Local

Commissioners met on June 15 to adopt the budget for Fiscal Year 2027. From left are Commissioners Shan Ash and Craig Bryant, Chairman Travis Turner and Commissioners Ed Nix and Lyn Holcomb. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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County approves FY 2027 budget

News Staff

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

By Denise Etheridge White County commissioners unanimously approved the proposed $34,458,311 general fund budget for the 2027 Fiscal Year on Monday, June 15.The budget represents a 4.79% increase over last year's $32,697,492 general fund budget.

Sgt. Chris Barrett presents a retirement award to Officer William “Rice” Poteat during the June 16 City of Helen Commission meeting recognizing Poteat’s years of service with the Helen Police Department. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Helen honors retiring officer, holds budget hearing at June meeting

News Staff

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

By Carly HendersonThe City of Helen Commission met June 16, where officials honored a retiring police officer, held the first public hearing on the city’s budget and addressed parking and golf cart regulations.

The county held a decoupling ceremony on June 11 for the opening of Fire Station No. 9. From left: White County Commissioner Craig Bryant, Assistant Fire Chief Josh Taylor, Chairman Travis Turner, Public Safety Director David Murphy, Deputy Chief Terry Sosebee, Assistant Chief Seth Weaver and Dylan Lee with Precision United. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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White County opens Fire Station 9

News Staff

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

By Carly Henderson Nine months after breaking ground in September, White County Fire Station 9 officially opened for service June 11, expanding fire protection coverage in the Mount Yonah community.

Zion Interdenominational Church held its 22nd Annual Car Show on June 13. The church is at 3667 Ga. 115 E. in Cleveland. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Car show held in memory of local couple

News Staff

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

By Denise Etheridge Nearly a year after Chandler and Esther Partin died a car show was held in their memory at Zion Interdenominational Church off Highway 115 E. in Cleveland.

Will Wade

Fincher, Wade win runoff races

News Staff

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

By Carly Henderson and Denise Etheridge The June 16 Primary Runoff votes are in and county election officials confirmed that voter turnout was strong during both advanced in-person voting and on Election Day.

Fire Station No. 9 responded to a mountain rescue call hours after being put into operation. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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New county fire station responds to first call hours after opening

News Staff

Friday, June 12, 2026

Staff report Just hours after White County celebrated the opening of its newest fire station, Fire Station No. 9, on Thursday, June 11, the station responded to its first call.At about 6:38 p.m. Thursday evening, Fire Station 9 responded to a mountain rescue call on Mount Yonah.

Noel Cochran

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Cochran departs TGAP, tapped for North Hall

News Staff

Friday, June 12, 2026

By Denise Etheridge Tesnatee Gap Elementary School principal Noel Cochran is leaving the White County School System to become North Hall Middle School's next principal. Cochran led TGAP for the past three years."I have loved my three years in White County Schools," Cochran said.

Helen Police Chief Aletha Barrett

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Helen Police Chief cleared in collision

News Staff

Thursday, June 11, 2026

By Carly Henderson The investigation into the accident involving Helen Police Chief Aletha Barrett and a pedestrian has been completed, with no charges recommended.

The Cleveland City Council held a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget on June 4. From left are Council Members C.J. McDonald and Jeremy McClure, Mayor Josh Turner and Council Members Annie Sutton and Nan Bowen. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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City's proposed budget prioritizes public safety, employee retention

News Staff

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

By Denise Etheridge Cleveland city officials prioritized public safety and employee retention last week during the first public hearing on the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The budget presentation and discussion was held the morning of June 4. There were no comments from the public.

Grand Re-Opening attendee Olivia Weideman tries out a land lottery simulator at the Sautee Nacoochee History Museum. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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SNC celebrates Grand Re-Opening of Sautee Nacoochee History Museum

News Staff

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

By Carly Henderson The Sautee Nacoochee Center held a grand reopening of the Sautee Nacoochee History Museum on Saturday, June 6.After a nearly two-year renovation project, the History Museum reopened its doors for guests to see new additions and improvements to the exhibit.From 2 to 4 p.m.