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COVID-19 infections creeping upward again in White County

COVID-19 infections creeping upward again in White County

COVID-19 infections creeping upward again in White County

The rate of new COVID-19 infections in White County has risen over the past two weeks since hitting a recent low. The county’s seven-day moving average of confirmed cases was at 8.1 cases per day, according to a Nov. 22 update from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). That’s up from 0.
This architect’s study sketch shows a hotel concept for HOME 2 Suites by Hilton in Helen, with Main Street shown on the right. (Image courtesy Richard Rauh & Associates/Architecture, Atlanta – Ann Fitzgerald, project manager) The inset photo is a view of the property from North Main Street, between Hofer’s of Helen and The Heidi Motel.

This architect’s study sketch shows a hotel concept for HOME 2 Suites by Hilton in Helen, with Main Street shown on the right. (Image courtesy Richard Rauh & Associates/Architecture, Atlanta – Ann Fitzgerald, project manager) The inset photo is a view of the property from North Main Street, between Hofer’s of Helen and The Heidi Motel.

Developer planning for new Helen hotel

Plans are in development for a new hotel on the north end of Helen’s Main Street. Alpharetta-based Rhinehart Management wants to build a Home2 Suites by Hilton brand hotel on recently purchased property between The Heidi Motel and Hofer’s of Helen.
Shown from left are Georgia Thomas, Sebastian Wiley, Kenyada Sims and Ashton Dove. (Photo/Ashley Blair)

Shown from left are Georgia Thomas, Sebastian Wiley, Kenyada Sims and Ashton Dove. (Photo/Ashley Blair)

WCHS drama department begins performances of The Diviners on Dec. 2

The White County High School drama department will hold performances of The Diviners beginning Thursday, Dec. 2, on the school’s main stage. “The play is set in the rural town of Zion, Indiana in the 1930s.
From left, 2021 White County Agriculture Hall of Fame inductees are Margaret and Leroy Hogan; Ashley Helton is the Friend of Agriculture honoree. (Submitted photos)

From left, 2021 White County Agriculture Hall of Fame inductees are Margaret and Leroy Hogan; Ashley Helton is the Friend of Agriculture honoree. (Submitted photos)

Hogan family and Ashley Helton honored for contributions to White County agriculture

The business legacy of Leroy and Margaret Hogan is being honored with their induction to the White County Agriculture Hall of Fame, and a dedication to supporting the local agriculture industry and ag-related programs for youth has earned Ashley Helton this year’s Friend of Agriculture Award.
City of Helen

City of Helen

Helen to review options for reducing open container violations

Helen city ordinances prohibit the carrying of open containers of alcoholic beverages on public properties – but such instances appear to be happening more often than officials would like to see. Discussion at the Nov. 16 city commission meeting turned to what could be done to address the concern.
A proposed map adopted by the Georgia General Assembly would split White County into two state Senate districts. (Map image courtesy Georgia General Assembly’s Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Office)

A proposed map adopted by the Georgia General Assembly would split White County into two state Senate districts. (Map image courtesy Georgia General Assembly’s Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Office)

White County could see shift in state Senate, House with legislature's new district maps

White County representation in the Georgia General Assembly appears set to change next year, according to proposed maps recently approved during the legislature’s redistricting process.
U.S. Census 2020

U.S. Census 2020

Did 2020 Census undercount White County and Georgia?

The White County government could contest its population count from the 2020 U.S. Census, arguing that the actual total is higher than what has been reported. Current 2020 Census data lists the county’s population at 28,003, only a 3% increase from 10 years earlier.
North Georgia Wildlife Park’s Melissa Burns holds a recently born African penguin, which is an endangered species. The park is home to four full-grown African penguins. (Photo/Ashley Blair)

North Georgia Wildlife Park’s Melissa Burns holds a recently born African penguin, which is an endangered species. The park is home to four full-grown African penguins. (Photo/Ashley Blair)

Wildlife park announces birth of endangered African penguin

The North Georgia Wildlife Park in White County has announced the birth of their first Georgia-grown African penguin, an endangered species. The baby was born Oct. 5 and is doing well, but is being monitored closely to ensure future health, the park announced. The newborn was almost 2.
White County Election Supervisor Akyn Bailey, middle, previews the voter training precinct to county Board of Elections & Registration board members Mike Mays and Louise Nix. (Photo/Wayne Hardy)

White County Election Supervisor Akyn Bailey, middle, previews the voter training precinct to county Board of Elections & Registration board members Mike Mays and Louise Nix. (Photo/Wayne Hardy)

Election training precinct lets voters practice on new setup

Many White County residents tried out Georgia’s new voting machines during the 2020 election cycle, but if you haven’t gotten familiar with the setup – or want a refresher – you can head to the polls any time now to practice.