Regional

The Afternoon Delight was docked in the parking lot of Lake Zwerner last week as Duke Neslen and Beau Donner prepared to launch their newly-purchased 25-foot sailboat into the reservoir waters. SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Afternoon Delight was docked in the parking lot of Lake Zwerner last week as Duke Neslen and Beau Donner prepared to launch their newly-purchased 25-foot sailboat into the reservoir waters. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Exclusive Subscriber Content

University students sharpen sailing skills on local lake

News Staff
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
By Matt AikenCNI News Service It began with an Instagram reel, the short video featured a group of college students setting sail across the Atlantic on their newly purchased boat. University of North Georgia student Duke Neslen liked the looks of it. And he knew just where to forward it.
Motorists passing through on Highway 441 and visitors to the City of Dillard should use caution as there is ongoing road construction in the area. MEGAN HORN/CNI

Motorists passing through on Highway 441 and visitors to the City of Dillard should use caution as there is ongoing road construction in the area. MEGAN HORN/CNI

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Highway 441 project impacts traffic, events

News Staff
Thursday, June 11, 2026
By Megan HornCNI News Service Anyone traveling on Highway 441 from Clayton to the North Carolina line can see that construction is ongoing for the Highway 441 widening project.Various areas of the highway are lined with orange safety barrels, construction equipment, workers and lane merge signs.
A young man drowned at Panther Creek in Habersham County on June 7. FILE PHOTO

A young man drowned at Panther Creek in Habersham County on June 7. FILE PHOTO

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Young man drowns at Panther Creek in Habersham County

News Staff
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
By Hannah CaudellCNI News ServiceAnother life was claimed at Panther Creek on Sunday afternoon, June 7, when a young man drowned while at the recreation area.Reginal Starks, a 19-year-old from Jonesboro, was found by a multi-agency search and rescue team after someone witnessed his drowning.
Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Mike Meyer wins 53rd Helen to Atlantic Balloon Race

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
By Carly Henderson  The 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival kicked off June 4 and continued through Saturday, June 6, bringing thousands of visitors to Helen for a weekend of balloon events and competition.
White County resident Andy Negra, 102, grins below his birthday balloons last weekend during a celebratory dinner at Nacoochee Grill. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

White County resident Andy Negra, 102, grins below his birthday balloons last weekend during a celebratory dinner at Nacoochee Grill. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Negra celebrates major birthday milestone

News Staff
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
By Denise Etheridge Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”If this is true, then local celebrity Andy Negra is a masterpiece.Negra turned 102 on May 28.
Rep. Mike Collins speaks to attendees during a May 28 meet and greet at North Georgia BBQ in White County. Collins met with voters and discussed his campaign ahead of the June 16 Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Rep. Mike Collins speaks to attendees during a May 28 meet and greet at North Georgia BBQ in White County. Collins met with voters and discussed his campaign ahead of the June 16 Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Collins visits White County on campaign stop ahead of Senate runoff

News Staff
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
By Carly Henderson  Rep. Mike Collins brought his U.S. Senate campaign to White County on May 28, meeting with local voters during a series of stops across Georgia ahead of the Republican primary runoff.Attendees gathered at North Georgia BBQ in Cleveland at 3 p.m.
From left, Karan Sosebee, Carly Adam and daughter Charlotte Adam, Eunice Meaders and Melanie Williams will share stories and memories of Whelchel Meaders and his life this Memorial Day. ERIN ETRIS/WCN

From left, Karan Sosebee, Carly Adam and daughter Charlotte Adam, Eunice Meaders and Melanie Williams will share stories and memories of Whelchel Meaders and his life this Memorial Day. ERIN ETRIS/WCN

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Meaders family misses potter patriarch this Memorial Day

News Staff
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
by Erin Etris       This Memorial Day will be unlike any other for Cleveland’s Karan Sosebee and her family. It’s the first one her father, Whelchel Meaders, won’t be a part of since his passing in December of 2025.
Helen met this week to discuss public parking.

Helen met this week to discuss public parking.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Helen Commission approves parking plan amid packed house

News Staff
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
By Carly HendersonThe City of Helen Commission approved a parking plan at its May 19 meeting, allowing all employees in the city of Helen, as well as Helen and White County residents, free parking at the city’s two municipal lots on each side of Edelweiss Strasse.
The owner, managers and staff at Mountain Laurel Antique Mall and Furniture Consignment Showroom enjoy greeting customers. Sitting from left: Katie White, Barbara McClure and Dorothy Ralston. Standing from left: Carol Burgess, Bobby Dyer and Ariana McClure. Not pictured: Larry Hall, Lois Boggs and Ed Hawksford. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

The owner, managers and staff at Mountain Laurel Antique Mall and Furniture Consignment Showroom enjoy greeting customers. Sitting from left: Katie White, Barbara McClure and Dorothy Ralston. Standing from left: Carol Burgess, Bobby Dyer and Ariana McClure. Not pictured: Larry Hall, Lois Boggs and Ed Hawksford. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Family legacy drives Mountain Laurel Antique Mall forward

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
by Denise Etheridge   Mountain Laurel Antique Mall and Furniture Consignment Showroom is a family business spanning three generations of women. The antique mall was established in 2003 by Dorothy Ralston.