Local

From left, Andy Negra, Hilbert “Hibby” Margol, Caleb Schneider and Alan Kinder gather following lunch. Schneider, 14, raises money for his Lunch with Veterans program through donations through his radio station, G.I. Jive Radio. SUBMITTED PHOTO

From left, Andy Negra, Hilbert “Hibby” Margol, Caleb Schneider and Alan Kinder gather following lunch. Schneider, 14, raises money for his Lunch with Veterans program through donations through his radio station, G.I. Jive Radio. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Teen historian brings WWII veterans together for lunch

News Staff
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
By Carly Henderson  Fourteen-year-old Caleb Schneider of Gainesville has been interested in World War II since he was 9 years old.
Elijah White and Cierra Bailey show their market hogs at the Agri-Science Center last Saturday. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Elijah White and Cierra Bailey show their market hogs at the Agri-Science Center last Saturday. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Bleats to silver belt buckles

News Staff
Thursday, February 19, 2026
by Denise Etheridge They came, they bleated, mooed and oinked, and they conquered the competition at the White County Local Livestock Show at the Agri-Science Center on Claude Sims Road last Saturday.
Artist Tyrus Mosley, 17, of Covington speaks with a visitor to Unicoi State Park & Lodge during WinterFest last Saturday. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Artist Tyrus Mosley, 17, of Covington speaks with a visitor to Unicoi State Park & Lodge during WinterFest last Saturday. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Art blooms during WinterFest

News Staff
Thursday, February 19, 2026
by Denise Etheridge Art in many different forms blossomed across the Sautee-Nacoochee Valley’s dormant landscape for the WinterFest Arts Tour this past weekend. The two-day festival hosted more than 175 artists across four venues.
Rebecca LeCouter and Ed LeCouter, USMC Vietnam Veteran, work on painting watercolor windmills in last Thursday’s class. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Rebecca LeCouter and Ed LeCouter, USMC Vietnam Veteran, work on painting watercolor windmills in last Thursday’s class. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Fun art, not fine art

News Staff
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
By Carly Henderson  On the second Thursday of each month, the scent of fresh paint fills the classroom at the Helen Arts & Heritage Center as veterans gather not just to create art, but to find connection and community. The Veterans Multimedia Art Workshop is held from 10 a.m.
The Nix Hardware & Furniture Store on the square in downtown Cleveland has new owners. The property closed on Feb. 13. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

The Nix Hardware & Furniture Store on the square in downtown Cleveland has new owners. The property closed on Feb. 13. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Historic Nix building sold for $1.3 million

News Staff
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
By Denise Etheridge Everyone is buzzing about it, and yes, the small town gossip is true. The old Nix Hardware & Furniture Store building on the square in downtown Cleveland has finally sold. The 25,000-plus square foot building, which stood empty for about five years, was sold on Feb. 13, for $1.
Victoria Chandler officiates weddings in White County and in surrounding areas.

Victoria Chandler officiates weddings in White County and in surrounding areas.

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The officiants who help White County say “I do”

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
By Denise Etheridge These White County wedding officiants answer the call to help couples tie the knot, sometimes at a moment's notice. They are included on a list of wedding officiants provided to engaged couples by the White County Probate Court.
White County High School senior William “Willow” Polangco-Kenney, right, is this year's STAR student. He chose Tara Johnston to be STAR teacher. SUBMITTED PHOTO

White County High School senior William “Willow” Polangco-Kenney, right, is this year's STAR student. He chose Tara Johnston to be STAR teacher. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Student's STAR power shines on stage, in the classroom

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
By Denise Etheridge From the stage to the classroom, White County High School senior William “Willow” Polangco-Kenney has a knack for standing out. This year, his academic prowess earned him recognition as the school’s STAR student.
Pat and Chris Smith, left, and Pamela and Randy Summers, right, celebrate Fasching at a Helen Chamber of Commerce event two years ago. FILE PHOTO 

Pat and Chris Smith, left, and Pamela and Randy Summers, right, celebrate Fasching at a Helen Chamber of Commerce event two years ago. FILE PHOTO 

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Helen bids winter “Auf Wiedersehen” 

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
By Carly Henderson Whether you know it as Fasching, Mardi Gras or Carnivale, winter will be chased away with music, costumes and German flair in Alpine Helen on Feb. 14. Fasching, the German Mardi Gras, will come to a head with the Helen Chamber of Commerce’s colorful celebration from 6 to 11 p.m.
Candidate qualifying will be held March 2–6

Candidate qualifying will be held March 2–6

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Qualifying set for March 2-6

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
By Carly Henderson   The White County Board of Elections & Registrations discussed when candidates must qualify and other upcoming election business at their Feb. 10 meeting. Candidate qualifying will be held March 2–6. Qualifying hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.