Local

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Housing on the way

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   There are 55 housing units within a few blocks of downtown in some phase of construction, Economic Development Director Tom O’Bryant said at the Cleveland Downtown Development Authority meeting last week.
Tourists walking to the Hamby Street bridge to get to Helen. The two lane bridge has no sidewalks. (Photo/submitted)

Tourists walking to the Hamby Street bridge to get to Helen. The two lane bridge has no sidewalks. (Photo/submitted)

Helen residents address parking

by Linda Erbele White County News   Helen city commissioners heard about a successful event that drew some 3,000 attendees to the city last weekend at their Jan. 16 meeting – and about problems caused at one parking venue for the same event.

City OKs SPLOST plans, agreement

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   Following the Helen City Commission’s approval earlier in the day, the Cleveland City Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with White County for the use and distribution of 2024 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST VI, funds.
WCHS students Bryan Lozada, Colin Fernandez and Carlo Penaloza play soccer with friends at Tesnatee Park in 31 degree weather Tuesday afternoon while school was closed. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

WCHS students Bryan Lozada, Colin Fernandez and Carlo Penaloza play soccer with friends at Tesnatee Park in 31 degree weather Tuesday afternoon while school was closed. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Superintendent: Closing school is tough decision

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   Closing school is not a decision that’s taken lightly. Dr. Laurie Burkett, superintendent of schools, said she knows how important it is to have children in the school buildings, but also wants to make sure students are safe.
Gates block the entrance of the Richard Russell Scenic Highway Tuesday afternoon. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Gates block the entrance of the Richard Russell Scenic Highway Tuesday afternoon. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Temperatures hit coldest yet for year

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   Although it may have looked sunny outside, Mother Nature showed her cold side Tuesday and into Wednesday, bringing temperatures down into single digits by Wednesday morning.
Leah Smith as Elsa sings “Let it Go” as dancers Grace Reyes, Kelsey Cleveland, Elizabeth Himstedt and (sitting) Bella Whitaker show her ice powers. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Leah Smith as Elsa sings “Let it Go” as dancers Grace Reyes, Kelsey Cleveland, Elizabeth Himstedt and (sitting) Bella Whitaker show her ice powers. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

‘Let it Go’

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   The chilly weather should be perfect for opening weekend of White County High School’s winter production. Elsa and Anna will come to life on the stage for Disney’s Frozen Jr. starting tonight, Thursday, Jan. 18.
Law enforcement is all too used to administering Narcan when an individual overdoses. (Photo/Noah Johnson)

Law enforcement is all too used to administering Narcan when an individual overdoses. (Photo/Noah Johnson)

Fentanyl use on the rise

by Noah Johnson White County News   It does not matter if you are rich, poor or somewhere in the middle — all people are susceptible to fentanyl — a drug that does not discriminate, according to local law enforcement. The fentanyl epidemic spread quickly and White County has not been immune.
Donja Long speaks to the Cleveland City Council about the restaurant she plans to open on the square.

Donja Long speaks to the Cleveland City Council about the restaurant she plans to open on the square.

City OKs new restaurant plans

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   A new restaurant is closer to opening in Cleveland, thanks to a variance approved by the city council Monday night. The Cleveland City Council approved the variance for an under the counter grease trap for Donja Long and her business, The Tipsy Tomato.
Rain water floods Quillian Street causing it to be closed Tuesday morning. (Photo/Noah Johnson)

Rain water floods Quillian Street causing it to be closed Tuesday morning. (Photo/Noah Johnson)

Severe rain closes roads, local schools

by Noah Johnson White County News   The county experienced its first major rainfall of 2024.