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First responders check on residents off Asbestos Road during Saturday's heavy rain event. PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY

First responders check on residents off Asbestos Road during Saturday's heavy rain event. PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY

Crews respond to countywide flooding

News Staff
Monday, January 12, 2026
Staff report White County experienced widespread flooding on Saturday, Jan. 10, as heavy rainfall caused creeks, culverts, and drainage systems to become overwhelmed across multiple areas of the county. Between 9:44 a.m. and 3:56 p.m.
Hundreds of people rush into the water for the Winter Bear Plunge at Unicoi State Park on Jan. 3. PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSI TAYLOR/UNICOI STATE PARK

Hundreds of people rush into the water for the Winter Bear Plunge at Unicoi State Park on Jan. 3. PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSI TAYLOR/UNICOI STATE PARK

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Hundreds dare cold swim

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
by Denise Etheridge Sandy Overstreet of Athens took the Winter Bear Plunge on Jan. 3, to check off an item on her bucket list. Sarah Gauthreaus of Labadieville, La., decided that a cold dip in a North Georgia lake was a better way to celebrate her 40th birthday than swimming in the tepid bayou.
Lee Landress is sworn into office by Helen City Clerk Marilyn Chastain after the commission voted unanimously for him to serve as mayor. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Lee Landress is sworn into office by Helen City Clerk Marilyn Chastain after the commission voted unanimously for him to serve as mayor. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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City of Helen marks leadership change

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
by Carly Henderson The Helen City Hall marked a leadership transition on Monday, when a new mayor and mayor pro tem were sworn in during a special called meeting.
The city of Cleveland plans to purchase the property at 55 Cantrell Road for a new municipal complex that will house City Hall and the Cleveland Police Department. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

The city of Cleveland plans to purchase the property at 55 Cantrell Road for a new municipal complex that will house City Hall and the Cleveland Police Department. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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City hall, police to be under one roof

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
by Carly Henderson Cleveland city leaders announced Monday that both City Hall and the Cleveland Police Department will move from their separate downtown locations to a single new property off Helen Highway sometime over the next 18 months. Cleveland’s current City Hall is located at 85 S.
Winter Bear Plunge participants greet a new year during the 2025 Winter Bear Plunge at Unicoi State Park’s beach. FILE PHOTO

Winter Bear Plunge participants greet a new year during the 2025 Winter Bear Plunge at Unicoi State Park’s beach. FILE PHOTO

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Taking the plunge

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Staff report Cold temperatures and colder water will set the scene this weekend as the annual Winter Bear Plunge returns to Unicoi State Park. Friends of Unicoi State Park will host the Winter Bear Plunge on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at Unicoi Beach. Registration for the event will begin at 10 a.m.

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Local-bred poodle heads to Westminster

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
by Carly Henderson White County will have a hometown competitor at one of the nation’s most prestigious dog shows early next month when Osiris, a three-and-a-half-year-old standard poodle, heads to New York City for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Ron Coker, construction manager for Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia, runs in the 2025 Hogpen Hill Climb. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Ron Coker, construction manager for Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia, runs in the 2025 Hogpen Hill Climb. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Hogpen Hill Climb set for Jan. 17

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
by Denise Etheridge Since 1979, runners have taken on the challenging Hogpen Hill Climb. The 18K race finishes at the top  of Hogpen Gap with an elevation of over 2,500 feet. The event benefits Habitat For Humanity of Northeast Georgia’s home builds in White and Habersham counties.
Pastor David Sansot, left, and Pastor Avery Hutto of The Bridge Church in Cleveland stand at the Nova site in southern Israel, where Hamas operatives attacked on Oct. 7, 2023. See more Summit photos on page 6A. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Pastor David Sansot, left, and Pastor Avery Hutto of The Bridge Church in Cleveland stand at the Nova site in southern Israel, where Hamas operatives attacked on Oct. 7, 2023. See more Summit photos on page 6A. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Cleveland pastors attend summit in Israel

News Staff
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
by Carly Henderson Two Cleveland pastors were among 1,000 evangelical leaders who participated in the 2025 Friends of Zion Ambassadors Summit, held in Israel earlier this month.
Artis Henderson's new book about her father was released in September and much of it takes place in White County. LINDA ERBELE/WCN

Artis Henderson's new book about her father was released in September and much of it takes place in White County. LINDA ERBELE/WCN

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New book has large focus on White County

News Staff
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
by Linda Erbele White County and some of its residents play a prominent part in a new book published this September by Harper Collins, written by a journalist who splits her time between Florida and Portugal.
District 3 Cleveland City Council member Jeremy McClure was sworn-in by Judge Garrison Baker for his second term. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

District 3 Cleveland City Council member Jeremy McClure was sworn-in by Judge Garrison Baker for his second term. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Cleveland swears-in two council members

News Staff
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
by Carly Henderson Two members of the Cleveland City Council officially began their second terms during a swearing-in ceremony held Friday, Dec. 19. Cleveland City Council members Jeremy McClure of District 3 and CJ McDonald of District 4 were sworn into office at Cleveland First Methodist Church.