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Connor Rowland, 16, a Team USA paddler, practices at Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club during a recent training session. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Connor Rowland, 16, a Team USA paddler, practices at Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club during a recent training session. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club builds athletes through programs

News Staff
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
By Carly Henderson Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club, based at the Gainesville City Olympic Boathouse, the former site of the 1996 Olympics, has been developing paddlers since 1994. LCKC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization led by Executive Director Kim Martin, who is based in White County.
Marilyn Martin and her husband Stephen Martin, not pictured, own Farmhouse Coffee in Cleveland. The coffee shop will open its larger space on Friday, June 12. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Marilyn Martin and her husband Stephen Martin, not pictured, own Farmhouse Coffee in Cleveland. The coffee shop will open its larger space on Friday, June 12. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Farmhouse Coffee holds grand opening

News Staff
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
By Denise Etheridge  Stephen and Marilyn Martin opened their first Farmhouse Coffee location on March 6, 2021, in a small end unit on the square in downtown Cleveland.

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Early voting underway in White County

News Staff
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
By Carly Henderson Advance in-person voting for the June 16 general primary runoff began Monday, June 8.Several races impacting White County are heading for a runoff election on June 16.These races include the race for the White County Board of Education District 4 seat and the Republican primary...
The section of the Chattahoochee in Helen that is popular for tubing is safe, according to EPA tests. SUBMITTED PHOTO

The section of the Chattahoochee in Helen that is popular for tubing is safe, according to EPA tests. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Water testing confirms safe conditions in Helen

News Staff
Monday, June 8, 2026
The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper has published the results from this week's EPA-approved testing of a water sample gathered at Riverside Park confirming the Alpine Helen-White County section of the Chattahoochee is currently clean and safe for recreational use.“The Northeast Georgia area of the...
The Cleveland Planning and Zoning Board voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request from Cleveland First Methodist Church to the Cleveland City Council late last month. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

The Cleveland Planning and Zoning Board voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request from Cleveland First Methodist Church to the Cleveland City Council late last month. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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P & Z Board recommends rezoning Cleveland First Methodist parsonage

News Staff
Friday, June 5, 2026
By Carly HendersonThe Cleveland Planning and Zoning Board voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request from Cleveland First Methodist Church to the Cleveland City Council at its May 28 meeting.The church requested to rezone a 0.084-acre tract, Tax Map and Parcel C01D 108, in Cleveland.
Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Mike Meyer wins 53rd Helen to Atlantic Balloon Race

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
By Carly Henderson  The 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival kicked off June 4 and continued through Saturday, June 6, bringing thousands of visitors to Helen for a weekend of balloon events and competition.
White County resident Andy Negra, 102, grins below his birthday balloons last weekend during a celebratory dinner at Nacoochee Grill. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

White County resident Andy Negra, 102, grins below his birthday balloons last weekend during a celebratory dinner at Nacoochee Grill. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

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Negra celebrates major birthday milestone

News Staff
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
By Denise Etheridge Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”If this is true, then local celebrity Andy Negra is a masterpiece.Negra turned 102 on May 28.
Rep. Mike Collins speaks to attendees during a May 28 meet and greet at North Georgia BBQ in White County. Collins met with voters and discussed his campaign ahead of the June 16 Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Rep. Mike Collins speaks to attendees during a May 28 meet and greet at North Georgia BBQ in White County. Collins met with voters and discussed his campaign ahead of the June 16 Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Collins visits White County on campaign stop ahead of Senate runoff

News Staff
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
By Carly Henderson  Rep. Mike Collins brought his U.S. Senate campaign to White County on May 28, meeting with local voters during a series of stops across Georgia ahead of the Republican primary runoff.Attendees gathered at North Georgia BBQ in Cleveland at 3 p.m. Thursday, where the room was...
Supporters applaud cancer survivors during the White County Relay for Life on May 29. Brandy Roquemore, center left, and Brenda Jolly walk behind Rita and Chris Burdett. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Supporters applaud cancer survivors during the White County Relay for Life on May 29. Brandy Roquemore, center left, and Brenda Jolly walk behind Rita and Chris Burdett. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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White County celebrates survivors, remembers loved ones at Relay for Life

News Staff
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
By Denise Etheridge Close to 125 cancer survivors, their caregivers and family members, and Relay team participants attended the May 29 Cancer Survivor and Caregiver Dinner and Walk at Union Grove Congregational Holiness Church Life Center.