News

This is a preliminary sketch of the new hotel planned for the northern end of Helen. (Photo/Linda Erbele)

This is a preliminary sketch of the new hotel planned for the northern end of Helen. (Photo/Linda Erbele)

Hilton-branded hotel proposed for Helen

News Staff
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Attendees of the Helen City Commission meeting Sept. 20 got a glimpse of a new hotel proposed for the city. J.T. Gangwal, owner of the Holiday Inn Express in Helen, presented preliminary sketches for the approval of Helen Commissioners. The 90-room hotel will be a Home 2 Suites, a Hilton brand.
The longest Octoberfest in the country kicked off in Helen last weekend with a parade and the traditional tapping of the keg. Helen has hosted an Octoberfest event since 1970.

The longest Octoberfest in the country kicked off in Helen last weekend with a parade and the traditional tapping of the keg. Helen has hosted an Octoberfest event since 1970.

It's Octoberfest time in Helen

News Staff
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
The longest Oktoberfest in the country kicked off last week, with a free-admission-for-locals night at the Festhalle on Thursday, Sept. 8. For many, the celebration starts with the parade and tapping of the keg, held Saturday, Sept. 10.
From left, Folk Pottery Museum trustees and judges John Luhn, Stewart Swanson and Bill House admire the “Best of Show” four-face jug created by Daniel Bollinger.

From left, Folk Pottery Museum trustees and judges John Luhn, Stewart Swanson and Bill House admire the “Best of Show” four-face jug created by Daniel Bollinger.

Folk Pottery Festival 'turns' 14

News Staff
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Despite pouring-down rain on Saturday morning, September 3, the 14th Annual Folk Pottery & Arts Festival attracted lively, bouyant crowds all day. Some vendors set up tents on the soggy lawn. Other craftspeople had tables in the community hall, selling pottery or fiber arts.
From left, Sonny (Paul) Watkins, Ann New Banke and Ike Stovall greet each other before the meeting.

From left, Sonny (Paul) Watkins, Ann New Banke and Ike Stovall greet each other before the meeting.

Nacoochee School memories

News Staff
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
More than 45 former students of the Nacoochee School reunited on Saturday, August 20, continuing an annual tradition, first started in 1989. It had been temporarily suspended after 2019, due to Covid-19. Some folks were joined by spouses, children and friends.
Skylake resident Andy Negra waves from the field between the 4th and 5th innings of the Braves game against Houston Astros in Atlanta.

Skylake resident Andy Negra waves from the field between the 4th and 5th innings of the Braves game against Houston Astros in Atlanta.

Atlanta Braves honor local World War II vet

News Staff
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
A 98-year-old WWII veteran, Andy Negra, a resident of Skylake, was honored Aug. 19 at Truist Park in Atlanta, during the Atlanta Braves game. In conjunction with “Keep the Spirit of 45 Alive” and VJ Day which was Aug. 14, Andy Negra was recognized on the field between the fourth and fifth innings.
Mildred Meaders

Mildred Meaders

Folk pottery legend leaves lasting legacy

News Staff
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
White County has lost another giant in the folk pottery world. Mildred Meaders passed away August 10. Mildred worked with her husband John Rufus Meaders at their home shop in Mossy Creek, White County, decorating the pottery he created, but came into her own as a potter after he died in 1999.
School board members broke ground Tuesday on a new 41,000 square-ft. performing arts center on the campus of White County High School. From left are Linda Erbele, vice-chairman Charlie Thomas, Superintendent Dr. Laurie Burkett, chairman Missy Jarrard and Jon Estes.

School board members broke ground Tuesday on a new 41,000 square-ft. performing arts center on the campus of White County High School. From left are Linda Erbele, vice-chairman Charlie Thomas, Superintendent Dr. Laurie Burkett, chairman Missy Jarrard and Jon Estes.

New home for performing arts in White County

News Staff
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Officials broke ground Tuesday on a new performing arts center for the White County School District that will double the seating capacity of the current facility.
Warriors scrimmage Oconee County

Warriors scrimmage Oconee County

Warriors put on the pads

News Staff
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
The White County Warriors hosted a two-day padded camp this week, competing against Oconee County, Fannin County, East Hall and Jackson County on the new turf field at Warrior Stadium.
City manager Kevin Harris

City manager Kevin Harris

Cleveland voters may decide on package liquor sales

News Staff
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
Package liquor stores could be coming to Cleveland in the near future if voters give the green light. The city of Cleveland wants to hear from the community before making a decision to put the question of legalizing package liquor sales before the voters on the ballot this November.