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White County High School senior William “Willow” Polangco-Kenney, right, is this year's STAR student. He chose Tara Johnston to be STAR teacher. SUBMITTED PHOTO

White County High School senior William “Willow” Polangco-Kenney, right, is this year's STAR student. He chose Tara Johnston to be STAR teacher. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Student's STAR power shines on stage, in the classroom

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
By Denise Etheridge From the stage to the classroom, White County High School senior William “Willow” Polangco-Kenney has a knack for standing out. This year, his academic prowess earned him recognition as the school’s STAR student.
Pat and Chris Smith, left, and Pamela and Randy Summers, right, celebrate Fasching at a Helen Chamber of Commerce event two years ago. FILE PHOTO 

Pat and Chris Smith, left, and Pamela and Randy Summers, right, celebrate Fasching at a Helen Chamber of Commerce event two years ago. FILE PHOTO 

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Helen bids winter “Auf Wiedersehen” 

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
By Carly Henderson Whether you know it as Fasching, Mardi Gras or Carnivale, winter will be chased away with music, costumes and German flair in Alpine Helen on Feb. 14. Fasching, the German Mardi Gras, will come to a head with the Helen Chamber of Commerce’s colorful celebration from 6 to 11 p.m.
Candidate qualifying will be held March 2–6

Candidate qualifying will be held March 2–6

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Qualifying set for March 2-6

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
By Carly Henderson   The White County Board of Elections & Registrations discussed when candidates must qualify and other upcoming election business at their Feb. 10 meeting. Candidate qualifying will be held March 2–6. Qualifying hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.
Deb’s Dollar & Discount is shown ahead of its closure later this spring. The store has been in business for more than 18 years. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Deb’s Dollar & Discount is shown ahead of its closure later this spring. The store has been in business for more than 18 years. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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A final season for Deb’s Dollar & Discount

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Carly Henderson  After nearly two decades of serving White County shoppers, Deb’s Dollar & Discount is preparing to close its doors, marking the end of a chapter for owners Deborah and Brad Payne as they head into retirement.
After renovations are complete, Nacoochee Grill will open under new ownership as a cloth-napkin steakhouse.  CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

After renovations are complete, Nacoochee Grill will open under new ownership as a cloth-napkin steakhouse.  CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Renovations underway as revived Nacoochee Grill to return

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Carly Henderson Mully’s Nacoochee Grill may have closed its doors in December, but the building is already preparing for its next chapter— one rooted in both history and reinvention. On Jan.
Assistant Superintendent Jonathan Stribling will be the school system's next superintendent beginning April 1. Stribling is pictured with his wife Jessica Stribling. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Assistant Superintendent Jonathan Stribling will be the school system's next superintendent beginning April 1. Stribling is pictured with his wife Jessica Stribling. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Stribling officially hired to lead White County schools

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Denise Etheridge As expected, the White County Board of Education voted to hire Assistant Superintendent Jonathan Stribling as the next superintendent for the school system during a called meeting Monday night. Stribling will start his new role on April 1.
White County High School principal Mary Anne Collier

White County High School principal Mary Anne Collier

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WCHS principal to take on administrative role 

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
By Denise Etheridge   White County High School principal Mary Anne Collier will fill a newly created position in administration with the school system before the start of the next school year.
Jason Bryant was sworn in as City of Cleveland Fire Chief by Judge Garrison Baker at the Feb. 2 Cleveland City Council meeting. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Jason Bryant was sworn in as City of Cleveland Fire Chief by Judge Garrison Baker at the Feb. 2 Cleveland City Council meeting. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Jason Bryant sworn in as Cleveland’s new fire chief

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
By Carly Henderson The City of Cleveland officially has a new Fire Chief as Jason Bryant was sworn in at the Cleveland City Council's Feb. 2 meeting. Bryant was sworn in by Cleveland City Judge Garrison Baker.