Local

Randy Kanipe took the photo that won the cover contest for the 2025 fall edition of The Mountain Traveler magazine. SAMANTHA SINCLAIR/CNI

Kanipe credits classes for winning photo

News Staff

Thursday, October 9, 2025

By Samantha Sinclair CNI News Service The Rev. Dr. Randy Kanipe takes one photography class at a time at North Georgia Technical College. And it was while working on an assignment for a class that he captured the photo that won The Mountain Traveler magazine cover contest and earned him $100.

Public Safety Director David Murphy, right, points out the cost of outfitting a firefighter using Assistant Chief Josh Taylor as a model. The tank on his back is a self-contained breathing apparatus. LINDA ERBELE/WCN

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Board considers bonds to finance library

News Staff

Thursday, October 9, 2025

By Linda Erbele The White County Board of Commissioners heard a presentation on bond financing to build a new library at its meeting Oct. 6.

The Last Call Honor Guard posts the colors during the grand opening of Cleveland’s new fire station. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Fire station grand opening features hose-decoupling, truck push-in

News Staff

Thursday, October 9, 2025

The City of Cleveland heralded a new era of public safety last Friday with the grand opening of a new $3.9 million fire station on Underwood Street, across from Freedom Park, and the acquisition of the fire department’s new $2.1 million ladder truck.

Mayor Josh Turner and Lunawood LLC General Manager Matti Koski are all smiles while Lunawood LLC Chairman Arto Halonen and District Representative Stan Gunter shake on the company’s upcoming expansion with Atlanta Hardwood in White County. ERIN ETRIS/WCN

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Atlanta Hardwoods partners with Lunawood

News Staff

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Staff report In a celebration of international partnership and local growth, representatives from Atlanta Hardwoods and Finland-based Lunawood Ltd. gathered in Cleveland on Tuesday for a ribbon cutting. The ceremony marked the long-term investments made to expand the Cleveland plant.

White County Superintendent Laurie Burkett

Burkett to end tenure in 2026

News Staff

Thursday, October 2, 2025

by Denise Etheridge White County News White County Schools Superintendent Laurie Burkett, who guided the district through a global pandemic and oversaw major facility upgrades, will retire in March 2026 after 36 years in education.

Jack P. Nix Elementary School has been named a Georgia Title I Distinguished School. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

WCSS touts 95% four-year grad rate

News Staff

Thursday, October 2, 2025

by Denise Etheridge White County News The White County School System is celebrating academic success this week, for a strong graduation rate and an honor bestowed on one of its elementary schools.

Dr. John Yarbrough speaks to reporters at a press conference Friday morning, Sept. 26. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

TMU parts ways with Caner

News Staff

Friday, September 26, 2025

By Denise Etheridge White County News Truett McConnell University has officially parted ways with former TMU President Emir Caner. Newly named Interim President Dr. John Yarbrough informed media representatives during a press conference on Friday, Sept.

Forum on comp plan set for Sept. 29

News Staff

Thursday, September 25, 2025

by Denise Etheridge White County News Residents can help shape White County’s future at a public forum on the joint Comprehensive Plan, set for Sept. 29 in Helen. The forum will begin at 6 p.m., at 25 Alpenrosen Strasse in Helen.

Cleveland’s new fire station will soon be open. ERIN ETRIS/WCN

Cleveland to hold grand opening for new fire station

News Staff

Thursday, September 25, 2025

by Linda Erbele White County News The city of Cleveland will host a grand opening for its new fire station on Friday, Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. “Instead of a ribbon cutting, we will have a hose-decoupling,” said Kevin Harris, city manager.

Truett McConnell University officials will soon give an update on a third-party investigation. FILE/WCN

TMU to provide update on investigation

News Staff

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Staff reports Truett McConnell University Board of Trustees will meet in a closed session today, Sept. 25, to consider taking action once they review progress made on a third-party investigation into sexual abuse and cover-up allegations.