Local

David Smith gives a thumbs-up before diving in to hunt for fossils. (Photo/submitted)

David Smith gives a thumbs-up before diving in to hunt for fossils. (Photo/submitted)

For the thrill of the hunt

by Eric Tiongson White County News   A ripping current. Debris floating everywhere. Alligators. David Smith braves all of that, and more, because of the thrill of the hunt. Smith, who lives in Sautee Nacoochee, is a scuba diver that hunts for fossils.
Fire Chief Michael LeFevre speaks at an engine push-in ceremony in 2023. (File photo)

Fire Chief Michael LeFevre speaks at an engine push-in ceremony in 2023. (File photo)

County fire chief to retire in August

by Eric Tiongson White County News   After seven years serving in the White County Fire Department, Chief Michael LeFevre will be retiring on August 23. His decision was announced in a press release from White County Public Safety on Monday.
Mitch Simpson

Mitch Simpson

Car dealer guilty

by Eric Tiongson White County News   A former owner of a White County car dealership is guilty of fraud. Mitchell Simpson, who owned the now-closed Mitch Simpson Motors, pleaded guilty to wire fraud worth $3 million on Tuesday, July 2.

Helen OKs $5.1 million budget

by Eric Tiongson White County News   The Helen City Commission adopted the annual budget for the fiscal year of 2025 during a called meeting on Thursday, June 27. The total general fund is $5,165,228, a $325,380 decrease from the previous year.
Fireworks will light up the sky over Helen on July 4, as last year. (file photo)

Fireworks will light up the sky over Helen on July 4, as last year. (file photo)

Cities celebrate with fireworks

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   The skies above Helen will light up with fireworks at dark for the Fourth of July. The show, which will be operated by Pyrotechnics, will take place in the field behind the Alpine Village Shoppes, where it can be seen throughout the city on the holiday.
Marcie Gunter Caudell holds her certificate of membership in Daughters of American Revolution, along with a photo of the grave site of Aaron Boggs, her patriot. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Marcie Gunter Caudell holds her certificate of membership in Daughters of American Revolution, along with a photo of the grave site of Aaron Boggs, her patriot. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

American pride

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   Aaron Boggs Sr. served under Gen. Thomas Sumter in the Revolutionary War. Following the Siege of Charleston, a major British victory in the war, he was among the troops who were able to escape with Sumter to North Carolina.
July 1 brought new laws in the state, and one is affecting the White County Elections and Registration office at a cost of at least $5,200.

July 1 brought new laws in the state, and one is affecting the White County Elections and Registration office at a cost of at least $5,200.

New law creates extra election costs

  by Samantha Sinclair White County News   July 1 brought new laws in the state, and one is affecting the White County Elections and Registration office at a cost of at least $5,200.
Two new buses will be joining White County Schools' fleet. (file photo)

Two new buses will be joining White County Schools' fleet. (file photo)

Schools finalize budget, buy 2 buses

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   The White County Board of Education approved its new fiscal year budget Thursday night with little fanfare and no changes. The total $77,463,236 budget includes about $4.6 million in increases in general fund expenditures over the previous year.

Fourth fireworks start this weekend

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   It won’t be hard to find a fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day this year. Both cities will have public fireworks displays this year in addition to displays hosted by private businesses.
Finance Director Lauren Anderson presents the budget to the White County Board of Education during the second public hearing held Tuesday morning. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Finance Director Lauren Anderson presents the budget to the White County Board of Education during the second public hearing held Tuesday morning. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Schools budget heads to approval

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   The White County Board of Education plans to approve its budget tonight after no one came to speak during two public hearings held over two months. The second hearing was held Tuesday morning prior to the board’s regular meeting.