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Deb’s Dollar & Discount is shown ahead of its closure later this spring. The store has been in business for more than 18 years. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Deb’s Dollar & Discount is shown ahead of its closure later this spring. The store has been in business for more than 18 years. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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A final season for Deb’s Dollar & Discount

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Carly Henderson  After nearly two decades of serving White County shoppers, Deb’s Dollar & Discount is preparing to close its doors, marking the end of a chapter for owners Deborah and Brad Payne as they head into retirement.
After renovations are complete, Nacoochee Grill will open under new ownership as a cloth-napkin steakhouse.  CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

After renovations are complete, Nacoochee Grill will open under new ownership as a cloth-napkin steakhouse.  CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Renovations underway as revived Nacoochee Grill to return

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Carly Henderson Mully’s Nacoochee Grill may have closed its doors in December, but the building is already preparing for its next chapter— one rooted in both history and reinvention. On Jan.
Assistant Superintendent Jonathan Stribling will be the school system's next superintendent beginning April 1. Stribling is pictured with his wife Jessica Stribling. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Assistant Superintendent Jonathan Stribling will be the school system's next superintendent beginning April 1. Stribling is pictured with his wife Jessica Stribling. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Stribling officially hired to lead White County schools

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Denise Etheridge As expected, the White County Board of Education voted to hire Assistant Superintendent Jonathan Stribling as the next superintendent for the school system during a called meeting Monday night. Stribling will start his new role on April 1.
White County High School principal Mary Anne Collier

White County High School principal Mary Anne Collier

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WCHS principal to take on administrative role 

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
By Denise Etheridge   White County High School principal Mary Anne Collier will fill a newly created position in administration with the school system before the start of the next school year.
Jason Bryant was sworn in as City of Cleveland Fire Chief by Judge Garrison Baker at the Feb. 2 Cleveland City Council meeting. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Jason Bryant was sworn in as City of Cleveland Fire Chief by Judge Garrison Baker at the Feb. 2 Cleveland City Council meeting. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Jason Bryant sworn in as Cleveland’s new fire chief

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
By Carly Henderson The City of Cleveland officially has a new Fire Chief as Jason Bryant was sworn in at the Cleveland City Council's Feb. 2 meeting. Bryant was sworn in by Cleveland City Judge Garrison Baker.
Truett McConnell University may soon have a new president. FILE PHOTO

Truett McConnell University may soon have a new president. FILE PHOTO

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TMU board to meet, consider candidate to lead university

News Staff
Friday, January 30, 2026
By Denise Etheridge   Truett McConnell University may soon have a new president. Brandi Wood, TMU's director of marketing and communications, notified the White County News Friday afternoon that the school's Board of Trustees will meet at 1 p.m.
This tree went down at Chimney Lake during last weekend’s Winter Storm Fern. PHOTO/BRYCE BARRETT, WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY

This tree went down at Chimney Lake during last weekend’s Winter Storm Fern. PHOTO/BRYCE BARRETT, WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY

Fern slams White County

News Staff
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
By Denise Etheridge and Carly Henderson Winter Storm Fern delivered a historic whammy to White County this past weekend. Trees weighed down by ice toppled, bringing down power lines and blocking roads across the county.
Chief Jason Bryant

Chief Jason Bryant

Jason Bryant named Cleveland Fire Chief

News Staff
Friday, January 23, 2026
Staff report Following an executive session on Jan. 22, the City of Cleveland announced the selection of Jason Bryant as the city’s new Fire Chief, following approval by Mayor and City Council.