four generations of the Agnes Stephens' family. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

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SNC Gallery exhibits artwork by four generations of Stephens' family

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Special to the White County News Now through August 23, the Sautee Nacoochee Center is showcasing a unique artexhibition titled “Agnes’ Women” in the Jim Thomas Invitational Gallery.
Ruth Jola celebrated her 102nd birthday July 4 with family and friends. Born July 4,1924, Jola has lived in Cleveland for 46 years. She marked the occasion with a birthday party followed by evening fireworks. Jola was married to the late Bernie Jola. She has three children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She enjoys keeping her mind sharp by regularly solving cryptogram puzzles. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Ruth Jola celebrated her 102nd birthday July 4 with family and friends. Born July 4,1924, Jola has lived in Cleveland for 46 years. She marked the occasion with a birthday party followed by evening fireworks. Jola was married to the late Bernie Jola. She has three children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She enjoys keeping her mind sharp by regularly solving cryptogram puzzles. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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A 102 year-old red, white and blue birthday girl

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
On Monday, the White County Commission presented Truett-McConnell University President Larry Lyon a proclamation honoring the school's 80th anniversary. From left: Commissioners Craig Bryant and Shan Ash, Chairman Traivs Turner, Lyon, and Commissioners Lyn Holcomb and Ed Nix. PHOTO BY BRYCE BARRETT

On Monday, the White County Commission presented Truett-McConnell University President Larry Lyon a proclamation honoring the school's 80th anniversary. From left: Commissioners Craig Bryant and Shan Ash, Chairman Traivs Turner, Lyon, and Commissioners Lyn Holcomb and Ed Nix. PHOTO BY BRYCE BARRETT

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Commission approves grant application for more trails

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
By Denise Etheridge The White County Board of Commissioners gave its Parks and Recreation Department the go-ahead to apply for a grant that could help fund a proposed nine-mile expansion of trails at Yonah Preserve. The trail system has 11 miles of trails now.“If we're able to get this grant...
Melanie Harris

Melanie Harris

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GBI promotes Cleveland resident Melanie Harris

News Staff
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation promoted Melanie Harris to Criminal Justice Compliance Supervisor in the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). Harris will continue to conduct audits while overseeing the personnel within the GCIC Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Compliance Program.
Nick Mitchell, a White County resident and Democratic candidate for Georgia State House District 8, is shown speaking in Rabun County. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Nick Mitchell, a White County resident and Democratic candidate for Georgia State House District 8, is shown speaking in Rabun County. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Democratic candidates, voters can connect at Clarkesville workshop

News Staff
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
North Georgia Headwaters Indivisible (NGHI) will host a July 11 Candidates Strategy Workshop from 10 a.m.-noon in Clarkesville, offering voters direct access to regional Democratic candidates.
This graphic shows where people can park during the Run for Freedom 5K in downtown Cleveland on July 4. An additional map for local America 250 events can be found on page 7A. SUBMITTED GRAPHIC

This graphic shows where people can park during the Run for Freedom 5K in downtown Cleveland on July 4. An additional map for local America 250 events can be found on page 7A. SUBMITTED GRAPHIC

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Cleveland streets closed to through traffic during Run for Freedom 5k on July 4

News Staff
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
By Denise Etheridge Residents and visitors can expect temporary road closures in and around Cleveland’s Freedom Park on July 4. The Run for Freedom 5K, part of the Cleveland-White County America 250 celebration, will begin at 8 a.m. at Freedom Park, 66 E. Kytle Street.