Local

Nicole Smith-Ludvik is shown standing on a platform atop the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – in Dubai. The former White County resident has gained global attention for the stunt, which was part of an ad campaign for Emirates airlines. (Photos courtesy Emirates)

Nicole Smith-Ludvik is shown standing on a platform atop the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – in Dubai. The former White County resident has gained global attention for the stunt, which was part of an ad campaign for Emirates airlines. (Photos courtesy Emirates)

Viral stunt on world’s tallest building is latest high mark for Nicole Smith-Ludvik

Wayne Hardy
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Nicole Smith-Ludvik grew up in the Leaf Community of White County. The rural landscape was a playground where she exercised her flair for adventure, climbing trees in her grandparents’ yard or heading out on a hiking trail. Living near Airport Road, her wonder was often drawn toward the skies.
A potentially costly repair of a suspected crack under the pool’s foundation, additional maintenance and challenges finding lifeguards have county officials considering other options for the site at the White County Parks & Recreation Department. (Photo/Wayne Hardy)

A potentially costly repair of a suspected crack under the pool’s foundation, additional maintenance and challenges finding lifeguards have county officials considering other options for the site at the White County Parks & Recreation Department. (Photo/Wayne Hardy)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Splash pad discussed for rec facilities

Wayne Hardy
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Could a splash pad be the latest addition to White County’s recreation facilities? That idea emerged at the White County Board of Commissioners’ Feb.
This map from the White County government shows a planned detour route once part of Skylake Road is closed.

This map from the White County government shows a planned detour route once part of Skylake Road is closed.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Detour planned for repair work along Skylake Road

Wayne Hardy
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Travel along Skylake Road in Sautee Nacoochee will be detoured during repair of culvert wing wall. At the Feb. 7 White County Board of Commissioners meeting, Public Works Director Derick Canupp said the damage to the wing wall became apparent after storms a few weeks ago.
People have a chance to bid on Daryl the Sasquatch until noon this Friday, Feb. 11.

People have a chance to bid on Daryl the Sasquatch until noon this Friday, Feb. 11.

Cleveland square Sasquatch auctioned for charitable cause

Ashley Blair
Thursday, February 10, 2022
A Sasquatch figure that gained added notoriety following a wreck on the Cleveland square is being auctioned for a charitable cause. Last November, a police chase ended with a Jeep crashing into The Rustic Rooster on the Cleveland square.
Cajun Specialties co-owner David Spikes grabs some Cajun bites from a deli shelf. (Photo/Wayne Hardy)

Cajun Specialties co-owner David Spikes grabs some Cajun bites from a deli shelf. (Photo/Wayne Hardy)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Cajun fare comes to the Cleveland square

Ashley Blair
Thursday, February 3, 2022
A new shop is bringing the taste of Louisiana to the Cleveland square. Cajun Specialties opened on a limited scale this week, offering ready-to-eat Cajun delights and a selection of flavorful products for the pantry.
This illustration by Breaux & Associates Architects shows a preliminary exterior design for a planned performing arts center to be constructed on the White County High School campus. (Courtesy White County School System)

This illustration by Breaux & Associates Architects shows a preliminary exterior design for a planned performing arts center to be constructed on the White County High School campus. (Courtesy White County School System)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

School officials discuss planned WCHS performing arts center

Ashley Blair
Thursday, February 3, 2022
White County School System officials recently shared more details about a proposed performing arts center on the White County High School campus. During the annual Comprehensive Needs Assessment gathering held Jan.
County law enforcement and firefighters to get bonus pay

County law enforcement and firefighters to get bonus pay

Exclusive Subscriber Content

County law enforcement and firefighters to get bonus pay

News Staff
Thursday, February 3, 2022
A one-time bonus of up to $1,000 will be coming to eligible county public safety and first responder personnel. The extra pay comes courtesy of a Georgia supplemental grant program funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. White County’s total grant award is $127,995.
A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Jan. 28

A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Jan. 28

Fire Watch has been Issued from National Weather Service

News Staff
Friday, January 28, 2022
White County Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with White County Fire Services, City of Cleveland, and City of Helen Fire Departments encourages residents not to burn on Saturday, Jan. 29. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Jan. 28 at 4:04 a.m. until Jan. 29 at 7:00 p.m.
Proposed Academic Calendar Options

Proposed Academic Calendar Options

Board of Education studies options for 2023-2024 academic calendar

Ashley Blair
Thursday, January 27, 2022
The White County Board of Education discussed options for the 2023-2024 academic calendar at its Jan. 25 meeting. Option 1 changes the winter break schedule to allow students and teachers to have a week-long fall break in October. There would be a half-day on Thursday, Dec.