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This patriotic photo on The Mountain Traveler’s summer 2026 edition cover recognizes America’s semiquincentennial. The photo was taken by Keith Barlow in the vineyards at CeNita Winery & Venue in Cleveland.

This patriotic photo on The Mountain Traveler’s summer 2026 edition cover recognizes America’s semiquincentennial. The photo was taken by Keith Barlow in the vineyards at CeNita Winery & Venue in Cleveland.

The Mountain Traveler cover contest now underway

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
After a hot summer, everyone is looking forward to cool fall temperatures and colorful leaves in the Northeast Georgia mountains.If you have a photograph that represents this beautiful time of year, it could be featured on the cover of The Mountain Traveler’s fall 2026 edition.
Runners Grace Pulido and Brandi Smoker participate in the 2024 NOGAWILD Safari Run. The event will return Sept. 12, with proceeds benefiting Creation Encounters. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Runners Grace Pulido and Brandi Smoker participate in the 2024 NOGAWILD Safari Run. The event will return Sept. 12, with proceeds benefiting Creation Encounters. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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NOGAWILD Safari Run to benefit Creation Encounters Sept. 12

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
NOGAWILD will host its Safari Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept. 12, offering runners and walkers the opportunity to experience the Safari Park while supporting the work of Creation Encounters.
A White County man wants to open a RC park where people can operate remote-controlled cars and trucks for amusement. SUBMITTED

A White County man wants to open a RC park where people can operate remote-controlled cars and trucks for amusement. SUBMITTED

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Commission greenlights park for radio-controlled vehicles

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
By Denise Etheridge On Monday, Helton Road resident Joe Bell received the county's go-ahead to open a RC park on his property where people can operate remote-controlled vehicles like mini-excavators, bulldozers, cars and trucks.Bell plans to name his indoor-outdoor facility “Ground Breakers RC Park.
Truett McConnell University President Larry Lyon will be formally inaugurated at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, in the George Blaurock Student Wellness Center. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Truett McConnell University President Larry Lyon will be formally inaugurated at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, in the George Blaurock Student Wellness Center. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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TMU to celebrate 80th anniversary with week of events

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Staff report  Truett McConnell University will celebrate its 80th anniversary with a week of events in September, including the inauguration of the university's ninth president, Dr. Larry W. Lyon.
From left, Family Advocate Megan Holcombe, Family Advocate Carlyn Hearn, Forensic Interviewer Kristin Jarrard and Executive Director Victoria Dunston stand in front of South Enotah Child Advocacy Center at the meet and greet held July 22. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

From left, Family Advocate Megan Holcombe, Family Advocate Carlyn Hearn, Forensic Interviewer Kristin Jarrard and Executive Director Victoria Dunston stand in front of South Enotah Child Advocacy Center at the meet and greet held July 22. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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South Enotah Child Advocacy Center introduces executive director, highlights services

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
By Carly Henderson South Enotah Child Advocacy Center in Cleveland welcomed community members July 22 for a meet-and-greet event introducing Executive Director Victoria Dunston and highlighting the organization’s work responding to and preventing child abuse.
This is one of six Flock cameras used to read license plates in White County. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

This is one of six Flock cameras used to read license plates in White County. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Flock cameras aid White County law enforcement

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
By Denise Etheridge An estimated 90,000-120,000 automated license plate reading (ALPR) cameras, also known as Flock cameras, are used by law enforcement agencies across the country. Six of them are here in White County.
Commission Chairman Travis Turner and White County Manager Derick Canupp examine Garland Bristol Road in front of Fire Station No. 3. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Commission Chairman Travis Turner and White County Manager Derick Canupp examine Garland Bristol Road in front of Fire Station No. 3. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Commissioners inspect county roads

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
By Denise Etheridge White County commissioners criss-crossed the county last week to inspect 20 roads and three parking areas belonging to several fire stations.
Apex Banking Company of Georgia celebrated the grand opening of their new building at 35 Jessie Mae Thurmond Connector in Cleveland, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 16. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Apex Banking Company of Georgia celebrated the grand opening of their new building at 35 Jessie Mae Thurmond Connector in Cleveland, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 16. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Apex unveils new Cleveland facility

News Staff
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Community leaders, business representatives and bank customers crowded into the new Apex Banking Company of Georgia building for a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. Charles Black Construction Company built the new bank building. Apex originated as Wilkinson County Bank in Irwinton, Ga., in 1907.
The White County Rotary Club presented awards to First Responders on Saturday, July 18. Kneeling in front is Helen Police Sgt. W. C. Barrett, handler for K-9 Zora. Standing, from left, are Cleveland Firefighter Will LaPree, Helen Fire Department Firefighter Hudson Anderson; White County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Vice, Cleveland Police Officer David Bruce, Rotary President Phil Dodson, White County 911 Communications Officer Liberty Garrett, White County Firefighter Steve Hopper. See more photos on page 7A. L

The White County Rotary Club presented awards to First Responders on Saturday, July 18. Kneeling in front is Helen Police Sgt. W. C. Barrett, handler for K-9 Zora. Standing, from left, are Cleveland Firefighter Will LaPree, Helen Fire Department Firefighter Hudson Anderson; White County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Vice, Cleveland Police Officer David Bruce, Rotary President Phil Dodson, White County 911 Communications Officer Liberty Garrett, White County Firefighter Steve Hopper. See more photos on page 7A. L

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Rotary honors first responders at pickleball tournament

News Staff
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
by Linda Erbele The White County Rotary Club held a fundraiser July 18 that included a pickleball tournament and barbecue sale while taking the opportunity to honor White County’s first responders. The event was held at the White County Recreation Center at Yonah Preserve.
The City of Helen Commission approved an alcohol license for Dog Gone Coffee earlier this week.

The City of Helen Commission approved an alcohol license for Dog Gone Coffee earlier this week.

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Helen Commission approves alcohol license, receives updates

News Staff
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
By Carly Henderson  The City of Helen Commission approved an alcohol license for Dog Gone Coffee and received updates on tourism activity and city operations during its regular meeting Tuesday, July 21.