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Members of the Cleveland City Council present a proclamation recognizing the 80th anniversary of Truett McConnell University to TMU President Dr. Larry Lyon during the council's July 20 meeting. The proclamation honored the university's eight decades of service to the community. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Members of the Cleveland City Council present a proclamation recognizing the 80th anniversary of Truett McConnell University to TMU President Dr. Larry Lyon during the council's July 20 meeting. The proclamation honored the university's eight decades of service to the community. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Cleveland details strategy for water, sewer improvements at meeting

News Staff
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
By Carly Henderson  The Cleveland City Council received an update Monday on the city's long-term plans to improve its aging water and sewer infrastructure as officials continue responding to an increase in boil water advisories.
The Peer Support Wellness & Respite Center of White County provides free peer support, wellness activities and respite services for adults experiencing mental health challenges. The center will celebrate its 15th anniversary with its “Aloha 15” anniversary party on Friday, July 31. SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Peer Support Wellness & Respite Center of White County provides free peer support, wellness activities and respite services for adults experiencing mental health challenges. The center will celebrate its 15th anniversary with its “Aloha 15” anniversary party on Friday, July 31. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Peer Support Wellness & Respite Center celebrates 15 years

News Staff
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
By Carly Henderson  The Peer Support Wellness & Respite Center of White County (PSWRC) will celebrate its 15th anniversary with its “Aloha 15” anniversary party on Friday, July 31, from noon to 3 p.m.
Heather Moon puts the finishing touches on the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards emblem on the front window of the White County News office. ERIN ETRIS

Heather Moon puts the finishing touches on the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards emblem on the front window of the White County News office. ERIN ETRIS

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2026 Readers’ Choice Winner Spotlight:

News Staff
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
By Erin EtrisDriving through White County in recent years, you’ve likely seen the work of local artist Heather Moon adorning the windows and storefronts of several businesses, including the White County News office.
The City of Cleveland's new Municipal Complex at 55 Cantrell Road will officially open Monday, Aug. 10. The facility will house Cleveland City Hall and the Cleveland Police Department. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

The City of Cleveland's new Municipal Complex at 55 Cantrell Road will officially open Monday, Aug. 10. The facility will house Cleveland City Hall and the Cleveland Police Department. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Cleveland Municipal Complex to open Aug. 10

News Staff
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
By Carly Henderson  The City of Cleveland's new Municipal Complex will officially open Monday, Aug. 10.Located at 55 Cantrell Road, the facility will serve as the new home of Cleveland City Hall and the Cleveland Police Department.Current city offices will remain open through Thursday, Aug.
John Solmon has been appointed deputy city manager for the City of Cleveland. Solmon will continue serving as the city's financial director while assuming additional responsibilities overseeing department operations, organizational initiatives and administrative functions. SUBMITTED PHOTO

John Solmon has been appointed deputy city manager for the City of Cleveland. Solmon will continue serving as the city's financial director while assuming additional responsibilities overseeing department operations, organizational initiatives and administrative functions. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Cleveland names John Solmon deputy city manager

News Staff
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
The City of Cleveland announced Thursday the appointment of John Solmon as deputy city manager.Solmon, who has served as the city's financial director since 2023, will continue in that role while assuming additional responsibilities as deputy city manager.
First Presbyterian Church of Cleveland serves as one of the locations for the Matthew 25 Alliance Resource Center, which provides connections to resources and support for individuals facing poverty, homelessness or the risk of homelessness. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

First Presbyterian Church of Cleveland serves as one of the locations for the Matthew 25 Alliance Resource Center, which provides connections to resources and support for individuals facing poverty, homelessness or the risk of homelessness. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Matthew 25 Alliance opens Resource Center to help neighbors facing poverty, homelessness

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
By Carly Henderson The Matthew 25 Alliance has opened a new Resource Center to connect individuals facing poverty, homelessness or the risk of homelessness with resources and support.
Atticus Miles writes an encouragement card to be included in a comfort backpack for a child entering foster care during the Love Your Neighbor event at Helen First Baptist Church on July 11. PHOTOS BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Atticus Miles writes an encouragement card to be included in a comfort backpack for a child entering foster care during the Love Your Neighbor event at Helen First Baptist Church on July 11. PHOTOS BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Love Your Neighbor initiative brings day of service to White County

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
By Carly Henderson Volunteers from local churches spent Saturday serving the community through outreach events across White County as part of the Love Your Neighbor initiative hosted by Mission Georgia and the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.
The annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive kicked off on Tuesday. From left: Cleveland Firefighter Trace Swoszowski, Cleveland Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker, Cleveland Firefighter Tim Nunnally, Deputy Chief Aaron Weiland, Capt. Donna Sims, school bus driver and trainer April Burdette, Student Support Coordinator Amanda Lammers, CPD administrative assistant Sheena Wright, School Transportation Director Sharon Hipps, Corp. Brandon Wood, Officer Perry Cook and Lt. Jared Joiner. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

The annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive kicked off on Tuesday. From left: Cleveland Firefighter Trace Swoszowski, Cleveland Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker, Cleveland Firefighter Tim Nunnally, Deputy Chief Aaron Weiland, Capt. Donna Sims, school bus driver and trainer April Burdette, Student Support Coordinator Amanda Lammers, CPD administrative assistant Sheena Wright, School Transportation Director Sharon Hipps, Corp. Brandon Wood, Officer Perry Cook and Lt. Jared Joiner. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Police, firefighters join WCSS to launch 'Stuff the Bus' drive

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
By Denise Etheridge Cleveland police and firefighters joined White County School System representatives in support of the annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive that kicked off Tuesday in the local Walmart parking lot.
Former Truett McConnell University President Emir Caner filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit last month. FILE PHOTO

Former Truett McConnell University President Emir Caner filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit last month. FILE PHOTO

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TMU legal cases still pending

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
By Denise Etheridge and Linda Erbele Two court cases, one criminal and one civil, are pending in White County Superior Court as a result of sexual abuse allegations made by former student-athlete and Truett McConnell University employee Hayle Swinson, who later resigned.
Animal Control Operations & Training Coordinator Astrid DeWeever shows a tiny kitten some love. PHOTOS BY DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Animal Control Operations & Training Coordinator Astrid DeWeever shows a tiny kitten some love. PHOTOS BY DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Animal Control helps pets find fur-ever homes

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
By Denise Etheridge Overcrowding at White County Animal Control often comes in waves, as it did late last month. The county even put out a post on social media asking for those seeking a pet to consider adopting one of Animal Control's rescues.