Georgia

Unemployment in White County hit what appears to be one of its lowest rates in recent history, according to preliminary November figures from the Georgia Department of Labor.

Unemployment in White County hit what appears to be one of its lowest rates in recent history, according to preliminary November figures from the Georgia Department of Labor.

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Unemployment rate hits historic low

Wayne Hardy
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Unemployment in White County hit what appears to be one of its lowest rates in recent history, according to preliminary November figures from the Georgia Department of Labor. The county’s 2% unemployment rate continued a downward trend through 2019, which began at 3.8%.
Authorities responded to a structure fire on Roller Rink Road in the early morning hours on Friday, Jan. 3. (Photo courtesy of White County Fire Services)

Authorities responded to a structure fire on Roller Rink Road in the early morning hours on Friday, Jan. 3. (Photo courtesy of White County Fire Services)

Authorities respond for early morning fire

Stephanie Hill
Friday, January 3, 2020
Firefighters battled a blaze at the former Silver Spur Skating Rink early Friday morning.  White County firefighters, with automatic aid from Cleveland and Lee Arrendale fire departments, responded to the commercial structure fire on Roller Rink Road at around 2 a.m. on Jan.
Community generosity helped the United Way of White County reach its 2020 fundraising goal of $85,000, which will be allocated to local organizations serving White County residents. Some of the United Way of White County board members shown at a fundraising goal banner are, from left, Wayne Hardy, Carl Free, Donald Harris, Mary Isbell, Paul Scott Abbot and Gene White.

Community generosity helped the United Way of White County reach its 2020 fundraising goal of $85,000, which will be allocated to local organizations serving White County residents. Some of the United Way of White County board members shown at a fundraising goal banner are, from left, Wayne Hardy, Carl Free, Donald Harris, Mary Isbell, Paul Scott Abbot and Gene White.

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United Way of White County campaign hits $85,000 mark

Wayne Hardy
Thursday, January 2, 2020
With plenty of backing from community supporters, the United Way of White County has reached its $85,000 fundraising goal for 2020. The successful campaign means the United Way of White County will be able to give $15,000 more to local service agencies than it did in 2019.
Shan Ash

Shan Ash

Ash resigns as Cleveland mayor

Stephanie Hill
Monday, December 30, 2019
Shan Ash resigned as Cleveland mayor on Monday, Dec. 30. In his resignation letter, Ash said it had been an honor to serve as mayor, but he would be stepping down from the post effective immediately due to “unforeseen recent events.
Authorities are looking for this man who set fire to Solid Rock Baptist Church on Wednesday, Dec. 25. (Photo courtesy White County Sheriff's Office)

Authorities are looking for this man who set fire to Solid Rock Baptist Church on Wednesday, Dec. 25. (Photo courtesy White County Sheriff's Office)

Man sought after setting fire at church night of Christmas

Stephanie Hill
Monday, December 30, 2019
The White County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a man who set a fire at Solid Rock Baptist Church on Christmas. Surveillance video from the church showed an unidentified white male going to the backside of the church, tossing gas on the building and lighting it between 9:40 p.m. and 9:47 p.m.
Superintendent Dr. Laurie Burkett, left, and WCHS principal Mary Anne Collier, right, present a certificate to Craig Turner. (Photo/Stephanie Hill)

Superintendent Dr. Laurie Burkett, left, and WCHS principal Mary Anne Collier, right, present a certificate to Craig Turner. (Photo/Stephanie Hill)

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Turner named 7-AAAA Athletic Director of the Year

News Staff
Thursday, December 26, 2019
White County High School athletic director Craig Turner has been named the Region 7-AAAA Athletic Director of the Year.
The Lady Warriors show off some Beach Bash hardware after posting a 3-0 record to win the Silver Bracket tournament at the Beach Bash last weekend in Panama City, Fla. (Photo/WCHS Lady Warriors Basketball)

The Lady Warriors show off some Beach Bash hardware after posting a 3-0 record to win the Silver Bracket tournament at the Beach Bash last weekend in Panama City, Fla. (Photo/WCHS Lady Warriors Basketball)

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Lady Warriors sweep at Beach Bash

Mark Turner
Thursday, December 26, 2019
The White County High School varsity basketball teams spent a few days in Florida last week, competing in the Beach Bash Christmas Tournament in Panama City, Fla. The WCHS teams played three games in the event, which featured more than 50 teams from around the Southeast.
A crowd turned out for last year’s annual Helen New Year’s celebration. (Submitted photo)

A crowd turned out for last year’s annual Helen New Year’s celebration. (Submitted photo)

Edelweiss Drop kicks off new year

Stephanie Hill
Monday, December 23, 2019
Have you ever seen an edelweiss drop? Well, now you can on New Year’s Eve at the seventh annual Dropping of the Edelweiss at the Helen Festhalle. This family-friendly event starts at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, said Renee Green, Chamber executive director.
Participants revel in the cold at last year’s Winter Bear Plunge. (File photo/Wayne Hardy)

Participants revel in the cold at last year’s Winter Bear Plunge. (File photo/Wayne Hardy)

Brave the chill at Winter Bear Plunge

Wayne Hardy
Monday, December 23, 2019
There’s still time to make one more memorable moment in 2019 with a “cool” way to celebrate the year ahead. The annual Winter Bear Plunge is set for this Saturday, Dec. 28, at Unicoi Beach in Unicoi State Park.
White County High School

White County High School

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What do you do when school gets locked down?

Wayne Hardy
Monday, December 23, 2019
“The school’s on lockdown.” Those words popping up in a text message from a child at school or spread on social media can often send a parent’s mind racing, especially when reports of campus intruders seemingly have become more prevalent throughout the nation. “Why is it locked down?