News

Ballot question offers tax exemption, FLOST

by Eric Tiongson White County News   An amendment to the Georgia Constitution will be up to vote for during this election cycle, and it may lead to tax exemptions. House Bill 581, a constitutional amendment regarding homestead exemptions for ad valorem taxes, will appear on this year’s ballot.
Samantha Sinclair

Samantha Sinclair

The Northeast Georgian names Sinclair its editor

Staff Report   White County News Editor Samantha Sinclair is the new editor of The Northeast Georgian. She will continue serving White County as its editor during the transition period. The announcement was made Tuesday afternoon at both newspapers.
White County was placed under a Flood Watch from Wednesday to Friday, and public safety officials were working closely with other agencies to ensure the area is fully prepared. 

White County was placed under a Flood Watch from Wednesday to Friday, and public safety officials were working closely with other agencies to ensure the area is fully prepared. 

County urges preparation for Helene

by Basil Ray White County News   As Tropical Storm Helene barreled towards the Florida Panhandle Tuesday, expected to rapidly develop into a hurricane, White County officials were urging residents to take immediate precautions. On Tuesday, Sept.
Susie Murray, who has a child at White County High School, shares her suggestions for school safety at the White County Board of Education meeting Tuesday morning. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Susie Murray, who has a child at White County High School, shares her suggestions for school safety at the White County Board of Education meeting Tuesday morning. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Assessing school safety

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   School safety is a big topic lately, and it became the focus of the White County Board of Education meeting Tuesday morning.
(Photo/Staci Sulhoff)

(Photo/Staci Sulhoff)

Joyful for the Queen

Emma Lightsey, right, runs over to Maggie Anglin (accompanied by her father, Scott) to congratulate her immediately after Anglin was named White County High School’s 2024 Homecoming Queen during halftime Friday night. Oliver Williams was announced Homecoming King earlier in the day.
The most recognizable item funded through the last SPLOST is the new tax commissioner’s office, but most of the funds go toward items like road work and replacing vehicles. (file photo)

The most recognizable item funded through the last SPLOST is the new tax commissioner’s office, but most of the funds go toward items like road work and replacing vehicles. (file photo)

SPLOST extension ready for November ballot

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   How can White County and its cities fund needs like new fire trucks and buildings without putting the burden solely on those who live here? It’s through a one cent sales tax, commonly known as SPLOST.

Helen OKs beer sales after denial

by Eric Tiongson White County News   After a nearly six month-long saga that featured an initial application, a decision to the defer the application to the following month, a denial and a re-application, Heidi Haus in Helen has received a license to sell beer on its premises.
Garrison

Garrison

Flight risk

by Eric Tiongson White County News   Over a month after his arrest, Josh Garrison has been denied bond and deemed as a flight risk, according to Helen Police Officer Chris Barrett. Garrison, a former candidate for the Helen City Commission and owner of Alpine Dispensary, was arrested on Aug.
Those in attendance at the Georgia Recovers Bus Tour’s stop bow their heads in prayer, led by Cody Montgomery. (Photo/Eric Tiongson)

Those in attendance at the Georgia Recovers Bus Tour’s stop bow their heads in prayer, led by Cody Montgomery. (Photo/Eric Tiongson)

On the road to recovery

by Eric Tiongson White County News   Recovery is real in White County. Local leaders and advocates yelled those words in triumph during a photo opportunity at the Georgia Recovers Bus Tour’s stop in White County on Wednesday, Sept. 11.
Susan Sorrows

Susan Sorrows

Healing through helping: Sorrows works to stop addiction

by Eric Tiongson White County News   Susan Sorrows has been hard at work. In 2020, Sorrows was named Activist of the Year by the Georgia Council for her work with those recovering from addiction. She’s led numerous 12 step meetings.