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A Boeing PT-17 crashed in a field along Black Road in Cleveland on Friday morning. SUBMITTED PHOTO

A Boeing PT-17 crashed in a field along Black Road in Cleveland on Friday morning. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Two injured after vintage aircraft crashes in White County field

News Staff
Friday, June 26, 2026
By Carly Henderson White County Fire Services, White County EMS, White County Emergency Management and the White County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the scene of a plane crash on Friday, June 26.White County 911 received a report at 10:47 a.m. of an aircraft crash in a field along Black Road...
The Community Thrift Store on Highway 115 E. in Cleveland gives out grants to local nonprofits on a quarterly basis. The most recent grant presentation was on June 18. From left: Sedina Dove, Jackie McDaniel, Frank Morrell (back), Mark Thomason (back), Gail Smith, Carol Dobson, Kim Sosebee, Tammi Terrall, Tim Skidmore and Paul Veen. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

The Community Thrift Store on Highway 115 E. in Cleveland gives out grants to local nonprofits on a quarterly basis. The most recent grant presentation was on June 18. From left: Sedina Dove, Jackie McDaniel, Frank Morrell (back), Mark Thomason (back), Gail Smith, Carol Dobson, Kim Sosebee, Tammi Terrall, Tim Skidmore and Paul Veen. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Community Thrift Store awards grants

News Staff
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
The Community Thrift Store awarded $45,000 in grants to four non-profit organizations that serve some of White County's most vulnerable residents, during a presentation on June 18 at 1160 E. Kytle Street (Highway 115 East).
A cadet slides down an inflatable water slide during the White County Junior Law Enforcement Academy. The program includes physical training and team-building activities designed to introduce students to careers in law enforcement and public safety. PHOTOS BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

A cadet slides down an inflatable water slide during the White County Junior Law Enforcement Academy. The program includes physical training and team-building activities designed to introduce students to careers in law enforcement and public safety. PHOTOS BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Junior Law Enforcement Academy gives White County students hands-on experience

News Staff
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
By Carly Henderson The first week of the White County Junior Law Enforcement Academy took place June 15-19, giving local students a hands-on introduction to careers in law enforcement and public safety.Hosted annually by the White County Sheriff’s Office, the Junior Law Enforcement Academy (WCJLEA)...
White County High School graduate Bryson Howe, left, prepares to sign his commitment pledge during a signing ceremony on June 18. Howe received a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from Congressman Andrew Clyde, right.

White County High School graduate Bryson Howe, left, prepares to sign his commitment pledge during a signing ceremony on June 18. Howe received a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from Congressman Andrew Clyde, right.

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Howe receives principal appointment to Naval Academy

News Staff
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
By Denise Etheridge Bryson Howe, a 2026 White County High School graduate, received a principal appointment to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Howe signed a commitment pledge last week.
New Chief of School Safety and Operations Matt Stowers informs the school board that the summer feeding program has served 40,000 meals to local children so far this summer. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

New Chief of School Safety and Operations Matt Stowers informs the school board that the summer feeding program has served 40,000 meals to local children so far this summer. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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BoE expected to adopt FY 2027 budget June 25

News Staff
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
By Denise Etheridge The White County Board of Education held its final budget hearing on the proposed 2027 fiscal year budget Tuesday morning, June 23.
Members of the White County News staff were presented with numerous Georgia Press Association awards earlier this month. From left: General Manager Erin Etris, Managing Editor Denise Etheridge, Columnist Emory Jones, Page Designer Mary Beth Yeary and Jones’ pet pig Cunningham. PHOTO BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Members of the White County News staff were presented with numerous Georgia Press Association awards earlier this month. From left: General Manager Erin Etris, Managing Editor Denise Etheridge, Columnist Emory Jones, Page Designer Mary Beth Yeary and Jones’ pet pig Cunningham. PHOTO BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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The News scores big in ad, newspaper contests

News Staff
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
By Denise Etheridge The White County News garnered numerous awards in both the 2026 Better Newspaper Contest and the 2026 Better Newspaper Advertising Contest. The statewide contest is held each year through the Georgia Press Association.
Emir Caner was Truett McConnell University’s president for 17 years. He separated from TMU in September 2025.

Emir Caner was Truett McConnell University’s president for 17 years. He separated from TMU in September 2025.

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Former TMU President Emir Caner sues university over contract termination

News Staff
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.The complaint, filed June 5 in White County...
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

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

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County approves FY 2027 budget

News Staff
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
By Denise Etheridge White County commissioners unanimously approved the proposed $34,458,311 general fund budget for the 2027 Fiscal Year on Monday, June 15.The budget represents a 4.79% increase over last year's $32,697,492 general fund budget.
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

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

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Helen honors retiring officer, holds budget hearing at June meeting

News Staff
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
By Carly HendersonThe City of Helen Commission met June 16, where officials honored a retiring police officer, held the first public hearing on the city’s budget and addressed parking and golf cart regulations.Officer William “Ric” Poteat was recognized during a retirement presentation at the...
The county held a decoupling ceremony on June 11 for the opening of Fire Station No. 9. From left: White County Commissioner Craig Bryant, Assistant Fire Chief Josh Taylor, Chairman Travis Turner, Public Safety Director David Murphy, Deputy Chief Terry Sosebee, Assistant Chief Seth Weaver and Dylan Lee with Precision United. SUBMITTED PHOTO

The county held a decoupling ceremony on June 11 for the opening of Fire Station No. 9. From left: White County Commissioner Craig Bryant, Assistant Fire Chief Josh Taylor, Chairman Travis Turner, Public Safety Director David Murphy, Deputy Chief Terry Sosebee, Assistant Chief Seth Weaver and Dylan Lee with Precision United. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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White County opens Fire Station 9

News Staff
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
By Carly Henderson Nine months after breaking ground in September, White County Fire Station 9 officially opened for service June 11, expanding fire protection coverage in the Mount Yonah community.The station, located on Sonny's Circle off Duncan Bridge Road, will operate 24 hours a day, seven...