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Landri Kastner, 3, pets a cow under her mother April Darby's watchful eye. The family attended Agri-Fest on Sept. 26 at Freedom Park in Cleveland. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Landri Kastner, 3, pets a cow under her mother April Darby's watchful eye. The family attended Agri-Fest on Sept. 26 at Freedom Park in Cleveland. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Agri-Fest highlights White County’s farming traditions

News Staff
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Hundreds of event-goers got up close to antique tractors and farm animals, observed farming skills demonstrations, listened to live music and shopped from local vendors. The event originated with the Farm Bureau and was organized this year by volunteers with the White County Farmer's Market. 
Dr. Larry Lyon delivers his inaugural address during his inauguration as Truett McConnell University’s ninth president Sept. 24 at TMU’s George Blaurock Student Wellness Center. PHOTO BY CARLY HENDERSON

Dr. Larry Lyon delivers his inaugural address during his inauguration as Truett McConnell University’s ninth president Sept. 24 at TMU’s George Blaurock Student Wellness Center. PHOTO BY CARLY HENDERSON

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Lyon inaugurated as TMU’s ninth president

News Staff
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
By Carly Henderson  Nearly six months after beginning his tenure, Dr. Larry Lyon was officially inaugurated as Truett McConnell University’s ninth president Sept. 24 at a ceremony at TMU’s George Blaurock Student Wellness Center.Lyon was named president of the university in early February and...
In 2022, former Helen City Manager Jerry Elkins was honored at a retirement reception. From left are Deena Westmoreland, current City Manager Darrell Westmoreland, and the late Elkins and his wife Sandra. FILE PHOTO

In 2022, former Helen City Manager Jerry Elkins was honored at a retirement reception. From left are Deena Westmoreland, current City Manager Darrell Westmoreland, and the late Elkins and his wife Sandra. FILE PHOTO

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Remembering Jerry Elkins

News Staff
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
By Denise Etheridge  Former Helen City Manager Jerry Elkins Sr., 73, died on Sunday, Sept. 27. Elkins had served the City of Helen from 1999 until  his retirement on Dec. 29, 2022. He was a resident of Clarkesville.Elkins moved to the mountains from the metro Atlanta area more than 25 years ago.
The Cleveland City Council reviews the FY 2027 budget during a meeting last June. FILE PHOTO

The Cleveland City Council reviews the FY 2027 budget during a meeting last June. FILE PHOTO

Cleveland city leaders considering potential annexations

News Staff
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Staff report The City of Cleveland released a statement on Monday confirming that leaders are currently evaluating potential annexations along key corridors surrounding the city “to better align the city’s municipal boundaries with the areas and primary corridors it already serves.”City officials...
Wren Dennis, who graduated from White County High School this past May, throws her cap in the air. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Wren Dennis, who graduated from White County High School this past May, throws her cap in the air. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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WCSS touts high graduation score

News Staff
Monday, September 28, 2026
By Denise Etheridge White County School System officials were notified this week that the district received a 99.24% four-year graduation rate, an increase from 95.82% the previous year.The district’s overall graduation rate also increased from 95.1% to 98.6%, while the five-year graduation rate is...
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Cleveland will hold its annual fall festival next Saturday. FILE PHOTO

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Cleveland will hold its annual fall festival next Saturday. FILE PHOTO

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St. Paul’s fall festival set for Oct. 3

News Staff
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
On Saturday, October 3, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Cleveland will hold its 62nd annual fall festival on the church grounds from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Each year the event expands with new games and activities for children and adults.
Pictured from left to right are Shane’s Auto Body employees Blake Slaton, Harrison Harper, Stacy Mitchell, Preston McGatha, Cash Laws, Mike Baker, Reese Alexander, Owner Shane Palmer, his wife Farrah Palmer and Office Manager Tina Blackburn. Not pictured are Howard England, Don Lepkoske, Mason Palmer, and Barrett Palmer. PHOTOS BY ERIN ETRIS

Pictured from left to right are Shane’s Auto Body employees Blake Slaton, Harrison Harper, Stacy Mitchell, Preston McGatha, Cash Laws, Mike Baker, Reese Alexander, Owner Shane Palmer, his wife Farrah Palmer and Office Manager Tina Blackburn. Not pictured are Howard England, Don Lepkoske, Mason Palmer, and Barrett Palmer. PHOTOS BY ERIN ETRIS

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Shane’s celebrates 25 years in business

News Staff
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
The team at Shane’s Auto Body celebrated 25 years in business last Wednesday, Sept. 16, at their location on Highway 129 in Cleveland complete with live music, cornhole, door prizes and other activities.
“Give Like Dolly Day” is Friday, Sept. 25. SUBMITTED PHOTO

“Give Like Dolly Day” is Friday, Sept. 25. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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‘9 to 5’ inspires Give Like Dolly Day Sept. 25

News Staff
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
by Linda Erbele The Dollywood  Foundation has announced a global initiative dedicated to supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Programs, honoring her legacy of inspiring children to dream big and develop a lifelong love of reading. “Give Like Dolly Day” is Friday, Sept. 25.
Front row, from left, Gina Sherman, Gail Smith, Jackie McDaniel, Amanda Lammers, Kim Sosebee and Tami Tarell. Back row, from left, Frank Norrell, Matthew Norrell, Tim Skidmore and Gene White. The group is pictured at the Community Thrift Store in Cleveland during the Sept. 17 grant awards. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Front row, from left, Gina Sherman, Gail Smith, Jackie McDaniel, Amanda Lammers, Kim Sosebee and Tami Tarell. Back row, from left, Frank Norrell, Matthew Norrell, Tim Skidmore and Gene White. The group is pictured at the Community Thrift Store in Cleveland during the Sept. 17 grant awards. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Community Thrift Store awards record $56,000 in grants

News Staff
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
By Carly Henderson The Community Thrift Store awarded $56,000 in grants Sept. 17 to five local nonprofits serving White County: White County Caring and Sharing, which provides assistance to residents experiencing financial hardship; White County Food Pantry, which provides food assistance; Family...
Cleveland city officials cut the ribbon on the new Cleveland Municipal Complex at 55 Cantrell Road last Friday. PHOTOS BY DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Cleveland city officials cut the ribbon on the new Cleveland Municipal Complex at 55 Cantrell Road last Friday. PHOTOS BY DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Cleveland city leaders cut ribbon on new municipal complex

News Staff
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
By Carly Henderson and Denise Etheridge Cleveland city leaders cut the ribbon on the city's new municipal complex Sept. 18. The facility officially opened on Aug. 10.