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Truett McConnell University President Larry Lyon will be formally inaugurated at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, in the George Blaurock Student Wellness Center. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Truett McConnell University President Larry Lyon will be formally inaugurated at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, in the George Blaurock Student Wellness Center. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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TMU to celebrate 80th anniversary with week of events

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Staff report  Truett McConnell University will celebrate its 80th anniversary with a week of events in September, including the inauguration of the university's ninth president, Dr. Larry W. Lyon.Centered on the theme, "Called to Faithfulness," the weeklong celebration will feature events for...
From left, Family Advocate Megan Holcombe, Family Advocate Carlyn Hearn, Forensic Interviewer Kristin Jarrard and Executive Director Victoria Dunston stand in front of South Enotah Child Advocacy Center at the meet and greet held July 22. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

From left, Family Advocate Megan Holcombe, Family Advocate Carlyn Hearn, Forensic Interviewer Kristin Jarrard and Executive Director Victoria Dunston stand in front of South Enotah Child Advocacy Center at the meet and greet held July 22. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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South Enotah Child Advocacy Center introduces executive director, highlights services

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
By Carly Henderson South Enotah Child Advocacy Center in Cleveland welcomed community members July 22 for a meet-and-greet event introducing Executive Director Victoria Dunston and highlighting the organization’s work responding to and preventing child abuse.Established in 2016, South Enotah Child...
This is one of six Flock cameras used to read license plates in White County. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

This is one of six Flock cameras used to read license plates in White County. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Flock cameras aid White County law enforcement

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
By Denise Etheridge An estimated 90,000-120,000 automated license plate reading (ALPR) cameras, also known as Flock cameras, are used by law enforcement agencies across the country.
Commission Chairman Travis Turner and White County Manager Derick Canupp examine Garland Bristol Road in front of Fire Station No. 3. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Commission Chairman Travis Turner and White County Manager Derick Canupp examine Garland Bristol Road in front of Fire Station No. 3. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Commissioners inspect county roads

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
By Denise Etheridge White County commissioners criss-crossed the county last week to inspect 20 roads and three parking areas belonging to several fire stations.“Every few years, our board travels the county together to inspect road conditions firsthand and receive input from staff regarding each...
Apex Banking Company of Georgia celebrated the grand opening of their new building at 35 Jessie Mae Thurmond Connector in Cleveland, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 16. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Apex Banking Company of Georgia celebrated the grand opening of their new building at 35 Jessie Mae Thurmond Connector in Cleveland, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 16. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Apex unveils new Cleveland facility

News Staff
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Community leaders, business representatives and bank customers crowded into the new Apex Banking Company of Georgia building for a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. Charles Black Construction Company built the new bank building. Apex originated as Wilkinson County Bank in Irwinton, Ga., in 1907.
The White County Rotary Club presented awards to First Responders on Saturday, July 18. Kneeling in front is Helen Police Sgt. W. C. Barrett, handler for K-9 Zora. Standing, from left, are Cleveland Firefighter Will LaPree, Helen Fire Department Firefighter Hudson Anderson; White County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Vice, Cleveland Police Officer David Bruce, Rotary President Phil Dodson, White County 911 Communications Officer Liberty Garrett, White County Firefighter Steve Hopper. See more photos on page 7A. L

The White County Rotary Club presented awards to First Responders on Saturday, July 18. Kneeling in front is Helen Police Sgt. W. C. Barrett, handler for K-9 Zora. Standing, from left, are Cleveland Firefighter Will LaPree, Helen Fire Department Firefighter Hudson Anderson; White County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Vice, Cleveland Police Officer David Bruce, Rotary President Phil Dodson, White County 911 Communications Officer Liberty Garrett, White County Firefighter Steve Hopper. See more photos on page 7A. L

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Rotary honors first responders at pickleball tournament

News Staff
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
by Linda Erbele The White County Rotary Club held a fundraiser July 18 that included a pickleball tournament and barbecue sale while taking the opportunity to honor White County’s first responders. The event was held at the White County Recreation Center at Yonah Preserve.
The City of Helen Commission approved an alcohol license for Dog Gone Coffee earlier this week.

The City of Helen Commission approved an alcohol license for Dog Gone Coffee earlier this week.

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Helen Commission approves alcohol license, receives updates

News Staff
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
By Carly Henderson  The City of Helen Commission approved an alcohol license for Dog Gone Coffee and received updates on tourism activity and city operations during its regular meeting Tuesday, July 21.Dog Gone Coffee’s alcohol license allows the business to offer Sunday sales and serve beer and...
Members of the Cleveland City Council present a proclamation recognizing the 80th anniversary of Truett McConnell University to TMU President Dr. Larry Lyon during the council's July 20 meeting. The proclamation honored the university's eight decades of service to the community. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Members of the Cleveland City Council present a proclamation recognizing the 80th anniversary of Truett McConnell University to TMU President Dr. Larry Lyon during the council's July 20 meeting. The proclamation honored the university's eight decades of service to the community. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Cleveland details strategy for water, sewer improvements at meeting

News Staff
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
By Carly Henderson  The Cleveland City Council received an update Monday on the city's long-term plans to improve its aging water and sewer infrastructure as officials continue responding to an increase in boil water advisories.During the July 20 regular meeting, City Manager Kevin Harris told the...
The Peer Support Wellness & Respite Center of White County provides free peer support, wellness activities and respite services for adults experiencing mental health challenges. The center will celebrate its 15th anniversary with its “Aloha 15” anniversary party on Friday, July 31. SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Peer Support Wellness & Respite Center of White County provides free peer support, wellness activities and respite services for adults experiencing mental health challenges. The center will celebrate its 15th anniversary with its “Aloha 15” anniversary party on Friday, July 31. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Peer Support Wellness & Respite Center celebrates 15 years

News Staff
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
By Carly Henderson  The Peer Support Wellness & Respite Center of White County (PSWRC) will celebrate its 15th anniversary with its “Aloha 15” anniversary party on Friday, July 31, from noon to 3 p.m.The luau-themed event will feature food, games and tours of the facility while highlighting the...
Heather Moon puts the finishing touches on the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards emblem on the front window of the White County News office. ERIN ETRIS

Heather Moon puts the finishing touches on the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards emblem on the front window of the White County News office. ERIN ETRIS

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2026 Readers’ Choice Winner Spotlight:

News Staff
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
By Erin EtrisDriving through White County in recent years, you’ve likely seen the work of local artist Heather Moon adorning the windows and storefronts of several businesses, including the White County News office.For the last two years, Moon’s work has been the cherry on top of the annual...