Regional

The Crush Kittens live up to their name. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Wine, tunes flow freely at Crush Fest

News Staff

Thursday, August 28, 2025

by Denise Etheridge White County News Grapes got stomped and glasses stayed full at Crush Fest 2025. Yonah Mountain Vineyards’ annual event drew large crowds despite mist and scattered rain last Saturday.

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Men found unharmed following search

News Staff

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Staff report A search for two missing Cleveland men who went tubing on the Chattahoochee River last Saturday ended without anyone getting hurt. Brandon Peebles, 25, and Ethan Osborne, 22, were reported missing just after 7 p.m.

Kaya Vineyard & Winery is part of a multi-tiered company in Northeast Georgia. JERRY GRILLO/WCN PHOTO

Kaya shining on the Dahlonega Plateau

News Staff

Thursday, August 21, 2025

by Jerry Grillo White County News On a rise in White County, just off Town Creek Road near the Lumpkin County line, where the sweeping Blue Ridge makes the sky feel bigger, Kaya Vineyard & Winery sprawls like a panorama across 90 acres of vines, cottages, and gathering spaces.

This is the first Riesling - a sweet white wine - produced and bottled by The Cottage Vineyard & Winery. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN PHOTO

Fine wine, family and tribute entwine at The Cottage Vineyard & Winery

News Staff

Thursday, August 21, 2025

by Denise Etheridge White County News What began as a backyard hobby grew into The Cottage Vineyard & Winery, an agri-tourism destination that offers fine wines, sweeping views and a tranquil spot to honor veterans. The vineyard and winery is off Highway 129 in Cleveland.

Driver arrested in fatal wreck

News Staff

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Staff report A Baldwin man was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide and other felony and misdemeanor offenses following a fatal single-vehicle traffic accident in north Hall County on July 11.

Georgia receives highest bond rating

News Staff

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Capitol Beat News Service The “Big Three” bond rating companies again have given Georgia the highest rating of AAA, praising the state’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and record of economic growth and job creation.

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Gooch honored as EMC Champion

News Staff

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Staff report Georgia State Senator Steve Gooch was recognized on Monday as the first recipient of the Georgia EMC Electric Cooperative Champion Award. The inaugural award was presented during the Georgia Rural Electric Managers’ Association (GREMA) conference on July 14.

Christina Ernst (far left) guides groups of tourists across the globe. (Submitted photo)

VIP Alpine Tours celebrates 30 years

News Staff

Thursday, July 3, 2025

by Jerry Grillo White County News Christina Ernst, founder of VIP Alpine Tours, is in the business of guiding dreams for clients near and far.

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Chairman Turner reappointed in ACCG

News Staff

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Staff reports White County Chairman Travis Turner was reappointed as chair of the General County Government Policy Committee for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG or Georgia’s County Association).

Gary St. Lawrence (Jerry Grillo photo)

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St. Lawrence gives local Dems state senate pitch

News Staff

Thursday, July 3, 2025

by Jerry Grillo White County News Gary St. Lawrence, a self-described “political junkie,” delivered a direct message on government accountability, promising to champion working families and retirees, when he addressed the White County Democrats at their monthly meeting, June 26, in Helen.