Local

The city of Helen plans to study possibly increasing base pay for its police officers to aid in recruitment and retention.

The city of Helen plans to study possibly increasing base pay for its police officers to aid in recruitment and retention.

Helen to examine police base pay

The city of Helen plans to study possibly increasing base pay for its police officers to aid in recruitment and retention. Commissioner Steve Fowler broached the issue at the city’s July 20 meeting. He said the police department is short-staffed and wanted to look at solutions.
The Cleveland City Council will have two seats up for election.

The Cleveland City Council will have two seats up for election.

City election qualifying on horizon

The cities of Cleveland and Helen are set to hold elections later this year. Qualifying for those elections is scheduled for Aug. 16-20. Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 2. *** Cleveland The Cleveland City Council will have two seats up for election.
David Foster

David Foster

Three new directors elected during Habersham EMC annual meeting

by Brian Wellmeier CNI News Service   Habersham Electric Membership aCorporation (HEMC) elected new leaders during a July 15 business meeting held at the Habersham County Ninth Grade Academy. HEMC President Bryan Ferguson spoke to the crowd in attendance before the votes were counted.
Sheriff's Office investigating shooting death

Sheriff's Office investigating shooting death

Sheriff's Office investigating shooting death

The White County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting Tuesday morning. Deputies responded to a domestic call around 4:50 a.m. on July 20 on Boco Hills Road in Sautee Nacoochee.
One person has been charged after hitting an Exxon Gas Station sign on Wednesday, July 14. (Photo/Stephanie Hill)

One person has been charged after hitting an Exxon Gas Station sign on Wednesday, July 14. (Photo/Stephanie Hill)

One charged in July 14 wreck

A driver has been charged after his vehicle hit an Exxon gas station sign on July 14. According to Georgia State Patrol, James Mack Garrett, 46, of Cleveland, was driving a 2003 Ford Explorer northbound on U.S. 129 just south of Underwood Farm Road, when the vehicle went off the road to the right.

Mays appointed to fill seat on county elections board

Mike Mays has been chosen to fill a vacancy on the White County Board of Elections and Registration. Mays’ appointment was approved by the White County Board of Commissioners during a July 13 called meeting. He will fill the remainder of a four-year term that expires Dec. 31, 2024.
Alan NeSmith

Alan NeSmith

CNI announces new corporate leadership

After 32 years of guiding Community Newspapers Inc. (CNI), co-owners Tom Wood and Dink NeSmith are turning over the corporate leadership to new co-chief executive officers. Effective July 8, longtime chief financial officer (CFO) and vice president Mark Major will replace NeSmith as president.
With new budgets approved, local governments will soon set their millage rates that are used in calculating property taxes.

With new budgets approved, local governments will soon set their millage rates that are used in calculating property taxes.

Governments propose millage rates

by Wayne Hardy and Stephanie Hill With new budgets approved, local governments will soon set their millage rates that are used in calculating property taxes. The White County Board of Education and cities of Cleveland and Helen are advertising rollbacks of their millage rates.
The city of Cleveland and White County Water Authority both make contributions to a capital reserve account used for improvements to the Turner Creek Water Treatment Plant. (Photo/Stephanie Hill)

The city of Cleveland and White County Water Authority both make contributions to a capital reserve account used for improvements to the Turner Creek Water Treatment Plant. (Photo/Stephanie Hill)

Water plant contributions still unsettled

The city of Cleveland and White County Water Authority have disagreed on a proposal to increase their contributions to a capital reserve account used for upkeep on the Turner Creek water treatment plant, and the WCWA now believes a higher amount has been established by an existing document.