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The White County Board of Education voted to adopt a rollback property tax millage rate of 11.672 on Aug. 27.

The White County Board of Education voted to adopt a rollback property tax millage rate of 11.672 on Aug. 27.

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School board adopts rollback millage rate

News Staff
Friday, August 28, 2026
By Denise Etheridge The White County Board of Education voted to adopt a rollback property tax millage rate of 11.672 from the current 11.725 mill rate Thursday night. The school system has accepted the rollback rate each year since 2016. Ten years ago, the millage rate was at 17.982.
The White County Board of Commissioners adopted an 8.555 millage rate for tax year 2026 on Aug. 28. FILE PHOTO

The White County Board of Commissioners adopted an 8.555 millage rate for tax year 2026 on Aug. 28. FILE PHOTO

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County adopts reduced millage rate 

News Staff
Friday, August 28, 2026
By Denise Etheridge The White County Board of Commissioners adopted an 8.555 millage rate for tax year 2026 during a called meeting Friday morning. The mil rate is a reduction of 2.287 mills from the 2025 millage rate of 8.
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 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.
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

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White County Food Pantry celebrates 30 years of community service

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
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 and housed at St.
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

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White County's Milestones scores show improvement across the board

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
By Denise Etheridge White County students are showing improvement in most subject areas, according to recent standardized test scores released by the state.
White County firefighter Will Roper rappels down the west face of Mount Yonah to reach a stranded climber Aug. 25. Roper secured the climber and assisted them to safety. SUBMITTED PHOTO

White County firefighter Will Roper rappels down the west face of Mount Yonah to reach a stranded climber Aug. 25. Roper secured the climber and assisted them to safety. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Firefighter rappels down Mount Yonah to rescue stranded climber

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
By Carly Henderson A stranded climber on Mount Yonah was rescued by White County Public Safety personnel after receiving a 911 call shortly after 7 p.m. Aug. 25.
Gun Commanders owner Mike Carter stands outside the Cleveland store. Carter purchased a private Flock camGun Commanders owner Mike Carter stands outside the Cleveland store. Carter purchased a private Flock camera as an additional security measure for the business. The camera was mounted outside the store and covered following public backlash. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Gun Commanders owner Mike Carter stands outside the Cleveland store. Carter purchased a private Flock camGun Commanders owner Mike Carter stands outside the Cleveland store. Carter purchased a private Flock camera as an additional security measure for the business. The camera was mounted outside the store and covered following public backlash. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Flock camera at Gun Commanders covered following public backlash

News Staff
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
By Carly Henderson  Flock cameras have become a subject of controversy around the state.In Cleveland, the controversy has reached Gun Commanders, where owner Mike Carter purchased a private Flock camera as an additional security measure for the business.
The county will hold the third and final hearing on the proposed mill decrease at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28.

The county will hold the third and final hearing on the proposed mill decrease at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28.

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Commission to adopt millage rate on Aug. 28

News Staff
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
By Denise Etheridge At the second of two public hearings held on Aug. 20, the White County Board of Commissioners strived to explain the county’s proposal to reduce the 2026 millage rate to 8.555 mills from the 2025 millage rate of 8.842 mills - a reduction of 0.287 mills.
The Cleveland City Council is using FLOST revenue to lower property taxes. Clockwise from top left: Council Member Jeremy McClure, Mayor Josh Turner, and Council Members CJ McDonald, Annie Sutton and Nan Bowen. FILE PHOTO

The Cleveland City Council is using FLOST revenue to lower property taxes. Clockwise from top left: Council Member Jeremy McClure, Mayor Josh Turner, and Council Members CJ McDonald, Annie Sutton and Nan Bowen. FILE PHOTO

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Cleveland adopts FY 2026-27 millage rate 

News Staff
Monday, August 24, 2026
By Carly Henderson The Cleveland City Council unanimously voted to adopt a 1.938-mill property tax rate for fiscal year 2026-27 during a called meeting Aug. 20.Councilman Jeremy McClure made the motion to adopt the 2026-27 millage rate and tax digest, with Councilwoman Nan Bowen seconding.
Yonah Mountain Vineyards staffers serve guests samples of wine at Crush Fest 2025. FILE PHOTO

Yonah Mountain Vineyards staffers serve guests samples of wine at Crush Fest 2025. FILE PHOTO

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Crush Fest returns with music, award-winning wines

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
By Denise Etheridge Yonah Mountain Vineyards is harvesting grapes, bottling wine and lining up entertainers, food trucks and artisan vendors in preparation for its annual Crush Fest event from noon to 6 p.m. on Aug. 29.