Local

Cleveland OKs new ladder truck purchase

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   Cleveland firefighters were as joyful as children on Christmas morning after the Cleveland City Council meeting Monday night. Their gift was a brand new ladder truck.
City Commissioner Steve Fowler opens the town hall regarding golf carts in Helen. (Photo/Noah Johnson)

City Commissioner Steve Fowler opens the town hall regarding golf carts in Helen. (Photo/Noah Johnson)

City, residents work together to resolve golf cart problem

by Noah Johnson White County News   On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the city of Helen held a town hall to hash out details of an incoming golf cart ordinance. City Manager Darrell Westmoreland said in a previous meeting that the state has cracked down on the use of golf carts on state roads.
Commissioners Lyn Holcomb, Edwin Nix, Craig Bryant and Chairman Travis Turner present Mayor Jeff Ash and his wife, Paula with the proclamation making Dec. 12 Jeff Ash Day. (Photo/Noah Johnson)

Commissioners Lyn Holcomb, Edwin Nix, Craig Bryant and Chairman Travis Turner present Mayor Jeff Ash and his wife, Paula with the proclamation making Dec. 12 Jeff Ash Day. (Photo/Noah Johnson)

Celebrating 50 years of service

by Noah Johnson White County News   Jeff Ash acknowledged at the beginning of the Helen City Commission meeting that it was his last, but was caught off guard when City Manager Darrell Westmoreland introduced the White County Commissioners as a guest speakers.
Santa, wearing a rain poncho, waves to the crowd at the center of town during Helen’s Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday. Look for more photos on Page 14A. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Santa, wearing a rain poncho, waves to the crowd at the center of town during Helen’s Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday. Look for more photos on Page 14A. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Better not pout

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   Parade goers and participants were dodging a few sprinkles Saturday afternoon as Helen’s Annual Christmas Parade wound through the city. But it was all joy as candy was thrown to the crowd from floats and other vehicles.
Owner Melanie Rosdahl shows a decor piece crafters could learn to make at a recent class at Scrappy Shak. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Owner Melanie Rosdahl shows a decor piece crafters could learn to make at a recent class at Scrappy Shak. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Getting creative

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   Melanie Rosdahl’s dreams came true a year ago when she opened Scrappy Shak in Sautee Nacoochee. Her crafting journey began in 2009 when a friend was going to Ukraine and she wanted give her a special scrapbook to mark the occasion.
Planning Director Harry Barton sets down his recorder at the planning commission meeting for the final time. (Photo/Noah Johnson)

Planning Director Harry Barton sets down his recorder at the planning commission meeting for the final time. (Photo/Noah Johnson)

Longtime planning director retires

by Noah Johnson White County News   After 42 years with the county and 37 years in the planning department, Planning Director Harry Barton is retiring. Barton’s last meeting was on Tuesday, Nov. 29, where he thanked board members and showed appreciation to the planning department.
Helen’s zoning map available on the city’s website shows the city’s limits, according to the city.

Helen’s zoning map available on the city’s website shows the city’s limits, according to the city.

Helen city limits uncertain

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   Where do the city limits of Helen begin and end? That’s a question that’s come up thanks to the municipal election and who may vote in it as the city and the county have two different maps.
Lee Landress

Lee Landress

Landress wins in Helen runoff

by Noah Johnson White County News   The city of Helen concluded its runoff election between Randy Summers and Lee Landress with residents choosing Landress to be their next commissioner.
The draft map of White County shows subdivisions in blue.

The draft map of White County shows subdivisions in blue.

Packed room hears facts on STR proposal

by Noah Johnson White County News   Shortly after the White County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing regarding new amendments to Chapter 16 of the White County Code, the county’s planning commission recommended denial of the proposed changes to Article 7, Appendix C which is...
Lori Pressley takes a photo of herself and her family, the Schmidt Pressley family, after the tree is lit in Freedom Park. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Lori Pressley takes a photo of herself and her family, the Schmidt Pressley family, after the tree is lit in Freedom Park. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Night of lights, togetherness

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   Christmas in the Mountains was to be held rain or shine, and the White County Chamber of Commerce, along with the governing agencies of Cleveland and White County, showed fun could still be had with a little rain.