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School board members Missy Jarrard, Jon Estes, John Solmon, Charlie Thomas and Linda Erbele discuss the rolling back the millage rate Tuesday morning. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

School board members Missy Jarrard, Jon Estes, John Solmon, Charlie Thomas and Linda Erbele discuss the rolling back the millage rate Tuesday morning. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

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Local leaders prepare to set tax rates

News Staff
Thursday, July 25, 2024
by Samantha Sinclair and Eric Tiongson White County News   The tax digest for the county was distributed to local taxing districts Thursday, causing leaders to scramble with plans to advertise whether not they plan to increase property tax increases.
The lobby at White County High School has a whole new light-filled look as renovations replacing the theater with a media center near completion earlier this week. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

The lobby at White County High School has a whole new light-filled look as renovations replacing the theater with a media center near completion earlier this week. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

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A whole new school

News Staff
Thursday, July 25, 2024
by Samantha Sinclair White County News   Teachers and students will be walking into a seemingly brand new White County High School next week. The changes start as soon as they walk in the building. The lobby has been transformed with a glass wall on one side looking into the new media center.
Bailey Gabler (Photo/Susan Kenawi)

Bailey Gabler (Photo/Susan Kenawi)

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Young mother killed in wreck

News Staff
Thursday, July 25, 2024
by Eric Tiongson White County News   A dangerous section of Ga. 115 claimed the life of a local woman during last week’s rainstorms. On Thursday, July 18, a three-vehicle crash on Ga.
Ruth Jola is celebrated by family and friends at Helen’s Uhuburg Castle for her 100th birthday. Those gathered include (back row) Tom Stephenson, Brad Stephenson, Cecil Shaw, Oriana Jola, Jerry Noe, Raven Ferguson, Jolly Nichols, (front row) Patti Moulton, Debbie Holveck, Ruth Jola and Lisa Holveck. (Photo/submitted)

Ruth Jola is celebrated by family and friends at Helen’s Uhuburg Castle for her 100th birthday. Those gathered include (back row) Tom Stephenson, Brad Stephenson, Cecil Shaw, Oriana Jola, Jerry Noe, Raven Ferguson, Jolly Nichols, (front row) Patti Moulton, Debbie Holveck, Ruth Jola and Lisa Holveck. (Photo/submitted)

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Around the world in 100 years

News Staff
Thursday, July 18, 2024
by Eric Tiongson White County News   Every Fourth of July, fireworks light up the sky. Ruth Jola likes to joke that they’re all for her, instead of Independence Day. Jola was born on July 4, 1924. 100 years ago.
Banks County Captain Chad Nix, and White County’s David Murphy, Terry Goodger and Travis Turner discuss the building of Banks County Fire Station No. 41. (Photo/Eric Tiongson)

Banks County Captain Chad Nix, and White County’s David Murphy, Terry Goodger and Travis Turner discuss the building of Banks County Fire Station No. 41. (Photo/Eric Tiongson)

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Leaders tour Banks fire stations

News Staff
Thursday, July 18, 2024
by Eric Tiongson White County News   White County leaders got a look at what they could have last week when they toured Banks County Fire Station No. 41. The station has been viewed as a potential template for the upcoming White County Fire Station No.
Georgia Municipal Association presented different pension options for Helen city employees during a workshop with the city commission.

Georgia Municipal Association presented different pension options for Helen city employees during a workshop with the city commission.

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Helen remains on hold with pension

News Staff
Thursday, July 18, 2024
by Eric Tiongson White County News   Helen leaders remained undecided on switching pension plans after discussing the matter further Tuesday morning.
For the second time this year, the county and city governments have agreed on the use and distribution of 2024 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST VI, funds. (Photo/Metro Creative Services)

For the second time this year, the county and city governments have agreed on the use and distribution of 2024 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST VI, funds. (Photo/Metro Creative Services)

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SPLOST details agreed upon, again

News Staff
Thursday, July 18, 2024
by Samantha Sinclair and Eric Tiongson White County News   For the second time this year, the county and city governments have agreed on the use and distribution of 2024 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST VI, funds.
The proposed increases would increase a little each year over a three-year period.

The proposed increases would increase a little each year over a three-year period.

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Cleveland considers service user fees increases

News Staff
Thursday, July 11, 2024
by Samantha Sinclair White County News   The city of Cleveland is considering increasing rates for services in attempt to rely less on property taxes to fund services.
David Smith gives a thumbs-up before diving in to hunt for fossils. (Photo/submitted)

David Smith gives a thumbs-up before diving in to hunt for fossils. (Photo/submitted)

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For the thrill of the hunt

News Staff
Thursday, July 11, 2024
by Eric Tiongson White County News   A ripping current. Debris floating everywhere. Alligators. David Smith braves all of that, and more, because of the thrill of the hunt. Smith, who lives in Sautee Nacoochee, is a scuba diver that hunts for fossils.
Fire Chief Michael LeFevre speaks at an engine push-in ceremony in 2023. (File photo)

Fire Chief Michael LeFevre speaks at an engine push-in ceremony in 2023. (File photo)

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County fire chief to retire in August

News Staff
Thursday, July 11, 2024
by Eric Tiongson White County News   After seven years serving in the White County Fire Department, Chief Michael LeFevre will be retiring on August 23. His decision was announced in a press release from White County Public Safety on Monday.