Local

Shannon LaCava speaks with White County voters about candidates from both parties running in the upcoming elections. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Shannon LaCava speaks with White County voters about candidates from both parties running in the upcoming elections. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Ready, Set, Vote! educates, registers local voters

News Staff
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Ready, Set, Vote!, an organization of non-partisan White County residents, is working to ensure all eligible county residents know their voter registration status, and is assisting first-time voters with registration.
Revelers enjoy a toast during Helen's annual Oktoberfest. FILE PHOTO

Revelers enjoy a toast during Helen's annual Oktoberfest. FILE PHOTO

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Prost! Oktoberfest returns Sept. 10

News Staff
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Prost! The countdown down to Oktoberfest has begun. The Helen Chamber of Commerce, at 1074 Edelweiss St., Helen, will hold its 56th Annual Oktoberfest beginning Sep. 10. The dates for Oktoberfest are as follows: Sept.10 – 13; Sept. 17 – 20; Sept. 24 – 27; and Oct. 1 - 4. Beginning on Oct.
From left: Commissioners Craig Bryant and Shan Ash, Chairman Travis Turner, Ellis, Truelove, and Commissioners Lyn Holcomb and Ed Nix. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

From left: Commissioners Craig Bryant and Shan Ash, Chairman Travis Turner, Ellis, Truelove, and Commissioners Lyn Holcomb and Ed Nix. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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County leaders honor Chamber of Commerce

News Staff
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
The White County Board of Commissioners recognized the Chamber of Commerce for its contributions to the business community and role in economic development during a commission meeting on Monday.
Travis Turner

Travis Turner

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Residents object to another new gas station

News Staff
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
By Denise Etheridge Numerous residents told the White County Board of Commissioners on Monday that they object to another gas station being built in the shadow of Mt. Yonah along Helen Highway. The new gas station is one of five in the county that is currently in the planning and permitting process.
Executive Director Carly Bird welcomed people to the White County Peer Support Wellness and Respite Center’s 15th anniversary celebration. The luau included barbecue and sides, games, tours of the Center, karaoke and treats from the Kona ice truck. ERBELE/WCN

Executive Director Carly Bird welcomed people to the White County Peer Support Wellness and Respite Center’s 15th anniversary celebration. The luau included barbecue and sides, games, tours of the Center, karaoke and treats from the Kona ice truck. ERBELE/WCN

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Peer Support Center celebrates 15 years

News Staff
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
By Linda Erbele The White County Peer Support Wellness and Respite Center celebrated its 15th birthday with a luau July 31.
Dr. Jonathan Stribling

Dr. Jonathan Stribling

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School board expected to approve rollback millage rate

News Staff
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
By Denise Etheridge The White County Board of Education is expected to approve a rollback of the school system's millage rate from the current 11.725 to 11.672 later this month. The board will vote to approve the millage when they meet in a regular session on Aug. 27.
White County Sheriff's Office Deputy Pete Dorsey stands in front of his patrol vehicle. Dorsey is beginning his 10th year as a school resource officer, serving students by promoting safety, building trust and creating positive relationships on campus. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

White County Sheriff's Office Deputy Pete Dorsey stands in front of his patrol vehicle. Dorsey is beginning his 10th year as a school resource officer, serving students by promoting safety, building trust and creating positive relationships on campus. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

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Deputy Pete Dorsey finds his calling protecting White County students

News Staff
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
By Carly Henderson For Deputy Pete Dorsey with the White County Sheriff's Office, the title of School Resource Officer is more of a calling than it is a job.Deputy Dorsey graduated from White County schools in 1993. A U.S.
Sgt. Daren Welborn shows Graylee Schrader how to properly handle and discharge a firearm, or pellet gun in this case, at the 2026 Junior Law Enforcement Academy. PHOTOS BY ERIN ETRIS/WCN

Sgt. Daren Welborn shows Graylee Schrader how to properly handle and discharge a firearm, or pellet gun in this case, at the 2026 Junior Law Enforcement Academy. PHOTOS BY ERIN ETRIS/WCN

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Future crime fighters learn law enforcement basics

News Staff
Friday, July 31, 2026
By Erin Etris   White County law enforcement agencies came together this week at Cleveland Worship Center to hold a Junior Law Enforcement Academy. Attendees learned crime fighting basics including conducting traffic stops, firearm safety, calibrating radar equipment and more.
The White County Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire in Sautee early Tuesday. FILE PHOTO

The White County Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire in Sautee early Tuesday. FILE PHOTO

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RV fire spreads to Sautee home early Tuesday

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
By Carly Henderson The White County Fire Department responded early Tuesday to a residential structure fire on Gus Abernathy Road in Sautee after an RV fire spread to a nearby residence, according to a White County Public Safety.