Local

Truett McConnell University may soon have a new president. FILE PHOTO

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TMU board to meet, consider candidate to lead university

News Staff

Friday, January 30, 2026

By Denise Etheridge Truett McConnell University may soon have a new president. Brandi Wood, TMU's director of marketing and communications, notified the White County News Friday afternoon that the school's Board of Trustees will meet at 1 p.m.

This tree went down at Chimney Lake during last weekend’s Winter Storm Fern. PHOTO/BRYCE BARRETT, WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY

Fern slams White County

News Staff

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

By Denise Etheridge and Carly Henderson Winter Storm Fern delivered a historic whammy to White County this past weekend. Trees weighed down by ice toppled, bringing down power lines and blocking roads across the county.

Chief Jason Bryant

Jason Bryant named Cleveland Fire Chief

News Staff

Friday, January 23, 2026

Staff report Following an executive session on Jan. 22, the City of Cleveland announced the selection of Jason Bryant as the city’s new Fire Chief, following approval by Mayor and City Council.

White County will open a shelter Saturday morning for individuals and families who have factors that limit their ability to safely shelter in place during the winter storm. METRO CREATIVE

County to open shelter for most vulnerable

News Staff

Friday, January 23, 2026

Staff report White County will open a shelter Saturday morning for individuals and families who have factors that limit their ability to safely shelter in place during the winter storm.

Dr. Jonathan Stribling was named the sole final candidate for White County School Superintendent. Stribling is currently the assistant superintendent for the school system.

Stribling named finalist for superintendent

News Staff

Friday, January 23, 2026

By Denise Etheridge A familiar face is expected to soon fill the top leadership role at the White County School System.

The Property Tax Relief Local Option Sales Tax is a 1% countywide sales tax aimed at generating revenue to lower property tax bills. METRO CREATIVE

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Development Authority touches on tax relief, inland port

News Staff

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

By Denise Etheridge The White County Development Authority briefly discussed the new mechanism for property tax relief and the inland port under construction, as well as acknowledging a personal loss during a quarterly meeting held last week.

Over 225 people participated in the 47th annual Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia Hogpen Hill Climb 18K and Georgia Mountain Coaster 5K. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Runners climb Hogpen for Habitat

News Staff

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

By Carly Henderson Runners gathered in Helen on Jan. 17 to take part in the 47th annual Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia Hogpen Hill Climb 18K and Georgia Mountain Coaster 5K, an event that has become a longtime fundraiser for the organization.

Inmates pick up trash along a county road. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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WCSO expands inmate labor program

News Staff

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

By Denise Etheridge The White County Sheriff's Office has recently expanded its inmate labor program. For the past six weeks, inmates have been picking up litter and discarded tires on county roadways. A detail of up to four inmates covered 44.

White County Schools Countywide Spelling Bee participants included, from left, Maxwell Spivey, Reggie Grant, Jonah Stephens, Melodie Ramirez , Banler Wilson, Isiah Veazy, Annistyn Mealor, Beckett Wilson, Sadie Usher and Quinn Dockery. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Reggie Grant wins White County spelling bee

News Staff

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

by Carly Henderson Students from White County elementary and middle schools put their spelling skills to the test during the White County Schools Countywide Spelling Bee, held Monday evening at the Performing Arts Center at White County High School.

Flooding caused by heavy rainfall on Saturday, Jan. 10 im- pacted North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park in Cleveland, forcing the park to shut down for a day. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Flooding shuts down local zoo

News Staff

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

by Carly Henderson Flooding from torrential rain shut down North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park in Cleveland on Jan. 10 as water spread across White County. Park staff closed the facility out of concern for the safety of animals and guests.