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Ariel, left, played by Sarah Wilkinson is delighted with the fork found by Scuttle the seagull, played by Edwin Polangco-Kenney. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Ariel, left, played by Sarah Wilkinson is delighted with the fork found by Scuttle the seagull, played by Edwin Polangco-Kenney. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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WCHS presents 'The Little Mermaid' this weekend

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
By Denise Etheridge The White County High School Theatre Department will enchant local audiences with the classic Disney musical “The Little Mermaid” this weekend.  Performances are at 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow – March 26 and 27, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, and at 2 p.m.
Chief Registrar April Kastner assisted with applications and getting poll workers enrolled in the poll worker management system at the poll worker drive last week. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Chief Registrar April Kastner assisted with applications and getting poll workers enrolled in the poll worker management system at the poll worker drive last week. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Poll workers prepare to serve voters

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
By Carly Henderson White County Elections & Registration hosted a poll worker drive Thursday, March 19. The event provided community members an opportunity to learn more about serving as poll workers for the upcoming May 2026 election.
Riley Gaines is a conservative political activist and former collegiate swimmer. Gaines was hosted by TMU’s Turning Point USA chapter for the “Pick Up the Mic: Ask Me Anything with Riley Gaines” event on March 24. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Riley Gaines is a conservative political activist and former collegiate swimmer. Gaines was hosted by TMU’s Turning Point USA chapter for the “Pick Up the Mic: Ask Me Anything with Riley Gaines” event on March 24. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Truett McConnell hosts 'Pick Up the Mic' event with Riley Gaines

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
By Carly Henderson Truett McConnell University hosted “Pick Up the Mic: Ask Me Anything with Riley Gaines” on March 24 at the university’s Student Wellness Center. Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer at the University of Kentucky, is now a conservative political activist.
White County first responders train on a ropes course last year in preparation for mountain rescues. FILE PHOTO

White County first responders train on a ropes course last year in preparation for mountain rescues. FILE PHOTO

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Hiker rescued, accident victim extricated

News Staff
Monday, March 23, 2026
White County first responders responded to 59 calls for service between 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20, and 8 a.m. on Monday, March 23. The majority of the calls were medical emergencies, including a mountain rescue of an injured hiker and extricating a car accident victim.
Dr. Larry Lyon speaks during a dinner held to celebrate Truett McConnell University's business school on March 14. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Dr. Larry Lyon speaks during a dinner held to celebrate Truett McConnell University's business school on March 14. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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TMU celebrates business school, raises funds

News Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
By Denise Etheridge Truett McConnell University celebrated the achievements of its Hans Hut School of Business while raising nearly $200,000 in cash gifts and pledges for student support at a dinner on March 14. Dr.
Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office Deputy and School Resource Officer Amanda Roach makes sure Wyatt Marchiel, 9, of Cleveland is properly secured in his child safety seat. Roach, who is assigned to Cottrell Elementary School in Lumpkin County, was certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician on March 13, at the Cleveland Fire Station. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office Deputy and School Resource Officer Amanda Roach makes sure Wyatt Marchiel, 9, of Cleveland is properly secured in his child safety seat. Roach, who is assigned to Cottrell Elementary School in Lumpkin County, was certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician on March 13, at the Cleveland Fire Station. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Making kids in cars safer

News Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
By Denise Etheridge Numerous White County parents took advantage of a free car check event at the Cleveland Fire Station on Underwood Street last week.
White County firefighters responded to a barn fire on March 14.

White County firefighters responded to a barn fire on March 14.

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Firefighters battle barn blaze

News Staff
Monday, March 16, 2026
White County firefighters battled a barn fire behind Mossy Creek Baptist Church off Highway 254 early Saturday afternoon. The barn was fully involved and a nearby vehicle was also on fire. A brush fire had ignited and started to spread, as well.
Jill Baughman will be the next assistant superintendent for the White County School System. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Jill Baughman will be the next assistant superintendent for the White County School System. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Veteran educator Jill Baughman named next assistant superintendent

News Staff
Thursday, March 12, 2026
By Denise Etheridge The White County Board of Education has appointed longtime educator and district leader Jill Baughman as assistant superintendent of teaching and learning for the White County School System. The board's decision was announced during a called meeting on March 11.
Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia is seeking land in White County for future Habitat homes. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia is seeking land in White County for future Habitat homes. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Habitat for Humanity seeks land to build homes in White County

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
By Denise Etheridge For families hoping to build a better future through Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia, the biggest obstacle in White County right now isn’t volunteers or materials — it’s finding land to build on.