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The Cleveland Planning and Zoning Board voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request from Cleveland First Methodist Church to the Cleveland City Council late last month. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

The Cleveland Planning and Zoning Board voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request from Cleveland First Methodist Church to the Cleveland City Council late last month. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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P & Z Board recommends rezoning Cleveland First Methodist parsonage

News Staff
Friday, June 5, 2026
By Carly HendersonThe Cleveland Planning and Zoning Board voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request from Cleveland First Methodist Church to the Cleveland City Council at its May 28 meeting.The church requested to rezone a 0.084-acre tract, Tax Map and Parcel C01D 108, in Cleveland.
Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Helen goes up, up and away

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
By Carly HendersonUPDATED: June 5, 2026The 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival kicked off Thursday as balloonists and spectators gathered at the Wilkins property across from Helen's Riverside Park to begin the weekend's ballooning events.
White County resident Andy Negra, 102, grins below his birthday balloons last weekend during a celebratory dinner at Nacoochee Grill. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

White County resident Andy Negra, 102, grins below his birthday balloons last weekend during a celebratory dinner at Nacoochee Grill. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

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Negra celebrates major birthday milestone

News Staff
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
By Denise Etheridge Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”If this is true, then local celebrity Andy Negra is a masterpiece.Negra turned 102 on May 28.
Rep. Mike Collins speaks to attendees during a May 28 meet and greet at North Georgia BBQ in White County. Collins met with voters and discussed his campaign ahead of the June 16 Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Rep. Mike Collins speaks to attendees during a May 28 meet and greet at North Georgia BBQ in White County. Collins met with voters and discussed his campaign ahead of the June 16 Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Collins visits White County on campaign stop ahead of Senate runoff

News Staff
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
By Carly Henderson  Rep. Mike Collins brought his U.S. Senate campaign to White County on May 28, meeting with local voters during a series of stops across Georgia ahead of the Republican primary runoff.Attendees gathered at North Georgia BBQ in Cleveland at 3 p.m.
Supporters applaud cancer survivors during the White County Relay for Life on May 29. Brandy Roquemore, center left, and Brenda Jolly walk behind Rita and Chris Burdett. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Supporters applaud cancer survivors during the White County Relay for Life on May 29. Brandy Roquemore, center left, and Brenda Jolly walk behind Rita and Chris Burdett. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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White County celebrates survivors, remembers loved ones at Relay for Life

News Staff
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
By Denise Etheridge Close to 125 cancer survivors, their caregivers and family members, and Relay team participants attended the May 29 Cancer Survivor and Caregiver Dinner and Walk at Union Grove Congregational Holiness Church Life Center.
The White County High School JROTC Honor Guard participated in Monday's Memorial Day ceremony at Cleveland's Freedom Park. The annual event is organized by American Legion Roy Head Post 16. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

The White County High School JROTC Honor Guard participated in Monday's Memorial Day ceremony at Cleveland's Freedom Park. The annual event is organized by American Legion Roy Head Post 16. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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White Countians brave rain to observe Memorial Day 

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
By Denise Etheridge and Carly Henderson Faithful patriots attended Memorial Day ceremonies in White County on Monday despite persistent rain showers that rolled through Northeast Georgia throughout the day.
Caroline Tatum throws her hands in the air in celebration after receiving her diploma during the 2026 White County High School graduation ceremony. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Caroline Tatum throws her hands in the air in celebration after receiving her diploma during the 2026 White County High School graduation ceremony. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Graduates make a splash at soggy commencement

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
By Carly HendersonDespite weather delays and multiple changes to the evening’s plans, the White County High School Class of 2026 was able to celebrate graduation Friday night, May 22, in Warrior Stadium.
From left, Karan Sosebee, Carly Adam and daughter Charlotte Adam, Eunice Meaders and Melanie Williams will share stories and memories of Whelchel Meaders and his life this Memorial Day. ERIN ETRIS/WCN

From left, Karan Sosebee, Carly Adam and daughter Charlotte Adam, Eunice Meaders and Melanie Williams will share stories and memories of Whelchel Meaders and his life this Memorial Day. ERIN ETRIS/WCN

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Meaders family misses potter patriarch this Memorial Day

News Staff
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
by Erin Etris       This Memorial Day will be unlike any other for Cleveland’s Karan Sosebee and her family. It’s the first one her father, Whelchel Meaders, won’t be a part of since his passing in December of 2025.