Local

Bo Medlock

Medlock named interim fire chief in Cleveland

News Staff

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Staff Reports Cleveland has appointed Brady “Bo” Medlock as interim fire chief, effective August 1, 2025, replacing former chief Ricky Pruitt, who resigned last week. Medlock will assume full duties and responsibilities of the fire chief during this leadership transition.

A special operations officer with the White County Sheriff's Office gives local kids an inside look at an armored SWAT vehicle. (Staff photo/Jerry Grillo)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Mini police back in town

News Staff

Thursday, July 17, 2025

by Jerry Grillo White County News Don’t be alarmed. Those pint-sized peace officers aiming radar guns at your car as you pass in front of the Cleveland Worship Center on Helen Highway can’t give you a ticket. Yet. Give them time, though.

This is one of 14 planned homes for West Jarrard Village. They are being built in a factory in White County. (Submitted)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

New homes landing in Cleveland

News Staff

Thursday, July 17, 2025

by Linda Erbele White County News The bottom half of one of the newest homes to be built in Cleveland swung through the air Friday morning, only to be gently guided onto a slab and welded into place. It arrived by flatbed, and was put in place by a large crane.

John Foster at his retirement celebration. (File)

Foster remembered for years of service

News Staff

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Staff reports Former Cleveland Police Chief John Foster once told the News he found a place to call home when he moved to White County in 1997. Foster, 70, died on July 12. He suffered a massive heart attack, according to Cleveland City Manager Kevin Harris.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Cleveland couple killed in car crash

News Staff

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Staff reports Chandler Scott Partin, 81, and his wife, Esther L. Partin, 82, of Cleveland, died from injuries they sustained in a two-vehicle collision this past weekend. The wreck occurred around 2 p.m.

Visitors from Florida enjoy the spectacle in Helen.

Lighting up the Fourth

News Staff

Thursday, July 10, 2025

The skies over White County were ablaze with fireworks over the Fourth of July weekend. Thousands of people from all over the country, literally from Alaska to Florida, packed Alpine Helen for that city's annual Independence Day festivities.

White County Fire Services personnel suit up for hazmat training with the Army National Guard. (Submitted photo)

WCFS trains for hazmat emergencies

News Staff

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Staff reports White County Fire Services and the United States Army National Guard recently partnered on a two-day hazardous materials training exercise. The training helped strengthen multi-agency coordination and gauged response capabilities for high-risk hazardous materials incidents.

His Hands and Feet Ministry Thrift Store’s monthly food drive is managed by, left to right, Rob Efferson, Shauna Efferson, Scotty Splittorff, and Lisa Ferrari. (Jerry Grillo photo))

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Open hearts at His Hands and Feet

News Staff

Thursday, July 3, 2025

by Jerry Grillo White County News Rob Efferson is a different kind of store proprietor, the kind more interested in giving than receiving. “We’re not competing with anybody, we’re just here to help,” says Efferson, manager of His Hands and Feet Ministry Thrift Store in Cleveland.

Kimberly Bellflower's play, John Proctor was the Villain, was nominated for seven Tony Awards. (Blake Daniel photo)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Small town dreams, New York stage

News Staff

Thursday, July 3, 2025

by Jerry Grillo White County News Kimberly Bellflower and Blake Daniel met when they were 10 and lived in the same White County subdivision. She invited him over to play on her trampoline and meet her six-toed kittens named after Titanic characters.

John Yarbrough

TMU promises reform in wake of scandal

News Staff

Thursday, June 26, 2025

by Jerry Grillo White County News Following multiple allegations of sexual abuse and a cover-up at Truett McConnell University, acting President John Yarbrough insisted he is committed to rebuilding trust and implementing systemic changes to protect students.