Local

Fire Station No. 9 responded to a mountain rescue call hours after being put into operation. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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New county fire station responds to first call hours after opening

News Staff

Friday, June 12, 2026

Staff report Just hours after White County celebrated the opening of its newest fire station, Fire Station No. 9, on Thursday, June 11, the station responded to its first call.At about 6:38 p.m. Thursday evening, Fire Station 9 responded to a mountain rescue call on Mount Yonah.

Noel Cochran

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Cochran departs TGAP, tapped for North Hall

News Staff

Friday, June 12, 2026

By Denise Etheridge Tesnatee Gap Elementary School principal Noel Cochran is leaving the White County School System to become North Hall Middle School's next principal. Cochran led TGAP for the past three years."I have loved my three years in White County Schools," Cochran said.

Helen Police Chief Aletha Barrett

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Helen Police Chief cleared in collision

News Staff

Thursday, June 11, 2026

By Carly Henderson The investigation into the accident involving Helen Police Chief Aletha Barrett and a pedestrian has been completed, with no charges recommended.

The Cleveland City Council held a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget on June 4. From left are Council Members C.J. McDonald and Jeremy McClure, Mayor Josh Turner and Council Members Annie Sutton and Nan Bowen. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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City's proposed budget prioritizes public safety, employee retention

News Staff

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

By Denise Etheridge Cleveland city officials prioritized public safety and employee retention last week during the first public hearing on the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The budget presentation and discussion was held the morning of June 4. There were no comments from the public.

Grand Re-Opening attendee Olivia Weideman tries out a land lottery simulator at the Sautee Nacoochee History Museum. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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SNC celebrates Grand Re-Opening of Sautee Nacoochee History Museum

News Staff

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

By Carly Henderson The Sautee Nacoochee Center held a grand reopening of the Sautee Nacoochee History Museum on Saturday, June 6.After a nearly two-year renovation project, the History Museum reopened its doors for guests to see new additions and improvements to the exhibit.From 2 to 4 p.m.

From left are SNC’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” actors Elaina Bryant, Steven Glude, Melodie Spevack, Fletcher Nonnemaker, Josh Peck and Kiki Lee, shouting “Huzzah!” DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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SNC brings ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ back for summer run

News Staff

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

SOLfest is set to transform the Sautee Nacoochee Center's 8.5-acre campus into an immersive artistic environment starting this weekend. SNC will present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” returning after a successful production last summer.

Sautee Nacoochee artist Angela Gilmore created “The Perfect Day” using her wedding dress and other materials from her previous marriage. Gilmore is currently competing in The People’s Artist competition supporting The Art of Elysium. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Sautee Nacoochee artist competes in national art contest

News Staff

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

By Carly Henderson Sautee Nacoochee artist Angela Gilmore is currently competing in The People’s Artist competition, presented by actor Johnny Depp and supporting The Art of Elysium.

White County News general manager and marketing specialist Erin Etris, center, received the Tom Tucker All-Star award for 2025 on June 3. Regional Publisher Keith Barlow is at left, and CNI Chairman Alan NeSmith is at right. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Etris recognized for outstanding sales excellence

News Staff

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

By Denise Etheridge Erin Etris, general manager and marketing specialist for the White County News, was recognized for outstanding sales excellence last week. Etris was officially presented with the CNI (Community Newspapers Inc.) Tom Tucker All-Star award for 2025 on June 3.

Connor Rowland, 16, a Team USA paddler, practices at Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club during a recent training session. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

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Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club builds athletes through programs

News Staff

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

By Carly Henderson Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club, based at the Gainesville City Olympic Boathouse, the former site of the 1996 Olympics, has been developing paddlers since 1994. LCKC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization led by Executive Director Kim Martin, who is based in White County.

Marilyn Martin and her husband Stephen Martin, not pictured, own Farmhouse Coffee in Cleveland. The coffee shop will open its larger space on Friday, June 12. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Farmhouse Coffee holds grand opening

News Staff

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

By Denise Etheridge Stephen and Marilyn Martin opened their first Farmhouse Coffee location on March 6, 2021, in a small end unit on the square in downtown Cleveland.