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Inmates pick up trash along a county road. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Inmates pick up trash along a county road. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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WCSO expands inmate labor program

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
By Denise Etheridge The White County Sheriff's Office has recently expanded its inmate labor program. For the past six weeks, inmates have been picking up litter and discarded tires on county roadways.  A detail of up to four inmates covered 44.
White County Schools Countywide Spelling Bee participants included, from left, Maxwell Spivey, Reggie Grant, Jonah Stephens, Melodie Ramirez , Banler Wilson, Isiah Veazy, Annistyn Mealor, Beckett Wilson, Sadie Usher and Quinn Dockery. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

White County Schools Countywide Spelling Bee participants included, from left, Maxwell Spivey, Reggie Grant, Jonah Stephens, Melodie Ramirez , Banler Wilson, Isiah Veazy, Annistyn Mealor, Beckett Wilson, Sadie Usher and Quinn Dockery. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Reggie Grant wins White County spelling bee

News Staff
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
by Carly Henderson Students from White County elementary and middle schools put their spelling skills to the test during the White County Schools Countywide Spelling Bee, held Monday evening at the Performing Arts Center at White County High School.
Flooding caused by heavy rainfall on Saturday, Jan. 10 im- pacted North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park in Cleveland, forcing the park to shut down for a day. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Flooding caused by heavy rainfall on Saturday, Jan. 10 im- pacted North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park in Cleveland, forcing the park to shut down for a day. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Flooding shuts down local zoo

News Staff
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
by Carly Henderson Flooding from torrential rain shut down North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park in Cleveland on Jan. 10 as water spread across White County. Park staff closed the facility out of concern for the safety of animals and guests.
First responders check on residents off Asbestos Road during Saturday's heavy rain event. PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY

First responders check on residents off Asbestos Road during Saturday's heavy rain event. PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY

Crews respond to countywide flooding

News Staff
Monday, January 12, 2026
Staff report White County experienced widespread flooding on Saturday, Jan. 10, as heavy rainfall caused creeks, culverts, and drainage systems to become overwhelmed across multiple areas of the county. Between 9:44 a.m. and 3:56 p.m.
Hundreds of people rush into the water for the Winter Bear Plunge at Unicoi State Park on Jan. 3. PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSI TAYLOR/UNICOI STATE PARK

Hundreds of people rush into the water for the Winter Bear Plunge at Unicoi State Park on Jan. 3. PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSI TAYLOR/UNICOI STATE PARK

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Hundreds dare cold swim

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
by Denise Etheridge Sandy Overstreet of Athens took the Winter Bear Plunge on Jan. 3, to check off an item on her bucket list. Sarah Gauthreaus of Labadieville, La., decided that a cold dip in a North Georgia lake was a better way to celebrate her 40th birthday than swimming in the tepid bayou.
Lee Landress is sworn into office by Helen City Clerk Marilyn Chastain after the commission voted unanimously for him to serve as mayor. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Lee Landress is sworn into office by Helen City Clerk Marilyn Chastain after the commission voted unanimously for him to serve as mayor. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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City of Helen marks leadership change

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
by Carly Henderson The Helen City Hall marked a leadership transition on Monday, when a new mayor and mayor pro tem were sworn in during a special called meeting.
The city of Cleveland plans to purchase the property at 55 Cantrell Road for a new municipal complex that will house City Hall and the Cleveland Police Department. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

The city of Cleveland plans to purchase the property at 55 Cantrell Road for a new municipal complex that will house City Hall and the Cleveland Police Department. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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City hall, police to be under one roof

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
by Carly Henderson Cleveland city leaders announced Monday that both City Hall and the Cleveland Police Department will move from their separate downtown locations to a single new property off Helen Highway sometime over the next 18 months. Cleveland’s current City Hall is located at 85 S.
Winter Bear Plunge participants greet a new year during the 2025 Winter Bear Plunge at Unicoi State Park’s beach. FILE PHOTO

Winter Bear Plunge participants greet a new year during the 2025 Winter Bear Plunge at Unicoi State Park’s beach. FILE PHOTO

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Taking the plunge

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Staff report Cold temperatures and colder water will set the scene this weekend as the annual Winter Bear Plunge returns to Unicoi State Park. Friends of Unicoi State Park will host the Winter Bear Plunge on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at Unicoi Beach. Registration for the event will begin at 10 a.m.

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Local-bred poodle heads to Westminster

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
by Carly Henderson White County will have a hometown competitor at one of the nation’s most prestigious dog shows early next month when Osiris, a three-and-a-half-year-old standard poodle, heads to New York City for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Ron Coker, construction manager for Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia, runs in the 2025 Hogpen Hill Climb. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Ron Coker, construction manager for Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia, runs in the 2025 Hogpen Hill Climb. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Hogpen Hill Climb set for Jan. 17

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
by Denise Etheridge Since 1979, runners have taken on the challenging Hogpen Hill Climb. The 18K race finishes at the top  of Hogpen Gap with an elevation of over 2,500 feet. The event benefits Habitat For Humanity of Northeast Georgia’s home builds in White and Habersham counties.