Local

The White County Chamber of Commerce cuts the ribbon on Soaring Therapy & Learning Center's new location at 88 Cemetery Street in Cleveland. PHOTOS BY DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

The White County Chamber of Commerce cuts the ribbon on Soaring Therapy & Learning Center's new location at 88 Cemetery Street in Cleveland. PHOTOS BY DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Soaring Therapy & Learning Center opens new location

By Denise Etheridge One of Soaring Therapy & Learning Center's previous locations was a small white house behind the Burger King restaurant in Cleveland.
Jessica Barnett, left, and Michele Quintal smile for a selfie after Quintal received the Silver Beaver Award at the Boy Scouts of America Northeast Georgia Council’s Council Recognition Ceremony. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jessica Barnett, left, and Michele Quintal smile for a selfie after Quintal received the Silver Beaver Award at the Boy Scouts of America Northeast Georgia Council’s Council Recognition Ceremony. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Council gives Quintal top volunteer award

By Samantha SinclairCNI News Service A local Scouting volunteer was selected to receive the highest award a council may bestow on a volunteer.Michele Quintal of Clarkesville was presented the Silver Beaver Award Saturday at the Boy Scouts of America Northeast Georgia Council’s Council Recognition...
The White County Board of Commissioners is pictured during a budget workshop on April 13. From left are Commissioners Shan Ash and Craig Bryant, Chair Travis Turner, and Commissioners Ed Nix and Lyn Holcomb. The county will soon advertise both a proposed millage rate reduction, and potential tax increase. FILE PHOTO

The White County Board of Commissioners is pictured during a budget workshop on April 13. From left are Commissioners Shan Ash and Craig Bryant, Chair Travis Turner, and Commissioners Ed Nix and Lyn Holcomb. The county will soon advertise both a proposed millage rate reduction, and potential tax increase. FILE PHOTO

County proposes mill rate decrease, sets public hearings

By Denise Etheridge The White County Board of Commissioners notified the White County News in a written statement last week that the commission plans to reduce the 2026 millage rate to 8.555 mills from the 2025 millage rate of 8.842 mills - a reduction of 0.287 mills.
SRO Travis Ramey with the White County Sheriff's Office welcomes attendees to the WCJLEA Week 2 graduation. PHOTOS BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

SRO Travis Ramey with the White County Sheriff's Office welcomes attendees to the WCJLEA Week 2 graduation. PHOTOS BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Future crime fighters graduate from program

The Junior Law Enforcement Academy (WCJLEA) is hosted each year by the White County Sheriff’s Office and is designed for rising fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students.
White County Middle School Agriculture teacher Meg Dickerson is congratulated by the White County Board of Education during a July 30 meeting. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

White County Middle School Agriculture teacher Meg Dickerson is congratulated by the White County Board of Education during a July 30 meeting. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

School board recognizes Meg Dickerson

White County Middle School Agriculture teacher Meg Dickerson was congratulated by the White County Board of Education during a July 30 meeting for receiving a statewide award for Outstanding Middle School Animal Science Program.
Mt. Yonah Elementary School Principal Juliana Dean, far right, greets a young student at the Back-to-School Bash last Saturday. Assistant principal Ryan London is at far left. At center is first grade teacher Caroline Duffey and behind Dean is instructional coach Jade Bates. PHOTOS BY DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Mt. Yonah Elementary School Principal Juliana Dean, far right, greets a young student at the Back-to-School Bash last Saturday. Assistant principal Ryan London is at far left. At center is first grade teacher Caroline Duffey and behind Dean is instructional coach Jade Bates. PHOTOS BY DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Community comes together at Back-to-School Bash

By Denise Etheridge Hundreds attended this year's annual Back-to-School Bash last Saturday, Aug. 1, at Freedom Park in Cleveland.
Georgia Department of Education Deputy Superintendent of School Nutrition Dr. Linette Dodson, left, observed the White County School System's summer meal program in June. School Nutrition Director Abby Rowland is at right. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Georgia Department of Education Deputy Superintendent of School Nutrition Dr. Linette Dodson, left, observed the White County School System's summer meal program in June. School Nutrition Director Abby Rowland is at right. SUBMITTED PHOTO

White County schools earn gold for serving local, farm-fresh meals

By Denise Etheridge The White County School System's nutrition department is proving that school meals can make a difference beyond the cafeteria by providing fresh, nutritious food for students while investing in local agriculture.The nutrition department was recently recognized by The Common...
Shannon LaCava speaks with White County voters about candidates from both parties running in the upcoming elections. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Shannon LaCava speaks with White County voters about candidates from both parties running in the upcoming elections. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Ready, Set, Vote! educates, registers local voters

Ready, Set, Vote!, an organization of non-partisan White County residents, is working to ensure all eligible county residents know their voter registration status, and is assisting first-time voters with registration.Launched at the July 18 Sautee Junction Patriotic Block Party in Sautee Nacoochee,...
Revelers enjoy a toast during Helen's annual Oktoberfest. FILE PHOTO

Revelers enjoy a toast during Helen's annual Oktoberfest. FILE PHOTO

Prost! Oktoberfest returns Sept. 10

Prost! The countdown down to Oktoberfest has begun. The Helen Chamber of Commerce, at 1074 Edelweiss St., Helen, will hold its 56th Annual Oktoberfest beginning Sep. 10. The dates for Oktoberfest are as follows: Sept.10 – 13; Sept. 17 – 20; Sept. 24 – 27; and Oct. 1 - 4.
From left: Commissioners Craig Bryant and Shan Ash, Chairman Travis Turner, Ellis, Truelove, and Commissioners Lyn Holcomb and Ed Nix. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

From left: Commissioners Craig Bryant and Shan Ash, Chairman Travis Turner, Ellis, Truelove, and Commissioners Lyn Holcomb and Ed Nix. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

County leaders honor Chamber of Commerce

The White County Board of Commissioners recognized the Chamber of Commerce for its contributions to the business community and role in economic development during a commission meeting on Monday.