News

Paraprofessionals in a teacher apprenticeship program, along with their teacher mentors, are recognized during the Nov. 20 school board meeting. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Paraprofessionals in a teacher apprenticeship program, along with their teacher mentors, are recognized during the Nov. 20 school board meeting. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

WCSS invests in future teachers

The White County School System is one of 28 systems in Georgia to participate in the Georgia Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program. The program is meant to offer paraprofessionals a pathway to a credentialed teaching career.
Cleveland’s City Council recognizes December as Seasonal Depression Awareness Month. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Cleveland’s City Council recognizes December as Seasonal Depression Awareness Month. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Council defines meetings, discusses salaries

by Carly Henderson   During Monday’s meeting, the Cleveland City Council discussed amending the compensation of elected  officials,  updating  the  city  personnel handbook and adjusting the fiscal year budget.

City of Helen to hike garbage rates

by Carly Henderson   The Helen City Commission meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, brought several key decisions that will affect residents in the months ahead, including an increase in garbage rates and the review of two city ordinances.
Assistant School Superintendent Jonathan Stribling points out possible repairs that could be made to the press box, should the school board approve the project.

Assistant School Superintendent Jonathan Stribling points out possible repairs that could be made to the press box, should the school board approve the project.

School board to consider plan to update concession stand, press box

by Denise Etheridge The White County High School’s concession stand, which includes public restrooms and a press box overseeing the stadium, has not had any major updates or renovations since 1996.
Emma Moss Allen, center, holds the Hall of Fame award recognizing her late father, John Moss. Johnny Sutton and Cleveland Council Member Annie Sutton stand at Allen’s left. Other family members, including Gloria Sutton, far right, surround them. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Emma Moss Allen, center, holds the Hall of Fame award recognizing her late father, John Moss. Johnny Sutton and Cleveland Council Member Annie Sutton stand at Allen’s left. Other family members, including Gloria Sutton, far right, surround them. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

White County observes Farm-City Week

by Denise Etheridge   One of the signs welcoming farmers and their supporters to the 22nd Annual Farm-City Week Breakfast last week summed up the White County community’s sentiments toward agriculture – faith, family, farmers.
Cleveland Care Center personnel are presented with their $55,000 grant check from the North Georgia Community Foundation. PHOTOS BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN.

Cleveland Care Center personnel are presented with their $55,000 grant check from the North Georgia Community Foundation. PHOTOS BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN.

County organizations receive NGCF Opportunity Grants

by Carly Henderson   As nonprofits across North Georgia work to meet rising community needs, four organizations are getting a major boost through the North Georgia Community Foundation’s 2025 Opportunity Grants.
From left, council member CJ McDonald, council member Jeremy McClure, Mayor Josh Turner, White County Chamber of Commerce President Beth Truelove and council member Annie Sutton present the Farm-City Week Proclamation. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

From left, council member CJ McDonald, council member Jeremy McClure, Mayor Josh Turner, White County Chamber of Commerce President Beth Truelove and council member Annie Sutton present the Farm-City Week Proclamation. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Cleveland leaders okay $170K land sale

by Carly Henderson The Cleveland City Council ended an hour-long meeting Monday night with a land sale. After reconvening into open session following an executive session to discuss real estate and personnel matters, the council took action.
Runners aged 7 to 82 take off from the starting line at the inaugural White County Turkey Trot. PHOTOS BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN.

Runners aged 7 to 82 take off from the starting line at the inaugural White County Turkey Trot. PHOTOS BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN.

Gobble Up the Competition

by Carly Henderson Runners of all ages laced up at Yonah Preserve last Saturday for the inaugural White County Turkey Trot. More than 100 people signed up for the debut event, which organizers hope will become an annual community staple.
From left are Bobby Dyer and Larry Hall, veterans who participated in Helen’s Veterans Day luncheon. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

From left are Bobby Dyer and Larry Hall, veterans who participated in Helen’s Veterans Day luncheon. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

City of Helen offers veterans big thanks

by Carly Henderson Helen paused Tuesday to say “thank you” to the men and women who’ve worn the nation’s uniform, hosting a Veterans Day luncheon that brought together service members from across and outside of White County. The City of Helen hosted the luncheon indoors this year.
A new Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel is under construction in Helen. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

A new Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel is under construction in Helen. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

State of the Cities

by Carly Henderson White County’s two city mayors, Cleveland Mayor Josh Turner and Helen Mayor Cliff Hood, shared optimistic updates and future goals during a “State of the Cities” presentation hosted by the White County Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 5.